Full disclosure: I was quite skeptical about the effectiveness of the WEN Hair Care line. Even with personal friends screaming from the rooftops about how amazing the cleansing conditioner was, I was slow to believe. And then I tried it.  Our editor in chief Kaylene Peoples had used the product in the past, and sang its praises back then. (Agenda featured Chaz Dean’s WEN in its infancy almost nine years ago.)

It’s safe to say there isn’t really anything like this formula on the market right now. Creator Chaz Dean has managed to put together a product that actually lets you “wash and go”— without stripping the hair of essential oils. WEN has become our “go-to” product for hair care this season. So I thought Mr. Dean would be the best person to help us successfully protect our hair during the winter months.

Interview by Shahada Karim
Responses by Chaz Dean

We’re making the transition into cooler months, and the changing weather can wreak havoc on our hair. What can we do to keep it strong and healthy as the temperatures drop?

First and foremost, stop using lather/shampoo! Shampoo is full of chemicals and detergents that strip and damage your hair, making it finer, weaker, dry, and lifeless. It also fades not only colored hair but natural hair color, as well. Using WEN Cleansing conditioners will hydrate and moisturize your hair, keeping it healthy and beautiful throughout the fall and winter months.

What are the best hairstyles to wear in the autumn/winter months?

Soft, natural and sexy hair for autumn and winter months—fringe and bobs, too!  Think a mix between the 40’s and 70’s.

Should we change our hair care routine for the changing weather?

CD:  During the winter, with the loss of humidity and all of the heaters you’ll be exposed to, the more moisturizing treatments you do the better. Keeping your hair hydrated is key to healthy hair in the autumn and winter months.

How do we cut down damage/breakage?

To cut down on damage, eliminate the use of heated styling tools, like flat irons and curling irons. If you can’t hold it to your skin, then you should not hold it to your hair. If it burns your skin, it burns your hair! Treat your hair how you treat your skin.

There are varying philosophies on how often one should shampoo/condition hair. What’s the recommended wait time between shampoos?

I haven’t used lather/shampoo since May of 1993 because of the toll it takes on hair. With the WEN Cleansing Conditioners, the more you cleanse the better your hair gets, and the faster your hair will grow. Also, the healthier your hair gets, the longer you can go on between cleansings.

WEN Cleansing conditioners are hailed as a “two-in-one” system. But you offer a separate deep conditioner. How often should one deep condition?

WEN is actually the first 6-1 system ever. Not only does it replace shampoo and conditioner, but it also replaces deep conditioner, detangler, leave-in conditioner, and shave cream! For a more intense overnight treatment, I would recommend sleeping with the WEN Re-Moist Hydrating Mask at least once a week for extra moisture, hydration, and repair to keep your hair healthy, shiny, and beautiful.  If you are using a traditional deep conditioner, make sure to avoid the ones with lots of protein. My philosophy is to hydrate your hair with moisture and to use a low amount of protein to lock in the moisture and to strengthen your hair. Most deep conditioners rely on a lot of protein, which actually dries out your hair, making it more brittle.

All WEN products can be purchased at www.chazdean.com.