How A Plastic-Free Hair Brand Won Hearts And Shelves with Kate Assaraf (part 1)

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What if sustainable hair care didn’t feel like a compromise? We sit down with entrepreneur Kate Assaraf, founder of Dip Hair Care, to explore how a plastic-free brand can deliver salon-worthy results without sacrificing joy, simplicity, or your standards. Kate’s story starts at the pain point so many of us know: early eco-friendly bars that promised the planet and gave us crunchy, straw-like hair. Instead of settling, she drew on two decades in beauty and collaborated with a veteran chemist to craft bars designed to perform first—and just happen to be plastic-free.

We unpack the full arc from idea to retail: dozens of iterations tested across hair textures from type 1 to type 4, a clear thesis that science is an ally and plastic is the real enemy, and a ground campaign that took before-and-afters straight to refilleries and zero-waste shops. Kate shares the outreach scripts, the rejections, and the moments when a single customer call—like a dad celebrating ouchless detangling—reignited her resolve. We also dig into cost and longevity, breaking down why a single conditioner bar can outlast bottles and save serious money while simplifying your routine.

Brand and community bring it all together. Dip’s playful, nostalgic packaging nods to Trapper Keepers and Sweet Valley High, proving sustainability can be bright, witty, and welcoming. Customers help name characters, spread the word town by town, and redefine what “eco” can look like when performance leads the way. If you’ve been on the fence about plastic-free hair care—or you’re a founder navigating the emotional rollercoaster—this conversation offers practical tactics, honest encouragement, and a roadmap for building products people love to use and love to share.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The co-hosts of this podcast are not medical professionals. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided by the podcast hosts or guests is solely at your own risk.

Pamela Cass is a licensed broker with Kentwood Real Estate
Natalie Davis is a licensed broker with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC