Got Dandruff? Kasia Tips For a Healthy Scalp

The secret to healthy hair is a healthy scalp...

 

 Say goodbye to dandruff and hello to a healthy

scalp and hair with these great tips.

As a veteran hair stylist, I've seen my fair share of scalps.  I always remind our guests at Kasia Organic Salon that you do not want to "over wash/strip" your hair by cleansing too often - but to remember the scalp is still skin and it needs to be cleansed, exfoliated and toned just like the skin on the rest of your body in order to be healthy.

The most important step  of a healthy scalp is in the scrubba-dub-dub!   If you neglected your face/body every day, the grime would build up.  Same is true for the scalp/hair.  Another big default of under stimulated and un-cleansed hair is an increased risk of hair loss. Yikes - grab your pooo!

WHAT IS DANDRUFF?

Dandruff occurs when there is an increase in cellular turnover and is essentially a build-up of dead skin cells on your scalp. The probability of dandruff is increased when the skins secretions ( like sebum (oil) and sweat) speeds up, a stress response is triggered or by using inefficient products.  Keep in mind -skin shedding is always in motion,  but you usually don’t notice it on your body as it’s rubbed off on your clothes throughout the day or removed when you bathe.

It is only natural that you   will notice these cells on your scalp when they’re allowed to accumulate.  Dandruff can also be created from certain bacteria reactions on the scalp as well.

Got the Dandruff Itch?   

Associated itching and irritation are caused by an over-growth of bacteria, and often, the pressure of the flakes on the nerve endings in the hair follicles.

Daily Dandruff Defense

Shampoo daily or every other/third day. Make sure you are using SLS FREE shampoo's that are non- stripping and create nourishment while you cleanse.   Kasia's Spicy Citrus Shampoo removes dead skin cells, promotes healthy scalp flora by using gentle surfactants and  gives a euphoric experience with efficient essential oils that bring stimulation, anti-bacterial effects, and pH balance to the hair and scalp.

Be Wary of Dairy. Dairy products can worsen dandruff, so try avoiding these if you’re having a flare-up. Add soy or almond milk to your morning coffee(s).

Drink Sensibly. Alcohol can dehydrate your scalp. However, white wine and champagne in particular can irritate flaky/itchy scalps. Sorry!

Don’t Add Oil. Contrary to popular belief dandruff is oily, not dry. Don’t rub in oil to remove it – you will just get greasier flakes.

Stress Less. You may have noticed that when you’re irritable, your scalp follows suit! Try to relax – stress can trigger dandruff.

TOP TIPS FOR A HEALTHY SCALP

Remove the Goo.  At Kasia, we use a "chelation" treatment formula that lifts hard water, build up, and debris from the hair.  It does not STRIP the hair, which is very important.  Be careful of "stripping" products when searching for build up/hard water removals.

Use The Right Shampoo. Each hair is attached to a sebaceous (oil) gland.  Fine hair  tends to get oiler quickly at the roots. Match your shampoo to your hair type to fit your scalp and hair’s specific cleansing needs.

Conditioning Lightly and Correctly. Many women skip conditioner all together because it "makes their scalp greasy."   Do not apply your conditioner too close to your scalp. Concentrate on the mid-length and ends of your hair, where moisture is needed most.

Dry Shampoo!  Kasia's Revive Dry Shampoo allows the scalp to breath while helping soak up oil secretion, allowing you to make your wash last a day or two longer.  Our dry shampoo has no fillers, scents, or  parabens included, therefore it does not feel tacky on the scalp.

Stay Hydrated. Your scalp is more prone to dehydration than any other area of skin

Inside - Out Hair Health 

• Avoid all gluten and grains, including wheat, rice, corn, quinoa, buckwheat, barley, spelt, and oats.
• Avoid all seed and industrial oils, including canola, soy, and corn.
• Avoid dairy, including milk, cream, half-and-half, cheese, and yogurt.
• Avoid all processed and packaged foods.
• Avoid all added sugars and artificial sweeteners.
• Eat protein, vegetables, fruits, and fats to satisfaction.

Contact the Kasia team for any further questions for hair and scalp health, as well as at-home product suggestions that will help put your scalp back into balance.

# 612. 824. 7611    Kassie@kasiaorganicsalon.com

Reference:  Dr Kingsley

Easy 16 Ways To Detox Every Day

Guest Post:  BY MICHELE CONIGLIARO

We’re all human. We partake in the occasional (or more frequent) indulgences life has to offer. Even as a practicing health-fanatic-vegetarian-yogi, I can’t imagine my life without my favorite glass(es) of red wine and dessert! Daily detox measures help counteract the less healthy items we put in our body, as well as the environmental factors for which we have little control.

Instead of relying on intense, short-lived detoxes, begin incorporating these steps to detox your body EVERY SINGLE DAY of your life.

1. Drink hot lemon water.

Kick-start the detoxing process first thing in the morning by drinking a cup of warm water with lemon and cayenne.

2. Have a fresh cold-pressed juice

Do it on an empty stomach, which allows your body to absorb the nutrients more quickly. My go-to detox elixir: lemon, kale, spinach, spirulina, and ginger – the more greens, the better!

3. Sip a detox tea. 

Sip a few cups of detoxifying tea blends throughout the day. Look for ingredients such as dandelion root, ginger, burdock and licorice root.

4. Add apple cider vinegar. 

Along with a host of other benefits, apple cider vinegar alkalizes the body and helps detox the liver. Buy the raw, unfiltered and organic variety.

5. Eat detoxing foods and supplements.

The liver and kidneys serve as the body’s filtration system, and thus are integral to overall health and cleansing. Incorporate the following to aid in continual kidney and liver cleansing: parsley, cilantro, dandelion root, licorice root, cayenne, turmeric, red pepper, garlic, lemon, lime, grapefruit, sea vegetables (seaweed salad, nori, dulse), artichokes, beets, cruciferous vegetables, wheatgrass, spirulina, chlorella and milk thistle.

6. Eat clean.

Incorporate fiber into your diet to keep the elimination process flowing. Limit or avoid high-mercury fish such as swordfish, tuna, mackerel, shark, marlin and grouper. General rule to follow: larger fish typically have higher levels of mercury. Avoid refined sugars, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine and non-organic fruits and veggies.

7. Sweat.

Sweating is crucial for expelling toxins. Use an infrared sauna, which assists in removing heavy metal toxins stored in fat tissues. Take a Bikram yoga class — or any yoga class! Exercise with extra layers to help increase body temperature and perspiration.

8. Invert.

Scientifically shown to help the cardiovascular, lymphatic, endocrine and nervous systems, inversions reverse the flow of gravity, stimulate the lymphatic system, and aid in blood purification. Traditional inversions include:

• Shoulder stand
• Headstand or handstand
• Legs propped up against a wall

9. Jump.

Rebounding is great for stimulating the lymphatic system and increasing circulation. Small, portable trampolines are a quick and easy way to build jumping into your daily routine.

10. Eliminate.

Elimination seemed appropriate for the “Move” category! Further cleanse your colon by taking daily fiber supplements, probiotics, digestive enzymes, and incorporating colon cleanses such as colonics or enemas.

11. Dry body brush.

Before showering, dry brush your body head-to-toe, using long strides toward the heart. This activates the lymphatic system, stimulates blood circulation, and enhances toxin elimination through our body’s largest organ — the skin!

12. Tongue scrape.

Yes, it sounds funny, but this quickly cleans the tongue of accumulated bacteria and toxic debris from the night before. Think of it as giving your body an extra assist in the detox process, while also achieving better breath! I promise you’ll be hooked.

13. Try hydrotherapy.

Hydrotherapy encompasses a large range of approaches and methods. An easy way to incorporate hydrotherapy daily is by alternating between hot and cold water every 30 seconds in the shower. Cold water stimulates, causing blood vessels to constrict, while hot water relaxes and causes blood vessels to dilate. This alternation of hot and cold water improves elimination, decreases inflammation, removes wastes from tissues, and stimulates circulation.

14. Detox bath.

I have a magical detox bath formula resulting from many years of research and testing. And, yes, I’m sharing it with you! Take one every week to cleanse from the outside in.

• Dead sea salts / Epsom salts (2 cups): draw toxins out through the skin
• Baking Soda (2 cups): naturally alkalizing substance helps remove toxins
• Fresh ground ginger (1 tbsp): heats-up body temperature, encouraging perspiration
• Therapeutic-grade essential oils (4 drops each): Geranium, eucalyptus and juniper berry possess powerful agents aiding in detoxification.

15. Get massages.

This deserves two exclamation points. Massages increase circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system and remove toxic build-up. They also feel pretty good.

16. Make your home healthy.

Introduce plants to your home (peace lilies, ferns and palms are great natural air filters), change A/C filters regularly, avoid harsh household chemicals, install chlorine filters, introduce an air purifier, and consider a reverse-osmosis water system.

Michele is a certified yoga instructor (200 RYT), member of Yoga Alliance and teaches Detox and Vinyasa flow classes at Green Monkey in Miami, FL. By day, she works as a Sr. Marketing Strategist Anthropologist at SapientNitro a global interactive marketing, creative design, & technology agency. Michele is finishing her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in psychology and anthropology at the University of Miami. The perpetual hobbyist, she is obsessed with healthy living, detox techniques, philosophy, anthropology, psychology, art and classic literature. On a more personal note, Michele is a spiritual-seeker, humanist, dedicated yogi, practicing vegetarian, and rainy-day appreciator.

Anti-Aging with Ultrasound Facial Lifting

Get deep exfoliation that results in glowing and youthful-looking skin.

To lift and tighten the skin, more invasive treatments are often required.  We've all witnessed the gal's on the street with the youthful "SHINE" beaming off their face.  we think to ourself...."what procedure?...what products?...where does she go?"

At Kasia we use highly active ingredients that promise delivery and results.  We administer medical grade peels that are better for aging skin, as well as more efficient long term.  Stripping the skin quickly and abrasively has consequences.

 Book an Organic Facial and add-on Ultrasound Therapy!

Facial Rejuvenation & Ultrasound Exfoliation

This noninvasive rejuvenating treatment is used in our Organic Facial Services.  This modality is safe, effective, affordable, and relaxing.

What is it?  

It’s an exciting yet simple and powerfully effective tool to rejuvenate your skin. Ultrasound has been widely used around the world in medical applications and is now available for state of the art skincare treatments. Ultrasound uses the cutting-edge technology of very high speed, low-frequency sound waves that radiate invisible micro vibrations deep within cells, helping stimulate the skin’s natural repair mechanisms in distinct ways.

What does that mean for you? 

In short, it means Ultrasound is superior at cleansing, exfoliating, product infusion and lifting & firming your skin...all without using chemicals, dangerous acids or other harsh abrasives.

An Ultrasonic Facial is gentle, non-invasive, safe and suitable for all skin types, from Rosacea/Sensitive to Acne to Mature skins. The most sensitive skin will benefit.

The Microdermabrasion Alternative!  It uses no crystals, salts or chemicals, making it the perfect, gentle alternative for sensitive skin or for anyone who needs superficial resurfacing for common photo-aging skin damage.

What are the Benefits? Benefits include Deep Skin Cleansing, exfoliation, better product absorption, toning properties, and skin clarity treatments. This treatment is anti-aging and clearing for acneic skin resulting in a smoother, softer surface of the skin.

The ultra-benefits in detail:  

• Improves appearance of Acne
• Removes Blackheads
• Diminishes Fine Lines and Wrinkles
• Improves Collagen and Elastin production for Firming and Tightening
• Allows for Deeper Penetration of Skin Care Product
• Deeply cleans the skin and inside the pores
• Removes wrinkles around eyes
• Promotes skin tone
• Hastens elastin and collagen production
• Rapids the metabolic processes into the skin cells
• Helps cosmetic products better penetrate into the skin

Safe for all skin types including acne , rosacea, sensitive skin, aging skin !

 

Organic Skin Care Goes Beyond Pampering:

It’s a Necessity for Your Wellbeing

Will this cleanser deeply clean away the years?

Will this cleanser wash away the years?

YES!  Our *NEW* Renew AHA + Vitamin C Exfoliating Cleanser deeply cleanses and renews the vitality of your skin. The key active ingredients "weaken" the binding properties of dead cells and peel these cells away to reveal newer more elastic cells.

How it works: 

Resurface + Cleanse:

• Contains 5% Alpha-hydroxy Acid (AHA) to gently exfoliate
• Soap-free formula
• Citrus extracts and multi-fruit acids refine and brighten
• Willow Bark: (nature's salicylic acid) has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial elements
• Also doubles as a pore-refining antioxidant mask

Glow:

• Algae Extract: a regenerative sea mineral that provides a radiant glow
• Red Tea: a high-powered antioxidant that combats free radical damage and accelerated aging
• Gotu Kola: reduces redness, inflammation and promotes healing
• Neem: anti-aging botanical that reduces inflammation and offers cellular protect

  

Moisturize:

• Aloe: soothes and hydrates delicate skin
• Green Tea: provides anti-oxidant protection
• Apricot Oil and Shea Butter moisturize and soften

Learn more or purchase RENEW HERE!

Get Past Your Cravings: What Your Body Really Needs

Inflammation and an unbalanced biochemistry are critical to treat In order to keep your skin clear and glowing.  Inside-out, this is first accomplished  through  maintaining a healthy diet. As a quick refresher, the top foods that you want to avoid for the sake of your skin are:

1. Sugar
2. Dairy
3. White flour

While most of us know that it’s important to eat well, not just for the sake of our skin but for our general health, it becomes very difficult when cravings take over.   When we think we’re craving something bad, our body is really craving something else – typically nutrients that we are not getting from our diets.

The chart below is a helpful source in helping you to decode and get past your cravings.

For example:

DONT: When I am craving a cupcake

DO: Eat a  serving of fruit such as berries or grapes  and a hard boiled egg.

Suggestion :  print this table and keep it with you so that you have it nearby in times of need.

DIY Kale Chips: Easy and Delicious Healthy Skin Snack!

"Oooh ooh, I just have to share a recent favorite snack!"  Kale Chips!!!!!

They can be homemade or purchased at the store.  if you’ve never made these before, it's quite easy.   Yup, the entire process takes less than 15 minutes!   Affordable and quick!

Tip:  I like to add all sorts of seasonings and cold pressed oils to my kale chips. Experiment!

Kale is an excellent source of phytonutrients as well as Vitamins A, C, and K, and calcium, which represent some of the requisite nutrients for skin health. Kale is also one of the richest sources of lutein and contains beta- carotene, which improves skin elasticity and firmness.

The 7 Most Common Symptoms of Low Thyroid Function

While a healthy thyroid helps support hair growth, thyroid imbalances can negatively impact it. It's estimated that as many as 59 million Americans have a thyroid problem, but the majority don't know it yet. The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, is the master gland of metabolism. When your thyroid doesn't function, it can affect every aspect of your health, and in particular, weight, depression and energy levels.

The thyroid does not affect the scalp itself, but it can interfere with the hair growth cycle. If you are experiencing scalp problems alongside a thyroid imbalance it is probably coincidental.

WHAT IS THE THYROID AND WHY DOES IT AFFECT HAIR GROWTH?

Your thyroid is a gland at the base of your neck that regulates your bodies’ metabolism via the production of ‘thyroid hormone’. It also controls the production of proteins and tissue utilisation of oxygen – which is why it affects hair follicles and hair growth.

Thyroid disorders occur when your thyroid gland produces too much or too little hormone. This is classed as either ‘hyper’ (high) or ‘hypo’ (low) thyroid, whereby your thyroid is either over or underactive. Either a hypo or hyperthyroid can cause hair loss – and in fact a hypothyroid is known to cause hair loss in up to 50% of people.

 

7 most common symptoms of low thyroid function are:

1. Severe fatigue/loss of energy: If you suffer from a thyroid issue, you may feel highly fatigued and sleep more than average — but even after the extra sleep you don’t feel rested or have any energy.

2. Weight gain/difficulty losing weight: When your thyroid slows down — even a bit — so does your metabolism. That’s why unusual and unexplained weight gain and changes to body shape can be the first noticeable symptoms.

3. Dry skin, brittle nails: New wrinkles, dry or cracked patches, and itchy rashes are signs of imbalance in your thyroid hormones.

4. Brittle hair, itchy scalp, hair loss: Your thyroid plays a role in your hair’s growing and resting cycle. Without proper thyroid functioning, your hair follicles stay in the “resting” phase rather than growing actively. In addition to brittle hair or hair loss, thyroid issues can also cause premature graying of the hair.

5. More sensitivity to cold and lower body temperature. Always feeling cold is a telltale sign of a problem with your thyroid hormones, which greatly influence body temperature.

6. Diminished sex drive: Imbalances in your thyroid can affect your reproductive hormones, and lead to lower levels of desire.

7. Puffiness in face and extremities: Another telltale symptom of hypothyroidism is puffiness in the face, most often around the eyes.

As one of the centers of your endocrine system, your thyroid influences how your other hormones are used. That’s why an underactive thyroid can influence so many functions in your body — and lead to such a wide range of symptoms.

Thyroid disorders are easily diagnosed during a routine blood test.  Read more about Thyroid biomarkers, tests, and what they mean here. 

Reference:  Womentowomen.com

Kasia Memorial Day Weekend Must Haves!

It’s official: summer begins when the holiday weekend commences on Friday. Which means it’s time to stock up on sunscreen, get your tresses in order, and get serious about your summer look! To help organize your Memorial Day checklist, Kasia’s Valerie Engelman shares her summertime essentials for keeping hair and skin looking healthy and youthful:

Save Face:

Whether you’re on vacation or just hanging in town, start everyday with La Bella Donna’s Loose Mineral Foundation. Offering lightweight, glowing coverage, it contains micronized titanium dioxide, a natural sun protection with SPF 20 that blocks harmful UVA/UVB rays. Plus, the On the Go version comes in a convenient case with the brush attached--simply remove the top and apply in a sweeping motion. It’s perfect for your beach bag or purse for those quick touch ups.

Lip Service:

Add an effortlessly chic pop of color to your look with a fun lippie! Want sheer color with a moisturizing kick? Snap up Fresh’s Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15 in Coral. But if something a little more bold is on the agenda, go for Kat Von D’s Everlasting Love Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw. The formula goes on smooth and stains lips into a rich, matte finish that will last and last.

Keep it Covered:

Two items you should never be without are Kasia’s Good Day Sunshine Sunshield and a cute hat to keep you shaded in style. Our newly formulated Sunshield is so good you can eat it – really!! Packed with food-grade certified organic ingredients, you can rest assured it’s safe for the entire family. Plus, we’ve added anti-aging Vitamin D to stimulate collagen production and prevent wrinkles, while Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil helps keep skin moisturized.

For those days when you are in a rush or simply can’t wait to get outside, it’s a no brainer to throw on a hat to protect your hair and your face from the sun. Wide brimmed hats are making a huge comeback (J.Crew has the perfect option!), or try a cute baseball cap, maybe a trendy floral option, for a Happy Hour on the patio with the gals.

Haute Hair:

Outshine the rest and avoid damaging your locks by applying Kasia’s new Outshine Ultra Light Smoothing Gloss. Not does it add gorgeous shine, it helps protect and repair! Using 100% pure Argan Oil to retain moisture, bamboo and rhodiola to strengthen locks, Green Tea for UV protection, and Silk Amino Acids to help repair damage, this product is the perfect one-stop-shop for achieving beautiful, healthy looking hair! And, our Argan Oil is hand-harvested and sustainably produced by a women’s co-op in the Southwest Moroccan Argan Forest. It’s a win-win-win!

Whatever your plans are for this long weekend, enjoy and keep your skin and hair looking youthful and healthy!

Kasia Memorial Day Special

Purchase our *NEW* Organic Good Day Sunshine Sunshield  & Receive 15% OFF our 1oz Anti-Aging Tinted SPF Moisturizer.

Yours Truly - Val (Kasia Hairstylist)

Kasia Organic Salon   612.824.7611    Kassie@KasiaOrganicSalon.com