Hairstory: How a Shampoo Alternative Can Give Daters Glamorous & Clean Hair

The Short Version: Hairstory disrupted the beauty industry by developing a simple, all-in-one solution for cleaning and styling hair. New Wash is a shampoo replacement that uses natural ingredients, not detergents, to leave hair feeling smoother, silkier, and shinier than ever before. Whether you’re preparing for a first date or a job interview, you can look your best by transitioning away from traditional shampoos and adding Hairstory products to your grooming regimen.

Attracting a date is much easier when you have the confidence of a good hair day, and that’s what Hairstory endeavors to bring to people of all hair types. The beauty company has created solutions to help hair look good, feel silky, and stay healthy for years to come.

“Hairstory’s mission is to rethink the rules of haircare — starting with shampoo,” said Product Developer Jackie Bauer. “Our core philosophy is that shampoo is not the best product to clean our hair.”

Why does the Hairstory team take issue with shampoo? Because it contains detergent and strips hair of its natural oils. Using shampoo on hair creates the need for consumers to take repair measures by also using conditioner, and that supports a vicious cycle of washing and buying unnecessary haircare products.

Hairstory’s signature product is New Wash, a detergent-free alternative to shampoo.

Hairstory has developed a detergent-free formula that lifts away dirt and impurities while leaving natural oils intact. New Wash uses a proprietary blend of essential oils and natural-derived saturated cleansers to make hair look and feel good.

New Wash respects the body’s natural moisture barrier and can provide an enriching alternative to damaging shampoos. Customers can transition to New Wash to rid their scalp and hair of chemicals and cultivate a healthier haircare routine.

If you’re using New Wash for the first time, you may experience a transition period of a few weeks while your hair adjusts to the new products. The Hairstory team says this is a normal part of the shampoo-free journey and will ultimately lead to silky hair and happy scalps.

Hairstory appeals to women and men of all hair types and promotes all-natural products that can help cultivate better, healthier hair.

New Wash comes in three variants: New Wash Original, New Wash Deep, and New Wash Rich. The original formula works well for most hair types, while the Deep product has extra cleansing properties for greasy hair and Rich provides extra nourishment for curly and textured hair.

Hairstory sold over 22,000 units of its Hair Balm product in 2020.

Aside from New Wash, Hairstory has a diverse selection of styling products designed to enhance the beauty of freshly cleaned hair. The Hair Balm has been called “skincare for hair” because of its penetrative moisturizing properties. This leave-in conditioner has yielded great results for people of all hair types, and it has an average customer rating of 4.5 stars on the website.

Hairstory offers powders and sprays designed to bring out a person’s best hair from roots to tips. Its root-lifting volume spray Lift can add extra bounce and height to a ponytail, while the Dressed Up Hair Protector shields hair from heat damage that can cause split ends.

Undressed is a no-salt texturizing spray that promises to give daters all the sexiness of beach hair without the dry, gritty and crisp texture associated with traditional surf sprays. Wax is a hair pomade that is a must for people with short cuts. It can provide a sleek look that is hat-proof and water-resistant.

Finally, the Hairstory Powder is a dry shampoo that extends the life of a hairstyle and helps updos hold up during date nights. The Powder uses crushed herbs to freshen hair, so people don’t have to wash their hair every day to keep their hair clean, silky, and free of oils.

The Hairstory team includes a mix of talented, creative, and passionate individuals. Some have been trained as hairdressers and cosmetologists, while others have experience in graphic design, marketing, and management.

Hairstory Chairman and CEO Eli Halliwell was a Wall Street investor when he discovered the benefits of a shampoo-free lifestyle. He stopped using shampoo in 2014 and quit his Wall Street job to turn Hairstory into an internationally successful brand.

“We are small team committed to sustainability,” Jackie told us. “New Wash is 100% biodegradable, and we are also taking steps to continually minimize our carbon footprint.”

Hairstory donates 1% of New Wash sales to 1% for the Planet, an organization that supports environmental responsibility.

Consumers can use Hairstory products to reduce waste and maximize beauty.

The Hairstory team continually reimagines haircare products to make them better for consumers and better for the planet. For example, New Wash products now come in environmentally friendly pouches that contain 63% less plastic than their original bottles.

In addition to its online story, Hairstory works with hairdressers to get its game-changing products into the hands of people who need them most.

“Hairstory is a huge supporter of the industry and values the work that hairdressers do,” Jackie said. “We have a unique commission model that pays out income on customer sales that they drive, whether that sale is made in-salon or or online.”

Thanks to Hairstory, consumers can clear the clutter from their bathroom and replace dozens of haircare products with an all-in-one solution.

Hairstory aims to become a full refillable and recyclable company in the coming years. The team offers a Refill Club subscription to help loyal customers keep their favorite haircare supplies stocked while keeping packaging waste to a minimum.

“If you’re on the market for a sustainable beauty solution that is kind to your hair and to the environment, Hairstory ticks both boxes,” Jackie said. “Over 160,000 customers have made the jump already.”

Hairstory has developed innovative solutions to make beautiful hair more sustainable.

Over the years, Hairstory has gotten largely good reviews from people who have incorporated its all-natural products into their grooming process.

“New Wash totally converted me, and now I will use nothing else,” said Gina in a five-star review. “My hair is in the best shape it’s been in decades. I’m buying my daughter a subscription as a Christmas present.”

Islorie said Hairstory makes her hair feel clean and hydrated, but never heavy with product. “The New Wash has simplified my shower routine,” she said. “I also adore the hair balm and their powder product. Adds such beautiful texture and feels lovely in my hair.”

“To be honest, I was skeptical that I’d like the powder,” said one customer who got the Hairstory starter kit. “You know what, I’m a convert! This powder will be a new staple, and the New Wash shampoo is so luxurious! So glad I gave it a try!”

When going on a date, people naturally want to put their best foot — and their best hair forward — to make a good impression. But piling on detergents and chemicals can often do more harm than good. Fortunately, Hairstory offers hair products made with organic ingredients that are beneficial to the hair and scalp.

Hairstory can support a healthy haircare regimen with its natural and sustainable solutions. The company’s cleansing and styling products can bring out a person’s innate beauty, thus freeing consumers from their reliance on detergent-laden shampoos.

“We think it’s important for everyone, regardless of gender, to feel great for their date-days and for every day,”  Hairstory CEO Eli Halliwell said. “You’ll notice from our website that we encourage embracing the natural look, but with the confidence that great hair brings.”