How Kate Assaraf Created Luxury Salon-Quality Hair Care Without the Plastic Waste Artwork

Wonder Boldly

Are you a woman contemplating a life change or seeking a more purposeful path? Do you feel a calling to make a difference but aren't sure where to start? Wonder Boldly is here to guide you.

Hosted by Christine Santos, founder of a boutique podcast production company, co-author of the international best-selling book Authentic, public speaker, and life coach, this podcast features inspiring stories from women who have taken inspired action to impact their communities.

Each episode provides actionable steps, insights, and encouragement to help you embark on your own journey of personal growth and empowerment.

Join us as we explore how women are embracing change, building purposeful work, and creating lasting legacies.

Subscribe to Wonder Boldly on your preferred podcast platform and share the show with someone who needs inspiration in their life.

Follow Christine on Instagram at @christinebsantos for additional resources and updates.

All Episodes

Wonder Boldly

How Kate Assaraf Created Luxury Salon-Quality Hair Care Without the Plastic Waste

August 07, 2025 • Christine • Season 7 • Episode 12

By clicking here you can anonymously (except for the last 4 digits of your number) let me know what you think about my podcast and what you’d like to hear about on an upcoming episode of Wonder Boldly. Thank you so much!

In this inspiring episode of Wonder Boldly, host Christine Santos sits down with Kate Assaraf, founder of Dip Sustainable Hair Care, a plastic-free haircare brand that rivals the performance of prestige salon products, without a single bottle of waste.

From endocrine disruptors in plastics to surfing with conditioner bars, Kate shares the deeply personal story behind Dip, including the research that sparked her mission, the rigorous product development process (over 40 iterations), and her refreshing take on slow growth, sustainability, and community-first marketing.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a conscious consumer, or a haircare junkie, this episode is packed with lessons on building a values-driven brand that solves real problems, while keeping things fun and playful.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Meet Kate Assaraf, Founder of Dip, trail runner, and sustainability advocate
02:00 How a book about raising boys led to a deep dive on plastics and endocrine disruptors
04:00 How Kate’s own shower exposed the hidden challenge of going plastic-free—luxury shampoo bottles she couldn’t quit
07:00 The challenge of creating a high-performance bar for salon brand lovers, not just eco-conscious consumers
09:00 Understanding your true customer and why Dip isn’t for everyone
10:00 Obsessing over your product, how Kate’s love for hair guided product development
12:00 Real-world use cases, runners, nurses, ocean lovers, and those who shower daily
13:00 Saving $500 a year and ditching non-recyclable conditioner bottles
14:00 Dip’s cult following in the surf community, and how it won’t melt in your beach bag
16:00 "If you don’t live your own product, it’s very hard to sell"
19:00 Kate’s philosophy on community, accessibility, and human-first entrepreneurship
22:00 Shop small, how to find Dip in a local store near you or online
23:00 Final thoughts on purpose, sustainability, and building a happy business

Find out more:
Website: https://dipalready.com/
Find a Local Small Business selling DIP: https://dipalready.com/pages/store-locator
Instagram and TikTok: @dipalready

Support the show

Please share this with a friend who might need a little extra inspiration. Don’t forget to tag @christinebsantos on Instagram!

If this episode helped you in any way, please consider supporting Christine by inquiring about her Podcast Production Offers - you can dm Christine here: https://www.instagram.com/christinebsantos/ or send an email to hello@christinebsantos.com.

Check out her Website: Wonder Boldly

Christine is a proud Brand Ambassador for Harborside Bath and Body: https://harborsidebathandbody.com?sca_ref=7834407.5lPJ3nNEGR. Her go to small business for toxin-free and organic body and hair care needs. Check them out using this link https://harborsidebathandbody.com?sca_ref=7834407.5lPJ3nNEGR.

If you make a purchase using the link Christine will receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting small businesses.

Thank you so much for listening. It would mean the world, if you'd subscribe/follow, share it with a friend and leave a 5 star review. It takes all of us, let's support small businesses together!