Debunking the Myths of the Hair Color Industry
This is a fact: Just because a person does not seem to have a reaction after using or smelling an ammonia-based hair color product several times, does not guarantee that cross-sensitization might not occur after the next usage. In fact, it might not occur until the 25th time the product is used. The average customer is in contact with hair color ammonia about every 4-6 weeks; however, hair stylists have daily contact–leading to accumulative bouts of headaches, loss of appetite, and fatigue due to the ammoniated smells.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, ammonia is listed as a hazardous substance that has related negative health effects. Nearly all professional and “box” hair color contain ammonia. If a color line claims to be a “non-ammonia base,” the product most likely contains its “silent scented,” even more toxic friend ethanolamine.
Your hair color and your investment, fully fading
Both the hair professionals and consumers are led to believe ammonia is a “must” for color to work, however it is actually an inexpensive hair color additive used to allow color molecules to penetrate the hair’s cuticle. Because of its properties, these ingredients leave the hair in a compromised and weakened condition. The money you have spent hoping that it lasts a long time is also compromised as fading and discoloration will occur.
For longer lasting, beautiful hair color-avoid these two major ingredients
Ammonia
Recent research has found that 50%-60% of clients suffer from negative effects of ammonia-based colors. Over time, the shaft of hair starts to resemble string cheese. Ammonia not only negatively affects the cuticle of the hair, it also damages the amino acid or protein called tyrosine, which is found inside the hair shaft. When the tyrosine is damaged, the hair’s ability to hold onto color is greatly reduced or eliminated altogether.
Ethanolamine
Ethanolamine is a “silent substitute” if ammonia is not used in a hair color. This ingredient has always been used in semi-permanent color at about 3% concentration. If ethanolamine is to be used in permanent color, the concentration has to be increased to 9%, compared to 1-3% of ammonia!
A Shocking Statistic
Fact: In the United States, over 6.2 billion harmful ounces of chemicals and synthetics from shampoo and conditioners are washed down the drain, into rivers, lakes and oceans, every single day.
In the amount and how much it is compounded with its “adhesive” property, it can never be totally washed out of the hair and scalp! As a result, every time the hair is washed, the water acts as a mild oxidizer and “process” the color a little bit all over again. This is what contributes to pre-matured fading and the dryness that develops gradually.
So, whether you begin by damaging the hair or re-oxidizing it, the cuticle is damaged and becomes susceptible, and you do not get an end result that you ideally want or could have.
Is a Less Toxic Approach Really Possibly with Hair Color?
Most people have an internal battle that as a consumer they wonder
1. What do we have a right to know?
2. What we are willing to learn?
3. How then do we discern the wisdom?
Have you wondered why fumed hair dyes sting our scalp, make our eyes water, and make some people sneeze? Then have you asked yourself, “Can this be safe for me?”
About 400 (86%) out of the 456 hair colors ranked in the Skin Deep cosmetics database of the Environmental Working Group are considered high hazard. It is a controversial issue in “quoting” hair dyes to be linked to health Hazards. Many believe the conventional carcinogenic dyes are part of the issue, when used in conjunction with other toxic personal care products.
The early studies showed an association between hair dye use and increased risks for multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and leukemia, plus ovarian cancer in women. Almost all the early studies indicated that increased risk might be restricted to long-term or frequent hair dye users, particularly users of dark hair dyes.
United States lacks reporting guidelines for manufacturers
Europeans seem to be well ahead of the U.S. In the European Union (EU), its members actively respond to potentially dangerous chemicals in cosmetics and body care products. In 1996, an established ban on 22 hair dye substances was issued by the EU. However, the United States has not required manufacturers to file data on ingredients or report cosmetic-related injuries.
Is There a Healthy Alternative in Hair Coloring?
Many over-the-counter and professional hair color products claim to be gentle and contain botanical extracts. The few included botanical ingredients don’t necessarily make a safe or “non-toxic” product. Many of these colors contain ammonia, ethanolamine, and/or resorcinol. Several very popular hair color lines contain both ammonia and ethanolamine. This is a good reason to carefully read the labels on even the most “trusted brands.”
Problem Solved. Have your beautiful color, and health too!
It is possible to find safe and healthy hair color products! Here is what a safer color line can offer!
* No ammonia or ammonia substitutes, therefore no damage to the hair.
* Rich, vibrant colors including reds and coppers that do not fade.
* Lighten up to 6 levels without having to bleach or damage the hair.
* No more itchy scalps, stinging or staining.
* No toxic odors in the salon-smells like grapes.
* No ammonia gas to be inhaled.
* Ability to color the hair more often.
For both the customer and the hair professional it is important that professional salons soon offer a coloring service with a more integrative, healthier, and longer-lasting investment for the client.
It is also important that professionals and consumers learn to recognize what chemicals are in your hair color brands by reading the labels (or by asking your colorist to tell you). For more details, check out these Web sites:
* Healthy Child Organization: www.HealthyChild.org (check out chemicals section)
* Environmental Working Group: www.ewg.org/node/22586 (lots of interesting articles about chemical use in products)
* Skin Deep: www.CosmeticDatabase.com
* Safe Cosmetics: www.SafeCosmetics.org (companies that have pledged not to use harmful chemicals in their products)
We can have our beauty, and our health too. Everyone must do what they can to remove hazardous chemicals from their lives.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Ammonia Free, The Color of the Future
Every day thousands of women have their hair professionally colored. In fact, 54% of us color our hair regularly! The hair color industry is ever changing, and ever growing – unfortunately environmental and immunity complications for salon clients are also growing. Much of this is due to the adverse effects of ammonia. Leaving the salon far from “refreshed,” clients end up with headaches, stinging eyes, trouble breathing, or a nasty rash.
Conventional hair dyes usually contain ammonia, which is specifically designed to burn and degrade surfaces. Many products labeled as ammonia-free contain a substitute, which is just as harmful as ethanolamine. However, a new breed of hair color is available – green, fumeless, non-damaging, ammonia-free hair color. We look at why Kasia Organic Salon and other inspiring natural beauty salons are loving ammonia-free color. As we know, it’s part of the future of beauty!
Kassie at Kasia Organic Salon educates hairstylists, aiming to rectify the lack of knowledge in the hairdressing profession about the color lines they use on a daily basis. “The future is now, and it’s high time hair salons start using healthier options for themselves as well”, says Kassie Kuehl.
No Ammo! Why Conventional Color Just Doesn’t “Cover” It
The reasons for choosing an ammonia-free (and ammonia-substitute-free) hair color fall into three categories:
* Your body’s general health
* The health of your hair
* The health of your environment
General Body Health
Ammonia-based dark hair dye were linked by the National Cancer Institute in 1994 to a greater incidence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. A study published in 2001 by the International Journal of Cancer found that people who use permanent hair dye are 100% more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who use no permanent dye. 4-ABP is a known human carcinogen, and was recently found in off-the-shelf hair coloring products.
Hair Health
The characteristic flyaway and faded look that you see on heavily peroxided women comes after long-term use of ammonia agents, which leave the hair’s cuticle open and make the hair dry and brittle. Tyrosine, one of hair’s amino acids, is also damaged by ammonia-based products. When Tyrosine is diminished, this greatly affects the hair’s ability to hold onto color.
Ethanolamine is an alternative to ammonia, however when ethanolamine is used in hair color in order to gain ‘ammonia-free’ status, it needs to be included in concentrations up to 5 times that of ammonia. Ethanolamine is an ‘adhesive’ type chemical, which can never completely be washed out of your hair and off your scalp. After coloring your hair with ethanolamine-containing products, every time you wash your hair the water acts as a mild oxidizer, inflicting further damage on your hair. Fading and gradually developed dryness after coloring the hair are usually attributable to ethanolamine.
“Then how?” Kasia Salon’s color line uses an plant-based alkaline agent that slowly swells the cuticle, then controllably closes the cuticle, returning it as closely as possible to its previous state.
Environmental Health
Over 6.2 billion ounces of harmful chemicals from shampoos and conditioners are washed down the drains and out into our water every day.
Leaving the salon retouched … and refreshed!
Educator and salon owner Kassie Kuehl, spurred by her own health reactions due to working with accumulated amounts of fumes at the salon, built her ammonia-free foundations with Aveda. Now her own business, Kasia Organic Salon, offers fabulous color services so clients can enjoy their experience without inhaling noxious chemicals or experiencing irritated skin and scalp.
Hair Color with a Conscience – Is It for You?
Who should use ammonia-free hair color?
Anyone that is concerned with the volume of chemicals they ingest every day should look into natural, ammonia-free hair color. However, it is even more useful at some particular stages of life! Look up your nearest organic salon if you:
* Are pregnant – A growing body is well-sensitized to environmental hazards and tiny, unformed human beings are not so lucky. Avoiding chemical exposure is especially important when you are pregnant – but that doesn’t mean you have to give up that flexibility with your looks, free of harmful fumes or odors!
* Are covering grays - If your hair is losing (or has lost) its natural color, you’ll be looking to color more often. With ammonia-free color, your hair doesn’t lose the ability to hold color and remains strong and healthy, rather than developing the characteristic frizzy, flyaway look.
* Cancer and Survivors of Cancer – With the specific approval of their physicians, this is safe for cancer survivors without any harmful side effects and sensitive smells, and leaves the hair soft and sultry again.
* Young or elderly - Younger and older people are especially sensitive to harsh chemicals. Ammonia-free hair color is particularly recommended for under-18s and over-60s.
A Beautiful Health Lifestyle – Where to Find Ammonia Free Hair Color
Once you know the dangers of ammonia-based hair colors, those ‘Ammonia Free!’ labels sitting on the shelf right next to all the others look pretty tempting. This can be a better alternative when purchasing an off-the-shelf coloring product, but remember the dangers of ethanolamine. Check for both ammonia and ethanolamine ingredients in any hair color you buy off the shelf.
What to do with your new, nutrient-rich color now that you have it?
Ask your hairstylist about after-care and everyday maintenance products that let you keep up with the natural snowball you’ve started rolling!
Harsh ingredients and harsh environments contribute to fading color. Choosing the proper shampoos, conditioners and UV protective styling products will help prolong the life of your color. Avoid harsh ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate, and petrochemicals such as propylene glycol and parabens.
The better the health and condition of your locks, the longer your color lasts, the springier your curls and the smoother and glossier your hair will be. Think of it as an investment in your investment. Let your hair feel as good as your conscience!
Natural Beauty is on the move!
There are a number of organic beauty salons growing across the country, where you can discover that your hair can be just as silky and glossy, your skin as vital and fresh, and your cosmetics just as potent and long-lasting, but without the harsh chemicals!
Kassie Kuehl is a respected leader and educator in natural health and beauty care. The founder of Kasia Organic Salon and many result orientated “beautiful health” products, and experts in ammonia free hair color. Kasia remains on the cutting edge of all-natural, non-toxic, and organic professional hair, skin, and body products and services. To become an Informed Beauty, contact Kassie at 612.386.4044, or visit www.kasiaorganicsalon.com.
Conventional hair dyes usually contain ammonia, which is specifically designed to burn and degrade surfaces. Many products labeled as ammonia-free contain a substitute, which is just as harmful as ethanolamine. However, a new breed of hair color is available – green, fumeless, non-damaging, ammonia-free hair color. We look at why Kasia Organic Salon and other inspiring natural beauty salons are loving ammonia-free color. As we know, it’s part of the future of beauty!
Kassie at Kasia Organic Salon educates hairstylists, aiming to rectify the lack of knowledge in the hairdressing profession about the color lines they use on a daily basis. “The future is now, and it’s high time hair salons start using healthier options for themselves as well”, says Kassie Kuehl.
No Ammo! Why Conventional Color Just Doesn’t “Cover” It
The reasons for choosing an ammonia-free (and ammonia-substitute-free) hair color fall into three categories:
* Your body’s general health
* The health of your hair
* The health of your environment
General Body Health
Ammonia-based dark hair dye were linked by the National Cancer Institute in 1994 to a greater incidence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. A study published in 2001 by the International Journal of Cancer found that people who use permanent hair dye are 100% more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who use no permanent dye. 4-ABP is a known human carcinogen, and was recently found in off-the-shelf hair coloring products.
Hair Health
The characteristic flyaway and faded look that you see on heavily peroxided women comes after long-term use of ammonia agents, which leave the hair’s cuticle open and make the hair dry and brittle. Tyrosine, one of hair’s amino acids, is also damaged by ammonia-based products. When Tyrosine is diminished, this greatly affects the hair’s ability to hold onto color.
Ethanolamine is an alternative to ammonia, however when ethanolamine is used in hair color in order to gain ‘ammonia-free’ status, it needs to be included in concentrations up to 5 times that of ammonia. Ethanolamine is an ‘adhesive’ type chemical, which can never completely be washed out of your hair and off your scalp. After coloring your hair with ethanolamine-containing products, every time you wash your hair the water acts as a mild oxidizer, inflicting further damage on your hair. Fading and gradually developed dryness after coloring the hair are usually attributable to ethanolamine.
“Then how?” Kasia Salon’s color line uses an plant-based alkaline agent that slowly swells the cuticle, then controllably closes the cuticle, returning it as closely as possible to its previous state.
Environmental Health
Over 6.2 billion ounces of harmful chemicals from shampoos and conditioners are washed down the drains and out into our water every day.
Leaving the salon retouched … and refreshed!
Educator and salon owner Kassie Kuehl, spurred by her own health reactions due to working with accumulated amounts of fumes at the salon, built her ammonia-free foundations with Aveda. Now her own business, Kasia Organic Salon, offers fabulous color services so clients can enjoy their experience without inhaling noxious chemicals or experiencing irritated skin and scalp.
Hair Color with a Conscience – Is It for You?
Who should use ammonia-free hair color?
Anyone that is concerned with the volume of chemicals they ingest every day should look into natural, ammonia-free hair color. However, it is even more useful at some particular stages of life! Look up your nearest organic salon if you:
* Are pregnant – A growing body is well-sensitized to environmental hazards and tiny, unformed human beings are not so lucky. Avoiding chemical exposure is especially important when you are pregnant – but that doesn’t mean you have to give up that flexibility with your looks, free of harmful fumes or odors!
* Are covering grays - If your hair is losing (or has lost) its natural color, you’ll be looking to color more often. With ammonia-free color, your hair doesn’t lose the ability to hold color and remains strong and healthy, rather than developing the characteristic frizzy, flyaway look.
* Cancer and Survivors of Cancer – With the specific approval of their physicians, this is safe for cancer survivors without any harmful side effects and sensitive smells, and leaves the hair soft and sultry again.
* Young or elderly - Younger and older people are especially sensitive to harsh chemicals. Ammonia-free hair color is particularly recommended for under-18s and over-60s.
A Beautiful Health Lifestyle – Where to Find Ammonia Free Hair Color
Once you know the dangers of ammonia-based hair colors, those ‘Ammonia Free!’ labels sitting on the shelf right next to all the others look pretty tempting. This can be a better alternative when purchasing an off-the-shelf coloring product, but remember the dangers of ethanolamine. Check for both ammonia and ethanolamine ingredients in any hair color you buy off the shelf.
What to do with your new, nutrient-rich color now that you have it?
Ask your hairstylist about after-care and everyday maintenance products that let you keep up with the natural snowball you’ve started rolling!
Harsh ingredients and harsh environments contribute to fading color. Choosing the proper shampoos, conditioners and UV protective styling products will help prolong the life of your color. Avoid harsh ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate, and petrochemicals such as propylene glycol and parabens.
The better the health and condition of your locks, the longer your color lasts, the springier your curls and the smoother and glossier your hair will be. Think of it as an investment in your investment. Let your hair feel as good as your conscience!
Natural Beauty is on the move!
There are a number of organic beauty salons growing across the country, where you can discover that your hair can be just as silky and glossy, your skin as vital and fresh, and your cosmetics just as potent and long-lasting, but without the harsh chemicals!
Kassie Kuehl is a respected leader and educator in natural health and beauty care. The founder of Kasia Organic Salon and many result orientated “beautiful health” products, and experts in ammonia free hair color. Kasia remains on the cutting edge of all-natural, non-toxic, and organic professional hair, skin, and body products and services. To become an Informed Beauty, contact Kassie at 612.386.4044, or visit www.kasiaorganicsalon.com.
Kasia Organic Salon is a naturally based, 100% trusted company that creates a environment that celebrates Informed, natural beauty.
Kasia Organic Salon is a naturally based, 100% trusted company that creates a environment that celebrates Informed, natural beauty.
We expertise and provide Ammonia and MEA Free Hair Color, as well as high quality chemical free products, ranging from deodorant and sunscreen to skin care, mineral makeup, and GM/MS essential oils.
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 www.kasiaorganicsalon.com.
We expertise and provide Ammonia and MEA Free Hair Color, as well as high quality chemical free products, ranging from deodorant and sunscreen to skin care, mineral makeup, and GM/MS essential oils.
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 www.kasiaorganicsalon.com.
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