Chai Latte is Ecoslay’s sulfate-free and clarifying hair cleanser — a botanically rich formula that removes scalp buildup, product residue, and excess oil without stripping moisture or disrupting curl patterns. Built on a warm-spice blend of black tea, ginger, cinnamon, clove, burdock root, and sage, it cleanses deeply and nourishes simultaneously. Use as a regular shampoo or as a monthly clarifying treatment depending on your hair’s porosity type. 

Chai Latte is both. Used regularly on wash day, especially on low porosity hair, it functions as a gentle sulfate-free shampoo that removes product and oil without stripping. Used with extended contact time (2–3 minutes on the scalp before rinsing), especially on high porosity hair, it works as a clarifying treatment that breaks down stubborn silicone buildup, hard water minerals, and heavy product residue. The frequency of use depends on your porosity type — see the Porosity-Based Guide above.  Also, check out Ecoslay’s Education Hub for helpful info on how to properly cleanse your hair.

Yes. Chai Latte contains no sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). The cleansing agents are Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (a coconut-based cleanser) and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (a plant-based cleanser). They produce a satisfying lather that removes buildup without the harsh stripping effect of traditional sulfates. 

Yes. Chai Latte contains no silicones. Instead, it uses Triheptanoin / C13-15 Alkane (Lexfeel Wow-A), a 100% plant-based silicone alternative that provides the smooth, glossy, slip-rich finish associated with silicone shampoos — without buildup, cone restrictions, or cuticle-sealing drawbacks. It is fully water-soluble and safe for curl-care routines that use gel, cream, or protein products. 

Frequency depends on your hair’s porosity and lifestyle. Low-porosity hair: use as your regular shampoo every 1–2 weeks. Normal-porosity hair: use regularly or alternate with co-washing; clarify monthly. High-porosity hair: use every 2–3 weeks and always follow with a deep conditioner. Oily scalp or heavy product users: use weekly. The key principle is to cleanse often enough to prevent buildup, but not so often that moisture levels drop. 

Not when used correctly and followed with conditioner. Some users, particularly those with high-porosity or very dry hair, report a slightly drier feeling if they skip the conditioning step. Chai Latte is formulated to be gentle, but all cleansers remove some natural oils — the conditioning step restores this balance. Always follow with Ecoslay’s Banana Cream Deep Conditioner for the best results. 

Chai Latte works for all curl patterns from wavy (2a) to kinky (4c). It is particularly beneficial for low-porosity hair that experiences buildup, oily scalp types, and any hair that uses heavy styling products. Those with high-porosity or very dry hair should use it less frequently and always follow with a rich conditioner. 

 The thin consistency is intentional. A more liquid formula can be applied directly to the scalp without wetting all your strands first, and it rinses out more completely than a thick cream cleanser. Many users pour Chai Latte into a spray or applicator bottle for precise scalp application. The light lather is also normal for a sulfate-free formula — it indicates the gentle cleansers are working without harsh surfactants. 

Two things: (1) the warm-spice botanical complex (ginger, cinnamon, clove, black tea, sage, burdock root) which simultaneously stimulates the scalp, helps fight dandruff, and strengthens follicles — a combination not found in most curl cleansers and (2) a plant-based silicone alternative (Lexfeel Wow-A) that gives a silicone-smooth finish without the drawbacks. 

Yes. Chai Latte is free from sulfates, which are the primary cause of color fade in treated hair. Used as a gentle cleanser between salon visits, it helps maintain color vibrancy. The black tea extract also has mild color-protecting properties that are beneficial for all hair shades. 

Chai Latte is made without harsh synthetic preservatives, which means refrigeration after opening maintains freshness and shelf life. Unopened: 9 months in a cool, dry place. After opening: refrigerate and use within 8–12 weeks. This approach reflects Ecoslay’s commitment to formulating without preservatives that may be harmful over time. 

The formula is identical in both. The 8oz pouch is Ecoslay’s signature eco-friendly packaging made from recyclable materials — significantly less plastic than a traditional bottle. The 8oz Pouch + Jar bundle includes a refillable glass mason jar so you can decant from the pouch, reducing waste further and keeping the conditioner accessible in the shower. The 2oz mini is TSA-compliant for travel. 

Chai Latte is handmade in small batches in Atlanta, Georgia by the Ecoslay team.  The botanical extracts — including Black tea, ginger, cinnamon, and clove— are sourced through Ecoslay’s Farm-to-Pouch partnership with Truly Living Well, a Black-owned urban farm near Morehouse College in Atlanta. Ecoslay is a Black-owned, woman-founded company.