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!

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.

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10

Cut and Color Methods to Graying Gracefully

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

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.

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/.

👩🏻‍🦱 The ONE Test For Hormonal Hair Loss

Hi lovely. Hair loss is a B*tch - and honestly - it’s my forte.

How do we test for hair loss? It’s so confusing for my clients…but there is a path.

No, it’s not serum testosterone.

No, its not your thyroid.

And No, its not DHT - the androgenic hormone alone.

Hair loss is generally pointing back to so called androgenic alopecia; essentially, this is just a fancy way to talk about hair loss caused by high levels of androgens (especially one hormone, a metabolite of testosterone, called dihydrotestosterone or DHT).

When women have imbalanced levels of androgenic hormones (like DHT), they can bind to the hormone receptors of our hair follicles and put them in their “rest-phase”. 

DHT can also suffocate the follicle closing up the follicle - causing miniaturization and hair thinning.

NET NET: hormonal hair loss is the result of our hair follicles being told to stop growing and to go to sleep instead.

 So……

How Do You Fix Hormonal Hair Loss?

The plethora of blogs on hair loss are written for men, and their common hair loss issue goes back to DHT.

Or you may have heard that you have high levels of androgenic hormones like testosterone or DHT are the issue from your doctor?

TO GET TO THE ROOT, we need to test, not guess.

To fix something we need to know how it broke in the first place.

I suggest working with a Functional Medicine doctor to get an accurate diagnosis, the next step is to ask ….

“What are the root-causes behind my symptoms?” and “How did I get here?”.

When my clients come with hair concerns, I find that there is a denial or disconnect between the habits and results of nutrition, detoxification, exercise or activity levels, stress, sleep, or any combination of these lifestyle factors that have contributed to their hair health entanglement.

Remember, THESE ARE THE FIVE main foundations of hormonal health because we really need all of them to be inline before we can achieve our long-term health and wellness goals.

ONE TEST to get a BIG CLUE to the Root-Cause of Hormonal Hair Loss

To get to the root-cause, I suggest adding in or singling out a test for hormonal hair loss with FASTING INSULIN.

Here's why. Insulin is a hormone that our body uses to carry glucose to our cells so that they can use it for energy. What we want to be is insulin-sensitive – meaning that the insulin our body produces will be able to take care of the glucose we ingest.

But we can become ‘insulin resistant’ and that means that what used to be enough insulin to carry the glucose is now not enough.

This is what is happening when we get fasting insulin levels checked at our doctor’s office and see that it is high.

Over time, it’s possible that our body won’t be able to maintain that high level of insulin output to take care of our glucose.

You'll see this in your fasting glucose levels or HbA1c test and when they are HIGH.

IT IS THE 👉🏼 Connection of Insulin + Hormonal Hair Loss 👉🏼 The connection between insulin and hormonal hair loss is clear: When our insulin levels are high, it can push hormones down the 👉🏼 androgen pathway.

NOW we’re talking androgens and DHT. But notice the step prior.

GOT IT?

Managing our blood glucose levels and maintaining a healthy insulin response is foundational to our hormone health.

It’s worth talking to your doctor about having your fasting insulin (and fasting glucose) levels tested. I also believe now more than ever in a stress-full world, that TOPICAL support is essential to help the follicle regenerate.

Botanicals wont do it alone. Castor oil won’t do it alone.

AND……..Insulin resistance and hormone imbalances don’t happen in a vacuum.

Remember, the other critical pieces link back to your nutrition, detoxification, exercise, stress, and sleep.

You need a 360 approach.

Please let me help! Hair loss is my jam!

Check out our Root Revival Hair Activating Tonic 👉🏼 @evoqbeauty #hairloss #hairgrowth

THINNING HAIR 🕒 Do this while you still have time

HEY LADY!

✨✨✨✨
Tell me, have you ever looked at your scalp or at your brush and thought ...

OMG, is all of this hair loss normal?

Will my hair stop falling out?

Is this aging or stress, my hair is getting thinner!

Industry-wide,thinning hair a leading concern amongst salon clients,but few hairstylists know how to help a client get from here (helping to identify the source) to THERE (determining the best starting point, testing and solution-based options for the client).

I wish addressing thinning hair were as easy as just taking biotin, but it's not. 😔

| Fact |

40% of women have visible hair loss by the time they are age 40, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

I personally experienced losing over 50% of my hair in a short 2 weeks(literally) due to a perfect storm of stress and a health collapse (low hemoglobin). I remember not wanting to even touch my scalp, let along wash my hair.

Luckily, I had help to my kryptonite (Root Revival - explained below).

In fact, this power hitter is 2X'S MORE POWERFUL THAN MINOXIDIL and 100% NATURAL and DRUG-FREE!

Life begins at the SCALP

ENTER ROOT REVIVAL'S Multi-therapeutic Regime, while you still have time!

• Help prevent hair loss

• May rejuvenate damaged hair follicles

• Aims to improve hair quality and texture

• Helps to restore healthy hair growth cycles

  Can increase circulation and nutrition to scalp and hair follicles
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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How'd Evoq different from other hair loss products?

Our activator takes into account the entire follicle process fromstart to finish. Many other products have "mono" (one) ingredients that help hair loss, but often falls short or is over abrasive with salicylic acid to try to remove buildup - leaving the scalp dry and sensitive.

How's the Root Revival Activator work?

Hair Loss happens due to the stem cells of the hair follicle becoming less productive. Moreover, the fibroblasts located in the dermal papilla are less effective in transmitting information to the stem cells, in consequence, the matrix is not able to renew itself as before.

Evoq's Root Revival Activator targets the hair follicle cells to reactivate its division and stimulate anagen initial phase(growth)and decrease the effects of the telogen phase(fall).

Its action on several fronts enhances hair growth more than any other compound, even more(clinically proven 2x's more) than Minoxidil which is known for its side effects.

To make it easy - below is a chart that displays the power of this powerful scalp enhancer, followed by a client that's experience incredible regrowth!

100% Natural Hair Growth Solution with Root Revival Activating Tonic

Reach out if you have any questions. Finding the root cause, combined with safe, toxic-free support is my passion and specialty. xo - Kassandra

Love and light! - Kassandra.

FREE Hair Health! Go BIG and Buy One - Get One!

HO HO - HOLD THE PHONE!

Call me crazy.

HERE, we start the healthy beauty blessings in great GRATITUDE to you.

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Is this YOU?

Most women feel the frustration of

• thinning hair

• overly dry ends

• lack of volume or body

• color fadage

But WHY?

Due to the integrity of the stem cells deep within the scalp and follicle fabric. Which brings me to my passion - formulating and servicing you - to get to the root so you can have the positive results of….

• fuller and thicker hair

• sealed ends

• more body and bounce

• locked in color with more shine

There’s only one way there outside of internal health and that’s the right actives, in the right products, used consistently. So this holiday I am bringing you GOOD CHEER to both your hair and your bank account.

WE’RE STARTING BIG. HUGE!

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Here’s the BIG DEAL. You choose! 

BUY a 32oz VOLUME or REGROWTH SHAMPOO & get it’s better half (Conditioner) for FREE!

_____

  BETTER TOGETHER SAVINGS

Buy ONE 32oz Shampoo for only $64

Get it's better half Conditioner for FREE!

Shampoo + Conditioner Value = $137

Let's do the math: [Total Savings $73 ]

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VOLUMIZING & THICKENING

Root Revival Regrowth

LIMITED SUPPLY. Act fast, we have sets of 12 for the Volume/Regrowth Shampoo and Conditioner.

TO PURCHASE: Simply EMAIL us the hair health set you prefer (Volume or Regrowth) and we will inform you with flexible ways to pay via a check, paypal and venmo. *Our 32oz size products are NOT currently on our website.

Committed to enriching your journey to healthy hair. xo

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

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.

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Social Proof | Bleach FREE | 100% Natural Hair Color

View this post on Instagram

Taking this beauty from ash to all over bright blonde with ZERO bleach was a joy. No breakage and brass free. #blonde #organicsalon #organichaircolor

A post shared by Beauty Ecology Organic Salon (@beautyecology) on Nov 7, 2018 at 8:14pm PST

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:

• 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

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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.

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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!

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7 Hair Loss Myths

If it's one thing our team knows, understands, and stands in empathy for - it would be hair loss. Hair loss can be very complicated to understand.  It's a complex concoction of reasons a woman can start loosing hair at any given time in their life.   It’s time to debunk those hair loss myths and find out the reality to what causes hair loss and thinning and find out if you are really losing your hair!

Myth 1: If your hair is thinning, it’s because of your mother’s side of the family.

• Reality: Actually, scientific research proves that hair thinning can occur from mom or dad’s side of the family. Take a look at your immediate family’s hair. If they are losing their hair, you may likely do the same.

Myth 2: Only men suffer from hereditary hair loss.

• Reality: Ladies, sorry to break it to you but this is false! Women can experience hereditary hair loss just like men. Men tend to lose and thin in concentrated areas, making it more noticeable, but women tend to experience loss and thinning on their entire head.

Myth 3: Women lose their hair after pregnancy and during and after menopause.

• Reality: While that’s definitely an accurate piece of information, women can begin to lose their hair in their 20’s and even earlier in some instances.

Myth 4: If you’re stressed, your hair will permanently fall out.

• Reality: During stressful times, hair may fall out but in most cases it should grow back.

Myth 5: If you’re losing hair, you are experiencing hereditary hair loss.

• Reality: Did you know that 100+ hairs can fall out daily throughout the hair’s natural “resting” (non-growing) phase? If you’re losing hair constantly and it’s not growing back, then you could be onto something.

Myth 6: Shampooing frequently will make your hair fall out.

• Reality: Since shampooing removes residues and build-up, hair will actually look fuller. It does not actually cause hair loss.

Myth 7: Chemicals, from coloring your hair, will permanently damage hair and cause loss.

• Reality: While chemicals can weaken hair and cause breakage, unless the hair follicle has been damaged by chemical treatment, which rarely happens, loss is temporary.

Hopefully you’ve learned a fact or two from these hair loss myths and can help educate others as well. It’s never too late to learn how you can prevent or find the right solution for hair loss.

If you would like to learn more about the right solution for your individual hair loss please email (kassie@kasiaorganicsalon.com) or call me (612.824.7611)  to set up a private and personal consultation. 

You can also learn more about our multi-therapy solutions HERE! 

Learn about the COMMON causes of hair loss HERE!

Set up a consultation HERE!

Enzyme Developer: Upgrade your hair color from hydrogen peroxide!

Stemming in nature, rooted in science

Your hair color just got upgraded.

Nature’s solution to harsh peroxide-based color services of yester - year. 

OUR COLOR DIVORCE AND HOW WE HEALED....

The Divorce:

We’ve cut bait. Our team now combines our incredible Zero Ammonia/PPD/Recorcinal and MEA color with Enzyme developers, rather than Hydrogen Peroxide due to the potential damaging effects for vulnerable hair and scalp health.

Why We Did It: HARMFUL CHEMICALS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Hair color is made up of two components: color and developer. The developer contains hydrogen peroxide and ammonia to modify the molecular structure of the hair shaft, allowing large color molecules to penetrate while phenylenediamine (PPD) allows the color to bond with the hair. It is now known that some permanent hair dyes may also contain coal tar, a potentially detrimental petrochemical, and toxic metals such as lead or mercury as developers.

Researchers at The University of California discovered that individuals coloring their hair with permanent dyes once a month for a year or more have twice the risk of developing bladder cancer. Hairdressers or barbers in contact with hair dyes had five times the risk.  We are against fear mongering, but we fully are dedicated to knowledge and better choices. 

What’s Next: Our New Love!

We’ve seen incredible results with our recent switch. Enzyme developers are naturally formed proteins that neutralize the hair and leave it in superior condition. Continued use of this product, combined with our naturally zero ammonia color and home care products, will restore your hair to its original shine and luster.

You probably have a lot of questions: What is it? What does it do? Well, up until now, your traditional developer used hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide swells the cuticles of the hair until it bursts leaving visible and unwanted hair damage.

Enzyme Results:

•  Natural

• Ammonia Free

•  Complete Color

•  No Peroxide

•  All natural Plant Enzymes

• PH Balancing

Enzyme developer can do everything peroxide developers can do, plus more!

Here are the friends-with-benefits that lead to our split:

•  Enzymes are a safer and more controlled way of inserting the dye into the hair shaft

•  Instead of creating the damage in depositing and or lifting color, your hair is left healthy, shiny and silky

•  Safe and mild for overall scalp health

•  Color will be brighter and rich to it’s true tone. NO OXIDATION = NO FADING!

•  Takes less time

• Allergy Friendly

Why doesn’t every salon divorce hydrogen peroxide?

It’s all about the money, honey! Our ethos is to keep you and your follicles healthy. That’s how we get real results. Yes, this does raise our overall costs for color a smidge, but aligned with our mission and big picture view of health and beauty - it’s worth it!  We hope you see it this way, too.

All color pricing will increase by $3.  Please speak with your stylist with any questions or concerns.  

If you prefer to use hydrogen peroxide, please let your stylist know and we will revert back to old systems for your needs.  

Contact us today!  612.824.7611

The "Connect 4" to Hormone Havoc that Causes Hair Loss

Many of our guests (salon family)  are fast paced - multitasking -super women!    Naturally, this brings on excess stress, fatigue and hormonal challenges over a period of time. Common first experiences of hair loss is after giving birth.  Years later women reach menopause or other hormonal imbalances, and all not uncommon for women to start losing hair. And while hair loss is a normal process  -  it’s also something that can be remedied by addressing underlying health and hormonal problems.

I appreciate the recent post shared by Dr. Sara Gottfried MD.  You may know of her most recent book "The Hormone Cure."   Sara understands the fundamentals of functional medicine and how it relates to women's health and hormones - inside out.  Enjoy the quick read and thank you, Sara!

4 Hormone Horrors that Cause Hair Loss

If hormones can zap your energy and steal your sex drive, it’s probably no surprise that they can also turn your tresses into a mess. Here are just a few ways that hormonal issues can cause hair loss:

1. Excess Estrogen.

Estrogen, the power player in women’s bodies, is your friend when it’s appropriately balanced. It makes you feel energized, helps stabilize your moods and contributes to a healthy sex drive. Yet too much estrogen, which can be caused by weight gain, perimenopause or toxicity from exposure to endocrine disruptors (which are rampant in our food, water and plastic products), can lead to thinning hair. During and after pregnancy, for example, estrogen levels peak and then dip, causing sudden hair loss for many women.

2. Insulin Issues.

Insulin, that helper hormone in charge of regulating blood sugar levels, also affects a number of different body processes, including fat storage, heart health and, you guessed it, hair growth. One study published in the European Journal of Cardiovascular Risk found that women with some markers of insulin resistance have a greater risk for androgenic alopecia (AGA), or female pattern baldness.

3. Tricky Testosterone.

In men, testosterone is associated with being big, burly and hairy. But too much testosterone in women creates all sorts of unpleasant results. Namely, it can cause hair growth on the face, neck or chest, and hair loss on your head. Not pretty.

4. Thyroid Woes.

Your body is an intelligent system. So when it’s under stress due to hormonal imbalances, like fluctuating thyroid levels, it redirects energy used for noncritical processes (hair growth) to more important matters at hand (balancing your hormones). Low thyroid is often the cause of that thinning scalp some women get as they age.

3 Ways to Maintain your Mane               

If you’re tired of yanking out gobs of hair from the bathroom drain or piling on products to pump up your ponytail, here are three strategies that have helped many of my patients address the root cause of hair loss:  

1. Get tested.

Because there are a number of different factors that can contribute to hair loss, it’s best to ask your doctor for a few different tests. I recommend checking: fasting glucose, iron levels and complete blood count (which can determine if you have anemia), as well as thyroid, estrogen and testosterone levels. These assessments should give you a better understanding of what hormonal issues may be at the root of your problem.

2. Eat clean.

Incorporating more fiber into your diet will help to lower estrogen levels through the process of “elimination” (i.e., excess estrogen will come out in the wash). Focusing on a high-protein,

low-carbohydrate diet with lots of veggies will improve insulin resistance that may be contributing to hair loss.

3. Pop a quality multivitamin. 

Nutrients, or lack thereof, can affect hair growth, too. Vitamin A helps fat synthesis in hair follicles, encouraging growth; vitamin E helps protect your hair cells from damage; and B vitamins also help to restore hair thickness and shine. Vitamin C and zinc also help to repair cellular damage from the inside out, which makes for a healthy mane.

Unfortunately, there’s no magic solution, pill or product that will correct hair loss entirely. But if you think of your hormones as a cast of characters, knowing which ones are leading the show and which ones are only playing a supporting role can help you get to the bottom of the issue.  Manage your stress levels and get enough sleep. This will help with general hormone balance and can protect your precious locks from any further damage.

Find Sara's article here!