What happens when you turn 40?

When you enter your forties, you might start noticing more wrinkles and fine lines around your eyes, mouth and forehead. On top of that, your complexion may start looking duller. However, if you practice a good skin care routine and care for your skin you can enhance your complexion and diminish the appearance of the signs of aging. Here are some tips to care for your skin during your 40′s and maintain its good health.

Re-evaluate your skin type

As we grow old, our skin ages and looses collagen and elastin fibers. As a result, the skin tends to become dry and saggy. Even if you had normal skin throughout your life, you will start noticing that your skin becomes drier as you age; this is a signal that you need to change your skin care products and use ones that cater to dry skin types.

Upgrade your skin care regimen

Up till now, you may have been practising a regular skin care regimen of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing which was working fine. However, once you enter your forties, you need to re-evaluate your skin and upgrade your skin care regimen to suit the changing needs. Your forties are a time when you start to see the results of how you have treated your skin so far – this will further decide how much you will need to adjust your skin care regimen. If you have always worn sunscreen and practised preventive care, then your skin probably will not show much of a difference. However, if you have been neglecting skin care all these years, you will see wrinkles and fine lines become more prominent as you approach your forties.

Use anti aging skin care products

It is high time to start using anti aging skin care formulations. These skin care products contain specialized ingredients that help soothe the skin and fight against the signs of aging. Look for ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids and retinoids. They not only stimulate the collagen production within the skin cells but also help diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Treat acne

Acne is a common skin concern during the forties because of the hormonal fluctuations that the body goes through. Adult acne is a serious skin concern. Therefore you need to use special acne skin care products that identify the root cause of acne and treat it from the roots.

Go low on make-up and cosmetics

When women hit their forties, they generally end up using heavier make-up in order to camouflage the aging signs and make their skin look radiant. However, this has a detrimental effect on the skin; heavy foundation and excessive compact powder can actually create a cakey impression and highlight the wrinkles and fine lines on your face. Moreover, the harsh chemicals contained in these products may seep into your skin and further degrade the internal tissues. Instead you should use creamy and hydrating skin care products that don’t highlight the age lines but makes the skin appear smooth and supple. Look for ingredients like petrolatum and glycerin in your cosmetics.

Reference: www.cosmaprof.net

SUNSCREENS…The good, the bad and the ugly

 

This article looks at some sunscreen agents commonly in use:

Octyl Methoxycinnamate and other cinnamates cause photo and contact allergy and do not effectively block UVA. We must ask, what is the point of using a sunscreen agent that causes allergy in the presence of sunlight?

Benzophenones/oxybenzone/benzoylmethanes do absorb some UVA radiation but have been found to cause photo/contact allergy and most significantly, they tend to imitate and therefore exacerbate existing skin disease (including acne).

Titanium dioxide effectively blocks out UVA radiation and therefore protects against skin cancer. Although this is also a photon scattering agent (UV reflector), it does absorb UV radiation which produces free radicals in the presence of water. Many manufacturers use different methods to “coat” the particles, making them less reactive.

Salicylates commonly cause photo allergy.

PABA (Paramino benzoic acid) is part of the B group of vitamins. Taken internally, it can help prevent UV damage. Used externally, it causes phototoxicity and sensitisation. PABA generates free radicals when exposed to sunlight, predisposing the skin to cancer. It does not effectively block UVA radiation.  It is banned as a sunscreen agent.

Zinc oxide effectively blocks out UVA radiation, has the benefit of being inert on the skin (it does not absorb UV radiation) and has skin healing properties. It does, however, contain large particles and can form a paste when applied to the skin. The finer the zinc particles, the less visible they are on the skin. Micronized superfine zinc is the best choice for minimizing the “paste-effect” without resorting to nanoparticles.

Iron oxide is found naturally in mineral clays.  Due to the large particle size, iron oxide also acts as a UV reflector and is inert in the sun (does not produce free radicals). Natural mineral clays also contain varying proportions of other UV protectors such as titania.

It must also be noted that this discussion of the active constituents in sunscreens is academic without paying respect to the ingredients in the carrier or base formulation. Do they cause free radical damage themselves and in particular, how well do they stand up to sun exposure?

There are instances of people using sunscreens who have reacted to the excipients (base materials/carriers) included in the formulation, such as preservatives, fragrances and emulsifiers, which have caused contact allergies. So there is cause for concern not only about the active ingredients in sunscreens, but about the inert ingredients as well. Ed note: I don’t know about anyone else but standard sunscreens make my eyes sting and water particularly after swimming in the surf. I worked out that for me, it is probably the product fragrance that is causing this effect. In any case, it has been a long time since I have used a conventional sunscreen as I prefer to stick to zinc oxide based products, including GOOD DAY SUNSHINE Sunscreen from Kasia Organics.

There are a number of base ingredients to look for such as antioxidant vitamins C and E at effective concentrations. Vitamins C and E (tocopherol) are known to protect against skin cancer, particularly when applied topically as they prevent free radical damage from UV radiation. Certified organic shea butter, sesame and avocado oils have natural UV protective qualities, primarily due to their vitamin A and E content. Shea butter also protects against burning (UVB radiation) and is an excellent emollient, softening the skin and preventing the formation of wrinkles. Aloe vera, a plant which has been shown to prevent DNA damage to the skin following sun exposure and its use in treating burns of all descriptions is well-known and an excellent inclusion as a base ingredient. Antioxidant medicinal strength herbal extracts of ginkgo biloba, green tea and pomegranate are also excellent for their ability to protect against DNA damage from UV radiation.

Reference: by Tess Dingle ND

Back to School Specials & Fall Trends Newsletter

Savings at Kasia Sign up for KASIA Beautiful Health News!  And get $20 OFF your first Hair Color, Organic Custom Facial, or $10 off your first 30 minute Infrared Sauna session! Splish * Splash... a close to Summer is fast approaching! Dear kassie, For all our frantic mama's, school will soon be in session, and you are going to need some extra TLC.  I am confident our upcoming specials and events  will bless you! Evolution is a constant at Kasia, take note!  Introducing Chelsea!   Some of you have met Chelsea, our lovely new addition to the Kasia Team.   Chelsea is our newest associate in training, and is well on her way to gaining a wealth of experience and offering our guests the best service for YOU. Our new  associate stylists are enrolled in our Salon Advanced Training Program offering our clients economically priced services from time to time. WIN-WIN! Want to book an appointment?  Our associates will need guests periodically.  Please email Kassie at kassie@kasiaorganicsalon.com.    Please note, appropriate time is needed for these appointments.    Days for Booking: Tuesday & Thursday All color services will be quoted before service is performed.     Back 2 School with Layne!  We know you've been waiting...pushing it off.....so come by Kasia for a new look and to boost your confidence before that stressful first week starts, or simply take a little time away from the kiddo's. Book an Ammonia Free Color and receive your choice of HALF OFF HAIRCUT OR BROW WAX!       Exp: 9/3/11 * Redeemable for NEW Appointments made after of 8/24/11     Patina Construction Update  Patina is getting set, but as to the other business(s) plugging in aside them, we are in the dark.  Here's the recent snapshot! Ready.......set.......FALL FASHION 2011! We come to the final season of this new decade, which means it's the start of bringing our "Informed Beautys" up to speed on Fall Trends!   This season  will go a long way, blending in to define 2012's fashion trends as autumn 2011 is a great time for building your wardrobe and evolving your personal style.  Of course the Kasia Team is here to help! So what's in store for the seasons for men and women? Seventies fashion remains high on the list of carry-over trends, taking with it the likes of flares and wide-leg pants; while on the tough side, biker and punk follow through to the new season. ...."I know, I know...what about hair color?"    To keep the next few newsletters brief, we will be breaking up the trends in two separate emails.  Look for hair color trends next!  For now- have you spoken to your stylist about a plan for fall colors that best suit you and your skin?  Allow our team to help piece together your hair, renewed skin, and makeup with you!!   On the FRINGE You may be wondering, is the bang in or out? The bang never went away, and is still best worn thick, blunt, and long (sweeping the top of the eyes preferably). And it's still best worn in one of the following ways: My favorite is when it's worn with a messy, neo-bohemian, grungy edge with an aura of '70's nonchalance. Put a Wave in your BOB!  With the bob in 2011 being generally longer and softer, it's much easier to pull off a waved style with it. While 40s-inspired pin curls are one option, here's one that's more suited to everyday. A casual, textured, beachy wave. Pixie it UP With another evolution of  short hair  it seems as though it reverts to the same short length that was last popular in 2007. In 2010 it was a haircut all about short sides and a longer fringe, as a 2011 haircut though the pixie crop is short all over. What to wear with the half up braided hairstyle You could wear this double braid hairstyle with a wide variety of clothing styles and looks ranging from the very classic to the modern. It can lean to sporty, tomboy cool if worn with pared makeup. Exaggerate the hairstyle's texture for a look that will create interest and sexy wispy. Probiotics for Inner Health and Outer Beauty Poor bacterial ecology can exacerbate hormonal, digestive and immune imbalances. These imbalances can in turn effect virtually all chronic skin diseases. Dandruff, candida, leaky gut syndrome, allergies, and acne are just some of the skin conditions which may be associated with a lack of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract.   Rosacea and eczema - skin ailments often related to stomach acid and nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, and faulty fatty acid metabolism - may also be exacerbated by low levels of healthy intestinal bacteria. Allergies and skin acting up?    Time for a clean up? Read more about how the health of your gut is a direct reflection of our skin and helpful recommendations HERE! Doctor Office Results.  No Stress Approach Savings on your summer skin repair....   Create change without adding trauma or inflammation to the skin giving you Doctor office results in the comfort of our spa room. It is possible correctly address aging skin today by avoiding plastic surgery or botox.  Experience the journey through U.S.D.A. Certified Organic Masks, Serums & Medical. Heal "accidental sun damage" from the summer, or come in and have a consult on our NEW recent launch Medi Facial Series that is customized just for you!  Learn more HERE! We know you face choices everyday regarding where to spend your time, and at Kasia, we sincerely appreciate you spending it with us.  We never take your trust for granted, and want to earn it everyday.  We take great pleasure in the "Beautiful Health" Beauty service alternatives, and we aim to exceed your expectations! Sincerely, Kassie, Colette, Layne, Mariah, and Chelsea.

Save 15% Save on Good Day Sunshine Sunscreen! Rated on the  Top 10 of the EWG Best Sunscreens ....we have NEVER discounted our exquisite sunscreen, so be sure to grab a bottle on your way out.  This sunscreen is a great facial UV protector year-round and is: Safe for toddlers and children Non-chemical sunscreen Moisturizing and healing properties PABA-free and fragrance-free Light and smooth formulation ideal for daily use and can be applied under makeup Formulated for skin sensitive to traditional sunblocks and post-treatment patients Formulation of  5% zinc and 5% titanium Learn more and/or order here! . Expires September 30, 2011

Ready.......set.......FALL FASHION 2011!

We come to the final season of this new decade, which means it's the start of bringing our "Informed Beautys" up to speed on Fall Trends! 

This season  will go a long way, blending in to define 2012's fashion trends as autumn 2011 is a great time for building your wardrobe and evolving your personal style.  Of course the Kasia Team is here to help!

So what's in store for the seasons for men and women? Seventies fashion remains high on the list of carry-over trends, taking with it the likes of flares and wide-leg pants; while on the tough side, biker and punk follow through to the new season.

...."I know, I know...what about hair?"    To keep the next few newsletters brief, we will be breaking up the trends in two separate emails.  Look for hair color trends next!  For now- have you spoken to your stylist about a plan for fall fashion?  Allow our team to help piece together your hair, renewed skin, and makeup!!

Put a Wave in your BOB!  With the bob in 2011 being generally longer and softer, it's much easier to pull off a waved style with it. While 40s-inspired pin curls are one option, here's one that's more suited to everyday. A casual, textured, beachy wave.

On the FRINGE  You may be wondering, is the bang in or out? The bang never went away, and is still best worn thick, blunt, and long (sweeping the top of the eyes preferably). And it's still best worn in one of the following ways: My favorite is when it's worn with a messy, neo-bohemian, grungy edge with an aura of '70's nonchalance.

Pixie it UP With another evolution of  short hair  it seems as though it reverts to the same short length that was last popular in 2007. In 2010 it was a haircut all about short sides and a longer fringe, as a 2011 haircut though the pixie crop is short all over.

What to wear with the half up braided hairstyle

You could wear this double braid hairstyle with a wide variety of clothing styles and looks ranging from the very classic to the modern.

It can lean to sporty, tomboy cool if worn with pared makeup. Exaggerate the hairstyle's texture for a look that will create interest and sexy wispy.

Contact the Kasia Team today @  612.824.7611  to freshen up your look - '70's nonchalant - sassy or classy!

The Basics of Beautiful Health Nutrients

Beautiful Nutrients™

Eating a nutrient-dense and enzyme-rich diet of living fruits and vegetables, nuts, grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats have proven to have a profound effect on skin, health and disease.

We want to inspire you with the truth that optimum health and beauty can be achieved by the intake of fresh, anti-inflammatory, chemical/toxin-free, enzyme-rich foods that detoxify and rejuvenate the mind, body and skin.

Anti-Inflammatory

Beware of Silent Inflammation–inflammation that falls below the threshold of perceived pain. That's what makes it so dangerous. If this consistent inflammation goes on unknown for years, eventually it erupts into what we call chronic disease.  We are in control–our food choices are critical when it comes to causing and controlling inflammation.

This inflammation may be caused by:

-      Eating a pro-inflammatory diet (i.e., high glycemic carbs)

-      Excess exposure to ultraviolet light

-      Environmental stressors            – Weakened immune system

-      Hormonal changes            – Stress

The most important factor in fighting inflammation is the food you eat every day. Studies have shown that when foods like fruit, vegetables and fish are digested, they produce anti-inflammatory metabolites. In contrast, red meat and dairy produce pro-inflammatory metabolites.

Improve Your Digestion

Contrary to what we have been lead to believe, we are not just what we eat–more importantly we are more about what we can digest and absorb. The health of our digestive tracts is highly integrated in our overall health.

The classic signs that all is not quite as it should be in the area of digestion are often low energy, poor skin, headaches, foggy thinking and food allergies.  This leads to all sorts of other symptoms–from depression to weight gain, to aches and pains to arthritis.

The basic principles of gut health are essentially the principles of good health in general: Eat natural foods, including lots of fiber, hydrate thoroughly, choose low-glycemic carbs, and avoid sugar, white flour, and processed food.

Toxin/Chemical Free

Eating foods grown with chemicals and prepared with synthetic preservatives and additives have shown to create accumulative reactive toxins, resulting in acne, rashes and other problematic skin conditions.

Over a period of time, toxins in the digestive system clog the pores and internal channels that carry moisture and nutrients to the deeper layers of the skin.  Results from this are: aging skin/spots, wrinkles, and dullish look.

Healthy skin depends on reducing the levels of toxins in your body, and the first step to doing this is to take fewer toxins in.

Essential components of what you should eat to reduce inflammation are Omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

Cold-pressed Seed Oils/

Essential Fatty Acids

The most dramatic and positive skin changes come under the influence of an essential fatty acid intake/supplementation.  Dry and sensitive skin affects one in every two women.  An inadequate essential fatty acid intake induces water loss across the epidermis.

Kasia suggests supplementation with revolutionary Immuno-Viva’s Core seed oil, offering both a cold-pressed essential fatty acids and free radical prevention in one!

Did you know?  Topical skincare products address about 20% of your skin’s needs. The other 80% comes from proper nutrition.

Beautiful Nutrient Suggestions

Immuno-Viva’s nutritional supplements help to heal and strengthen cellular membranes and protect cells’ internal structures.  They work synergistically with Kasia Organic Skincare’s topical products to improve the health of skin, hair and nails.

Immuno-Viva Core ™

Immuno-Viva Core’s rich Omega fatty acids and diverse blend of antioxidants help your body fight the aging process from the inside out, and counteract many health problems associated with modern living.

Immuno-Viva Probiotic+ ™                                                        Good health begins with a balanced digestive system. Immuno-Viva Probiotic+ delivers a robust blend of seven probiotics, or "good flora," balancing your system and enabling your body to efficiently absorb the nutrients your skin, hair and nails need to thrive.

Cold-Pressed Oil Synergy of Black Cumin With Other Oils Multi-antioxidants, with addition of black cumin produced by plant seed oil extraction, can yield super-potent antioxidants greater than their weighted averages (synergism). Black caraway adds stability.

Example of Daily Nutrition

Breakfast: Organic/natural yogurt with chopped fresh fruit and nuts OR fresh fruit!

Lunch: A big salad. rich with colorful fresh vegetables, sesame or pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and using lemon juice and herbs for flavor!

Dinner: A hot meal of fresh (organic) fish, chicken or lean meat or a vegetarian alternative made from beans, lentils or tofu.  As a side you can steam vegetables with a small amount of oil and water.

Snacks: Fresh fruits, raw vegetables, raw nuts anddehydrated crackers.

Drinks: At least six glasses of fluids/liquids a day:  water, herbal and fruit, juicing of fresh fruit and vegetable, and once in a while, dairy-free smoothie.

Steer clear of protein bars, high-energy drinks, and starches.  These foods make our hormones and adrenals get out of  balance, and leaves us severely dehydrated. _____________________________________________________

About the Author: Kassie Kuehl, a natural products hair stylist and health coach, and believes that it is important for women pay close attention to the ingredients in their hair, skin, and body care products. Her goal is to help you wake up to the power of the choices you make every day, and how those choices impact your health and well-being.

Kassie has many educational articles and info about her Organic Salon Services at www.KasiaOrganicSalon.com.

Probiotics - Inner Health for Outer Beauty

Probiotic literally means “for life”, and unlike the foreign bacteria which cause illness and infection, probiotics can play an important role in promoting intestinal health. Probiotics are similar to the good bacteria which occur naturally in the digestive tract and can be beneficial in treating a range of ailments, including skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

Healthy intestinal flora is essential for the effective digestion of food. By promoting healthy bacteria, probiotics aid the proper absorption of nutrients and minerals, and help establish a barrier against a variety of harmful bacteria, allergens, free radicals and pollutants.

Poor bacterial ecology can exacerbate hormonal, digestive and immune imbalances. These imbalances can in turn effect virtually all chronic skin diseases. Dandruff, candida, leaky gut syndrome and acne are just some of the skin conditions which may be associated with a lack of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract. Rosacea and eczema - skin ailments often related to stomach acid and nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, and faulty fatty acid metabolism - may also be exacerbated by low levels of healthy intestinal bacteria.

Supplementing your diet with super strain probiotics will help cleanse the digestive tract and promote a clear complexion. Kassie of Kasia Organics Skin Care suggests introducing  Immuno Viva Probiotic + for healthy gut flora, along with a diet rich in living foods, fresh organic fruit and vegetables and plenty water.  These nutrients not only nourish and feed the skin, they also cleanse the intestinal tract, and as your gut becomes healthier, so too will your complexion. A foundation of Salon Kasia and Beautiful Health is directly related to your internal health.

Note: Choose your probiotics supplements carefully. Not all probiotic supplements will have the same qualities.

Kassie Kuehl/Kasia Organic Skin Care

www.kasiaorganicsalon.com

What can you do about Head Lice?

As we approach another school year, it's better to be safe than sorry  when  the school nurse calls you – your child  have been diagnosed with a case of head lice.Once lice are found your children may not be able to return to school until you have a treatment well at hand. Many parents don’t want to expose their children repeatedly to the toxic chemicals found in the over the counter treatments.   We have many mothers call the salon, and we'd like to post some help to find a option that can repel these intruders. One can use in the hair each time before they shampoo and also for something to apply to the hair in between.

The references for essential oils that work against lice both the live bugs and their eggs aka nits suggested using a blend that may include any of the following essential oils: Tea Tree, Lavender, Anise, Cinnamon Leaf, Oregano, Eucalyptus Globulus, Thyme, Cloves and Peppermint.

Other oils that may also work include: Bergamot, Spearmint, Naiouli, Marjoram, Petitgrain, Pennyroyal, Ravensara, Roman chamomile, Eucalyptus Citriodora, Clary sage, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Rosemary, and Ylang-ylang.

Several recipes suggested the use of Tea Tree. As in studies it was found that Tea Tree was able to kill both the adults and penetrate the egg shell and kill the yet un-hatched eggs by itself at about 83-93%. Another essential oil Oregano showed 100% kill of both adults and eggs. Two other essential oils, Anise and Cinnamon leaf, had high kill rates too. Below is a Basic Lice Blend that can be used to help kill and repel these unwelcome hair and scalp guests. Follow the suggestions for a Pre-shampoo treatment, Post-Shampoo, and a Hair Spray to help repel and prevent future infestations.

Basic Lice Blend

Tea Tree – 10 drops Lavender – 10 drops Oregano – 5 drops Peppermint – 5 drops Cinnamon – 5 drops

Blend in an amber bottle. You may want to double or triple this basic recipe to make it easier for use.

Step one Mix 1 ounce of Jojoba with 7-8 drops of the above blend. Massage into and on the hair. Leave in the hair wrapped in a towel for 1-2 hours. Shampoo hair, do not dry.

Step two Mix ¼ cup water with ¼ cup vinegar, add 7-8 drops of the above Basic Lice blend. Shake well, then rinse the hair with this. Do NOT rinse with water. Comb the hair out thoroughly using a ‘nit’ comb (available at most pharmacy’s). Rinse or wipe the comb to remove debris, dead lice and nits between combing strokes. The vinegar helps to remove the glue that holds the eggs to the hair shafts. After combing thoroughly, let the hair dry.

Step three The day after the shampoo, rinse and combing - Spray on the following - To 8 ounces of our Body spray OR distilled water add 10 drops of the basic lice blend. Spray on the hair once daily between shampooing. If desired increase the Lavender to make the blend more pleasant for use as a hair spray. A light spray misting is all that is necessary.

If necessary repeat Steps One and Two every 5 – 7 days for up to 2 weeks. You can continue Step Three as long as desired as this should help to keep the lice away. If irritation develops discontinue use.

Lice biology

• The life cycle of the louse is about 4 weeks. Approximately 8 days are spent in the egg stage, which is the hardest stage to kill. The eggs then hatch into tiny lice (first instar nymphs), then into second and third instars and finally into adults. Female lice are larger than males.
• Lice eggs are opaque. If they are clear, it means the lice have already hatched out.
• Healthy lice and eggs are found only within 1 cm of the scalp. They are transmitted by head-to-head contact, not by combs, brushes or furniture, and neither do they live in school buildings or home carpets.
• Head lice are not a sign of bad hygiene. They prefer clean hair to dirty hair.

Control

• It may take several months for a person to become sensitised to the presence of lice, so when treating the affected person it is also important to check all people who have been in close contact with the person during that time. Look at the roots of the hair for lice, eggs, lice faeces (black specks) and cast skins. Faeces and skins may also be found on pillows of the affected person.
• Treat only those people who show signs of lice.
• Make sure that enough of the treatment product is used, and follow the instructions as to how long to keep it on the hair. Do not leave it on for less than the suggested time.
• Shampoos in general will not kill lice as the solution is too weak by the time the extra water needed for hair-washing has been added. This applies to both conventional lice shampoos and those containing essential oils. It is much better to use an aqueous or alcoholic lotion or a conditioner base.
• Comb the hair well afterwards to remove dead and dying lice.
• Repeat the treatment after a week, unless told otherwise.
• If the protocol states that the procedure should be repeated every 2 days, or even more often, this implies that the treatment is not effective on lice eggs.

Reference:   Birch Hill Happenings Aromatherapy, LLC

Are there Dangerous Ingredients in your Hair Color?

  As an independent hair stylist, I started using Ammonia Free Color almost 4 years ago when the alternatives was just hitting the market.  With a apprehensive  doubt at that time from both industry and clientele, Ammonia Free Color is now becoming the "norm" on the shelf and in salons.   I have spoken in many previous articles about the "green marketing" of hiding MEA, and other toxic substitutes, and how one always needs to be aware of what you are investing in, especially if you have allergies.

Regardless of whether you decide to dye your hair by yourself or have it done professionally at a salon, you may be doing your hair – and your health – more harm than good.     A large amount of hair dyes contain toxic chemicals and ingredients that can break down your hair follicles, irritate the scalp, and even cause a slew of health problems including allergies or cancer.  It’s important to learn about the extent of damage these ingredients can cause, especially if you color your hair on a regular basis.

Kasia stylists are experts in Ammonia Free Color, and are happy to create an alternative option.    Consider the following facts before your next hair coloring session:

Potentially Harmful Ingredients in Hair Color

Some of the most commonly found ingredients in hair color that can be dangerous to your health or just damaging to your hair include:

Resorcinol: A toxic compound commonly found in many drugstore hair colors and products used in professional hair salons.

Para phenylene diamine (PPD): PPD is a potent allergen and highly suspected carcinogen that may be linked to several health problems, including cancer. Studies by COLIPHA, the European cosmetic regulatory body, have confirmed that PPD causes bladder cancer.

Ammonia: Commonly used to lift the color out of the hair, ammonia is very damaging to the hair and scalp, and over time, can make it difficult for your hair to retain any type of color. This alkaline compound is used as a catalyst when using hydrogen peroxide, but tends to separate the cuticle of the hair.

Any hair color without ammonia most commonly contains MEA ( mono-ethanolamine ). MEA is effective at performing the first step of a color application – it OPENS the cuticle. However, because the MEA molecule is 3.5 times larger than ammonia, it cannot penetrate the hair as effectively.  When depositing the artificial hair color deep into the strand. 3.5 times bigger in a molecule is more than enough to render it not NEARLY as effective. Covering gray will not be nearly as long lasting, sufficient lightening {required to produce amazing blond and red shades} will just not be there.  Having tried MEA in a few hair color, it does not fully  rinse out of the hair, which can lead to progressive darkening and dulling.

Alternative Options to Harmful Ingredients in Hair Color

Take the extra step in protecting your hair and your health and consider making the switch to natural, plant-based dyes, essential fatty acid technology, and nourishing  botanical ingredients and extracts so that your hair retains its essential compounds, looks and feels stronger, with longer lasting results.

What does Kasia Organic Salon use?  

Mastey De Paris, a family business in Valencia, Calif.,  offers zero-ammonia permanent hair dye.  It “gently opens” the hair shaft with a proprietary amino-acid based alkaline agent, so there’s no MEA, either, said Erick Calderon, the vice president for business development..........

“In time, women will go into a salon and ask, ‘What color do you use? Does it have ammonia?’ ”

Contact Kasia Salon today and receive $20 OFF your first hair color!