Hair Color

Does the hair need protein? The telltale signs!

Have you ever thought, “HMmm…. my hair definitely has a protein deficiency!”

🤷🏻‍♀️ - said no client ever.

From hard water to toxic hair products - women often think that when they have dry, damaged hair, they immediately think they only need a moisturizing treatment to address the hair health issue.

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Protein and How It Affects the Hair

Our hair is primarily made up of chains of amino acids and proteins called keratin. Think of the hair as a building with keratin as the bricks. Because of overstyling, chemical treatments, and environmental stressors, keratins become worn out, creating gaps in the hair which eventually leads to leaking out your color, moisture barrier protection scales - and damage and breakage.

GOT YA CURIOUS?

Here are some blatant signs your hair is in dire need of protein and my number one expert recommendation of a Beauty Ecology Client Cult Favorite PROTECTANT SPRAY with equal parts moisture and protein.

Warning, too much protein can also make your hair feel brittle and dry - your cuticle is too FULL and it will break. To avoid this curveball from the confusion on the market- Repair and Protect Spray is for YOU (all hair types).

Does the hair need protein?

Fact: Hair is super porous.

Does your hair always look frazzled, coarse, and dry? Highly porous strands have tears and gaps in the hair, exposing the cortex to stressors. This causes the hair to absorb and release moisture faster than normal, leading to frizzy, tangled hair.

Hair looks limp and stringy.

Is the hair not as full and bouncy as it used to? Dull and limp hair is a sign of protein deficiency. Most women think it just needs a bit of hair styling product to bring it back to life, but this action actually compromises the health of the hair significantly. Layering more products on already weak hair will weigh it down, causing it to look stringy.

Hair has low elasticity.

Perform the a wet stretch test. Take about 10 strands and spray some water. Make sure to hold the hair tight then gently pull the hair. If the hair stretches and bounces back to its normal length without breaking, it means the hair is healthy. If it stretches and doesn’t return or stretches and breaks, then chances are your hair is missing protein.

Hair has been colored recently.

Hair color, bleach, and treatments contain chemicals that alter the bonds of the hair, leading to damage. These chemicals elevate the pH of the hair and causes the cuticles to rise. The longer the cuticles are raised up, the longer the cortex of the hair is exposed and, therefore, makes the hair more susceptible to protein loss and breakage.

There’s increased shedding and breakage.

We normally lose up to 100 strands a day. But if you are losing more hair that doesn’t come from the root, then it is a protein issue and needs to be addressed immediately.

Note: increased hair loss could be caused by many things: a hormonal imbalance, vitamin deficiencies, stress, autoimmune disorders, medications, chemotherapy and more.

It’s important to thoroughly consult and analyze the scalp and hair before deciding a lack of protein is the culprit. If you suspect hair loss, then I suggest looking at the Evoq Root Revival Hair Growth Dream Team is two times more powerful than drug based Minoxidil. Really!

Hair feels gummy.

Does the hair feel mushy and sticky? This could mean your hair’s support system is weak and has been over-moisturized, causing the texture to change and feel funny. Or worse, the hair has suffered from far too much lightening, causing it to feel like bubblegum.

While protein deficiency can be treated by simply changing your diet and lifestyle, there are several in-salon treatments you can do to replenish lost proteins in the hair.

Evoq Repair and Protect Spray is great at restoring chemically damaged hair by repairing it from the inside out to give the hair the moisture and minerals it needs to remain healthy.

Get the deets here…

The Weightless Great Defender 

This Organic (96%), weightless spray locks in gorgeous color, enhances style, blocks out humidity, and protects from premature color fading. It’s an essential first step of your styling routine and provides instant, weightless protection. 

The nutrient-rich vitamins in this spray provide an extra dose of antioxidants for smooth, healthy-looking hair. And amino acids protect the hair from thermal damage, UV rays, and daily washing all while speeding up drying time and strengthening strands.

Aloe Vera - Protects and moisturizes hair as an emollient and antioxidant. Its composition of 18 amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals impart hair with a fortified moisture for healthy, smooth strands. Water is locked into strands due to its polysaccharide and sterol content.

Kelp Extract - A highly concentrated seaweed extract rich in minerals, trace elements, and vitamins for strand and scalp health. The rich iodine content helps treat and prevent dandruff.

Vitamin B - This active form of vitamin B is an emollient that instantly binds to the hair shaft and seals it, giving locks a healthy shine and reducing breakage and split ends.

Quinoa Protein - Rich in amino acids to promote hair and scalp follicle strength, fullness and softness while protecting hair from environmental damage.

Seed Oil Complex (Meadowfoam, Avocado & Shea) - Keeps hair feeling smooth and silky while antioxidant properties protect strands from free radical damage. Hair is imparted with a healthy shine and is easy to comb. 

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Lastly, address one of the ROOT CAUSES - SALON HAIR COLOR

Choosing less aggressive hair color and lighteners like BEAUTY ECOLOGY’S ZERO AMMONIA AND ENZYME (VERSUS PEROXIDE) ammonia-free and PROTEIN BASED CLAY ENLIGHTENER is also a great way to protect the hair from damage.

They DO NOT contain chemicals that put a lot of physical stress on the hair, which is often the reason strands become prone to split ends, breakage and protein loss.

THAT’S A WRAP, BABE!

Please reach out if I can help you repair your hair! xo - Kassandra

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!

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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.


10

Cut and Color Methods to Graying Gracefully

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

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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.

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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/.

Rehab Hair & Now with the NEW Cor.Restore Service

Dry, brittle, dull and weak hair is about to be of the past.

Introducing our NEW.BE service

CØR restore. 
Repair | Rebuild | Protect | Prolong

A TREATMENT TO REPAIR & GIVE LONGEVITY TO YOUR COLOR

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Brilliant hair color starts with a clean and healthy canvas (your hair). It’s what gives you color longevity, shine and dimension to your color results.

Like a true colorist, I’ve changed my own color up and went from dark ash to cool bright blonde myself, which always brings ….. DAMAGE. No ma’am.

In fact, all ages of my clients have been brightening it up as of late. There are no hair rules in the winter. Have fun! I’ll make sure you get there in the healthiest way.


Social Proof | Bleach FREE | 100% Natural Hair Color

RECOVERY HAIR & NOW

You can go BRIGHT BLONDE or better maintain RICH BRUNETTE hair color with CØR Restore.

This new in-salon restorative treatment uses an innovative blend of amino acids and organic nourishments to reconnect broken bonds and repair the damage to hair that has been compromised by chemical processing, heat styling, and mechanical abuse.

In depth:

  • Improves and maintains hair strength and integrity

  • Helps repair damage from frequent coloring and bleaching

  • Lessens breakage and helps the hair grow longer

  • Reduces split ends

  • Tames frizz and makes hair shiner, smoother, and more manageable

What it’s made of:

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  • Arginine – Stimulates Hair Growth

  • Glycine – Slows Aging Process

  • Alanine – Helps Retain Color

  • Serine – Strengthens the Hair

  • Valine – Nourishes the Hair Fiber

  • Proline – Builds Collagen

  • Threonine – Provides Protein and Collagen

  • Isoleucine – Plumps and Fills the Hair

  • Histidine – Strengthens the Hair Shaft

  • Aspartic Acid – Conditions Strands

  • Sodium PCA – Preserves Moisture

  • Phenylalanine – Helps Prevent Fading


Q & A

What’s the difference between our Keratin Express + CØR Restore Service?

Different but both are just as valuable in maintaining the disulphide bonds within the hair structure. The difference is Cor.Restore is used during the color process. These bonds are normally broken down during the color process and can sometimes result in breakage and stretchy hair results mainly in high lift situations such as balayage, highlights or lift tints. It’s a must for anyone heading lighter, but just as powerful in tinting down.

Can I use the treatment if I am NOT coloring?

YES! From lightening, coloring to even using it as a stand-alone treatment, we can add it to a haircut or as a treatment by itself.

What is the cost?
$45: Includes treatment and blowout.

**SAVE 20% when you add to a color service ( only $36 )!

How Long does it take?

NO TIME, when you add to a hair color. As a separate treatment with a blowout or haircut, approximately 40 minutes.

Is this the same as OLAPLEX?

NO - but YES. The pursuit is the same in repairing the bonds in the cuticle.
But this is NOT Olaplex.

Here’s a shared explanation in understanding Olaplex Ingredients
According to the label, it contains the following:
Water (Aqua), Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, Propylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Ethylcellulose, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Quaternium-91, Sodium Benzoate, Cetrimonium Methosulfate, Cetrimonium Chloride, Fragrance (Parfum), Polyquaternium-37, Tetrasodium EDTA, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Etidronic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Phytantriol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate.

According to sites like Truth In Aging, EWG.org, and Paula’s Choice, the majority of the remaining ingredients constitute conditioning agents (propylene glycol, glycerin, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose, stearamidopropyl dimethylamine, quaternium-91, cetrimonium methosulfate).
Others include emollients (cetearyl alcohol), preservatives (phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate, tetrasodium EDTA), and cleansers (cetrimonium chloride).
Source: https://www.highya.com/olaplex-no3-reviews


​​​​At BE we always challenge the artificial norms of professional haircare with formulations that are both effective and gentle. Removing harsh chemicals wherever possible while including natural extracts and active minerals that deliver real benefits.

How does your hair color keep my hair healthier?
Our motto for over 2 centuries is : Start with healthiest color for inner-outer health.

100% FREE of Ammonia, PPD and Resorcinol!

  • PPD (p-Phenylenediamine) has been linked to bladder cancer, lung, kidney and nervous system disorders and severe allergic reactions

  • Resorcinol is classified by the European Union as harmful, irritant to eyes and skil and dangerous for the environment. It may also disrupt hormonal function, and lead to  hypothyroidism.

  • Ammonia can irritate the eyes, skin and respiratory system. It can also cause asthma and breathing difficulties.

Our components to help protect and boost hair health:

  • Illute (allows micro pigment to permeate and saturate hair with colour)

  • Kaolin (guards against colour fade and ensures colour stays locked)

  • Montmorillonite (nourishes the hair and scalp to improve hair and scalp condition)

  • Enjoy sunflower seed wax and sweet almond oil to further strengthen the hair and scalp.


READY? Whether you want to up-level your hair color, or put your locks through rehab. Allow us to personalize and help you.

Let your stylist know you’d like to ADD onto your upcoming color service! Perfect for looking your best for the holidays!







Fall Hair Tips & Trends

Fall hair trends are on the prowl - and our saloon chairs have been buzzing with brunette's and golden beauties already! 

This quick trend read is for all of you ladies that are not quite ready to bid your highlights goodbye.  

I suggest keeping your face light and bright while dosing down with rich brown behind and under to bring color into the face, plump up your cuticle and to usher in a season of soul renewal. 


FALL TRENDS |  BE Natural & Youth Renewal Hair Color

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If you've followed our instagram stories this summer and caught me hitting the trail rides this summer on my favorite horse pal (Rebel) - then you'll get this is my all time fav!

Hats off and yeehaw to this beautiful image - as a horse lover, cowgirl and obsessive colorist and   - this photo says it best.  


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Honestly want to tell her to SMILE, but for all intensive purposes, exposing this fabulous, soft approach to  winding down a blend of beige blonde and beige brunette.  


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Much like my gal in the cowgirl hat, this technique is along the same lines.  Framing the face only is a strategic way to hide gray on your six week marathon, brighten the face and richen up the rest of the crown and crowd.  


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This lovely is a all-star on pinterest.  Many of my clients adore her bright blonde tenacity - as do I!   If you're a ash blonde to begin with, amping it up with our keratin - brass free - mineral clay is the way to go.   As fall comes near, throwing in a few icy brunettes makes the blonde pop even more.  


SUPERIOR COLOR + METHODOLICAL TECHNIQUE

 

@beautyecology only offers the best of the BEST when it comes to color and quality.

 NO hidden chemicals, ammonia, ppd, or peroxide.  We rehab your hair and it just gets better - time after time...

 Email | hello@beautyecology.com | or Text  | 612-386-4044 |  to book your rich + healthy color!

The Healthy Way to GO & STAY Blonde

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Ugh - there are so many nuances to doing blonde RIGHT and keeping it healthy.   When highlighting, you're lifting out your natural pigment. 

Also, it's just as important of the quality of lightening system you're using.

Beauty Ecology is knows for our clay protein + marine extract lightening system. The hair is left in better health and avoids breakage - and may I say BRASS FREE? 

The other incredible service we provide is a keratin express add-on to instantly fill the cuticle, bring back shine and both stop and prevent breakage. Time: 10 min

You can do your part at home (especially your blondies) by keeping your hair healthy and strong by following these steps.   


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