How to Transition to Gray Hair Gracefully

The one common thought that has gone through women’s minds when coloring their "gray” hair through the quarantine and beyond is if NOW is the time to just “let it go.”

A transition to gray hair can become a daring fashion accent, a whimsical middle finger to the idea of “anti-aging” and youth … or just a simple statement of confidence—

Gray hair? Don’t care!

Having transitioned many of my clients, I’ve learned its a very personal decision that is done at specific time in their life. I find that if a client is ready to transition and I sense it’s NOT out of being truly ready to embrace their gray, it’s often times, it’s around a big event, trauma, and at times - due to financial restraints.

If you’re on the fence - and before I dig into transitional “tips,” I ask that you dig deep in your heart, and knowing that this is what you want, with confidence -versus out of stress, depression, and feeling defeated.

Alrighty, let’s walk through some fundamentals of hair structure!

Why is Gray Hair Different Than Our Natural Colored Hair?

Growing out gray hair gracefully starts with understanding what makes gray hair different.

Gray hair is just like your normal hair, just without pigment (or melanin) in the hair shaft. This results in hair that has a different texture.

It can feel courser, drier, and thinner at the same time.

This is why many women love having a softer, shinier hair shaft when coloring.

How Long Does It Take for Gray Hair to Grow Out?

On average, hair grows nearly half an inch every month, so about 6 inches every year.

That’s why some stylists recommend a shorter cut to help expedite the gray transformation—it takes much less time to grow out the gray with short hair than long hair.

If you love having long hair, you can start with cutting it shoulder length.

If you're already comfortable with short hair, then you should try a pixie cut!

How Do I Grow Out Gray Hair Gracefully?

Do’s and Don’ts

Whether you started transitioning to gray hair unwillingly due to being in quarantine, finances, or your hair stylist isnt helpful, there are as many ways to go gray as there are hairs on your head.

As you explore different ways to embrace your natural hair and gray roots, think of this journey as spring cleaning, but for your hair.

During your color transition, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:

Do your research – The foundation of a successful gray transition is understanding your natural hair color and face shape.

Gray hair works better with certain hair texture, color and skin tone, and different cuts work for different face shapes. Keep the current season in mind as your summer skin tone will be different than your winter skin tone. Work with your hairstylist to choose a highlight or lowight technique with the cut that will complement each other and your face.

Consider your lifestyle – No matter the style, the best gray look is always a well-maintained one. So find a look that works with your life and habits. If you enjoy your monthly salon appointments, you probably won’t mind starting with gray foiling your hair to blend that requires stretched out - maintenance. But if you prefer to go low-maintenance, strategic haircuts that remove old color off the ends can help you transition to gray without regular salon visits.

Don’t pluck out the gray – Resist the urge! Trust me, I can tell when you’re plucking :) Plucking will eventually lead to thinner hair and can damage the follicle. When the hair grows back out of that follicle, it will appear thinner.

Consider your hair color (quality) – Gray hair is more fragile than naturally pigmented hair. Harsh dyes and chemicals will weaken the strands and make you more prone to hair loss (no, thank you).

Opt for hair color without these ingredients:

Ammonia

Parabens

Resorcinol

PPD

Phthalates

Don’t forget to have fun – The journey to gray hair is an adventure in style, confidence, and beauty.

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10

Cut and Color Methods to Graying Gracefully

Embracing gray hair means enjoying a whole new world of hairstyles. Below are the top ten methods for growing out gray hair :

The Pixie – This classic transition involves cutting your hair in a pixie style, which will allow your hair to grow in gray quickly and naturally.

The Au Natural – Also called the “cold turkey” …. Just let your natural gray hair come in as it will.

Highlights or Lowlights – Have your stylist weave gray highlights into your hair for more even distribution. If you want to ease into going gray, highlights and lowlights can offer a more subtle option.

The Slow Snip-and-Grow – Some women choose to shorten their hair a bit every two months and gradually grow out their grays. By balancing out the dyed parts of your hair with the gray, the shorter hair will make the gray coverage more encompassing over time.

Modern Chic – An in-vogue haircut will balance out the effect of the gray, whether you choose to dye your entire head or just add a few highlights and lowlights.

Play with Parts – This one you can do easily at home—take a look in the mirror and play around with your part. A dramatic pull of hair to one side may show off an alluring sprinkling of gray, or right down the middle may give your look an air of 60’s chic.

Whatever hairstyle best fits your personality, just remember your hair stylist already has a broken heart from not getting to see you at the salon, don't break it even more by dyeing your hair with bad permanent hair color products.

Your Style Guide to Going Gray

Update Your Wardrobe – Take your new hair on a shopping spree and look for clothes with a more modern flare. It will bring vibrancy and vitality to your ensembles, and turn your locks into a chic fashion statement. But don’t forget to wear clothes you feel good in!

Makeup – Depending on your skin tone, your gray hair may wash out your face. A few strategic strokes of a makeup brush can bring out the beauty in your facial features and enhance the drama of your new silvery hair. Be sure to focus on these three areas for maximum wow-factor

Cheeks – When going gray, blush is your best friend. A bit of color on your cheeks can add a rosy glow to your face.

Lips – A fresh glossy pink or a dramatic red lip perfectly complements the cooler tones of gray hair.

Brows – Dark defined brows with gray hair makes a stunning contrast. To achieve this look, make sure your brows are filled in and well-kept (yes, you can pluck gray eyebrow hairs, just make sure there’s plenty left!).

Beautiful Skin – The best accessory to gracefully graying hair? Nourished and rejuvenated skin. Incorporating anti-aging skincare into your daily routine will heighten your distinguished beauty.

Try Evoq’s Organic Skin line combined with some facial exercises to boost the firmness in your skin, decrease fine lines and wrinkles, and give yourself another reason to smile.

Caring for Your Silver Locks

The better you protect and care for your graceful gray hair, the healthier, fuller, and shinier it will look. Try these tips for maintaining your silvery mane:

Deep Conditioner – If you choose to dye your hair to speed up the full-gray effect or if you’re growing your hair out au natural, a deep conditioner is a must.

Pick Hue-Enhancing Shampoos – Certain colors in shampoo can brighten gray shades. The best colors for keeping your gray hair shining? Blue or purple shampoo!

Sources:

Trüeb, Ralph M. “Pharmacologic Interventions in Aging Hair.” Clinical Interventions in Aging, Dove Medical Press, 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2695167/.

Freydkin, Donna. “The Complete Guide to Gray Hair and How to Take Care of It.” Allure, 2018, www.allure.com/story/gray-hair-guide-causes-and-care.

Barrell, Amanda, and Cynthia Cobb. “What to Know about Hair Growth.” Medical News Today, 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326764.

Courtney, Nadine Jolie. “Everything You Need to Know Before You Transition to Gray Hair.” Oprah Magazine, Oprah Magazine, 18 Oct. 2019, www.oprahmag.com/beauty/hair/a28650339/transitioning-gray-hair-color/.

Monselise, Assaf, et al. “What Ages Hair?” International Journal of Women's Dermatology, Elsevier, 16 Feb. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5419032/.

Why to NEVER Use Box Dye. I'm Opening the Kimono Behind Green Washing Hair Color

Tempt you though it may, box color puts both you and your hair health at risk.

There is a reason why I aligned with 100% safe and clean beauty practices within my organic salon over 15 years ago - and it has to do with my client’s health and calling out the greenwashing.

FACT: 1 in every 5 Hair Stylists will suffer a health issue directly related to their job.

Studies have shown Hair Stylists have increased risks of bladder and breast cancers, as well as higher reported cases of respiratory and skin health issues, so it's no secret that Hairdressing is known as one of the most toxic and dangerous career paths.

Compound exposure to toxic chemicals in the salon, like ammonia, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrance (phthalates, benzene, etc), hair color pigments (PPD), and PEGs have adverse effects on the health of skin, hair and body.

Armed with this knowledge, I’m here to share the appropriate steps to reduce the exposure to harmful chemicals for both Hair Stylists and our beloved clients.

As referenced, toxicity wise, hair color studies have proven that chemicals with conventional color lines increase teh risk of bladder cancer, infertility, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and leukemia, allergens, sensitivities, and hair loss.

Now, let’s break down just a few of the differences between box dyes versus professional color.

Box Color = Unpredictable Results

Let’s face it: 9 times out of 10 your hair color will not look like what you see on the box.

Professional color: swells into the hair cuticle (Beauty Ecology uses enzymes versus damaging peroxide) to deposit pure and nontoxic pre-oxidized dyes that are smaller and large color molecules to trap the color better and reducing fading.

Box dyes: Simply stain the proteins on the hair, changing their chemical make up. Sure it may seem shiny the first day, but wait for that color to rinse out with each shampoo leaving a busted cuticle with practically no protein left blowing in the wind.

Developer Chosen Based on Integrity of Your Hair: This is KEY. How would you know what developer to use? The developer determines the levels of deposit and lift. Colorists choose your developer level based on the integrity and strength of YOUR hair.

Forcing Damage: Box dyes only use the strongest hydrogen peroxide making sure it can break through the thickest hair cuticle. This also causes scalp itch, inflammation and long term scalp damage resulting in hair loss.

Box dyes: are like picking 'one size fits all'.’ So when you pick up a Ashy or chocolate brown box to cover your blonde hair, don't be surprised when you get out of the shower with green or red hair. Why? Most advanced colorists know that you have to have all the right “fillers” to fulfill the end results desired.

Professional color: is predictable. When you're ready to go lighter, your stylist will be able to give you a realistic end result because we know the chemical make up of your hair and because we know how many times color has been applied from roots to ends.

Beauty Ecology (Kassandra here) determines the number of foils you will need to get you to your desired blonde results - in a healthy and safe way.

All Over Color Creates Cuticle Degradation. Repetitive application, especially an all-over color- it is refilling the cuticle, breaking down more protein bonds and adding another layer of dye onto your hair. The scalps cuticle porosity is different than the ends, and when you head back to the salon to add highlights because it’s turned dull, off-tone or damaged - the highlights will most likely be bright at the scalp and orange on the bottom.

One Size Does Not Fit All

So, let’s think about this logically.

Box color is formulated so everyone and anyone can use it.

Again, your hair type, condition or color are not even remotely the same to other women. Box dyes are formulated with maximum amounts of pigment and ammonia, so it’s able to work on most people.

Itchy Scalp + Hair Loss + Allergies - This unnecessary overload of ingredients wreak havoc on hair health and increase your likelihood of allergic reactions.

And no, an ammonia-free box color doesn’t mean healthier hair.

Customization is key to achieving your healthiest, happiest color.

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Talk about a transformation. This is a great example of how you can shift your skin tone. 🙌🏼 need I say more?! ☀️☀️☀️#wayzatasalon #organicsslon #blondehair #naturalhighlights 🔥 used @evoqbeauty volume spray and Ant-brass shampoo!💫

A post shared by Beauty Ecology Organic Salon (@beautyecology) on Mar 4, 2020 at 10:39am PST

Dimension? Forget it.

Box color contains just one formula - and a streamlined pigment.

And applying it to your whole head will give you just that—one boring, flat color. Unless your have some pre-existing color or highlights, then you may end up with orange roots, red mids and pink highlights!

Is your head spinning, yet?

If so, hopefully, it’s in the direction to Beauty Ecology Organic Salon and not the box color aisle at Target.

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NICOLE simply rocks this cut. Believe it or not, over the year we've taken off 8 inches from her length, and it's COMPLETELY STUNNING! ⠀ ⠀ Change can be freeing and "style updating" all at the same time and she's pure example. ⠀ ⠀ #haircut organicsalon #haircut #shortcut #wayzatasalon #hairstyle #bangs #salon #banz #fringe #shorthair⠀ ⠀ ⠀

A post shared by Beauty Ecology Organic Salon (@beautyecology) on Dec 21, 2019 at 10:30am PST

Ombre in a box? Blonde? Don't you do it!

Let’s talk about high lighting.

Box dye will come with a 30 to 40 high life peroxide. Depending on what your starting shade is, the reality is you’ll likely need to pre-lighten multiple times before achieving the bright blonde you want to achieve.

We’re talking bleach for a day brings damage for a year, so please don’t do lightening services at home!

Lightening at home is by far the most damaging, risky thing you could do to your hair.

And no, a highlighting cap will not save you from cheetah spots or hair that is breaking off by the time you wash it.

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What’s your back up plan?

That $10 Box Color Won’t Feel That Affordable After a $300 Color Correction.

I Got Ya!

WHEN MINUS MAKES A POSITIVE

Women are now chemically conscious about the amounts of harsh chemicals used in everyday cosmetics and haircare products. Pregnancy, illness and skin sensitivity has also led many consumers to seek out products with a lower chemical compound.

Beauty Ecology was one of the first hair salons to offer professional-grade ammonia, resorcinol and PPD free permanent hair color making it gentle on the hair and scalp.

CLEAN COLOR TECHNOLOGY

As a technical innovator, our formulating chemists look to remove harsh chemicals wherever possible while including natural extracts and active minerals that deliver real benefits.

By reducing their chemical dependence our breakthrough formulas put less stress on hair whilst ultimately improving the hair’s condition.

To bring this thread to a close, I hope you can now see the nuances and level of thought and care stylists consider for YOU behind the chair.

Here are the top 3 ingredients to avoid - at all costs. Ask your stylist about your options, and buyer beware of what the silent substitutes are when shopping the plethora of GREEN WASHING “ammonia free” box dyes at the store.

WHAT ARE THESE CHEMICALS AND HOW CAN THEY BE HARMFUL?

PPD

Paraphenylenediamine is a chemical substance that is widely and traditionally used as a permanent hair dye. People who are highly allergic to PPD have not been able to dye their hair with traditional hair color.

• Known as a possible carcinogen

• Allergies to PPD are common and reactions include dermatitis, reddening and swelling of the scalp and face.

• In some severe allergy cases the eyelids may completely close and can result in contact urticaria and anaphylaxis.

RESORCINOL

Used as a coloring agent and is also commonly found in topical acne treatments.

• Suspected to be an endocrine toxicity hazard

• Suspected to be a human immune system toxicant

• Suspected to be toxic to wildlife and the environment

AMMONIA

A chemical that swells the hair cuticle so that color can be absorbed all the way through the hair.

• Unpleasant odor

• Many people become allergic due to exposure and suffer from itchy scalps and watery/red eyes while getting their hair colored.

My number one priority is to deliver professional results to my valued clients time after time. All Evoq Home Care Professional Grade Suppor products are developed with the critical input of practicing hairdressers and the need of prolonging the client’s color at home.

Contact me if you have any questions about your color or ingredients to watch for.

My PASSION and heart is pouring out to you - women can LOOK and FEEL beautiful with the help of a professional to get you the best results possible - and with your safety in mind.

xo Kassandra

Top 5 Tips How to Avoid a Allergic Reaction to Hair Color

Hey super natural!  

Have you ever wondered if your hair color is safe, void of lurking chemicals?

More like, what woman hasn’t?!

In this short read (or scroll down to the bottom if you’d rather watch), you’ll learn how avoiding just three letters could potentially save your scalp health and your hair.

I’ve been privileged to be a hair color educator and provide hundreds of women with beautiful hair color for over 20 years behind the chair. This means my hands have been deep in a myriad of ingredients that have been nourishing and good - and some not so great (harmful ingredients).   One of these “bad” ingredient is PPD (para-phenylenediamine).

Before natural was cool and organic was chic, I saw the ingredient safety issues around PPD, let alone it was highly allergenic. For this reason, over the last 15 years I’ve sought out the best hair color lines that provide  a PPD Free and Ammonia free for our hundreds of clients at Beauty Ecology.

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Why PPD  a leading concerning ingredient?

PPD is a powerful chemical sensitizer and I’ve seen it cause strong allergic reactions in everyday healthy women from out of nowhere.  

The top symptoms and reactions from PPD  are itchiness. Headaches, redness and irritation and at worst, PPD can also cause a anaphylactic shock reaction.    

Research Studies Share the Risk
University of Southern California study found that women who had colored their hair once a month for fifteen years or more had a 50% higher risk of bladder cancer.

A 2004 study published in the International Journal of Cancer, hair colorists who’d been working with color for more than fifteen years had a five-fold risk of getting bladder cancer compared to the general population.

PPD’s also been linked to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 2008).

Research at the University in Sweden in 2001, suggests PPD might compromise the immune system, setting off rheumatoid arthritis (women who’d colored their hair for 20 years or more had twice the risk of women who had not).

So what are the best ways to avoid a out of the blue” reaction, worse reactions if already experiencing symptoms and overall better hair and inner health?  

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Top Five Tip to Avoid PPD Reactions in Hair Color

1. Wrap it up.   Ask your stylist to remove risk by foiling lowlights to enclose the color and avoiding the scalp contact.

2. Go blonder.   By using blonde shades and “lifting” the hair, you avoid dark tones which contain significantly higher levels of PPD.

3. Go longer between coloring and disguise.  Use a powder to disguise regrowth and use a color conditioner that is PPD free.   

4. Wear hats, avoid chlorinated pools, wash your hair less—all in the service of keeping your color as vibrant and healthy-looking as possible, so you need to re-color less often.

5. Prep with Benadryl.   Hopefully you won’t fall asleep while applying color at home, but just in case, taking a anti-inflammatory supplement or OTC Benadryl will reduce symptoms. If you feel the slightest twinge of an allergic reaction after coloring, get medical help right away ( swelling, dizziness, difficulty breathing.)
   

   Last but not least.
   Always Always Seek out PPD-FREE formulas. The best place to start is to find hair color brands that are void of PPD, or at least very very low. Beauty Ecology is a top referal salon for safe, natural and conditioning hair color.

   - PRESS PLAY & SUBSCRIBE -

Contact our team and let us know if you’d like to benefit from PPD free color today! hello@beautyecology.com

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.

Q & A : Is Kasia Hair Color void of the 22 EU banned chemicals?

Informed Beauty Hair Color Inquiry from a Kasia Client, thank you for your question!

Question:

Curious about the hair color (both permanent and semi-permanent) used at your salon. I recently came across an article listing the 22 chemicals Europe has banned from their hair color products. I know you use ammonia-free, however, I'm curious if your products contain any of the banned chemicals below:

* 6-Methoxy-2,3-Pyridinediamine and its HCl salt

* 2,3-Naphthalenediol

* 2,4-Diaminodiphenylamine

* 2,6-Bis(2-Hydroxyethoxy)-3,5-

Pyridinediamine * 2-Methoxymethyl-p-Aminophenol * 4,5-Diamino-1-Methylpyrazole and its HCl salt * 4,5-Diamino-1-((4-Chlorophenyl)Methyl)-1H-Pyrazole Sulfate * 4-Chloro-2-Aminophenol * 4-Hydroxyindole * 4-Methoxytoluene-2,5-Diamine and its HCl salt * 5-Amino-4-Fluoro-2-Methylphenol Sulfate * N,N-Diethyl-m-Aminophenol * N,N-Dimethyl-2,6-Pyridinediamine and its HCl salt * N-Cyclopentyl-m-Aminophenol * N-(2-Methoxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine and its HCl salt * 2,4-Diamino-5-methylphenetol and its HCl salt Thank You, Amanda

Answer:

Teinture does not contain any of the listed chemicals to be banned in the new EU standard. The product has been marketed in some of the straightest regulated markets in the world in terms of safety, including the EU and Canada.

Email any further questions to kassie@kasiaorganicsalon.com

Protect, shine, and get 'Off the Fritz" with our newest creation!

 Promoting good hair days and getting "Off the Fritz"

96%  Organic   *  Hair Sealer    *    Heat Protection

Enjoy Kasia's version of "Shea Spray"  --  As a #1 products suggestion for all of our  hair color beauties, we've gone the extra mile, got in the lab, and now promote "Off the Fritz" to all our Informed Beaute's healthy locks!

Protect your hair from heat damage, frizz, coloring, and environmental pollution.  Kasia's "Off the Fritz" Sealer is weightless while infusing individual strands with nutrients vital to healthy hair and prolonged color.

Antioxidants and Vitamin B5 protect hair and promote shine. And avocado, shea, and neem, a healing agent, promotes long-lasting hydration and helps seal the cuticle layer to prevent frizz and encourage healthier hair and scalp.

96% ORGANIC, free of petrochemicals, parabens, synthetics, and colors. Ideal for colored hair and suitable for all hair types.  We use simple “beautiful health” ingredients and 100% pure essential oils you can trust with your hair and body and safe for the whole family.

 Key Ingredients in-depth:

Kasia has raised the standard by using  organic Aloe Vera as our product base, most companies use water.  Aloe is rich in over 200 active minerals, vitamins, and nutrients.

Neem oil relieves dry and itchy scalp, dandruff, the symptoms psoriasis, as and gives you silky, shiny, stronger hair while encouraging growth.

Shea provides UV protection, is high in vitamins A & E, and soothes.

Avocado oil fortifies hair and infuses it with nutrients, resulting in stronger, longer hair. Avocados are high in vitamins A, B, C, E and K, protein, fatty acids and amino acids.

Essential Oils Used: Rosemary, Neem, and Rosewood.

Designed to protect, preserve and promote healthy color treated, damaged and every day hair.  Weightless shine, rich antioxidants, environmental and UV protection, anti-humidity, minimizes frizz, thermal protection, control and manageability, seals and protects the hair, and locks in moisture.

Directions: Pray onto clean, wet hair and blow-dry to eliminate frizz, or spray onto dry hair for a quick fix and extra shine.   Avoid eye contact.

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ricinus communis (Castor Seed) Oil, Stearalkonium Chloride, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenoxyethanol, Vegetable Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, dl-Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Oil, Butyrospermun parkii (Shea) Oil, Persea americana (Avocado) Oil, Salix nigra (Black Willow Bark) Extract, Ascophyllum nodosum (Kelp) Extract, Rosmarinus officnalis (Rosemary Oleoresin), Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Essential Oil

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

Whole 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, chemical free, and organic professional hair, skin, and body products and services. To become an Informed Beauty, contact Kassie at 612.386.4044, or visit http://www.kasiaorganicsalon.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kassie_Kuehl

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’