When Anissa Salazar isn’t busy being one of Hollywood’s go-to men’s groomers and hair department heads, she’s busy running her luxe, clean hair care brand, Tecuane. Most times, it’s both. Like, for example, last week, when she flew to Los Angeles from a set in Canada to host an event for the launch of the brand’s latest offering, the Esperanza Scalp Tonic Refill. More on that in a moment.
“Being involved in the film industry as a celebrity hair stylist and designer has deepened my appreciation for prioritizing quality over quantity, seeking out products that align with shared brand values, and striving to maintain sustainability whenever possible,” says Salazar. As the granddaughter of Mexican immigrants, Salazar credits her grandmother’s love for “magical plants, and forever treasuring their healing abilities” as an inspiration. She also references childhood memories of hair being braided and growing up among a large range of hair textures, experiencing difficulty finding hair products that worked for everyone.
It makes sense then that Tecuane’s hero product, the Esperanza Scalp Tonic, is a premium multi-use formula, enriched with plant-based ingredients that hold significance in Mexican culture. And that it’s made with all hair textures in mind and designed for all hair types.
The word Tecuane originates from the Nahuatl language, native to Mexico, and translates to “large animal” or “wild beast.” The Spanish version, tecuán, is a word that is often synonymous with jaguar, an animal that symbolizes strength and power for many Mexicans — wherever they find themselves. Salazar says these qualities are treasured by Salazar’s own family.
Is there more powerful a statement than a hair care brand with a single product?
Until very recently, Tecuane’s Esperanza Scalp Tonic, infused with botanical ingredients including a blend of plant proteins, amino acids, and plant collagen to give the appearance of thicker hair, was only available in a 100% reusable and recyclable glass bottle. Glass, apart from being beautiful, can be recycled indefinitely, unlike plastic. No surprise, just like the ethically sourced ingredients within the scalp tonic, this was on purpose.
Salazar has long been bothered by “Irresponsible packaging, too many unsustainable materials” and inconsistent quality. She says, “beauty trends produce quite quickly within the beauty community, which can be overwhelming to both the audience and the brands. The intention with Tecuane was to reflect on quality and embrace slow beauty.”
Now, the tonic is available in a metal refill bottle meant to be used to replenish the customer’s original effortlessly. “Launching the Refill Esperanza Scalp Tonic was always in the game plan since day one,” says Salazar. “Experience the same nourishing benefits for your scalp care while making a positive impact on the environment.” By encouraging customers to reuse and refill their containers, Tecuane Hair Care aims to reduce single-use plastic waste and promote a more sustainable approach to beauty.
Salazar agreed this mindful expansion of her line was cause for celebration and organized a refill event for family and friends in conjunction with a collection of images captured by photographer Austin Martinez.
Guests were not only invited to refill their own Esperanza Scalp Tonic and likewise minimize their own environmental footprint, but to engage with Martinez’s stunning photos. They could also stock up on Tecuane’s hero ingredients, including chamomile, nopal, rosemary, among others, set out in a lush market-inspired tablescape, munch on Mexican snacks from Chuza, drink sparkling aguas frescas from Bawi, or get a stick-and-poke tattoo. Most importantly though, they were invited to spend time together and even had cards asking them to reflect on adjustments to be made to personal beauty routines that better align with sustainability.
For Salazar, Tecuane is about much more than hair care. It’s about connection. She says, “taking the time for yourself while using our Esperanza Scalp Tonic transcends its role… Esperanza Scalp Tonic supports a harmonious scalp environment, may promote hair health, and may encourage a positive overall well-being.” A brand with products “made for all generations, and all hair types!” that may just be remaking its industry.
To purchase Tecuane Esperanza Scalp Tonic products — including the new refill bottle — visit tecuane.com. For real-time updates from the brand, be sure to follow on Instagram and TikTok.
