THINNING HAIR 🕒 Do this while you still have time

HEY LADY!

✨✨✨✨
Tell me, have you ever looked at your scalp or at your brush and thought ...

OMG, is all of this hair loss normal?

Will my hair stop falling out?

Is this aging or stress, my hair is getting thinner!

Industry-wide,thinning hair a leading concern amongst salon clients,but few hairstylists know how to help a client get from here (helping to identify the source) to THERE (determining the best starting point, testing and solution-based options for the client).

I wish addressing thinning hair were as easy as just taking biotin, but it's not. 😔

| Fact |

40% of women have visible hair loss by the time they are age 40, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

I personally experienced losing over 50% of my hair in a short 2 weeks(literally) due to a perfect storm of stress and a health collapse (low hemoglobin). I remember not wanting to even touch my scalp, let along wash my hair.

Luckily, I had help to my kryptonite (Root Revival - explained below).

In fact, this power hitter is 2X'S MORE POWERFUL THAN MINOXIDIL and 100% NATURAL and DRUG-FREE!

Life begins at the SCALP

ENTER ROOT REVIVAL'S Multi-therapeutic Regime, while you still have time!

• Help prevent hair loss

• May rejuvenate damaged hair follicles

• Aims to improve hair quality and texture

• Helps to restore healthy hair growth cycles

  Can increase circulation and nutrition to scalp and hair follicles
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

---

How'd Evoq different from other hair loss products?

Our activator takes into account the entire follicle process fromstart to finish. Many other products have "mono" (one) ingredients that help hair loss, but often falls short or is over abrasive with salicylic acid to try to remove buildup - leaving the scalp dry and sensitive.

How's the Root Revival Activator work?

Hair Loss happens due to the stem cells of the hair follicle becoming less productive. Moreover, the fibroblasts located in the dermal papilla are less effective in transmitting information to the stem cells, in consequence, the matrix is not able to renew itself as before.

Evoq's Root Revival Activator targets the hair follicle cells to reactivate its division and stimulate anagen initial phase(growth)and decrease the effects of the telogen phase(fall).

Its action on several fronts enhances hair growth more than any other compound, even more(clinically proven 2x's more) than Minoxidil which is known for its side effects.

To make it easy - below is a chart that displays the power of this powerful scalp enhancer, followed by a client that's experience incredible regrowth!

100% Natural Hair Growth Solution with Root Revival Activating Tonic

Reach out if you have any questions. Finding the root cause, combined with safe, toxic-free support is my passion and specialty. xo - Kassandra

Love and light! - Kassandra.

The 2 Types of Hair Loss [and how to reverse it]

Why is my hair thinning!?

---

We've all been there. Speaking from experience and empathy - I went through a 50% hair loss experience (dreadful) this winter due to stress and incredibly low hemoglobin. As my gut was healed, and my body restored - I see the fruits in full return from applying meditation, our Evoq products (especially the root activator), CBD, and disciplined sleep habits.

Hair loss has always been specialty of mine at BE Salon. I’ve witnessed hundreds of women battle thinning hair - so I can validate that 1 in 4 women will experience hair loss.

I’ve also helped these women throw their locks in a role reversal (positive). By understanding the catalysts to hair loss, we can then learn and be proactive in combating it. Sitting and fretting ads to the issue. Girl, LET’S GROW!

---

WHICH IS IT?
There are two general reasons for hair loss: hereditary and reactive.

---

Hereditary hair loss refers to a genetic predisposition to hair thinning, which includes "male pattern balding" experienced by about 50% of men over the age of 50, though genes can also cause hair loss much earlier.

When it comes to hormones,women can experience this patterning.

Hormones play a huge role in regulating the hair growth cycle. Oestrogens (female hormones) are 'hair friendly' and help to keep hairs in their growth phase for the optimal length of time. Androgens (male hormones) are not very hair friendly, and can shorten the hair growth cycle.

An excess of androgens (which could be caused by an endocrine disorders) can cause hair loss. The extent of this is often down to genes - If you have a genetic predisposition to follicle sensitivity, a hormonal imbalance can affect your hair more than it would someone who does not have a predisposition.

I suggest seeing a Functional Medicine Practitioner to see what’s stressing your hormones and organs inside-out. Even if you're predisposed genetically, there are still plenty of lifestyle changes and natural remedies to explore.

Here’s a GREAT read on how to test your Thyroid - often a partnering culprit.

Reactive hair loss refers to a harsh internal jolt to your system and external stressors that affect hair loss and strength. These include diet, hormones, stressors, behaviors, environmental factors, sudden weight loss/gain and even skin conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.

How does this happen? Androgen (male hormone) levels are yet again raised, which in turn can causes hair loss. Feeling like it’s out of your control?

---

Here’s a few ways to TAKE CONTROL of your HAIR VITALITY TODAY

Take note.

1. Eat well and Smart Supplements. 
Deficiencies in iron, zinc, B vitamins, protein, and complex carbohydrates can all have a negative effect on hair growth. B12, commonly found in animal products, is often found to be low in vegans and vegetarians. Hair is made of protein, making adequate daily intake of protein rich foods essential. Include at least a palm sized portion of protein at breakfast and lunch.

Generally speaking, it's important to eat plenty of vegetables to help chelate excess xenoestrogens to keep your hair and scalp in optimum shape. Say not to SUGAR! It’s a direct release of cortisol and can feel the follicle popping as I think about it!

2. Stay on top of immunity and hormonal balance.
Undiagnosed thyroid problems, hormone imbalances, autoimmune diseases and other conditions can be found at the root of hair loss. Be sure to consult a Functional Medicine Practitioner if you're experiencing any symptoms related to these conditions. Skilled to get to the root!

3. Take it easy on the styling.
Heat styling as well as tight braids, buns, and ponytails can take a toll on the strands. As for styling products, pay attention to ingredients. Polyethylene glycol and alcohol can dry out strands and lead to weak, brittle hair that's more prone to breakage.

4. Gentle Ammonia Free Hair Color.
About 70% of women use hair color. I’ve witnessed it time and again - after our clients at Beauty Ecology. BE was one of the first salons to exclude professional-grade Ammonia, Resorcinol, and PPD from our services. We stay true to that commitment, making our color much gentler, safer, and kinder to the stylist, environment and most important -your healthier scalp!

5. Find healthy ways to cope with your stress.
Stress and anxiety can raise androgen levels, which increases the likelihood of hair loss. Therapy, meditation, and CBD, and natural supplements are effective ways to reduce stress in our day to day lives. I love adaptogenic herbs (CBD also acts like an adaptogen). Look for ashwagandha, rhodiola, and cordyceps - all shown to relieve stress.

6. Nourish your top crop and reactivate your scalp.

This is VITAL. Remember, your scalp and outer skin is the last chain of command to receive nourishment from the inside, so externally assistance for the scalp is a critical MUST from my experience. It’s why our Root Revival System has been a reviving blessing to many of our success - hair - full clients.

Experience our HAIR GROWTH ACTIVATOR that’s proven to be 2x’s MORE IMPACTFUL THAN MINOXIDIL (drug based).

When you purchase our Root Revival System YOU GET FREE SHIPPING!

Retinol: What you really should know...

“How does “that woman” get such smooth and bright skin?”

Here, I lend my thoughts on RETINOL, a topic that tends to come up often when clients are inquiring about the best "anti-aging" skin room facial tactics to at home treatment care.  Most clients are first exposed to Retinol (and its many forms) in a medical spa or dermatologist office.    

Some believe that it is an amazing age renewal staple, and some tread much more lightly. However, it’s an ingredient to be well-informed about prior to using. It’s often recommended as a “cure-all” power-ingredient, but should it be?    Let's dig in. 

Retinol 101 - What it is?

Retinol, of the retinoid family, is a derivative of Vitamin A. There are many forms, names (retinyl palmitate, retinol, retinal, tretinoin) and percentages available of retinoids and it comes in both natural forms (for example, in rose-hip) and most popularly - synthetically derived forms.

True to it's longevity.... it’s been around since the late 1940s and was a "breakout"  in the 1980s when it hit the market as an anti-aging ingredient.  Later it became a hot item prescribed as Accutane or every teens’ favorite, Retin-A have been highly used by dermatologists for years. 

What It Does

Essentially Retinol plumps and sloughs off skin cells in which effectively “pushes wrinkles up from within the skin."    It works by stimulating and increasing the production of healthy skin cells.” This cell turn over can lead to more even skin tone and a brighter complexion.

Who It's Best For

If you’ve spent a substantial amount of time in the sun, retinol can help you reverse first signs of aging that have resulted from that prolonged sun exposure. The formulations that are widely available today without a prescription are lower in retinol concentration that can be enjoyed by virtually anyone who wants to refine skin texture, battle breakouts and fine lines.

Added Benefits

Retinol "action" can boost your collagen production, leading to a reduction in fewer wrinkles, and firmer skin.” It can even help unclog pores, which is why so many dermatologists recommend retinoids for teens fighting acne.

Retinol VS. Retin-A - What's the difference?   

In short, retinol is the stuff you can by at your local sephora and retin-A requires a prescription from your derm (as does Accutane).

So why isn't everyone using it?

This is where my experienced, well researched and thoughtful opinion comes in.  There's a few points to debate on the topic of retinoid use.

1.  Retinols are put in so many products.  Sunlight makes products less effective, but most importantly — and we want to make this clear because it’s so, so important — retinol can make you very photosensitive. If you don’t wear sunscreen, you can get burned.  

2.  Many (including myself) Skin Therapists also believe that retinol is overused. “Retinol is useful for people who have genetically challenging acne. However, in my opinion, if you have not had consistent breakout since the onset of puberty, or tend to have pimples here and there, retinols are usually not the answer to your breakout problems.   

3. Worst yet, Retionols used over time or in intense treatments, can thin out your skin or change how the oil glands within your skin work.  

Caution When Using:   Heavy-duty retinoid medications, like Accutane, are so strong that they can cause birth defects and liver issues. Retinoids can can over due your skin, especially if you’re young enough - that you just don't need that heavy of a hitter. 

My bottom line.... 

There are multiple products and specific ingredients that can catalyze a response just like retinoids produce. Retinoids are pretty harsh on the skin and as a formulator, I've included this same byproduct and action through botanical extracts.  I personally do not want to subject myself to treatments I walk away from completely red and peeling. At Beauty Ecology, accurate exfoliating practices at home and services such as professional-strength none invasive peels and  our newest tech skin needling collagen rejuvenation pen - are incredible alternatives that work.    

When to consider stronger exfoliating and cell renewal treatments.

I suggest strong cellular turnover type products for those well into their aging process and in need of a boost. Typically, this would be someone over the age of 35, because its known our skin cell turnover rate starts slowing around 30 years old.

Natural alternative ingredients to look for that can help with cell turnover:

-Vitamin C (we use Vitamin C Esters)  which possesses a superior ability to stimulate growth of the cells (fibroblasts) that help produce collagen, elastin and fosters tissue growth and repair.  Fat-soluble Vitamin C Ester-unlike ascorbic acid, drives deeper and does not go rancid when exposed to air giving it's full potential as an anti-aging agent.

From the Deep Sea:  Marine actives provide concentrates of vital elements in our age-defying skin care products, and are the safest and most effective alternatives available.

-Our active seaweed ingredients (Laminaria + HCL algae complex) testing demonstrated a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles by 35% over a 90-day period. This demonstrates our ability to deliver results comparable to Retin-A and Alpha Hydroxyl Acids without the skin irritation usually associated with those ingredients. WOW, right?!

-Red Algae is beloved due to its high water and vitamin content, red algae is a perfect ingredient to help with the exfoliating process.  I use red algae in our skincare products to clarify and balance the skin, bring cellular renewal and for its firming effects.

-Alpha hydroxy acids (our sea flora glycolic peel)

-Marine Criste Extract or “Sea Retinol” is a patented Sea Retinol visibly smoothes wrinkles and creates a radiant complexion.

-Flower Acids are an incredible breakthrough! Flower acids are obtained from the hibiscus flower in South Africa to provide skin exfoliation without the burn. This anti-inflammatory approach is made possible by the fact that it contains pyruvic acid (an AHA) that converts to lactic acid only when it has penetrated into the skin. This allows for a gradual peel “without the burn.”

-Rosehip seed oil is also an excellent source of trans-retinoic acid that may not have the risk of potential irritation that prescription retinoid acid might cause. Rosehip is plentiful in our CBD Skin Healing Booster.

---

How to properly choose and use retinol.

Before purchasing OTC retinol or getting a prescription through your dermatologist, here are some basic guidelines:

- All forms of Vitamin A break down and become unstable in the presence of exposed light and air, so it’s crucial to purchase retinol that is packaged in opaque containers or tubes, which is why they often come in metal tubes in prescription form.

- Do not apply retinol daily, but rather every other day. Gradual usage is key here so that your skin can acclimate to this active ingredient. If your skin is resilient and shows no signs of sensitivity, thereafter you may apply it once a day. Stop using retinol if irritation occurs with persistent use.

- The best time to apply retinol is at night because exposure to the sun can decrease its effectiveness.

- Use nourishing ingredients to help protect your skin while using this potent vitamin. Our Evoq products are wonderful to use in conjunction (and sometimes in place of) with retinol.

- Always wear sunscreen on a daily basis when using retinol.

The drawbacks of topical prescription retinoids.

- Skin irritation and side effects including: dryness, flakiness, thinning of the skin (if overused), sun sensitivity and redness.

- Filler ingredients such as: stearic acid, isopropyl myristate, polyoxyl 40 stearate, stearyl alcohol, and butylated hydroxytoluene are commonly used in retinoid creams and gels. Though not all ingredients prove toxic, do these align with your skin care philosophy?

- Cannot be used during pregnancy.

- Not suitable for sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema.

If GOING THE NATURAL ROUTE

As noted, EVOQ BEAUTY brings the most effective and biomimetic ingredients the forces of nature can provide. While I do understand that the medical approach to skin care, it's good to know there are more options for everyday care in the world of vitamin A!  Let's not be so hard on ourselves, and our skin!

XO Kassandra  ** Book online or ping me if you have questions about our incredible skin resurfacing (GLOW) treatments!   

SPF: Sunscreen Basics + Strategies

As the summer gets on it's way, let's make sure our SPF facts are up to snuff.

Why sunscreen daily?
Let me count the ways! Starting with the fact that 90% of visible signs of aging are caused by the sun. We are exposed to the sun daily (including UVA rays you might not notice) and your body counts sun exposure cumulatively. We may get wiser over the years, but we also collect more sun-time. And the damage shows up many, many years later.

Chemical Sunscreen
Containing ingredients like avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate and others, chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays, transform them into heat, which is then released from your skin. ‘Chemical’ sounds like a bad word, but it’s not here – it just describes how it functions. Chemical sunscreens take about 20 minutes to activate after application, so lotion up before heading out.

Physical Sunscreen
Physical sunscreens are ones with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and work like a mirror, deflecting the sun’s rays from your skin. They can be less likely to clog pores, cause less allergy issues, and are ideal for everyday use, especially on your face. And they’ve come a long way from the white-nose days, so don’t worry about that. Protection is instant once applied.

UVA vs. UVB Rays
The A and B letters are scientific, but all you have to remember is A for Aging and B for Burning. UVB rays cause familiar results – sunburns.  UVA rays do quieter damage, causing wrinkles, skin cancer, and visible signs of aging. UVA rays come through clouds and windows, which is why we preach daily sunscreen.

Broad Spectrum
Sunscreen labeled ‘Broad Spectrum’ protects against both UVA and UVB rays. If it’s not labeled as such, chances are it’s only covering UVB rays (think: your less expensive body sunscreens you’ll find at the drug store). You’re best off with Broad Spectrum to make sure you’re covered, especially when it comes to your face.

The SPF Numbers
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a standard laboratory measurement of a sunscreen’s ability to prevent UVB damage to our skin. (Important distinction, it doesn’t measure the impact of those aging UVA rays.) If it normally takes you ten minutes to burn, generously-applied SPF 30 would keep you from burning for 300 minutes, or about five hours. (Usual Time To Burn x SPF = Protection Time). Our take? Math is not fun at the beach, so do yourself a favor and just re-apply often and liberally.

How much sunscreen?
Conventional wisdom says a ‘shot glass’ worth over your entire body, although I suggest a bit more.  All depends on height and weight.   Apply more frequently if you’re sweating or in and out of the water.

Over or used as makeup?
I'm a big fan of  straight up sunscreen as a foundation with SPF to ensure coverage.  Our clients love our  Tinted UV Protect 35 SPF facial lotion that is incredibly light and lightly tinted to blend into most skin types (haven't found anyone yet that it has not).  The other great option is to dust with our La Bella Donna Minerals to assure protection at a 25 SPF and  non-nano, so that you do not loose your makeup (and coverage) through your pores throughout the day. 

When was this stuff invented?
Want to sound smart at your summer barbecue? The first major commercial sunscreen was sold in 1936, by the founder of L’Oreal. Ten years later, it improved dramatically for soldiers in World War II. “SPF” as a standard was adopted in 1974. And before all that, ancient cultures used olive oil, rice extract, zinc oxide, and other compounds for thousands of years.

After all that, do you need some sunscreen? Visit Evoq Beauty for our selection, or book a facial and pick up some in person.