Linda Kammins | Episode 032
Holistic Hair Care: Scalp Health, Clean Beauty & Bioharmonic Products
Getting to the Root: Holistic Haircare, Scalp Health, and Beyond with Linda Kammins
From ancient traditions to futuristic ingredients, holistic hair healer Linda Kammins joins The Dean’s List to discuss why true beauty starts beneath the surface—plus her tips for hair vitality at every stage of life…
The Art and Consciousness of Hair
On Episode 32 of The Dean’s List, host Alison Dean sits down with Linda Kammins, a holistic hair healer, product formulator, and all-around beauty pioneer. With more than three decades of experience and a philosophy that sees hair as “living consciousness,” Linda drenches this conversation in wisdom, curiosity, and a deep reverence for natural beauty.
Linda’s relationship with hair started early, inspired by the traditions of her Spanish grandmother—where long, healthy hair signified reverence and heritage. But it was her own struggles with allergies and chemical sensitivities that catalyzed her distinct philosophy. “Beauty school was a nightmare,” she recalls. The harsh smells and synthetic products didn’t align with her vision, sparking a lifelong journey into plant-based formulations, homemade potions, and eventually opening Los Angeles’s first aromatherapy salon in 1987.
Rethinking Haircare: It's All About the Scalp
Most of us fixate on our hair itself—split ends, frizz, shine—but, as Linda insists, the true foundation of luscious hair is the scalp. “It’s the soil of your soul’s garden,” Alison summarizes. The episode digs into the importance of keeping the scalp’s microbiome robust, echoing a now-trending scientific consensus: the healthier the skin beneath your hair, the more resilient and radiant your mane.
Linda encourages her clients to break up with the habit of daily hair washing, likening overwashing to over-tilling a garden. “Letting your hair get dirty is the best thing you can do,” she says. A little natural oil actually protects and nourishes both scalp and hair. Her advice? Brush out hair thoroughly before washing, especially if you have curly or textured hair, and embrace scalp massages to stimulate circulation and renewal.
Clean Beauty: Myth vs. Marketing
“Is ‘clean beauty’ just a marketing label?” Alison asks—a loaded question in today’s crowded wellness landscape. Linda’s answer is unequivocal: yes, most of it is hype. She advocates for “bioharmonic” products rather than simply “natural,” describing her approach as creating formulas that not only avoid harmful preservatives, but also preserve the energetic harmony of ingredients.
A rule of thumb: if a product has an overpowering synthetic scent, or if you see shampoo and conditioner displayed in sunlight on a store shelf, keep walking. Exposure to heat and light can create toxic byproducts in even the most natural products.
The Power of Ingredients: Shungite, Oils, and More
Linda’s approach to ingredients is both ancient and ultra-modern. Case in point: her use of shungite, a 2-billion-year-old Russian meteorite rich in “buckyballs” (fullerenes) with purported antiviral and anti-electromagnetic properties. It’s not just for show; Linda has incorporated shungite into her shampoos and body soaps to offer extra cellular protection.
Equally central are her restorative hair oils, designed to hydrate, clear out product buildup, and restore elasticity. You don’t always need a salon—Linda recommends trying her Luster Hair Oil or a combination of oils every two weeks to a month, especially for heat-damaged or chemically processed hair. The trick? Don’t just slap oil on—work it into the scalp and strands through thoughtful, nourishing massage.
Hair Color, Heat Styling, and Hidden Hazards
Coloring remains a thorny issue. Commercial dyes, even some labeled “natural,” can contain harsh chemicals like peroxide, ammonia, or metallic salts. These not only damage hair’s luster but can cause cumulative health risks—Linda points out that evidence suggests hairdressers are at a higher risk of early mortality due to chemical exposure.
For heat styling, beware low-quality blow dryers. Inferior tools can destroy hair structure via harsh, uneven heat and dangerous electromagnetic exposure. Linda recommends investing in models with infrared technology, high wattage, and ceramic or tourmaline materials.
Routine, Ritual, and Real Results
Whether you’re in perimenopause or simply seeking healthier hair, Linda’s prescription is simple but effective:
Regular trims (every two and a half months, not three!) prevent unnecessary hair loss.
Filter your shower water to combat chlorine and pollutants.
Reduce product use (yes, even conditioner—especially those formulated with fabric softeners).
Incorporate scalp massages, nutrient-rich oils, and microbial balance through diet (look up Dr. Davis Williams and L. reuteri yogurt).
Wellness, Linda reminds us, is about awareness—about what we put in, on, and around our bodies. Her ultimate advice: consume less, care more, and trust the slow, beautiful process of returning to your roots.
Follow Linda:
Instagram: @lindakammins
Website: https://www.lindakammins.com
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