healthy hair and skin products

First of all I want to send a big thank you to Seth for including me in this newsletter! I am an experienced hair stylist and an artist who is passionate about organic sustainability, artistic integrity, and purity. I feel fortunate to be able to speak with you about healthy, organic hair care, primarily hair color. With the advances that are rapidly being made in hair color there is no reason to subject one’s self to highly toxic chemicals any longer.

If you would like to check out a great basic resource go to http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/110/hair.
Here is a sampling of the information offered:
According to “Skin Deep,” a 2004 study and ranking of 7,500 cosmetic products published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 100 percent of shampoos tested contained ingredients that have not been assessed for safety by either the Cosmetic Industry Review panel (an industry body) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is charged with regulating cosmetic ingredients. Other hair-raising facts:
*69 percent of hair-dye products may pose cancer risks (this is primarily the color itself)
*76 percent of conditioners contain ingredients that are allergens (phthalates,
*93 percent of shampoos possibly contain harmful impurities linked to cancer or other health problems. (parabens, sulfates)

For a few years now I have been watching the growing career of beauty health pioneer John Masters, whom many of you will have heard of since Pharmaca sells his hair care products. His eponymous salon in New York City uses organic herbal and clay based hair color and highlighting products with no ammonia and very little hydrogen peroxide. I am very happy to be able to offer you the same!

Ammonia-free hair color is a revolution that is changing the face of a traditionally toxic industry. Ammonia has always been included in hair color. It raises the pH level of the hair strand, forcing open the cuticle and allowing color molecules to penetrate the hair shaft. The problem with this process is that ammonia is a toxic, corrosive chemical that damages both the hair and the lungs. Ammonia-free hair color will not damage the hair because moisturizers open the cuticle very gently to allow color deposit. Since the cuticle scales are not corroded during processing, the hair both retains its shine and health and has a longer lasting color result. You can truly smell the difference and your beautifully colored, shiny, healthy hair will thank you.

Because the skin absorbs what is put on it, it is really just the same as eating. This way of thinking will give you the ability to carefully edit what your skin is absorbing. Nail care is another issue of toxic skin absorbtion. Many polishes contain cancer causing ingredients and harmful dyes as do the scrubs and lotions. I use only whole food ingredients, such as milk, honey, citrus, and green tea in my signature nail treatments and I have found over the years the results are much better long term. Nails grow faster and retain their moisture, age spots fade and skin is radiant. All because of whole foods.

I have been researching products and techniques throughout my career in order to truly provide a holistic approach to beauty. I would love to share my knowledge with you. There is no time but now to start making changes that bring greater health!

Crystal Jenkins is my number one hair care diva. For more information, contact me through my site at www.SethBraun.com