The world over, even in societies that don't put much stock in the latest "It" bag or incarnations of jeans that run hundreds of dollars, having (mostly long) glossy, healthy and beautifully colored hair is a universal status symbol. Some people have won the genetic lottery with their tresses and others of us have to work at it.
In my salad days, I discovered a book, "Blended Beauty: Botanical Secrets for Body and Soul" by Philip B. (as he is known professionally). Philip B. was at the cutting edge of the creation of super-premium hair products and survived many wannabes, as well as besting those who remain today. I used his book's recipes to create lovely products at home, a huge improvement above the harsh drugstore fare.
In 1999, Forbes placed Philip B.'s scalp treatment on its list of "100 Things Worth Every Penny." Philip B. styled hair for models on "Project Runway," Season 13, using products from his own line. Celebrities using his products include Sharon Stone, Madonna, Sandra Bullock, Robert Redford, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lauren Bacall and Ronnie Wood.
Before internet shopping was well established, I began to insist on my birthdays to be taken out of state to the fanciest department store in Northern Virginia's fanciest mall. There, I would convert birthday checks into an investment in my 'do.
Philip B. has always been his own best advertisement, as he boasts naturally great hair. I was happy to pry into his head by email.
Your book was so beloved, why not other books?
I really felt so strongly about the power of plants, fruits and vegetables for healing, healthy scalp, wellness and natural beauty.
It is what I knew, believed, breathed and lived with my brand. I knew I had a message to deliver — even if the world was not ready for it.
It was a wonderful and cathartic process for me to do that book. I was so passionate about the subject and at the time I felt like I was a lone voice. It was good enough to create beauty, powerful enough to heal and healthy enough to eat.
I really wanted to prove a point and show people it was simple and successful. Efficacious and easy to do with ingredients that have been helping and healing for hundreds of years.
People really loved it! Without having the right message or an important story — it is not worth publishing something else. Twenty years later and I am proud that my first book still stands the test of time.
That said, I have things percolating now. So, stay tuned. I just need to focus on the next mission and the way to adapt to the times with an avenue so that it will be most interesting story for the modern consumer.
What hair care issues have you seen during the pandemic?
On the serious scalp side, it has been flare-ups of skin conditions and hair loss. Telogen effluvium [loss] resulting from both sickness and stress has been at an all-time high along with psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis and other conditions.
On the hair and aesthetic side, we have seen breakage, damage, dandruff flaking and LOTS of roots! Time away from stylists gave people a chance to grow out styles and let their natural color show [including gray].
Highlights went out the door — and there was a return to natural color but also healthier hair in the process.
Clients learned self-care for their hair including treatments and styling. We saw a lot of and love for waves and creative curls. It has been natural over neat. For Black hair it was a further embracing of natural Afro-centric styles and looks contributing to a heightened cultural and creative renaissance.
You have been delving into treatment products for hair and scalp maladies. What other conditions are you looking to solve in the future? Tell us about one of your hair fixing "miracles."
HAIR LOSS! We can create new life in a petri dish. We can send civilians to the moon for joy rides — we can certainly send them with hair.
Follicular revitalization is the future. For me it is important to find viable hair loss solutions that really deliver. I am on a mission and I don't think it is too far out that we will find ways to combat genetic pattern baldness.
But to answer your question, over time it is easy to get a false sense of security and an unrealistic expectation about hair growth. It can be hair today, gone tomorrow.
Hair extensions, even when not extreme, are part of dress up or glow up. Someone can be caught up in illusion or fantasy where they feel naked without makeup or when not wearing their extensions. It can also be used as armor that guards us — or part of the mating ritual like feathers on a peacock used to flirt.
I understand and see why, especially for those who are not genetically blessed. When the extension products are incredibly good, exceptionally good in fact, women can certainly get addicted to the look. My friend Laura Zeeuwen who is an extension specialist and founder of LZ Hair Atelier — her [own] hair and her extensions are drop-dead gorgeous. Enviable! She always says that gorgeous hair is the best revenge. She is right.
I like to give treatment and tools so the natural scalp and hair are in their best condition and maximize their own growth potential with bounce and shine. For those who are in need of a pick-me-up, volume or length, I see the beauty in extensions. But the reality is — like in Cinderella — eventually the clock strikes midnight.
Thanks, Philip B.! Keep an eye on this space for Part 2 of our interview.
Tamar Alexia Fleishman was the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's youngest female solo violinist. A world-traveler, Fleishman provides readers with international flavor and culture. She's debated Bill Maher, Greta Van Susteren and Dr. Phil. Fleishman practices law in Maryland with a J.D. from the University of Baltimore, a B.A. in Political Science from Goucher College. Read Tamar Alexia Fleishman's Reports — More Here.
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