🎧 Listen to the full episode here: Faith & Freedom: JJ Carrell, Charlene Bollinger, Pastor Lucas Miles, & Kate Assaraf
On a recent episode of Faith & Freedom, host JJ Carrell welcomed Dip’s founder and CEO Kate Assaraf for a conversation that went far beyond shampoo bars. What started as a discussion about business quickly turned into a powerful story about sustainability, community, and building something different in a world full of plastic waste.
The Backstory
Kate shared how Dip began not out of a love for haircare alone, but out of frustration.
“People wanted to do the right thing, but the products weren’t there,” she explained. “I built Dip so no one would have to choose between high-performance haircare and doing better for the planet.”
It wasn’t about chasing trends, it was about creating haircare that truly works while saving customers money and cutting out waste.
The Plastic Problem
Kate shared her personal story of learning, years before it became mainstream news, that plastics weren’t just an environmental issue. They’re a health issue too. When plastic sits in the heat, like water bottles baking in the Texas sun, chemicals (microplastics) leach into the liquid. Those chemicals don’t just disappear once you drink them, they build up in the body, disrupting hormones and putting families at risk.
“It’s shocking how little people realize about the connection between plastic and health,” Kate said. “We’ve been blissfully unaware, but the truth is those chemicals impact fertility, weight, mood, and long-term wellness.”
Endocrine Disruptors: The Hidden Danger
The conversation turned to endocrine disruptors — the chemicals in many mainstream products that interfere with the body’s hormonal system. They’re linked to everything from infertility to thyroid issues, yet they hide in plain sight in personal care items, even those marketed as “clean” or “natural.”
Kate explained how Dip products were designed differently. By keeping preservatives, endocrine disruptors, and unnecessary fillers out, Dip bars give families an option that’s safe for their bodies and better for the planet.
The Bigger Picture: Supporting Local Stores
One of the strongest parts of the conversation was Kate’s emphasis on refill and zero-waste stores. She described them as the heartbeat of sustainability:
“These stores do the homework for you. They make sure the products they carry are safe and effective. Without them, we lose more than stores — we lose community.”
That’s why Dip places its products in refill shops nationwide. It’s a way to keep those small businesses alive while giving customers trusted, eco-friendly options right in their neighborhoods.
Takeaway from the Podcast
The Faith & Freedom episode wasn’t just about haircare. It was a wake-up call: the products we use daily don’t just wash down the drain. They end up in our bodies, our homes, and our communities. Dip offers a better way! High-performance, plastic-free bars that work for every hair type while cutting out the chemicals that don’t belong in your body.
Kate highlighted how Dip helps families avoid endocrine-disrupting products and reduces exposure to plastic waste, especially in everyday items like shampoo and conditioner.
And of course, there was plenty of encouragement for listeners: find a refill store near you, support small business, and make swaps that actually last.
If you want to try Dip for yourself, check the Dip store locator to find a refill store, surf shop or salon near you.
Because sustainability doesn’t mean sacrifice.. it means better hair, stronger communities, and less plastic waste.
