<p>Beauty salons are known for their pungent chemical fumes, but harsh smells and red, irritated eyes no longer need be part of a no-pain-no-gain beauty regimen. Since many of these toxins have been shown to have more sinister effects than temporary eye irritation (see sidebar), it&#8217;s worthwhile to seek out ammonia-free, organic salons for a healthy alternative.</p> <p>At the Shades salon in Beverly Hills, for example, the sweet scent of lavender fills the air. A variety of organic hair treatments, including scalp treatments with natural rosemary and tea tree oil, anoint the heads of of patrons, and all of the hair dye used is 100% organic.</p> <p>Many organic color line and eco-friendly salons were created out of necessity, “I had to create an eco-friendly workplace,&#8221; explains owner, Susan Henry. She had suffered adverse health effects caused by daily exposure to the ammonia-based hair color products she had been using on her celebrity clientele. Rather than find another profession, Henry was committed to creating a non-toxic color formula that results in less damaged and even healthier hair.</p> <p>Other salons across the US are following the green trend. <a href="http://organiccolorsystems.com/info">Organic Colour Systems</a>. is used at the <em>Green People Salon</em> at the <a href="http://www.bluemedspa.com">Blue Med Spa</a>. in Atlanta. The color system works without ammonia and uses potassium persolphate to lighten hair instead. Senior colorist Julian Huxley is one of only a handful of natural/organic hair stylists in the world. “The quality of these products is unsurpassed. Because the dyes are non-toxic, even expecting ladies can achieve any hair color they want. There are no limitations,” explains Huxley.</p> <p>Thanks to these organic alternatives, we no longer have to sacrifice our health in the name of beauty. Urge your neighborhood salon to take the plunge. <em>Organic Coulour Systems</em>, essential oils, and other non-toxic alternatives are available world-wide.</p>