Picture credit- KA Shing Lin Photography

Interview for Pai-Shau

P-Pai-Shau  M-Marshall Lin

M-What’s the Pai-Shau story? What’s the concept behind the brand?

P-In a way, our story began more than 5000 years ago.  Teas have long played an important role in many cultures because of their powerful health benefits.  Today, they’re the second most consumed beverage in the world, but in the beginning, they were used primarily for medicinal purposes.  Over the last 50 years, topical use has become popular thanks to their ability to reduce inflammation, stimulate, detoxify, exfoliate and protect the skin.

When you think about healthy hair, it all begins with the scalp, so it made perfect sense to explore this ingredient for use in hair care products.   We began by creating a really potent blend of steeped teas that we now refer to as our Signature Tea Complex.  It contains five different varieties of tea that each contain multiple benefits you see immediately and over time.  We’ve quickly become known as the first really comprehensive tea-infused hair care brand.

M-As a professional, I see hydration as the most  important aspect of haircare. Why is hydration so important, and how does Pai-Shau promote the highest level of hydration for hair?

P-Hydration is a huge part of what gives hair its’ shine and movement.  Without it, your hair just won’t look healthy.  Hydration also plays a serious role in your hairs’ ability to resist breakage, resulting in fewer split ends, greater density and strength.

Pai-Shau works to promote hydration in two main ways:

First- the teas contain powerful antioxidant, vitamins, minerals and polyphenols that are able to penetrate and help your hair hold onto its’ moisture by neutralizing the damage caused by oxidation from daily life and chemicals we often use in hair services.

Secondly- the teas help detox and remove build-up so that the hair can absorb better.

M-There have over 1000 hair brands worldwide. Consumers have way too many options to choose from. What should people look for when choosing the right products for themselves?

P-These days, consumers are looking for clean products that are multi-use.  They also want simple but won’t sacrifice performance.  Product expectations are higher than ever.  In addition to the “actives” in a product (typically the featured ingredients), it’s just as important to know what itdoesn’t contain.

Many people know to ask for Paraben Free and Sulfate free.  Now the standard has been set even higher.  They are looking for Vegan, Cruelty Free, Gluten Free, Phosphate Free and whether or not the packaging materials are recyclable.  In other words, it’s not just the products, but the way they are made and what they are made with. I say get to know the symbols on the back of the packaging.  They’ll tell you a lot about the brand.

Pai- Shau Biphasic Infusion 

M-In a multi cultural city such as New York, so many different textures of hair are present. How does Pai-Shau cater to and benefit all of the different textures and types of hair?

P-The number one comment from our professional stylist network is always in reference to this.  They can’t believe a brand with only 12 products performs equally well in such a huge variety of textures.  The centerpiece of our brand, BiPhasic Infusion, uses an oil-free technology that doesn’t build up or weigh down the hair, making it ideal for every texture.  Those with fine hair can’t believe they can achieve volume and moisture.  In the past, you had to choose one or the other.  Those with thick or course hair would often get heavy build-up from multiple days of adding product on top of product trying to rehydrate & defrizz in between shampoos. With no weight and no build up, you don’t get either of those problems, so anyone can use it.

M-How do you differentiate salon hair care products versus Home hair care products? Is there an actual difference or do these two overlap?

P-The hair care landscape is different than it was even a decade ago.  There are so many brands that there is no black and white answer.  In general, the sentiment I often hear from the professional side it that the ingredients are superior and formulas are more concentrated.  Gentler cleansing agents, less water to cleansing ratio, sodium chloride free, lighter silicones that don’t build up as heavily….

Since I am not a chemist and there are hundreds of brands, it would be irresponsible for me to make a definitive, sweeping statement. If someone asked me what one area would I personally always splurge, it would be cleansers, conditioners and masks.  Once you find the right cleanser and conditioner, styling becomes much easier.

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