organic

Tag

Archives

I cannot tell you how many At-Home Color Mistakes we fix and tweak at the salon.  Though there’s a few that can get it right at home, most clients’ results are undermined by lack of knowing the in’s and out’s of color selection and application.

Here are 5 Common Mistakes When Coloring Your Hair At Home:

If anything on this list resonates with you, talk to us!  Everyone is cost conscious, we get it.  However, the average client who colors his or her hair professionally spends no more than $1.75 to $2.25 a day! That’s less than your morning take-out latte.  (Yes, I did the math!)

Having your hair professionally dyed assures that your hair and hair color will be beautiful, radiant and healthy!

1. Thinking that  ‘semi-permanent’ hair dye is ‘non-permanent’. For the most part, all hair dyes are permanent. Even though the color may fade with this color and the gray may become translucent, the color itself continues to coat the shaft of the hair. This effects the outcome of the next color application because the residual color is literally still ‘on’ the hair.


2. Dying all of the hair with every application. Many women think that in
addition to dying their gray roots, they need to ‘pull’ the color through
to the hair’s ends. Over time, the hair gets darker and darker with each
layer of application making the overall effect uneven: light and bright at
the roots and dark and ‘fake’ looking from mid-shaft to ends.

3. Selecting the wrong tone. So many of the advertised tones in boxed dyes
are extreme. Women select ‘gold’ and end up with orange casts; ‘ash’ makes
the color too dark; ‘neutral’ just doesn’t exist. Professional colorists
know that the desired end-result tone is usually a combination of tones and
colors. To achieve this at home, one would have to buy a few boxes and
know just how to mix correctly.

4. Missing spots. Applying color to your own hair with a bottle
practically guarantees uneven coverage. This usually occurs at the crown
an below the occipital bone. This is most noticeable on women who are trying to go lighter
in shade and/or blonde.

5. Choosing boxed color that contains ammonia or worse. The ingredients in over-the-counter are questionable and harsh, and leave the hair in a compromised condition. Most contain ammonia, resorcinol, PPD’s and produce noxious fumes.  Salons like ours only offer color services with dyes that contain none of these toxic ingredients.  Have you visited our fume-free salon? 

Really think about it before you buy the box.  It’s a mess, it’s a hassle and most likely, it won’t make you look your best!

off comments
|

 Here’s the WHAT, WHEN and WHY for hat wearing this season. 


When 
When your Bed Head isn’t tousled and cute…when you’re in a rush and your hair is a fright… when you’re sunbathing…when you’re gardening…when your frizz is intolerable…when you want to look more ladylike…when you’re at The Preakness..when you want to look more stylish than anyone else!

 Why  Oh, I don’t know….skin cancer….wrinklesage spots

What  Wide-brimmed Straw Hats will make you a beach beauty.  They are flattering for all hairstyles and give you an extra layer of sun protection. Beanies bring out the Boho in all of us. Small and sexy, these chapeau’s are perfect for bringing attention to shorter styles.  Dick Tracy Toppers say “cool”, “suave” and “debonnaire.”

 

off comments
|

So many of our clients at juju are vexed by the frizz. The key to de-frizzing is two-fold, nourishing and re-hydrating the hair coupled with the right products.

HERE ARE MY GO-TO PRODUCTS THAT REALLY WORK!

Start with a DRY SHAMPOO. Over shampooing will dry out the hair, and dry hair, especially on curly girls, will cause The Dreaded Frizz.

I recommend shampooing no more than 3 times a week and using a dry shampoo on off days.  Just sprinkle if it’s in powder form or spray for liquid form, a small amount at the hairline and crown, and work through from roots to ends.  Cocoa Tinted Dry Shampoo by Sevi is a best seller at my salon.

 


LEAVE-IN CONDITIONERS
are great for long lasting frizz and fly-away control and can also act as a styling product. Apply leave-in conditioner on towel dried hair, mid-shaft to ends. My clients and I love Hamadi’s Shea Leave-in Conditioner. It’s perfect for those who like to air-dry their hair.

Note: watch out for de-frizzing curl cremes that contain petroleum derived silicones for shine.  After time, this ingredient will dry out the hair and make your frizz worse!

ALOE BASED STYLING GELS

Aloe not only moisturizes the hair, reducing frizz potential, it provides hold and style.  Apply to towel dried hair, midshaft to ends. Try mixing it with your leave-in conditioner for extra thick or frizz-prone hair. I like MGA’s Styling Gel because of its lightness and versatility.

Pure Aloe helps the hair retain water and moisture, re-balances pH levels in the hair and scalp and promotes hair growth!

FINISHING POMADE  Dab a very small amount of a finishing paste or pomade on dried and styled hair to reduce frizz’s ‘Halo effect.’ John Masters Organics’ Pomade with olive and castor oils, really fights frizz and can be used on all hair types.

Make sure you look for the USDA Certified Organic Label and show your support for organic farms and processors.

off comments
|

IMG_4006I. Love. Summer, 2014. The pool, beaches and sunshine are what I live for during those long winter months.  When I’m out this summer, I’m bringing along these sunny finds:

  • Mar Y Sol ‘Caracas’ Tote.  Let’s face facts, this makes you look like a Venezualan Hottie!
  • Comfy, stylish Sanuk Sandles, from their recycled Yoga Mat Collection
  • Beauty Without Cruelty’s Waterproof Mascara. Great for pool time, wave riding and tear-jerkers like The Fault in Our Stars!
  • Supergoop’s Natural Mist Sunscreen SPF 50, and
  • BPA Free Nau’s water bottle.  Fill with ice and keep cool all afternoon.  Enjoy!

 

 

off comments
|

my Sunday kitchen stretch
Sunday stretch selfies

Finding time for a good stretch seems impossible when you’re over-stretched. The benefits of daily stretching exercises are not only proven, they’re a given.  Michael Jordan credits  stretching, as part of his overall fitness routine,  for promoting his long and successful NBA career.

Though I know I need a daily stretching routine, I often back-burner this activity in the pursuit of more pressing concerns: cleaning the kitchen, sorting through laundry, answering email, etc.  There’s only so much time, right?

Presently, I’m in the throws of a plantar fasciitis flare-up coupled with an inflammed piriformis.  All the result of my regular workouts and LACK of stretching.  Surely, a few stretches after my exercise class should suffice?  As I literally hobble out of the studio, I can’t deny that things are out of control.

Stretches, my PT insists, are my only hope.  Three PT sessions and a half a dozen carefully chosen stretches were my Rx.  Stretching, when done at home, on a regular basis, will be the only thing to heal me short of surgery.

I am challenging myself to stretch two times a day, every day, for the next week.  I will hold each stretch for 20 seconds, no more no less, as per the sage advice of my PT.   Of course, you’re all committed to some stretching routine already that honors each ligament and muscle.  But if you’re not, you’re probably like me and think that …

Creating this habit, seems like a stretch…..

off comments
|

John masters at juju salonAs the beauty industry becomes inundated with organic and all natural products, what is the best way to financially navigate through all of the choices presented?  How do you know what the best value is out there?  There are $8 bottles and $28 bottles of shampoo on the proverbial shelf, what’s the difference?

Much of the price differential is Products Marketing 101: are the products recognizable because of an extensive and expensive marketing campaign?  Often, organic beauty product lines that grace the opening, full-page spots in Organic Spa magazine are probably the priciest.  I mean, what does your gut tell you about Origins’ Dr. Weil organic product line?  Origin stores are firmly planted on the priciest retail real estate available…could that influence the price of their products?

That’s not to say that smaller, less known brands, are necessarily less expensive. Confusing!

In other words, “who knows?!”  I know.  And here’s how you can know too.  Read the label.  It’s that easy.  If a company selling organic beauty products fails to list ALL of the ingredients on its label, don’t even consider buying it.  Here’s some tips for understanding the ingredients and consequently, what the true value of the product may be.

What’s the ordering of the ingredients?  Having “water” as the first ingredient listed may explain why it’s price tag isn’t too high. And if it is high, ask yourself why.  How much of the total product is derived from organically, bio-dynamically and/or wild harvested plants and herbs? If there’s a long list of “chemically” sounding ingredients following “water” and preceding rose hips, don’t bother tossing it in your shopping cart.  It needs to be clearly indicated that the plant/herbal ingredient is organic, bio-dynamically grown and/or wild harvested plants.

USDA Certified Organic, Oregon Tilth – Certified Organic, Campaign for Safe Cosmetics are all important monikers for your product to wear. But know that getting a product “Certified Organic” is an expensive and lengthy process.  Some smaller companies haven’t secured the seal and can’t place it on their labels, even though the ingredients are as organically white as the driven snow.  Again, look to the label and make your decision from there.

Making a change in your beauty regime is as important to making a change from synthetic to organic beauty products.  Read labels, use less, use wisely and if on a budget, buy only what you truly need to use on a daily basis.

off comments
|

Ok. So I’m not talking about the cheap shampoo and conditioner product that men think they need.  I won’t even go into what the ingredients may be in such a product…..

Here’s a helpful list of tips and suggested uses for double duty products.  The list that can help you simplify your organic product retinue and keep your whole body healthy and fabulous! Beauty Product Streamlining (“BPS”) is fun and easy.  And here’s why:

1. An all-in-one BPS is great for travel, choose a smaller container and receive a bonus: TSA approved.

2. Look to an oil.  An oil that combines a hardy carrier oil with beneficial essential oils can triple duty for hair, body and face; My newest favorite, hands down is Skin and Bones Hair, Face and Body Oil.

3. Don’t think “Shampoo and Conditioner.”  Try thinking only Conditioner.  Back burner your shampoo for a few days and rely only on your conditioner.  Many good quality organic conditioners actually contain ingredients that will remove excess oils, build-up and dirt.  Your shiny new hair will thank you!

4. Soap bars that cleanse and exfoliate.  Genius!  Great for cleansing, cellular turnover, ingrowns and tired sallow skin.  Try John Master’s Ginseng and Citrus exfoliating and cleansing bar.

5. Sometimes, a fabulous pomade can double as an even better dry elbow or rough heel salve.  I swear that I always rub the leftover pomade from styling my hair onto my upper arms and elbows.  Try Sevi’s Blue Yarrow Hair Pomade made with pure organic castor oil and comfrey.

6. And the opposite is true.  Try a emollient body butter on your fly-aways or to provide lift and texture to your ‘do.  Woodsprite’s Get Whipped Shea Butter in Grapefruit Mint does the trick!

7. Back to oils, my favorite.  Ditch the Pthalate laced, allergy inducing, eye-watering department store perfumes.  Instead, slather on a rich, healing and aromatic oil.  Dr. Alkaitis’s Organic Nourishing Oil leaves your skin glowing and deliciously scented.  A great unisex “parfum” that is green and totally modern!

off comments
|

No, you don’t have to worry about the long-term environmental effects of 100% organic oils on your hair, face or body.  I know it’s trite word-play on a not so trite current event, but this year’s headlines provide me the perfect platform to herald the virtues of incorporating organic oils into your daily beauty regime.

For Hair:  Look to Ayurvedic oils and herbs like Sesame, Neem, Sunflower, Coconut, and Meadowfoam for lustre, shine, and a good slip for the all important scalp massage. Brahmi, Bringraj, Jatamansi are therapeutic herbs, long-revered for their ability to fortify the nervous system and thus, the entire follicle and scalp environment.  Organic scalp and hair oils smell terrific too, as they are usually scented with pure steam distilled essential oils of Hibiscus, Rose, Rosemary, Ylang-Ylang, Peppermint and Basil.

Hair oils are renowned for their ability to deter thinning hair and hair loss, defend against premature graying, strengthen and nourish the hair shaft, and provide an immediate improvement to hair’s texture.

For Face and Body: Many people are scared of putting oils on their face.  They falsely believe it will lead to break-outs, or it will be too heavy and greasy.  Not true. In fact, many oils including aloe, erand, neem, sariva, and sandalwood actually help clear up congestion because they contain natural anti-bacterial qualities that sooth, heal and calm the skin.

Face and body oils stimulate skin functions, necessary for its elastic retention. Quality oils will moisturize and quickly absorb into the skin.

I love using oils like virgin cold pressed organic Jojoba, St. John’s Wort and Andean Mountain Rose Hip seed.  Other oils of good merit include apricot, almond, borage, black currant seed, evening primrose, rose hip seed, sea buckthorn, comfrey, and carrot seed.

Oils go a long long way.  Use them sparingly for beautiful results.  Bonus? Find a product that is a multi-tasker – one that you can use on both your face and body.

off comments
|

I mean, take it easy when it comes to shampooing your hair.  Real life snippet:  I noticed how silky, soft and strong my client’s hair had become. We had been working together for over a year.  What was once bleached out, dry and weak had transformed into beautiful tresses. Of course we new the non-ammonia, organic color we’d been using on her hair had helped in this amazing transformation. But it was the client who credited her only shampooing once a week to the change. I knew it worked!  She had taken my advice, early on, and nixed the daily shampooing routine.

Most shampoos, hand soaps, dish washing liquids, toothpastes, etc. contain a soluble detergent and surfactant known as Sodium Lauryl(laureth) Sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), It is an inexpensive, synthetic ingredient and a known irritant.  This synthetic detergent can also be found in floor cleaners and other household cleaning products – it is very strong and effective in cleaning and de-greasing.

Our hair, especially colored hair, cannot withstand the effects of such a “tough” cleansing agent. This chemical literally strips hair of its color.  Conventional shampoos mask the harsh effects of this ingredient by putting additional (synthetic) chemicals in the products to act as conditioners and fragrances.

Remember this: Hair, in general, and our scalps, need only small amounts of shampoos and detergents.  It is well known in the industry that hair can actually be cleansed by only using a conditioner (creme rinse) and forgoing the shampoo altogether.  I advise all of my clients to cut back on shampooing and/or water down their shampoos, to lessen the harsh effects of these cleansing agents.

See what changes you can make with this simple omission!

off comments
|

Like others, I came across calendula late in life. In fact, my first born, Lucie, with her never-ending diaper rash on the cutest behind in the world, inadvertently turned me on to its healing powers. It is “one of the top five healers and skin tonics aiding everything from acne and rosacea to eczema and psoriasis. healing, soothing herb which repairs dry, damaged skin, prevents premature aging, aids in the treatment of bruises, spider veins, boils, sores, burns, wrinkles, swelling, and stretch marks to name a few. also imparts shades of gold and yellow naturally.” As I lathered her behind, with Weleda’s Calendula Baby Cream , I began to notice how great my cracked and aging hands started to look. As Lucie was a winter baby, my mitts were cracked and sore!

Calendula, etymologically speaking (Latin), “by the month” referring to the flowers’ long lasting blooms. Calendula, related to the pot marigold, is an herbaceous plant with yellow-rayed flowers. Look to calendula to help heal your skin! You won’t have to look far. Of course, the calendula should be sourced from an organic, biodynamic and holistic source. Try Suki’s Complexion Brightening Creme which lightens, brightens and really heals all types of stressed, discolored or sun-damaged skin. And for healthy, gorgeous hair, I recommend Sevi Organics Sea Berry Shampoo and Condition, rich in calendula and babussu, olive and lavender oils. Best of all, the smell of this healing flower is beautiful, your skin, hair and nose will thank you!

off comments
|