Frequently Asked Questions
T'zikal is derived from the Mayan word meaning sanctified or blessed — and it can also refer to something that is pure, cleansed, or unburdened. That word chose us as much as we chose it. Everything we formulate, from the way we source our ingredients to the rituals we invite you into, is built on that idea of returning hair and skin to their most pure, essential state.
We believe nature already figured out most of what your hair needs. Our job is to honor that wisdom and make it accessible for daily life. We work with ancient ingredients — especially ojon oil (batana oil), used by indigenous communities in Honduras for over 500 years — and marry them with innovative European skincare science. The result is something that is both deeply rooted and radically effective: natural hair care that actually works.
T'zikal formulations are developed using European skincare science and crafted with ingredients sourced from around the world — including our hero ingredient, ojon oil (batana oil), which is sustainably wild-harvested from the Honduran rainforest in partnership with local indigenous communities. For the most current sourcing details on any specific product, contact us at contactus@tzikal.com.
Ojon oil — also known as batana oil — is extracted from the nut of the ojon palm tree (Elaeis oleifera), native to the rainforests of Honduras. It has been central to the hair care rituals of the Miskito indigenous people for more than 500 years, prized for its extraordinary ability to restore shine, strengthen hair, and deliver deep, lasting moisture. It is the foundational ingredient in every T'zikal formula.
Ojon oil is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that penetrate the hair shaft rather than just coating the surface. It restores moisture from the inside out, seals the cuticle to reduce frizz and breakage, and adds a natural luminosity that synthetic alternatives cannot replicate. For textured, curly, kinky, dry, or color-damaged hair — types that tend to be most starved for moisture — ojon oil is especially powerful. It works across all Walker hair types, from straight 1A to coily 4C.
Yes. Ojon oil and batana oil refer to the same ingredient — the oil extracted from the nut of the ojon palm (Elaeis oleifera), native to Honduras and Central America. You will see both names used across our product descriptions and throughout the natural hair care category.
All T'zikal products are formulated with plant-derived, botanically sourced ingredients. Our formulas are free from parabens, SLS/SLES sulfates, silicones, EDTA, artificial color, artificial fragrance, and synthetic dyes. When we say natural, we mean it — not as a marketing term, but as a standard every ingredient must meet before it enters any of our formulas.
Yes. We use sodium coco-sulfate and cocamidopropyl betaine as our cleansing agents — both plant- and coconut-derived, biodegradable, and far gentler than the sodium lauryl or laureth sulfates (SLS/SLES) found in conventional shampoos. They cleanse thoroughly without stripping your scalp or hair of its natural oils.
Where applicable, yes. Maintaining a hair-healthy pH is essential for cuticle integrity. An imbalanced pH leaves the cuticle rough and raised, which leads to frizz, dullness, and breakage. Our formulations are carefully calibrated to support a balanced scalp environment and a sealed, smooth cuticle.
Yes, completely. We use natural preservative alternatives — including sodium levulinate, sodium anisate, and ethylhexylglycerin — throughout our line. You will not find parabens, EDTA, or synthetic preservatives in our formulations.
Yes. T'zikal does not conduct animal testing at any stage of product development or manufacturing.
Our products are formulated with plant-based and botanically derived ingredients. If you have a specific question about any ingredient in a particular product, email us at contactus@tzikal.com and we will give you a direct answer.
No. Our signature scent comes from a 100% natural essential oil blend — including bergamot, lavender, ylang ylang, orange, lavandin grosso, petitgrain, and ho wood. There are no synthetic fragrances in our formulas. If you have fragrance sensitivities, we recommend reviewing the full ingredient list on any product page before purchasing.
Our proprietary blends include argan oil, babassu oil, oat kernel extract, Abyssinian seed oil, amla (gooseberry) extract, coconut oil, olive oil unsaponifiables, avocado oil, hibiscus extract, and our essential oil fragrance blend, among others. Each serves a targeted function: reparative, conditioning, anti-inflammatory, or protective. The full ingredient list for every product is published on its product page at tzikal.com.
T'zikal formulas work across all Walker hair types — from straight 1A to coily 4C. Our line was built with textured, curly, wavy, kinky, and Afro hair in mind, as these types tend to be the most moisture-hungry and the most underserved by conventional hair care. That said, ojon oil (batana oil) is a universal ingredient. Every Walker type benefits from its ability to penetrate the hair shaft, seal the cuticle, and restore natural radiance.
Each product and Project in our line includes a Best For callout that maps to your Walker hair type and hair condition. As a general guide: straight and limp hair (types 1A–2B) responds best to the Rejuvenation Project; wavy hair (types 2A–2C) is served by the Wavy Hair Project and Shine Project; curly hair (types 3B–3C) thrives with the Curl Project and Curl Defining Serum; coily hair (types 4A–4C) is best matched to the Natural Project. Our Bare and Restoration Projects, along with our individual shampoo and conditioner, work across all Walker types based on hair condition rather than curl pattern. If you are unsure where to start, email us at contactus@tzikal.com.
Yes. Our formulations are color-safe across all Walker hair types. The gentle, sulfate-free cleansing system will not strip color. Restoring moisture and sealing the cuticle — which our products do — helps color-treated hair look more vibrant and last longer.
Absolutely. Hair is hair. Our formulas address scalp health, moisture, strength, and shine — needs that are universal across all Walker hair types and regardless of gender.
We believe your hair care routine is a ritual, not a chore. Every product in our line is designed to be a sensory experience — an intentional moment of self-care. From the natural essential oil scent of our formulas to their texture and feel on the hair and scalp, we want every application to feel like something you look forward to. Hair health and personal wellness are inseparable to us.
Yes. Orders over $75 ship free on tzikal.com. Check the site for any current promotions, as thresholds may be updated.