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! 

The Cocktail of a Chemical: Informed Beauty Guide.

We tend to forget that the skin is the largest organ of the body,and every day we apply a chemical cocktail of substances in ignorant bliss, there is continual studies suggesting that up to 60% of anything applied topically can be absorbed into our bodies. As the average woman uses up to 10-14 different skincare and cosmetic products each day, this calculates a high level of different chemicals each year seeping into our systems.

So why does this matter?

With many of the synthetic ingredients used in everyday skin care being potentially toxic to humans, you may like to reconsider some of the following:

Petrochemical derived ingredients (such as mineral oil) are extensively used in skin care as they help prevent water loss. While this may seem beneficial, they actually prevent the skin from breathing by forming an occlusive barrier, disrupting the skins normal functioning.

Parabens (a common preservative) have demonstrated oestrogen mimicking activity which disrupts the body's normal hormonal balance. In addition, parabens have also been shown to cause abnormalities in cell reproduction, an issue also associated with cancerous cells.

Sodium Laurel Sulphate (SLS) (a foaming agent) used in toothpaste, shampoo and foaming cleansers. Numerous trials showed that SLS can increase transdermal water loss causing the skin to become dehydrated and cause skin irritation.

Phthalates are a group of synthetic chemicals that are used in the production of various substances such as plastics, beauty products and artificial fragrances. Phthalates can interfere with reproductive tissues in both men and women leading to issues such as infertility and birth defects. Specifically it targets the testes in men and breast tissue in women.

Parfum and synthetic fragrances are the most common cause of adverse skin reactions. Propylene glycol is implicated in contact dermatitis, kidney damage and liver abnormalities. It also damages cell membranes causing rashes, dry skin and surface damage.

Finding safe and natural products can often be confusing - at Kasia Organic Salon, we have removed any guessing game from your "Beautiful Health" hair, skin, and service needs.

Ultimately, what you use on your hair or skin is an individual choice, and issues such as skincare goals, sensitivities or allergies, and personal values need to be taken into consideration. If you do choose to avoid ingredients such as those above the best way to do so is by reading product labels and making an informed decision. But if reading packages is not your style, it's usually safe to say that organic ingredients are best.

Kasia Organic Salon continues to launch options that are safe for you and your family.  Drop us a line or stop in for a consultation and learn more about our Ammonia Free Hair Color, Smoothing treatments, Medical Grade Facials, and more! 

Article Source: Ananda Mahoney

Full and Center Trend in Kim Kardashian's Bun!

  Minnesota's native Kris Humphries new love, Kim Kardashian has been highly noticed around the Eden Prairie Costco and Twin Games as she warms up to her soon to be hubby's stomping ground.  She is definitely known for her thick and rich hair, and if you notice she usually wears down with a center part.  Looking forward to her wedding "doo" - do you think it will be up or down, center part or side?

"Ok, this blog is far from idolizing Kim, but it is to pull  the current trend in hair right now.  Did you catch it? 

Center Parts and Buns!    Use these tips:

• Prep your towel dried hair prior to washing and conditioning with Hamadi Shea Leave in Cream or Kasia Restore Oil.
• Using a larger bristle round brush, blow dry the hair making sure to elevate the sections above the part for root volume.   Use  Onesta's  Volumizing Mousse on the roots if your is extra thick or dense.
• Using a larger barrel curling iron, take larger vertical sections and slightly twist them. Start the curl near the root for lift and then roll the section horizontally making sure the ends are wrapped all the way into the curling iron.
• Allow the curls to cool and separate lightly  with a  comb.
• Spray with Simply Organic Hair Spray for a finish

Buns are quick and easy as it only takes a hairband and a few bobby or hairpins to secure. This type of style is fabulous for summer wedding hair or a simply solution to a casual maxi dress: bonus: it accentuates the bare neck, decollete and shoulders. Center parts are great because its a fast fix to elongate the face shape and in some cases it can visually accentuate hair length as well.

Photo Credit: Emerson Salon

Stop the Split End Manifesto!

  Whether you are growing your locks out or maintaining your recent professional cut from Kasia, there's no hair enemy as fierce as the dreaded split end!

The Kasia Hair Team can agree that the number one complaint of clients when coming in for a cut are their frazzled ends.  Old or young, chemically treated strands or your savaged natural hue, you stand at risk of experiencing this science.

"Split ends occur when the outer protective layer of the hair cuticle wears away because of external stressors such as heat styling, excessive pony tails, environmental stressors and chemically derived products that break the hair down over time,” explains Kassie, owner and stylist at Kasia Organic Salon.

There is no return back once the internal structure of the hair is exposed, it becomes weak, thirsty and damaged, resulting in split ends,” says Kassie.

The Way

While there is one road to ridding your luscious locks beaten up ends in having them snipped off, there are several ways to nurture your noggin’  between salon appointments to improve the look of damage and prevent more splits from occurring.

Condition and spread: Apply Kasia Weighless Conditioner or Restore Hair Oil Treatment in the shower, slowly run a wide-tooth comb through hair until all the tangles are out. This prevents the harsh pressure and breakage that results from trying to brush out hair that is roughed up from a towel-dry.

Mind your heat tools: The cheap blow-dryer or half off flat iron that barely heats up may be a tempting snatch, but inexpensive tools tend to dangerously overheat over time and burn ends into splits.  Do your homework and  use a brand recommended by a pro.

Be gentle: Treat your hair as a well-worth asset!  Just like the new suite you purchased, it will last longer and look better as you present yourself to the world

Use as natural and non-chemcially derived products as possible to achieve a long term health and shine to your locks.

Get your Omega’s, Protein, folic acid and biotin:  Nutrients literally build the proteins that make up your hair strands. B vitamins folic acid and biotin of  in particular,  have been shown to supplement hair health, length and thickness.

Folic acid helps the production of red blood cells, which powers the growth of hair. Foods rich in folic acid include green leafy veggies, oranges, soybeans and wheat. Biotin strengthens both hair and nails through its metabolism of fats, carbs and proteins. Brown rice, lentils, peas, sunflower seeds, walnuts and soybeans are all rich in biotin.

Antioxidants give you the anti aging protection against the diseases and help slow down the aging process of your skin, cells, tissues and organs. The main antioxidants found in food include vitamins A, C and E, the minerals selenium and zinc and all of the phytonutrient carotenoids.  Antioxidants keep free radicals from ravaging your body and stealing the life from your cells.

Critics used to claim there was no evidence that topically based products affected skin aging. Over the years, a remarkable number of published studies have proven these skeptics wrong! Science clearly substantiates the role that free radicals play in causing skin aging and the fact that topically applied antioxidants confer significant protection and can even partially reverse some aspects of skin aging. Indeed, various animal and human studies have proven that low molecular weight antioxidants, especially vitamins C and E, as well as alpha-lipoic acid exert protective effects against free radical damage (oxidative stress) (Podda et al. 2001).

Essential Fatty Acids offer anti aging benefits to dry skin, hair, and nails.   EFA’s will give your body the nutrients it needs for smooth, glowing skin and healthy hair and is even known to help balance hormones.

Fatty Acid (Omega 3) anti-aging benefits and reduction may be directly linked to cell inflammation. They help to keep the cells healthy and reduce the inflammation that may occur in the cell when omega 6 levels are too high.

Use leave-in conditioner or treatment oil: A leave-in conditioner will add extra protection that stays on strands as you heat and style your hair. Consider Kasia Restore Hair Oil Treatment, which you apply after every wash on towel-dried hair for best results.

Sunflower oil (comprised in Kasia Restore Hair Oil) contains fatty acids and are essential to hair health and effective in preventing hair loss from male and female pattern baldness and alopecia areata.

Lastly, get regular cuts: As stated, a good cut is the only way to fully get rid of split ends, regular trims provides the best protection against them. The longer you wait, the greater your split ends will make way up the shaft. It might sound oxy-moronic, but hair that remains the healthiest are those that receive frequent trims.  Especially if you're trying to grow longer, healthier hair.  The Kasia Organic Salon Hair Team suggests  getting a cut or trim at least every six to eight weeks.

Essential Nutrients for your hair and skin with antioxidants, cold pressed oils and fatty acids 

Kasia Organic Salon provides beautifying services with a side of environmental awareness. Put your eco-conscience and its cranial encasement at ease during your services at Kasia.

The former nurtures noggins with customized blends of essential oils, repairing damaged follicles while helping to prevent dandruff, some hair loss, and scalp irritation.

With the health of your head restored, a skilled scissor shaman will get to work on the style.  We are devoted to designing looks that let each client's personality shine through, so whether you are fun and flirty, serious and sophisticated, or enraged and enamored, you'll leave the salon with a 'do' to match your personality.

How to tame your inner-FRIZZ!

I hope you are enjoying your summer!   As you know, this is the season that the inner-frizz comes out to play therefore enjoy our Beautiful Health Hair TIP below! 

Why does this happen to our lovely locks?

When the hair shaft has a lack of moisture on the "inner court," those little hairs start  looking for moisture in the atmosphere and end result,  drifting away from the long hairs.

Example:

When it rains, the extra moisture in the air means extra frizz… little hairs are coming out to do the rain dance.   The H2O is good for them, but the frizz coming out to play is annoying for you, the owner.

What's the key?

When you are looking to control frizz, you need a supple amount of  MOISTURE in the interior of the hair shaft. When hair has enough interior moisture it stops trying to pull water from the outside air.

Recommendation for the Informed Beaute'

Kasia Restore Hair Serum is a top seller at Kasia. Our clients love it due to it's purity of cold pressed Organic oils, as well as it's effects of long term moisture control and restructuring the health of the hair. We created  Kasia Restore  Serum to smooth away frizzy hair without any silicone, which causes  irritation and sensitivity as well as  build up over time becoming very difficult to remove.

We absolutely love what Shea Leave In Hair Cream.   It is ver versatile and enhances waves and curls, tames frizz, or may be used as a straightener for thick hair.  With a fantastic citrusy aroma of exotic verbena, lemon, lemongrass & palmarosa essential oils.

A Mid-Summer's Perfect Look!

We’re so excited to share with you how to stay gorgeous in this hot, humid weather with the

Kasia Mid-Summer's Perfect Look!

Of course you know "Infromed Beaute'" -- that if this look is coming from us it’s going to be easy and 'clean of toxies' - and to enhance your natural beauty!

Here is what you need:

Pureoderant -- most effective natural deodorant on the market, has you covered in the heat!

Good Day Sunshine Sunscreen -- protect mamma' to baby from the high summer sun!

Vision of Sunset La Bella Donna Bronzer -- apply this amazing bronzer  to use on décolletage, cheek, and face.

Kasia Cherry n'  Lemon Lip Balm with SPF -- this natural and moisturizing lip balm tastes and feels  amazing!

Kasia enMoist Moisturizer- adds nutrients to face, lips and cheeks, super important with sun exposure.

John Masters Organic Sea Spray -- make everyday hair look like a day at the beach.  Throw in  a little Kasia Dry Shampoo to prolong the pool-side memories!

Restore Hair Oil and Finishing Treatment --  we bring this in your beach bag and put it on your hair or hands at the beach  to tame the frazzled hair or dry "over-done" sun-kissed spots to soothe!

Inner-Beauty

We know that a clean and healthy diet influences our hair and skin's  natural glow.  "Must not forget Informed Beaute', missing links that comes not only from what you put on your skin, but also from what you’re putting in your body.

Here is a quick nutrient tip to incorporate into your diet and your summer essence will sparkle!

Aloe

Aloe is amazing for the skin.  Aloe is present in most Kasia Skin Care products to reduce inflammation, and this does the same thing internally, especially when it is ingested. Aloe cleanses cells and the blood stream providing total detoxification to the body. As noted, it reduces inflammation and provides collagen and elastin repair. Fresh, raw aloe juice can be found in high quality juice bars and health food stores.   Drink it straight up or throw it in your blender, Viola'!

In particular Aloe Vera can be used to influence internally:

1. Diabetes
2. High Cholesterol
3. High Blood Pressure
4. Constipation
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
6. Ulcerative Colitis
7. Hepatitis
8. Stomach Ulcers
9. Viral and Fungal Infections

Are we missing something? Tell us about your favorite summertime Kasia beauty products!  Remember to lotion up with Good Day Sunshine Beaute's!

Audrey Hepburn Inspiration. Stunning Before and After Photo!

I absolutley LOVE Lori's BEFORE and AFTER picture.  We were incredibly inspired by (my favorite celeb) Audrey Hepburn.

Classy, focussed and stunning!

This shows how to play with shape on a face to pull out one's natural features.

Do not hide behind your hair ladies!

Contact us today at Kasia Organic Salon to emphasize your Color, Cut and over-all  presence of YOU today!

#. 612 824 7611

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