GoGreenSalon.com

We’ve heard it over and over again, the nasty P word.  What the heck are parabens and why does it seem EVERYone uses them?

Here’s the skinny:

Parabens are a group of chemicals widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bacteriocidal and fungicidal properties.

They’re commonly found in shampoos,  moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, self tanners and toothpaste. They are also used as food additives (yuck).

All types of parabens (methyl ethyl etc.) have been found to be estrogenic – meaning they mimic female hormones.  Parabens have been found in breast tumour samples but haven’t been conclusively linked to cancer.

Ok, so let’s just focus on the estrogen mimicking feature.  Too much fake estrogen coursing through your body can cause all sorts of issues.  Anything from hormonal imbalances leading to horrible PMS and estrogen related conditions like fibroids and endometriosis to a serious strain on your liver.  Your liver processes a lot of the excess estrogen in your system – in this day and age, why would you want to cause your body more stress than it needs?

It’s not necessary so cut it out of your diet.  Yes, your diet.  Shampoos and conditioners are absorbed through your skin so before you lather, ask yourself if you’d eat it.

Stay tuned for more information on toxins lurking in your hair care bottles.

In the meantime – Go Organic, Go Green Salon!

The seasons are changing.  It’s time to protect your hair and keep it hydrated for the long winter months.

Aside from using natural treatments every week to quench your hair’s thirst, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise.  Your hair can be affected just like your skin by what you eat and how you treat your body.

Make sure you’re getting enough protein and vitamins.  Iron is also a major factor in reducing hair loss and keeping the cells healthy.  Vitamin B and amino acids are particularly valuable to keep a shiny, healthy mane.

Cells use amino acids as building blocks.  All of your hair is produced through roots cells under the scalp.  Logically, the more we stock up of amino acids, the healthier and hardier our hair becomes.

Amino acids are sourced through meats and vegetables.  Some of the sources of protein that we eat provide what’s called “complete protein” meaning we’re getting all of the essential amino acids.   Because vegetable sources tend to be low on certain essential amino acids, it’s a good idea to combine a number of vegetables each day to insure you’re getting the complete spectrum.

You can spend as much as you want on hair products but ultimately, diet is king.  Eat well!

When the hair’s protective shield (cuticle) is damaged or stripped away from the ends of our hair fibers, we get split ends. The technical term is “Trichoptlosis” and it occurs when the natural oils from the scalp fail to reach the ends of our hair shafts or when cortex loses moisture and the hair begins to unravel.

Causes for split ends include:

• A dry scalp
• Diet lacking in key nutrients to develop strong hair Over exposure to chemical treatments like hair relaxers
• Over heating – irons & blow dryers
• Brushing with metallic combs and brushes
• Brushing hair when it is still wet
• Bad hair accessories (elastics and clips)

10 Hot Natural Tips to Tame the Tresses…

• Trimming – get trims frequently until the problem is under control

• Castor Oil & Mustard – Mix 1 teaspoon of castor oil, mustard oil and olive oil. Massage the scalp for 30 minutes or more and apply it to the full length of hair. Cover the head with a hot towel later.

• Almond Oil & Egg – Mix 1 teaspoon of almond oil with 1 egg yolk and apply it to your scalp as well as hair. Leave for 1 hour and wash using gentle shampoo & conditioner.

• Avocado Mask – Mash one avocado with warm olive oil and apply to damp hair at least 15-30 minutes. Wash with gentle shampoo and conditioner.

• Mayonnaise Mask – Apply mayonnaise and leave for 15-30 minutes and wash. * Remove salt from perspiration and chlorine from swimming pools – you’re your hair with gentle product.

• You are what you eat. Hair is 98% protein and nutritionists advise healthy hair seekers to eat well-balanced diets that incorporate healthy proteins along with foods high in vitamin B, C, E, A and K.

• Hair responds well to the consumption of protein rich foods such as meats, eggs, cheese, seeds and nuts. Fish is a hair super-food as it combines high protein with essential fatty acids and natural oils.

• Adding a B vitamin supplement to your daily in addition to eating foods high in B complex will make a difference to your tresses.

• Try green vegetables, legumes, beans, sunflower seeds, flax and nuts. These foods are all high in the B complex family which includes thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, niacinamide, pyridoxine, and pantothenic acid, cobalmin, folic acid, biotin, choline, inositol and para-aminobenxoic acid.

• Adding raw wheat germ, kelp and brewers yeast, would significantly boost your intake of vitamin B.

Good lock!

Ok, we must be on to something!!!  Our clients are starting to ask us about cosmetic lines that contain the same types of natural ingredients found in our GoGreen Salon hair products.

This is good news because while we are working hard to formulate new products that will make a real difference to our clients and the environment, we’re getting to know what the real demands are.

A few things that people have been asking about include a Spa line – all natural cleansers, masks and moisturizers as well as hand care – salon grade moisturizers.  For now, all we can say is yes but we want to deliver exceptional product.  This takes time…

Until then, we’re so thrilled about the obvious shift occuring in how people are approaching beauty – in our humble opinion, caring from the inside out is the ultimate way to reduce waste.

We are so thrilled about our new line of products.  Our clients are asking us about the benefits of using the GoGreen Salon line and why the shampoos and conditioners are better.  The answer is that we’ve discovered how to deliver high quality cleansing and conditioning using gentle ingredients and essential oils.

Simply put, it’s not so much about what is included in the ingredients but more about what’s not.

We wanted to break free from the long list of non-biodegradable and sometimes super abbrasive agents that are found in high end shampoos and conditioners.  The next time you visit, check out our label and then experience high end products without compromising the environment (or your hair)!

GoGreen Salon’s Co-Founder speaks about living the Green…http://tinyurl.com/q6fvzw

We are so thrilled about the upcoming Green Living Show here in Toronto.  Thousands of individuals that are interested in making a difference will be attending and GoGreenSalon is looking forward to seeing you there.

Come by the GoGreenSalon.com booth in the Health & Beauty area and help us celebrate the launch of our new GoGreenSalon.com program.

Check out our new 100% organic shampoos and conditioners and get involved in the GoGreenSalon cause.  Pick up our cool membership card made from 100% recycled paper.  The card contains flower seeds to inspire new growth after a year of 10% discounts on high grade green cuts and styles from participating salons.

Help us support the green-minded salons that have made a true commitment through the GoGreenSalon program to reduce, re-use and recycle.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Friday, April 24 – 10 am – 9 pm
Saturday, April 25 – 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday, April 26 – 10 am – 6 pm

Direct Energy Centre
100 Princes Blvd.
Toronto, ON M6K 3C3
Closest intersection: Lakeshore Blvd./Strachan