Simple Nutrition Tips for Healthier Hair

Because of today's fast pace lifestyles many people are concerned that they may not be obtaining the proper daily nutrition that will support healthy bodies, healthy skin and hair growth.

Invest in HIGH Quality Proteins

Since hair is made of keratin protein, a diet deficient in protein will show up in hair thinning and hair loss.  The first signs of this may be that your hair is dull and/or increased breakage.  Increase your intake of high-quality (hormone free and organic) protein-rich foods such as lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, beans and seeds. Amino Acid Savvy

Women especially need quick and efficient complete chains of amino's for the body's.  There are eight essential amino acids included in “complete proteins,” which are necessary on a daily basis for overall healthy hair growth. Some complete proteins include meat, fish, poultry, yogurt and cheese, soybeans and eggs.

Consume Essential Fatty Acids

These nutrients are essential to shiny, vibrant, healthy hair and the cellular function necessary for hair growth, but they are not produced within the human body and must be consumed instead. The daily use of seeds and nuts and the cold-pressed oils from them, such as flax seed oil, on salads and in any dishes that do not require heating will bring the essential omega-6 fatty acids to your diet. Omega-3s, the other important fatty acids, are contained in oily fish and walnuts.

Moderate Liquids such as Caffeine and Carbonated drinks

What is "moderate?"    One drink a day is are best.  These drinks actually leach important vitamins and minerals from your body and provide not much of anything in return. They also take the place of healthier choices such as water,  herbal tea and fresh, all-natural fruit juices.

Drink Your H2O

The human body needs about 64 ounces of water (that’s eight 8-ounce glasses) to maintain healthy body systems, including hair growth. Are you getting enough? After urinating the first time upon waking up, your urine should be colorless and odorless for the remainder of the day. If it is a concentrated yellow or has a strong odor, increase your water intake.

Diets That Make You Crash

A diet very low in calories (fewer than 600 calories per day) deprives hair, as well as the rest of your body, of the necessary nutrients for health and growth and will result in breakage and dull hair.

Amino's and Dietary supplement used to combat hair loss:

By maintaining a well-balanced diet and eating protein-rich foods, hair thinning and hair loss can be reduced. If you’re concerned that your diet is lacking, consider taking a high quality dietary supplement. This will not only promote healthy hair, it will also support overall health and well-being.

L-lysine

The amino acid L-lysine plays a major role, as it stimulates collagen synthesis and thus leads to improvement of repair mechanisms. Furthermore, the roots need the essential amino acid to functional properly. This is why an appropriate supplementation with L-lysine in it can lead to a significant reduction of hair loss in affected persons.

L-cysteine

L-cysteine is an integral component of the keratin of the hair blocks. Several studies in which B vitamins and L-cysteine were taken, led to a significant improvement in androgenetic alopecia.

From L-cysteine, the body forms, together with the amino acids L-glycine and L-glutamine to form the strong antioxidant L-glutathione, which can protect sensitive hair roots against oxidative stress.

L-Methionine

L-methionine is the second, in addition to L-cysteine amino acid important for the formation of healthy hair. Methionine is also very sulphurous and just like L-cysteine is essential for the construction of procollagen. An L-methionine deficiency can lead to decreased formation of hair.

L-Arginine

L-arginine can stimulate blood circulation in the delicate skin tissue, thus ensuring that the roots are better supplied with micronutrients. L-arginine also supports the immune system and may thus help prevent disease-related hair loss.

Kassie Kuehl is a health coach and consultant, in addition to being a professional stylist and specialist in natural hair color. Kassie opened Kasia Organic Salon, a chemical-free, natural and euphoric experience, located in Minneapolis, MN. Kasia believes that beautiful hair and skin is directly linked to beautiful health. Our hair and skin reflects the state of the body\'s health and looks its best when all cells in the skin\'s layers are properly nourished and hydrated, naturally. “Be in the know” and learn more about Kasia Organic Salon at the Author’s Site: www.kasiaorganicsalon.com

Reference: http://aminoacidstudies.org

How Shampooing Your Hair Daily May NOT be Harmful After All?

You may be skeptical as I flip to the other side of the common hair myth about how shampooing causes hair loss, how it dries the hair and also how it depletes it of natural oils.  It's important to remember there are NO ABSOLUTE formula's, nor am I trying to "sell" more shampoo.

The fact is - we all have different lifestyles, time on our hands, DNA makeup, etc.   Let's skim over the other side of "washing your hair daily."

HYGEINE

Your hair and scalp frequent the same places you take your body and face – and while washing off the daily "grime" on your face is refreshing and cleansing, so too - it is for your scalp and loverly locks!

Even more so actually if you think about it – hair tends to brush directly against more surfaces. I.e. the back of underground, bus and taxi seats. Eeew..... I get grossed out just thinking about it.

HAIR GROWTH

Hair grows its best when your scalp is healthy – and daily shampooing helps keep it this way.  The QUALITY of shampoo is where I draw the line.  Especially if used daily.  Shampooing exfoliates dead skin cells away and helps to rid the scalp of any excess bacteria.  A large population tends to venture into dandruff if the hair is left too long between washes, due to the accumulation of cells. Dandruff is  unpleasant, but more importantly - is also known to cause or worsen hair loss.

MOISTURE

Shampooing does not dry your hair -AGAIN - THE QUALITY OF SHAMPOO AND IT'S INGREDIENTS MATTER.  Moisture is what hydrates your hair. The rule of measure I give to our guests at Kasia Organic Salon is - "How oily is your scalp?"  If you have an abundance of oils sitting on the top of your hair, it's clear that you've experienced greasy, limp, and smelly hair.  Would you forgo washing sweat off of your body to keep it ‘supple’? You use a moisturizing product for that! And it terms of washing your hair, you use the correct shampoo for your hair texture and then a conditioner for your hair texture, length and level of processing to smooth the cuticle, seal in the moisture and add shine.

HAIR LOSS

Shampooing daily does not cause hair loss.  I preface this with - "How fragile is your hair?  Are you going through chemo?  Are you on medications and taking on a lot of stress?  Well then -- you may be more fragile and proceed with caution...."

The action of massage actually helps to stimulate your scalp. What might be happening, however, is that you NOTICE more hair coming out when you shampoo due to it accumulating in the drain. Also, if you are used to washing your hair every 3 days, the hair that comes out when you shampoo will be 3 days worth of accumulation – not what you would see if you shampooed every day. As mentioned before, shampooing too infrequently can trigger dandruff and worsen hair loss.

Your LIfe - Your Time Your Expectations 

Believe me mamma' - I GET IT!  Some people are more than happy to wash their hair on a daily basis, while others just don’t have the time. This also depends on your current style, haircut, and how hard you sleep on those locks at night!  I caution you if you use tools such as curling irons and flat irons every day.  I believe every second or third day is more appropriate for this lifestyle.

TIP:  "Simply reset your hair with a round brush and blow dryer the second day or after a workout."

 Between washes you can use Kasia's REVIVE DRY SHAMPOO to get just 1-2 more days!   All Kasia Shampoo's and Conditioners are made specifically to help keep the hair & scalp clean, moisturized, rebalance of it's pH, shiny and healthy.  "First DO NO HARM!"  

Hope you enjoyed some of the flip side - let me know your thoughts!  What works best for you? 

When will my hair stop shedding? Guide to Postpartum Hair Loss

Do you ever find yourself asking the question – “when will my hair stop shedding?” Increased shedding or hair loss, often occurring a few months after delivery, is a common postpartum condition known as telogen effluvium or telogen gravidarum, and

results from a disturbance in the normal hair growth cycle.

This condition  affects 40-50% of new mothers, this is a temporary condition that will usually correct itself within 6-12 months postpartum. Temporary or not, hair loss is often met with a significant amount of emotional distress and anxiety for women.

Who Doesn’t Love Hormones?

During pregnancy, a rise in hormones – specifically estrogen – prevents you from losing your hair by binding to local estrogen receptors on the hair follicles, which effects their growth and normal cycling. After pregnancy, your hormones return to normal levels, putting your body in a hypo-estrogen state. This causes you to lose your hair as the normal hair growth-shedding cycle is restored.

Hair loss or shedding in the months following delivery may also be associated with other conditions that change hormonal levels in the body.

Thyroid function – Hair loss is closely related to thyroid hormone levels (i.e. hyper/hypothyroid). It important to speak to your health care provider about testing your thyroid hormone levels if you feel like this may be a contributing factor.

Excess androgens – Natural steroids produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries that act like male hormones within the body. Higher levels of androgens are commonly associated with conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), acne, weight gain, and hirsuitism, and can promote increased hair shedding and loss.

Breastfeeding – Increased prolactin levels associated with breastfeeding can also lead to an increase in shedding and hair loss.

Stress – Physiological stressors like surgical trauma, postpartum hemorrhage, or high fever can result in increased levels of cortisol in the body and can lead to hair loss.

Birth Control – Changing or stopping the birth control pill can also lead to a drop in the sex hormones – estrogen and progesterone – thereby contributing to hair loss.

Supplement your diet with the following nutrients:

• Vitamin B complex
• Biotin (Possibly safe; orally and appropriately)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E (Likely safe if amount does not exceed the RDA; possibly safe if it does)
• Zinc (Likely safe when used orally and appropriately; likely unsafe when used orally in high doses)

Contact the Kasia Hair and Skin Health Specialist today!    We provide safe, effective and "beautiful health" alternatives for optimal beauty.  We also specialize in hair loss - and will walk the journey with you.......

Reference: Kristi Prince

Does Your Presence Speak Confidence? A MUST Read on Your Most Powerful Accessory!

First Impressions. Your Most Powerful Accessory?  Your FACE!

As we move about in this high tech world, your face is the reason why people still fly thousands of miles for relationship building and for in-person meetings. Why? Because face-to-face business is paramount in establishing relationships and maximizing productivity.

Think about it; in business you may communicate with someone online for weeks, maybe even months before you actually meet them. Once you do, it’s critical to put your best self forward in order to solidify and enhance the initial impression.

It’s important to feel confident in these physical relationships - so investing in your beauty persona is a wise move, not just for business,  but for every day communication.

Make a Statement! The Kasia Hair and Skin Health Experts…. suggest clients spend money on three main things; 1.) aesthetic/supportive shoes, 2.) fabulous underwear to feel powerful, 3.) hair color and skincare, with skincare and over-all hair style being at the top of that list. When is the last time you replaced your face?

From the Head – UP!  It’s your most powerful accessory. You use it every day – and our team is here to suggest the right natural products and services to keep your hair and skin looking its best!  Putting your best face forward holistically synergizes with your health, natural beauty, self-esteem and positive impressions to the world and who you uniquely are.

So the next time you think it’s selfish to invest in your hair and skin, think harder because a healthy, glowing skin coupled with a great smile are more powerful than you realize.  It IS your PRESENSE that people connect to.

The Kasia team has three price ranges to suite your fiscal needs.  Contact us with any questions you may have.

Autumn Skin Care Tips: Renew & Recover

 

Slough off the old, and bring on the new! To start the fall season with refreshed skin, slough off the summer residue to start the fall season with refreshed skin.  1.)  Treat yourself to at least one good facial treatment to start the season polished and smooth.  2.) Maintain the benefits by doing a gentle exfoliation on a weekly basis with Kasia ReNew AHA + Vitamin C Cleanser.

Moisturize! As we exfoliate, the skin needs the nourishment put back in.  A basic moisturizer that contains vitamins A, C, and E, plus anti-oxidants are great.   These ingredients neutralize the damaging toxins from the sun, and can help prevent further damage when summer is over.   EnMoist and AgeLess are the perfect day and evening moisture option for anti-aging.

Use Sunscreen The use of sunscreen is a very important and is the main cause of aging skin. Don’t skip this step!  Good Day Sunshine + Vitamin D Moisturizer is a great addition for your daily sun-care needs.

Internal - External Hydrate! Drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day will keep your skin moisturized and help eliminate toxins effectively. Have an extra glass of water for every glass of alcohol/cup of coffee you take to prevent possible dehydration. Try to get as much water as possible from fresh fruits and vegetables.

EAT to your beauty! Foods rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids and antioxidants such as polyphones, Vitamins A, C and E can help reverse summer damage, prepare it for the

challenges it will face during winter and boost the skin’s immune system while preserving its quality and restoring its natural glow.

A comprehensive skin care system can help protect your skin's existing defenses to prevent further damage. Antioxidants and broad-spectrum sunscreen ingredients help protect, while moisturizers help minimize the initial signs of aging.

 

Beautiful Health with Fiber-Rich Fruit That Makes Your Skin Glow

With its distinct flavor, the powerful taste of grapefruit is not for everyone. But with its high nutritional content and refreshing scent, more and more people are touting the ingredient as a skin-care secret. But what is it about the fruit that benefits the skin?

Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, grapefruit extract applied topically can provide an array of anti-aging benefits like evening skin tone and fighting off free radicals. When eaten, it provides the body with important nutrients essential for healthy skin.

“Internally, grapefruit is a great example of a fruit that is loaded with skin-protective antioxidants and also has a high water content, which helps keep your skin’s barrier (the outer layer) hydrated and more resistant to wrinkle-causing free-radical damage from the sun and daily pollution,” says Los Angeles dermatologist, Howard Murad, MD. “A great benefit of grapefruit is that it promotes the production of collagen, thus making the skin more plump and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, keeping the skin looking younger and more supple.”

“Grapefruit has excellent astringent and exfoliating properties that are perfect for oily or acne-prone skin.  It also increases the pH of the skin, which may reduce acne.

Grapefruit + Kasia Anti-aging Cleanser

Renew AHA + Vitamin C Exfoliating Cleanser

 

Get skin savvy with Kasia Organic’s AHA + Vitamin C Exfoliating Cleanser! The ultimate addition to your skincare routine, this creamy cleanser uses alpha-hydroxy (AHA) acids to gently dissolve dirt and impurities -- and instantly reveal a soft, youthful, radiant complexion.

Packed with 85% certified organic, 99% natural and vegan ingredients, the soap-free formula harnesses a rich blend of natural exfoliating agents, including gentle Jojoba beads and AHA fruit acids (GRAPEFRUIT), and uses anti-inflammatory botanicals to transform skin without drying or irritation.

Perfect for evening skin tone - as well as acne-prone skin, the cleanser reduces breakout-causing bacteria, clears clogged pores and fades post-breakout marks for a smooth, even skin tone.

Learn more about the anti-aging benefits of ReNew AHA + C Cleanser HERE

 Reference courtesy of New Beauty

The Best Hairstyle for Your Face Shape and Features

Have you ever considered your face shape or certain facial features when choosing a cut or style?  Your face shape can significantly change how certain hairstyles look on you.

 At your next professional salon service, take the time to analyze what shape you are classified as - and do an analysis of what cuts best suite your style, upkeep, and face shape!

Round Face  This face shape has about the same width as length. If you have a round face, you want to elongate the face and give it more definition. Longer lengths (below the chin) with face framing layers work great. A deep side part also creates a slimming illusion.

Heart Face  This face is wider at the forehead and narrower at the chin and jaw. A deep side part with a chin length cut balances the face shape. Keep the style soft and add long layers around the face. Small bangs also provide a nice dimension.

Oval Face  This face shape is well proportioned – the length is about one and a half times the width and can wear almost any hair style.

Square Face  This face is defined by wide cheekbones, a broad forehead and a wide jaw line. Off center parts and face framing layers work wonders with the facial shape. Rounder bangs help to soften the edges too.

Pear Face This face is narrow at the forehead and wider at the chin and jaw. A haircut with width and height balances this face shape. Adding volume to the crown can really bring attention to the eyes.

Long Face This face has a length longer than the width. Shorter, chin length hair styles with a wide bang help add necessary width to an elongated face.

Large Nose  A suggestion when dealing with a larger nose is to keep hair longer, adding soft layers around the sides and on top of the head, paired with a soft bang.

Wide Forehead Bangs cut short enough to balance the width of the face is a great suggestion for a wide forehead.

Narrow Forehead  A bang cut back somewhat to help extend the width of the forehead.

Vertical or Horizontal  Balance your face with a hair cut that leads the eye in the opposite direction. For example, if your face is too narrow – ask your stylist to build width into your hairstyle or if your face is too wide – ask the stylist to add more height in your hairstyle.

Thick Neck Soften a less than swan-like neck with long layers and soft movement in and around the neck area.

Narrow Neck  We recommend to cut your hair just above the shoulders with layers or into a bob to downplay a narrow neck.

Contact the Kasia healthy hair experts today!   612.824.7611

Resource:  Eric Frisher Beauty Department

How to Communicate with Your Stylist and Get the Haircut YOU Want

Receiving  a great haircut and a cut that you can make look great on your own -- is all about  communication. You talk - and our hair health - stylists listens.   We  offer leadership, knowledge, experience, expertise and styling options.

Think about the following points when talking with your stylist:

1. What do you like best about your hair?

2. How much time do you want to spend on your hair?

3. What don’t you like about your hair and what problems need to be addressed?

4. Do you have any parameters about your style?

5. Do you have any length considerations?

6. Do you have pictures to help accurately describe your desired style?

7. Do you have long term aspirations for your hair?

8. What styling tools do you have and use at home?

The Best Way to Apply Bronzer for Fall

If you find yourself stuck on how to choose and use bronzer, you're not alone. Fact is, bronzer can be tricky to shop for and even trickier to apply correctly—but when a well-selected bronzer is applied correctly, it warms up and rejuvenates a dull, sallow, or too-pale complexion.

Contrary to popular belief, bronzer is a great product to use during every season, not just in the warm summer months. As fall approaches, don’t toss your golden bronze powder just yet.

When to Apply Bronzer

Some people wonder at what point in the makeup routine is bronzer applied. As a general rule, bronzing powders can be applied after your foundation, concealer, and pressed or loose powder is on; cream or cream-to-powder bronzers can go on before you apply setting powder; liquid or gel bronzers can be applied right after foundation, before finishing powder. If desired, apply a bit of blush to the apples of cheeks, matching the texture of your bronzer (for example, apply powder blush over bronzing powder rather than cream blush over bronzing powder).

Tips for Applying Bronzer

When it comes to applying bronzer like a pro, the mantra is "easy does it". The golden rule is to use as little product as possible so that the end result is believably natural. Remember, you can always add more!

Building color gradually is the best way to avoid the beginner's mistake of over-applying. Bronzer should give skin a sun-kissed flush, so apply to areas of the face where the light would shine if it were directly above—where your forehead meets your hairline, down the bridge of your nose, the tip of your chin, and the apples of cheeks.

For a more contoured look, some people find it helpful to imagine the "3" shape, while applying bronzer. On both sides of the face, make the "3" shape starting at the forehead along the hair line, and use your brush to follow along the hollow of the cheek and just under the jawline. Keep it sheer and build as needed.

A common pitfall is using your blush or powder brush to apply your bronzer, but this type of double-duty with your brushes is a no-no. Unless you're good about cleaning your brushes every day (and really, who is?) using one brush for more than one color product can result in muddy, uneven application.

TIP: if you're going to use a bronzer, use a separate brush.

 

At Kasia - we LOVE La Bella Donna's "Amber" Pressed Powder or the Sunset Quads for a beautiful bronzer.  This bronzer can be used year-round.

Quads of compressed mineral bronzing colours to give your skin an après sun-kissed glow. Naturale-created for those with a more fair complexion and may also be used as eyeshadows. Bronze- utilizes both the skin’s naturally occurring tanning undertones of gold and red. Both colours options are a beaute makeup kit must-have.

• Light-refracting qualities present a luminous glow

• The quad of colours may be used not only as a bronzer, use any of the colours as eyeshadows or blush

• Combine colours from each compact to create your personal colour

• Naturale-gives a sun-kissed glow and for a more fair complexion

• Bronze-utilizes both the skin’s naturally-occurring tanning undertones of gold and red

Contact the Kasia team today for your skin care needs!!

Resource: Paula's Choice