Find Out How You May Be Allergic To Haircolor

Specializing in health and beauty for many years, there have been hundreds of women that find Kasia Organic Salon because of our ZERO Ammonia hair color line.   I started with Mastey (our color line) 4-5 years ago and through pioneering a truly ammonia and substitue free line, I've seen many guests with growing allergies that have been blessed through what our alternative gives to them.

More women are becoming allergic to ingredients in hair color. It isn’t a common occurrence but for those who are it can be quite the annoyance!

The most common allergen found in hair color is PPD (paraphenylenediamine), which is mostly found in permanent hair color. If you have never had your hair colored, or if PPD allergy runs in your family, there is an easy way to find out if you are allergic in the salon. Licensed Cosmetologists can do a patch test in the salon, which will determine if you will have a skin reaction to PPD-based hair color. Ingterestingly, PPD is also found in fur coats and wigs.

“Positive patch test reactions to p-phenylenediamine (PPD) are common. PPD is used in oxidative hair dyes and is also present in dark henna temporary ‘tattoos’. Cross-sensitization to other contact allergens may occur.”

About 25% of people allergic to PPD may also be allergic to ingredients found in semi-permanent hair colors, of which may also be found in pen inks and may be used to color certain foods and pharmaceuticals. Semi- permanent and demi-permanent hair colors are usually ammonia-free but the ammonia substitute, ethanolamine, may produce a reaction in some people. Again, a patch test can be done in the salon to determine if you are allergic to either semi- or demi-permanent hair colors that are carried in the salon. Reactions to PPD include

• Itching scalp/skin
• Redness
• Swelling
• Mild dandruff like symptoms
• Scaly skin
• Pain
• Sneezing or other hay fever/cold like symptoms when ever hair dye applied
• Nausea when dye applied
• Sever swelling around eyes
• Scaly skin on ears, face and neck

The patch test is simple. Your stylist will apply a small amount of color mixed with developer to behind the ear (if your hair is short) or to the inner bend of the elbow. This has to be allowed to dry and to remain uncovered for 48-72 hours. If no irritation or rash occurs between the time the patch test is applied and 72 hours is complete, the test is negative, and you can proceed to schedule a hair coloring service.

Kasia Salon is a urban retreat nestled in the heart of Southwest Minneapolis specializes in ammonia free/MEA/PPD Color, organic facials, and natural and organic products.

Are You Allergic to Hair color? Subtle Nuances.

At Kasia Organic Salon we receive multiple calls weekly  nationwide on what color line we use, and if it would work for them because of their new or current allergic reactions/symptoms.  For many women, they hide and do not speak about their "itchy and watery eyes" after leaving their service or at home, and just put up with it.  Well, the truth  is, over time, the body can be overwhelmed enought to make it an unbearable situation. Our staff always offers clients with a patch test prior to a color service.  We also offer highly recommended practitioner referrals to pin point the allergy, and/or lifestyle causations.  Reactions  are becoming incredibly common in ammonia and PPD based hair color and this can be very hidden.

Kasia Salon offers an alternative color VOID of these active agents with no silent substitutes. We do all that we can to find an alternative option.  Still nervous? Another alternative we can offer you is by stacking heavy foils to blend out gray, or add tone (leaving the color off scalp) or applying a complete direct dye with no other added ingredients/reactions.

Allergy Introduction to PPD

The most common allergen found in hair color is PPD (paraphenylenediamine), which is mostly found in permanent hair color. If you have never had your hair colored, or if PPD allergy runs in your family, there is an easy way to find out if you are allergic in the salon. Licensed Cosmetologists can do a patch test in the salon, which will determine if you will have a skin reaction to PPD-based hair color. Ingterestingly, PPD is also found in fur coats, ink tatoos and wigs.

“Positive patch test reactions to p-phenylenediamine (PPD) are common. PPD is used in oxidative hair dyes and is also present in dark henna temporary ‘tattoos’. Cross-sensitization to other contact allergens may occur.”

About 25% of people allergic to PPD may also be allergic to ingredients found in semi-permanent hair colors, of which may also be found in pen inks and may be used to color certain foods and pharmaceuticals. Semi- permanent and demi-permanent hair colors are usually ammonia-free but the ammonia substitute, ethanolamine, may produce a reaction in some people. Again, a patch test can be done in the salon to determine if you are allergic to either semi- or demi-permanent hair colors that are carried in the salon. Reactions to PPD include

• Itching scalp/skin
• Redness
• Swelling
• Mild dandruff like symptoms
• Scaly skin
• Pain
• Sneezing or other hay fever/cold like symptoms when ever hair dye applied
• Nausea when dye applied
• Sever swelling around eyes
• Scaly skin on ears, face and neck

The patch test is simple. Your stylist will apply a small amount of color mixed with developer to behind the ear (if your hair is short) or to the inner bend of the elbow. This has to be allowed to dry and to remain uncovered for 48-72 hours. If no irritation or rash occurs between the time the patch test is applied and 72 hours is complete, the test is negative, and you can proceed to schedule a hair coloring service.

Call Kasia Organic Salon and avoid the continual build up of chemicals and allergic reactions.  We've been so pleased to be able to service those that come with these complications and to those who wish to just make a better choice, keeping the hair healthier and lasting color.

Kasia Organic Salon stylists are the leading experts in NO Ammonia,  NO PPD, and NO MEA color services.  Kassie (owner) started testing the "new way of hair coloring" as it was in it's testing stage.

Call us today with any questions you may have!

612 824 7611

Learn more here --

Safety Issues of Hair Color Products and ‘PPD’

Ammonia Free, The Color of the Future­­­­­­­­­­­­ Blonde, brunette, red … and green!

Every day thousands of women have their hair professionally colored. In fact, 54% of us color our hair regularly!  The hair color industry is ever changing, and ever growing - unfortunately environmental and immunity complications for salon clients is also on the rise. Much of this is due to the adverse effects of ammonia. Leaving the salon far from “refreshed,” clients end up with headaches, stinging eyes, trouble breathing, or a nasty rash. Conventional hair dyes usually contain ammonia, which is specifically designed to burn and degrade surfaces. Many products labelled as ammonia-free contain a substitute,  which is just as harmful as ethanolamine. However, a new breed of hair color is available - green, fumeless, non-damaging ammonia free hair color. We look at why Kasia Organic Salon and other inspiring natural beauty salons are using or considering using ammonia-free color.  As we know, it’s part of the future of beauty!

Kassie at Kasia Organic Salon educates hairstylists, aiming to rectify the lack of knowledge in the hairdressing profession about the color lines they use on a daily basis. “The future is now, and it's high time hair salons start using healthier options for themselves as well”, says Kassie Kuehl.

No Ammo! Why Conventional Color Just Doesn’t “Cover” It

The reasons for choosing an ammonia-free (and ammonia-substitute-free) hair color falls into three categories:

• Your body's general health
• The health of your hair
• The health of your environment

General Body Health

Ammonia-based hair dye in colors like dark brown and black were linked by the National Cancer Institute in 1994 to greater incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma. A study published in 2001 by the International Journal of Cancer found that people who use permanent hair dye are 100% more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who use no permanent dye. 4-ABP is a known human carcinogen, and was recently found in off-the-shelf hair coloring products.

Hair Health

The characteristic flyaway and faded look that you see on heavily peroxided colored women, comes after long-term use of ammonia agents, thus leaving the hair’s cuticle open, making the hair resemble a dry and brittle.  The tyrosine within hair is also damaged by ammonia-based color, which affects the hair's ability to hold onto color.

When ethanolamine is used in hair color in order to gain 'ammonia-free' status, it needs to be included in concentrations up to 5 times that of ammonia. Ethanolamine is an 'adhesive' type chemical, which can never completely be washed out of your hair and off your scalp. After coloring your hair with ethanolamine-containing products, every time you wash your hair the water acts as a mild oxidizer, and incurs further damage on your hair. Fading and gradually developed dryness after coloring are usually attributable to ethanolamine.

Kasia Organic Salon’s color line uses an plant based alkaline agent that slowly swells the cuticle and controllably closes the cuticle back to it’s closest previous state.

Environmental Health

Over 6.2 billion ounces of harmful chemicals from shampoos and conditioners are washed down the drains and out into our water every day.

Leaving the salon retouched … and refreshed!

Educator and salon owner Kassie Kuehl, spurred by her own health reactions due to working with accumulated amounts of  fumes at the salon, built her foundations with Aveda. Now her own business, Kasia Organic Salon, offers fabulous color services so clients can enjoy their experience without inhaling noxious chemicals or irritated skin and scalp.

Hair Color with a conscious, is it for YOU?

Who should use ammonia-free hair color?

Anyone that is concerned with the volume of chemicals they ingest every day should look into natural, ammonia-free hair color. However, it is even more useful at some particular stages of life! Look up your nearest organic salon if you:

• Are pregnant - Our enormous, clunky bodies are well-sensitized to environmental hazards. Tiny, unformed human beings are not so lucky. Avoiding chemical exposure is especially important when you are pregnant - but that doesn't mean you have to give up that flexibility with your looks!
• Are covering greys - If your hair is losing (or has lost) its natural color, you'll be looking to color more often. With ammonia-free color, your hair doesn’t lose the ability to hold color and remains strong and healthy, rather than developing the characteristic frizzy, flyaway look.
• Young or elderly - Younger and older people are especially sensitive to harsh chemicals. Natural hair color is particularly recommended for under-18s and over 60s.

A Beautiful Health Lifestyle - Where to Find Ammonia Free Hair Color

What is ammonia free?

Once you know the dangers of ammonia-based hair colors, those 'Ammonia Free!' labels sitting on the shelf right next to all the others look pretty tempting. Of course this is a better alternative in purchasing a shelf coloring product, but remember from our conversation above in manufacturers  discovered alternative, the ethanolamine.   Check for both ammonia and ethenolomine ingredients in any hair color you buy off the shelf.

What to do with your new, nutrient-rich color now that you have it?

Ask your hairstylist about after-care and everyday maintenance products that let you keep up with the natural snowball you've started rolling!

Harsh ingredients and harsh environments contribute to fading color.  By choosing the proper shampoos, conditioners and UV protected styling products will help prolong the life of color.  Avoid harsh ingredients  such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfates, and petrochemicals such as Propoline Gylcol and Parabens

The better the health and condition of your locks, the your color lasts, the springier your curls and the smoother and glossier your hair will be. Think of it as an investment in your investment. Let your hair feel as good as your conscience!

Natural Beauty is on the move!

There are a number of organic beauty salons growing across the country, where you can discover that your hair can be just as silky and glossy, your skin as vital and fresh, and your cosmetics just as potent and long-lasting, but without the harsh chemicals!

Contact the Kasia Team today!  612 824 7611

How does your investment of Kasia Color Services Differ?

Common Questions on

ammonia vs. ammonia-free dyes:

Q. I would like to color my hair more often but am afraid of the effects from chemicals:

A. It is rightly a concern because many consumers experience tearing, headache, scalp irritation, breathing discomfort, etc., during and after coloring services.  This is mostly due to the effect of ammonia.

Q. Do all hair dyes contain ammonia?

A. A strong alkaline like ammonia is needed to open the cuticle layer for the depositing of dye pigments in permanent color.  It is also a catalyst in the dye development process.  Ammonia is a very harsh chemical that is the root cause of dryness, roughness and pre-mature fadage in colored hair.

Q. Are there hair dyes that are ammonia-free?

A. Ethanolamine (MEA) is used in many semi- or demi-permanent colors for its lower alkalinity and odorless properties.  Some salons apply heat to these colors to achieve a somewhat more permanent effect but predictably with less than satisfactory results.  MEA is not safer than ammonia because it is a toxicant and a carcinogen (Environmental Working Group).

Q. Are there ammonia-free permanent colors?

A. There are a handful of ammonia-free permanent brands.  It is formulated by tripling the amount of ethanolamine as in its demi cousins.  However, these products are very dangerous due to the high MEA content and its carcinogenic properties.  MEA also has a high tendency to stick to the hair, which leads to dullness and off-tone fadage after prolong usage.

Q. Why is Kasia’s coloring service so unique?

A. Kasia uses a hair dye that does not contain either ammonia or ethanolamine.  It is the safest and most gentle product available.  There is zero damage to the hair, which leads to vibrant and long lasting color with perfect gray coverage and natural shine.

Rising Numbers...."it could happen" and July Summer Savings!

An "Informed Beaute's" right to know to Know

Is your Hair Color Toxic?

As of late, the Kasia Organic Hair Team has encountered  increasing numbers of new guests that have sought out our Ammonia Free Hair Color services due to experiencing  previous un-ease, aesthetic discomfort, and allergic reactions of hair dying.

This brings me to shedding some LIGHT on this topic, as it is becoming common, and  in my opinion, many more women are starting to experience this, but it is "underground."

"What to do - where to go - new hairstylist?  what about my....Routine...."

There can be several kinds of reaction caused by hair dye allergy. Most commonly the reaction appears on your face. Listed are the most common allergic reactions that are caused by hair dyes.

*Dermatitis around/on the face.* Facial Swelling

* Bumps on face  * Headaches    *Rash  * Itchy Scalp  *Burning

Your Investment and Common Ingredients

* The culprit behind these reactions is a common chemical ingredient that is used in  hair dyes, called para-phenylenediamine, or PPD.

*PPD is actually found in a good quantity which is more than two-thirds of commercial dyes. The case is the same for many of the in-salon brands.

* Allergic reactions to PPD was such a severe problem that it got banned from hair dyes in France, Germany and Sweden.

Our Young Women

Market research shows more people are dyeing their hair and at a younger age. One survey in 1992, by a soap and detergent association found 13 per cent of school girls used hair coloring products, along with six percent of womens.

By 2001, the numbers had soared, with two out of five schoolgirls dyeing their hair and almost nine in 10 young women.

"Furthermore female high school students and young women were dyeing their hair at shorter intervals.

Uk Study; Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-433136/Allergic-reactions-hair-dyes-rise.html#ixzz0uqRYLT8o

Additional Harsh Compounds to AVOID in your Hair Color Investment

Not only do  "other" hair coloring services strip away the natural moisture and oils from the hair and scalp, break down the hair shaft, but they also put your health at risk.

Say NO to Ammonia * A strong irritant for skin, eyes and lungs.   * A suspected carcinogen.

Say NO to Ethanolamine (MEA) * A toxicant for the immune, respiratory, reproductive, neurological & nervous systems. * A carcinogen.

.....Final Remarks

Though an allergic reaction to hair dye may be relatively rare, death from cancer is less rare. The National Cancer Institute suggests that one out of five of all cases of non-Hodgkin`s lymphoma among women are due to women`s regular use of commercial hair dye products. This is the disease that killed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who used the more damaging darker dyes. Breast, bladder and other cancers are also linked to the use of these toxic ingredients.

Whichever type of hair coloring you decide to use, drink lots of water. If the product contained any chemicals, plan to daily (lifestyle detox) after the coloring. That way, you will at least rid your body of some or all of the toxins you just put into your bloodstream.To learn more about efficiently detoxing, learn more about our NEW INFRARED SAUNA.

Learn more and optimize your coloring results in avoiding chemicals that reduce the strength and integrity of your hair, increasing breakage, split ends, brittleness and fading.

Now on a more positive note. CELEBRATE WITH US!

It's summer - the sun is shining, embrace the season in beauty - highlights and accent foils are a perfect way to brighten your entire look -

HURRY!  Good through end of July...  celebrate and save!

• Schedule a spot highlight and save $5

• Schedule partial foil/highlights and save $10

• Schedule full foil/highlights and save $15

• $20 OFF your first Custom Organic Facial

Of course the summer is the perfect time for hair removal services, we can accommodate any and all requests for body and facial hair removal from our talented MISS PHANIE! MEET THE TEAM! Discount Services redeemable with Phanie, Jillian, and Colette.

Request an appointment today to brighten your look, enhance detox and weight loss &  hair removal service!

What is the Role of MEA and Ammonia in Hair Coloring?

At last, it's Spring! The long dark winter is over and new energy and life abound. Does your KASIA Salon.

OUR HAIR COLOR IS: Innovative, No Ammonia. NO  MEA. (CARCINOGEN AND DAMAGES THE HAIR)

AMMONIA FREE HAIR COLOR SHOW IT?!

Read on for more clarification!  What is MEA?

Now, as new products like Loreal INOA find their way to our salon shelves, so does plenty of new information and misinformation. New non-ammonia hair coloring products offer one option for both delivering new hair color AND covering gray. But before you jump to google to find a "Non Ammonia Stylist,"  it's a good idea to be completely certain about ingredient claims and their color being used.

Does your color contain MEA?

MEA is Monoethanolamine. It is an alkaline reactive chemical compound that is produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia. It exists in liquid form and produces almost no odor.

What is ammonia? Ammonia is an alkaline compound of hydrogen and oxygen that is both naturally occurring and human made. It is water soluble, highly reactive, exists in both gas and liquid form, and has a strong odor.

How does ammonia perform in hair color?

In hair color, ammonia is very efficient at opening the cuticle, which allows color to penetrate more efficiently into the hair's cortex. When permanent color and peroxide meet ammonia, ammonia acts as a catalyst. This reaction is what removes natural pigment from the cortex and allows artificial color to deposit inside the cortex.

It is the AMOUNT of MEA used in a color that can create potentially negative results. Typically 6% to 10% MEA is used in color. For ammonia, the amount ranges from 1.5% in darker shades to 3.5% in high lift shades.

Most hair color companies prefer ammonia because, historically, the color results of ammonia-based permanent hair color remain more predictable than MEA-based color, providing longevity, vibrancy and superior gray coverage.

Not Kasia Organic Salon, as we VOID MEA AND AMMONIA all-together!

Learn more HERE about your LONG lasting, potential COLOR!

Ammonia Free, The Color of the Future­­­­­­­­­­­­

Every day thousands of women have their hair professionally colored. In fact, 54% of us color our hair regularly!  The hair color industry is ever changing, and ever growing - unfortunately environmental and immunity complications for salon clients are also growing. Much of this is due to the adverse effects of ammonia. Leaving the salon far from “refreshed,” clients end up with headaches, stinging eyes, trouble breathing, or a nasty rash. Conventional hair dyes usually contain ammonia, which is specifically designed to burn and degrade surfaces. Many products labeled as ammonia-free contain a substitute,  which is just as harmful as ethanolamine. However, a new breed of hair color is available - green, fumeless, non-damaging, ammonia-free hair color. We look at why Kasia Organic Salon and other inspiring natural beauty salons are loving ammonia-free color.  As we know, it’s part of the future of beauty!

Kassie at Kasia Organic Salon educates hairstylists, aiming to rectify the lack of knowledge in the hairdressing profession about the color lines they use on a daily basis. “The future is now, and it's high time hair salons start using healthier options for themselves as well”, says Kassie Kuehl.

No Ammo! Why Conventional Color Just Doesn’t “Cover” It

The reasons for choosing an ammonia-free (and ammonia-substitute-free) hair color fall into three categories:

• Your body's general health
• The health of your hair
• The health of your environment

General Body Health

Ammonia-based dark hair dye were linked by the National Cancer Institute in 1994 to a greater incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma. A study published in 2001 by the International Journal of Cancer found that people who use permanent hair dye are 100% more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who use no permanent dye. 4-ABP is a known human carcinogen, and was recently found in off-the-shelf hair coloring products.

Hair Health

The characteristic flyaway and faded look that you see on heavily peroxided women comes after long-term use of ammonia agents, which leave the hair’s cuticle open and make the hair dry and brittle.  Tyrosine, one of hair's amino acids, is also damaged by ammonia-based products.  When Tyrosine is diminished, this greatly affects the hair's ability to hold onto color.

Ethanolamine is an alternative to ammonia, however when ethanolamine is used in hair color in order to gain 'ammonia-free' status, it needs to be included in concentrations up to 5 times that of ammonia. Ethanolamine is an 'adhesive' type chemical, which can never completely be washed out of your hair and off your scalp. After coloring your hair with ethanolamine-containing products, every time you wash your hair the water acts as a mild oxidizer, inflicting further damage on your hair. Fading and gradually developed dryness after coloring the hair are usually attributable to ethanolamine.

“Then how?”  Kasia Salon’s color line uses an plant-based alkaline agent that slowly swells the cuticle, then controllably closes the cuticle, returning it as closely as possible to its previous state.

Environmental Health

Over 6.2 billion ounces of harmful chemicals from shampoos and conditioners are washed down the drains and out into our water every day.

Leaving the salon retouched … and refreshed!

Educator and salon owner Kassie Kuehl, spurred by her own health reactions due to working with accumulated amounts of  fumes at the salon, built her ammonia-free foundations with Aveda. Now her own business, Kasia Organic Salon, offers fabulous color services so clients can enjoy their experience without inhaling noxious chemicals or experiencing irritated skin and scalp.

Hair Color with a Conscience - Is It for You?

Who should use ammonia-free hair color?

Anyone that is concerned with the volume of chemicals they ingest every day should look into natural, ammonia-free hair color. However, it is even more useful at some particular stages of life! Look up your nearest organic salon if you:

• Are pregnant - A growing body is well-sensitized to environmental hazards and tiny, unformed human beings are not so lucky. Avoiding chemical exposure is especially important when you are pregnant - but that doesn't mean you have to give up that flexibility with your looks, free of harmful fumes or odors!
• Are covering grays - If your hair is losing (or has lost) its natural color, you'll be looking to color more often. With ammonia-free color, your hair doesn’t lose the ability to hold color and remains strong and healthy, rather than developing the characteristic frizzy, flyaway look.
• Cancer and Survivors of Cancer – With the specific approval of their physicians, this is safe for cancer survivors without any harmful side effects and sensitive smells, and leaves the hair soft and sultry again.
• Young or elderly - Younger and older people are especially sensitive to harsh chemicals. Ammonia-free hair color is particularly recommended for under-18s and over-60s.

A Beautiful Health Lifestyle - Where to Find Ammonia Free Hair Color

Once you know the dangers of ammonia-based hair colors, those 'Ammonia Free!' labels sitting on the shelf right next to all the others look pretty tempting. This can be a better alternative when purchasing an off-the-shelf coloring product, but remember the dangers of ethanolamine.   Check for both ammonia and ethanolamine ingredients in any hair color you buy off the shelf.

What to do with your new, nutrient-rich color now that you have it?

Ask your hairstylist about after-care and everyday maintenance products that let you keep up with the natural snowball you've started rolling!

Harsh ingredients and harsh environments contribute to fading color.  Choosing the proper shampoos, conditioners and UV protective styling products will help prolong the life of your color.  Avoid harsh ingredients  such as sodium lauryl sulfate, and petrochemicals such as propylene glycol and parabens.

The better the health and condition of your locks, the longer your color lasts, the springier your curls and the smoother and glossier your hair will be. Think of it as an investment in your investment. Let your hair feel as good as your conscience!

Natural Beauty is on the move!

There are a number of organic beauty salons growing across the country, where you can discover that your hair can be just as silky and glossy, your skin as vital and fresh, and your cosmetics just as potent and long-lasting, but without the harsh chemicals!

Kassie Kuehl is a respected leader and educator in natural health and beauty care. The founder of Kasia Organic Salon and many result orientated "beautiful health" products, and experts in ammonia free hair color.  Kasia remains on the cutting edge of all-natural, non-toxic, and organic professional hair, skin, and body products and services. To become an Informed Beauty, contact Kassie at 612.386.4044, or visit www.kasiaorganicsalon.com.