To Dye For - A New Breed of Eco-Friendly Salons Offer Indulgent Alternatives

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’s worthwhile to seek out ammonia-free, organic salons for a healthy alternative.

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.

Many organic color line and eco-friendly salons were created out of necessity, “I had to create an eco-friendly workplace,” 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.

Other salons across the US are following the green trend. Organic Colour Systems. is used at the Green People Salon at the Blue Med Spa. 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.

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. Organic Coulour Systems, essential oils, and other non-toxic alternatives are available world-wide.