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On Tall Poppy Talk, Kate Assaraf—founder of sustainable haircare brand Dip—shares how heartbreak on a polluted beach in Sri Lanka sparked her mission to create high-performance, eco-friendly products that actually work. Kate’s story isn’t just about shampoo bars; it’s about resilience, humor, and standing tall in a world that often wants to cut bold women down. From creative collaborations with bands to community-driven product development, Kate proves sustainability can be irresistible when it’s rooted in authenticity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone chasing a dream, building a purpose-driven business, or simply wanting to live with more integrity.

We teamed up with Surfrider to launch a product line that gives back. When you buy the Surfrider x Dip bars, it helps us directly to support Surfrider’s mission to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches.  By the end of 2025 we will have donated $50,000 to Surfriders' fight against plastic.  It is a huge badge of honor for us as a brand!

Some brands sell out. We don’t. Discover why buying haircare from your stylist protects their craft, supports small business, and keeps your hair in expert hands.. not in an online cart.  There was a time when salon brands that once sold only through salons — brands stylists championed, demonstrated, and recommended with confidence — that are now on Amazon, in big-box stores, or selling direct online at discount prices.  

Surfers know the ocean is more than just a playground — it’s a home worth protecting. In this episode of the Confessions of a Surf Lady podcast, Kate Assaraf, founder of Dip, shares how sustainable beauty products like Dip’s eco-friendly body and hair oil are changing the way we care for ourselves and the planet. From shifting our mindset from “consumer” to “protector,” to creating what she calls a “perfume with benefits” that replaces four products in one, Kate reminds us that small eco-conscious choices can create big impact. If you love the ocean, surfing, and clean beauty, this conversation will inspire you to rethink your routine and join the movement for ocean-friendly living.

Guster has always led with heart—and with action. Through REVERB, Adam Gardner has helped make touring greener and more impactful for countless artists. From reusable water bottles and waste-free venues to carbon-neutral events, they’ve changed the industry standard not only for their own concerts but their mission is catching on among artists from Billie Eilish to Dave Matthews Band. This collaboration is our shared way of saying: sustainability can be joyful, artful, and worth showing up for. Oh, and as a combined effort, Dip & Reverb are excited to use these bars to drive awareness to the refill movement beyond the music venue. If you have ever read our page Refill is the New Record Store, you will understand why that is so important to us here at Dip.

That’s why we’ve made a conscious decision not to sell on Amazon. Instead, we partner with salons, surf shops, refill stores, and independent retailers across the country who are committed to the same mission we are: delivering zero waste, non-toxic, sustainable hair care that actually works and giving back to their local communities.

On The Artwork of You with Lori Gouhin, Kate Assaraf, founder of Dip, opened up about the heartbreak of losing her first business and how she found the strength to rebuild from scratch. She shared the raw emotions of closing a company she poured her whole identity into, the shame many women feel around failure, and the courage it took to start again. With Dip, Kate chose a different path—protecting her children from the turbulence of entrepreneurship, staying true to her values, and refusing to chase scale at the cost of integrity. From supporting small stores over Amazon to running a brand that’s “analog in a digital world,” Kate’s story is a masterclass in resilience and purpose-driven leadership.

Running means sweat, and sweat means the potential hair chaos. Opt for sweat-proof hairstyles like a high ponytail or a top knot. Keep those locks off your face, so you can focus on the finish line without worrying about unruly strands.  Did you know that the dip shampoo bar was made by runners for runners?  It was formulated so you don't need to choose between your training run and a good hair day.  Now you can shower on the daily :)

Mass distribution works great for profit, but not for people. Storeowners and shoppers alike have no personal connection to the product in this model, so manufacturers need to rely on marketing gimmicks (like crazy packaging, or sometimes ludicrously exaggerated claims to stand out among the rabble). And that’s just what’s on the surface–there’s also the oceans of palletized plastic to consider, among other environmental concerns.

What's the best way to detangle surf hair?  Imagine this: You've had an epic beach day, soaking up the sun and sea. Now, it's time to deal with the aftermath – tangled, salty hair. Enter Dip's Sunshield UVB Conditioner Bar, the post-swim magic your locks have been craving. Effortlessly detangling and nourishing, Dip's conditioner bar doubles as a UVB shield, ensuring our locks stay vibrant and healthy, even after a day under the sun. It's like having a personal bodyguard for our hair – stylish and smart.   This isn't just a conditioner; it's a lifestyle upgrade. From the eco-conscious vibes to the effortless application, it's a love story waiting to happen. I wish I had this conditioner sooner, but now that it's in my life, I'm never letting go.