Say Goodbye To An Itchy Scalp with Dosso Beauty Braiding Hair

For many of us, we’ve been wearing braids since we were kids. What we didn’t know at the time (or maybe we did subconsciously) was that the hair we were using was poisoning us. In this eye opening episode, I kick back with the founder of Dosso Beauty to chat about the explosive growth of the non-toxic braiding hair movement and the recent Consumer Reports findings that sent shockwaves through the beauty industry.

Kadidja Dosso shares her personal journey from experiencing allergic to creating the first clinically-tested, non-toxic braiding hair brand. We dive deep into the myths surrounding hair washing techniques, the health risks facing both consumers and professional braiders, and the future of the clean braiding hair industry.

The Seeds of an Empire

At just 10 years old, Kadidja declared her intention to "own an organic beauty empire." Even then, she was observing the hair and scalp issues affecting people in her neighborhood and questioning the unpronounceable ingredients in beauty products.

The name "Dosso" itself carries deep meaning – it's an Ivorian last name (Kadidja’s father is from Ivory Coast) synonymous with "Fofana," which means hunter. "Me as a little girl hunting and seeking information about organic beauty, I found myself needing to hunt and find solutions," she explains.

Breaking the Toxic Hair Cycle

For decades, the braiding hair industry has been dominated by products containing harmful chemicals. Many people in the Black community have experienced the familiar pattern: getting fresh braids, then dealing with an itchy, irritated scalp for the first few days, assuming it was just part of the process.

The problem extends beyond just the consumers. Kadidja emphasizes how hairstylists who work with these products daily are at even greater risk. She shares the story of a hairstylist who died young from pulmonary fibrosis after 30 years of exposure to chemicals from relaxers and other hair products.

Debunking the Rinse Myth

One of the most eye-opening revelations from Kadidja concerns a common practice in the braiding community: washing braiding hair with apple cider vinegar before installation.

"When you were doing an apple cider vinegar rinse, you were literally just lifting off the top coating of the hair," Kadidja explains. "Unless you're making the hair, then you're not actually removing the compounds. You're just compromising the quality of the hair while still exposing yourself to the chemicals that are embedded in the product during manufacturing."

This practice, while well-intentioned, doesn't address the root problem and often makes the hair harder to work with, requiring braiders to use additional products that may also contain harmful chemicals.

The Science Behind the Claims

Unlike many competitors, Dosso Beauty has invested in clinical trials to back up their claims. They've tested their products for lead, mercury, VOCs, and other toxic carcinogens, something Kadidja notes that no other braiding hair brands have done.

"I'm a very factual and numbers-driven person. I can't have the numbers without the actual facts and data to back it up," she states. The clinical trial results are publicly available on their website, providing the transparency that conscious consumers demand.

Smart Business Through SEO and Customer Listening

The success of Dosso Beauty isn't just about having a better product, it's about understanding how customers actually search for and talk about that product. Through Google Analytics and social listening, she discovered that while she initially marketed Dosso Beauty as an "organic beauty supplier," customers were actually searching for terms like "non-toxic braiding hair" and "itch-free braiding hair."

This insight led to a rebrand focusing on being a "hypoallergenic, non-toxic braiding hair brand;” language that directly matches what potential customers are typing into search engines.

Her advice for other product-based businesses is refreshingly practical: "Think like a third-grader when you're naming things. You can't make things too complex.

From Pop-ups to Permanent Space

Last year, The Dosso Beauty Experience was born. Kadidja admits she was "deathly scared" of opening a store, partly due to imposter syndrome and partly because she preferred the controlled environment of e-commerce.

The breakthrough came through "braid bars" – mobile salon activations at events where local braiders would provide 30-minute styles using Dosso Beauty products. At their first activation, five braiders completed 60 heads in one day, proving the demand for both the experience and the product.

The success of these activations, combined with a spiritual moment during a trip to Ghana's "last bath" historical site, convinced Kadidja to open her first physical location – a combination warehouse, retail store, and luxury braiding salon.

Looking Ahead: Franchise Dreams and Intentional Growth

Seven years in, Dosso Beauty is expanding thoughtfully. Rather than chasing mass retail distribution, Kadidja is focusing on partnering with Black-owned beauty supply stores and potentially franchising the "The Dosso Beauty Experience" to select markets.

In addition to physical expansion, the company's product line extends beyond braiding hair to include organic edge control, braiding gel, rice water braid spray, eco-friendly beauty tools, and even a whipped shea butter that customers refuse to let her discontinue.

The Bigger Picture

Dosso Beauty represents more than just a successful business; it's a case study in identifying an overlooked problem, creating a genuine solution, and building a brand through authentic customer connection and smart digital marketing.

For the millions of people who love protective styles but want to protect their health, Dosso Beauty offers proof that we don't have to choose between looking good and being safe.

The Dosso Beauty Experience

Ready for your own Dosso Beauty experience? Visit Dosso Beauty online or stop by retail store and luxury beauty salon in Philadelphia.

— Visit Dosso Beauty

— Follow Dosso Beauty on Instagram and TikTok

— Follow Kadidja on Instagram