Lowkey Hi-Q are plant-based hair and skin care products developed by Texas barber Lori J. Lozano.
In April 2019, well into my fourth year of barbering I became aware, through doctors visits and testing, of a benign tumor on my uterus which had been setting off dangerously severe anemia, affecting my energy, mood, and ability to show up to work consistently.
This was big news since I considered myself healthy and strong and had a good work ethic. This news did coincided with the consistent feeling of exhaustion and other symptoms experienced. The options were to use a new expirimental pharmaceutical currently being tested, have surgery, or attempt to heal myself with lifestyle changes. Either way, my health was now front and center, and I chose the self healing.
The first and easiest change was implementing a plant-based diet. Simultaneously, I switched to shampoos, soaps, and detergents at home to ones with no harsh chemicals or fragrances. My perspective at the barbershop changed when I dug through the back bar reading labels. This presented a challenge because there were no good options online to replace the toxic talc, or the fragrance-filled pomades, shave gels, and aftershaves I used every day.
In response I slowed everything down to reduce stress and bring myself into balance which included extending haircut appointments to longer booking time slots, taking less customers per day, and prioritized lunch and rest.
“It was pretty shocking reading labels and seeing all the toxic ingredients in every one of my favorite products and brands. Also, they were all in plastic containers which was one of the things I was supposed to reduce to help detox my body, plastics. I was surprised I hadn’t realized it before. I read food labels all the time. I considered myself environmentally aware. When it came to my work with barbering, I was short-sided. My focus was more about how sharp the cut and design came out; The photo afterwards; The look on social media; Anywhere else but the products toxicity.”
Out of pure necessity, I created a plant-based, low or toxic-free option in glass containers that replaced the back bar items I needed the most; I made sure the ingredient list was short, understandable and recognizable, plant derived, and safe. I spent the next year working to recover my health as well as using and perfecting the aftershave, shave gel, and dust I had developed. My customers and fellow barbers consistently gave feedback for the products’ feel and aroma of which I was grateful for. In late 2021, I gave in to the surgery I needed and took the time I needed to make a full recovery. The knowledge I gained in the process just could not be ignored. For this reason, I continue to barber in an environment where the products that fill the air contribute to my mental clarity and wellness. I feel good about what I offer.My sickness was my teacher, on so many levels. Although difficult, one great thing which emerged is an effective line-up of plant-based hair and skin care essentials specially crafted for hair professionals and customers, with their wellnes in mind.
I call this collection of goods, Lowkey Hi-Q.
C U R R E N T L Y U S I N G
- Dondequiera Pre/Post Shave Gel – Barbershop use only
- Dondequiera Aftershave: Skin Toner – Sold on this site
- Yellow Gold: Hair & Skin Butter – Sold on this site
- Barbers’ Dust : Talc-free – Barbershop use only
- Clipper Disinfectant Spray: Aerosol-Free – Barbershop use only
- Curl Please: Hair Humectant – Sold on this site
- The Balm: Lip Balm– Seasonal
- Shea Wax: Hair Pomade – Sold on this site
- Hair Dust: Oil Absorber for Hair – Sold on this site
Proudly, this line up is:
- plant-based
- fragrance-free
- parfum-free
- talc-free
- petrol based alcohol-free
- aerosol-free
- dye-free
- cruelty-free
- aerosol-free
- petroleum-free
- vegan
- essential oil-based aroma
- gender neutral aroma
- reusable/recyclable glass or paper containers
- small batch
- minimal or no use of plastic
- developed and made in Texas