Olivia Crighton in conversation with Ricky Lee Jones, Founder of Naedlae.

At Glasshouse, we are always on the hunt for products that bridge the gap between high-performance results and true botanical integrity.

That's why we are so thrilled to welcome Naedlae to our shelves. Founded by London stylist Ricky Jones, Naedlae is a testament to the power of "slow" haircare-formulated in small batches with a 99% natural-origin profile that prioritises scalp health as much as hair strength and condition.

The star of the range, the Foundation Spray, is a multitasking hero rooted in the English countryside.

Featuring wild nettle hand-harvested from a biodynamic vineyard in Kent, it acts as a nutritional primer for the hair, using vegan keratin and organic oils to strengthen and smooth without the need for synthetic silicones. To get to know the brand better, we sat down with Ricky to talk about his journey from the salon floor to the formulation lab.

We’ve always believed that hair health starts at the root—literally. When I first discovered Naedlae, I was immediately drawn to Ricky’s focus on the scalp as a living ecosystem. Today, we’re diving deep into his hero ingredient, the humble Nettle, and why ‘Foundation’ is the most important word in your hair ritual.

Olivia: Ricky, you spent two decades behind the chair at Trevor Sorbie and Jones & Payne. What was the 'breaking point' that made you spend five years studying formulation to create Naedlae? How did being a hairdresser influence the products you knew you had to build?

Ricky: I never fully stepped away from the chair—I still work there today. But after twenty years, I wanted to understand products more deeply; not just how they performed, but how they were actually made.

The seed was planted early on during product testing at Trevor Sorbie. Later, at Jones & Payne, I saw many brands positioning themselves as "natural" while still relying heavily on man-made synthetics. That disconnect stayed with me.

My period of study wasn't about leaving hairdressing; it was about adding a layer to it. I wanted to create a transparent, honest range, made in Britain, using ingredients of natural origin that delivered the results a professional hairdresser expects. That thinking became the foundation for everything that followed.

Olivia: I use the Naedlae Foundation Spray on almost every client now; it’s become my essential first step before cutting or styling. When you were in the lab, were you specifically looking to solve that 'backwash frustration' of needing to balance the hair perfectly before the work begins?

Ricky: Absolutely. The Foundation Spray was the first product I wanted to create. In the salon, we almost always reach for a detangler after the backwash, but most formulations are very basic—they add slip via silicones and stop there.

I wanted something that prepared the hair for everything that follows. Because a leave-in stays on the hair much longer than a shampoo, it has a bigger job to do. I focused on a "layered" approach:

Vegan Keratin Complex: To support the hair fibre.

Natural Betaine: For hydration.

Oil & Olive Squalane: For lightweight nourishment and shine without the silicone weight.

It’s a base layer that quietly works in the background until the next wash.

Olivia: As an avid forager and formulator of our Glasshouse Hair Skin & Body Supplement, we have a bit of an obsession with our key ingredient Nettle. You’ve harnessed it as a topical powerhouse. Why was it non-negotiable for you to hand-harvest it yourself at a biodynamic vineyard in Kent?

Ricky: I actually came to Nettle quite late, during a lockdown walk with my kids. We kept getting stung, which made me stop and pay attention to a plant I’d always avoided. When I researched its profile, I was fascinated.

Working with a local botanical at Uley Farm—a biodynamic vineyard—felt right. Hand-harvesting is essential because I want to be involved in the ingredient's journey from the start. I use ultrasonic extraction at low temperatures to retain the botanical potency.

Nettle is so central to us that Naedlae is actually an old Danish word for Nettle. Even our logo features subtle "spikes" that echo the leaf's trichomes.

Olivia: Foundation Spray isn't just a detangler; it's a scalp treatment and supports the scalp micro biome. How do these ingredients help balance the scalp’s pH in a harsh environment like London?

Ricky: It comes back to balance. In London, the scalp is pushed around by hard water, pollution, and central heating. Because the Foundation Spray is pH-balanced and a leave-in, it provides a consistent, protective layer. It’s a simple daily step that supports the scalp and hair in a way that fits a busy urban life.

Olivia: You formulate in small batches in your Kent studio. In a world of mass-produced brands, how does this hands-on approach change the potency? And does the Nettle 'behave' differently depending on the season?

Ricky: It’s like a small brewery or micro-producer. By staying small-batch, I know every stage—from the extraction to the bottling.

When you work with a living plant, you aren't working with a fixed synthetic. I harvest throughout the year, avoiding the flowering material to keep the extract consistent. This "Slow Beauty" approach means making products properly and staying involved in the process. That hands-on knowledge is what sets the standard.

Olivia: "If someone is used to a heavy, silicone-based routine, what is the best way for them to transition into using a botanical-rich 'Foundation' like yours?"

Ricky: Change one step at a time. Keep your usual shampoo, but introduce the Foundation Spray as your prep step.

For Fine Hair: It’s often enough on its own.

For Coarser/Curly Hair: Use it as a base layer, followed by your usual oil (I’m currently working on a silicone-free hair oil to launch later this year!).

It’s also great on dry hair to refresh curls or soothe a tight scalp. The transition doesn't need to be abrupt; it’s about supporting the hair over time.

Olivia: What is it about the Glasshouse ethos that felt like the right 'home' for Naedlae? And what is one thing you wish every client knew about the link between internal health and their hair?

Ricky: Glasshouse aligns perfectly with my views on sustainability and transparency. The space is minimal and calm—it’s the kind of place I’d genuinely want to visit myself.

Regarding health: most people understand nutrition, but they overlook stress. Mental well-being has a massive impact on the body, which shows up in the hair and scalp. Hair health isn't just about products; it's about giving yourself a bit more breathing space.

If you’re ready to rethink your routine from the scalp up, the Foundation Spray is the perfect place to begin—an everyday essential that supports long-term hair health rather than chasing quick fixes. You can discover (and shop) Naedlae’s Foundation Spray here, and start building a hair ritual that’s truly rooted in care.