What is your background, and how did you get the idea to create hair products?
I am an educated hairdresser/hairstylist and have worked with hair for 15 years. The idea for Meishai came many years ago. I was born with allergies, and later in life, I fell in love with hair and the hair industry. I quickly realized that when it comes to hair products, there were two worlds. My professional world with high-performance products in beautiful designs, bought in salons or high-end stores, and then my personal world where I could only use products certified by Asthma Allergy Nordic, usually bought at the pharmacy. However, even people with allergies appreciate good quality and beautiful design, so I dreamed of combining these two worlds. After many years of research, I created Meishai: high-performance haircare in a beautiful design, without unwanted ingredients for our health and environment, certified by Asthma Allergy Nordic.
What has been challenging in the process?
Each product had to deliver high-performance results and meet a professional level, while also adhering to the extremely high standards of Asthma Allergy Nordic.
How have customers received Meishai?
Very well – considering that Meishai is two worlds coming together, and for the first time, Asthma Allergy Nordic certified products are presented as something high-end and luxurious.
Which ingredients typically cause problems for people with allergies or sensitivity in the scalp, and why?
Some of the ingredients that can cause problems are harsh sulfates, parabens, and certain alcohols. Sulfates are a cleaning agent that removes dirt, but some sulfates are so powerful that they also remove natural oils from hair and scalp, leading to dryness and irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Parabens, used as preservatives in many hair products, have been linked to allergic reactions and hormone disruptions for some people. Additionally, certain types of alcohol can be too strong and drying for the skin, causing irritation and itching.
What should consumers look for when buying hair products and what should they try to avoid?
I would avoid products with harsh sulfates, parabens, and alcohol. Look for hair products with mild ingredients. For shampoos, choose those with mild foaming agents and ingredients like natural glycerin and saccharide isomerate, which help retain the skin and hair's natural moisture balance and provide deep hydration while cleansing.
Is it honestly possible to make an allergy-friendly shampoo that also cares for the hair and ensures it doesn't tangle completely?
Honestly, yes. I am myself surprised by it – but Meishai Shampoo is a good proof. We even have customers who almost feel they don't need conditioner afterward, so soft it makes the hair – although I would always recommend using conditioner to seal and protect the hair.
Why should one be cautious with sulfates?
Sulfates are there to effectively remove dirt, but some can be so powerful that they also remove the skin's natural oils, such as sebum, which we produce to maintain the health and protection of the skin/scalp. Long-term use of strong sulfates can result in dryness and irritation.
Some people experience red and irritated scalp despite using allergy-friendly shampoo. Do you have any good advice for this problem?
The answer can be as individual as we humans are different. That said, there are a few things you can check quickly:
- Is there an ingredient you react to? – Try finding a milder allergy-friendly shampoo.
- How frequently do you wash your hair? – Perhaps washing less often can give the scalp a break.
- Could you wash with less hot water – since hot water can also be extra drying, especially if you have eczema or dryness/irritation already.
- Make sure to massage the shampoo gently in small circles – to avoid excessive rubbing and scrubbing.
- Avoid going to bed with wet hair, as hair and scalp cannot dry properly and will remain wet/damp for longer.
- If it continues, it might be necessary to see a doctor.
To conclude this question, I would also remind that our hair and scalp are a part of us and can react more than we think to how we are feeling as individuals. Stress, sadness, grief, shock, hormonal changes, etc., are all emotions that can manifest in our scalp and hair. And this is exactly what makes working with hair and developing allergy-friendly hair products so exciting, as there is no 'one size fits all' answer.