THE DIRT
How is hair coloured?
- Semi-permanent colour stains the hair cuticle with colour, while permanent colour penetrates the hair cuticle to deposit colour
- Most hair colours consist of toxic chemicals such as Ammonia, Peroxide, diaminobenzene, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) which can swell the hair follicle, damage the hair and initiate allergic reactions

Health Problems caused by hair dye chemicals
- A University of Washington study found a 50% increase in the incidence of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in long term hair dye users
- Research at the University of Southern California found that hairdressers are five times more likely to have bladder cancer, compared to the general population
- According to a Harvard School of Public Health study, women that dye their hair  5 times per year or more are twice as likely to get ovarian cancer
- The incidence of Rheumatoid Arthritis is twice as high for women that have used permanent hair dyes for over 20 years
- While more high quality research is required, the number of findings of the ill effects of hair dye are increasing and are cause for concern.

Doing a patch test
- Due to the risk of irritation and allergic reaction, it is advised that before each colour application, a 24hr patch test is conducted (especially if the colour is new to you)
- A successful patch test involves leaving the product uncovered on the skin, and the best place to do this is usually behind the ear
- To find out how safe your hair dye is, look it up on the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database (http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?category=haircolor&bleaching)


G SPOT
The winner of the 'Save our Skin' pack is 'Deborah', please email us your mailing address to receive your prize. There was a large number of really impressive entries on how people have simplified their life, visit the  BLOG, which has a smattering of the best for you to enjoy!

COME CLEAN
If you can't go without a little colour in your life, choose from these less toxic alternatives..........

Do it at home………

Are you allergic to PPD? Looking for a natural hair colour alternative?  At Organic Beauty World you are spoilt for choice with a wide range of  colours, permanent, semi-permanent and lightener kits. They have 100%  Certified Natural Hair Colour. Call 1300  66 2543 for hair colour advice.

Get Pampered at the salon……………

Stevie English Hair in Glebe, takes sustainability seriously.  The salon uses only Original & Mineral Hair Colour – unique because the ranges are completely ammonia free, yet produce amazing colours on the hair. The salon itself is a work of ‘green art’ with compacted furniture and partially recycled wallpaper best of all, the salon is Carbon Neutral. (02) 9423 7033

Organic Colour Systems also offer a less toxic alternative to salon hair colour. The products contain  certified organic and naturally derived ingredients, contains less harsh chemicals uses natural alternatives whenever possible while still providing complete grey coverage.

Just Teasing, in Tuart Hill, Perth offer 'Organic Colour Systems'. So sit and relax and enjoy the Fair Trade chocolates with your coffee, without the smelly salon fumes! Call 9349 2342 for an appointment today.

Image One Hair & Beauty in Kalamunda, Perth, also offer Organic Colour systems and are the WA distributor of these products. You'll also find a great range of the luxurious Dr Hauschka skincare and makeup products.
Phone (08) 9293 2688

If you want to try Henna, know the facts;
- Henna contains a molecule called Lawsone (orange/red in colour), which is absorbed into the outer layers of the hair to create a colour that is a mixture between the natural colour of the hair (melanin) and an orange/red colour (Lawsone)
- If henna is your colour of choice, beware of variations that have added synthetic dyes and/or metallic salts, as these can be just as harmful as chemical dyes


References

http://www.tintsofnature.com.au/tints_of_nature.html
http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip993.htm
http://www.natureshop.com.au/Nature%20Shop%20Haircare.htm
http://www.vitalitymagazine.com/node/245