Once upon a time you didn’t hear much about “organic”. Now it seems like every where you turn it’s organic this, that and the other!  So what is it, is it better than non-organic and, probably most importantly –  is it worth the extra money?

Probably where we hear this term the most is with regard to our food.  Organic food is one of the fastest-growing categories in the food industry.  Depending on where you are purchasing your organic food, it can cost anywhere from 50-100% more. Is it worth it?  For some foods much higher levels of pesticides are used and all the washing in the world is not going to get rid of the chemicals. Apples, berries, grapes, spinach and potatoes are going to have very high residue of pesticides and it’s worth it to buy these organic whenever possible.  Avocados, bananas, mangoes, asparagus, and onions are a few foods which are fine to eat non-organic.  Some research will tell you which to buy organic and which are fine otherwise.

What does organic mean?  That the food has not been genetically modified or irradiated, the fertilizer used does not contain sewage sludge or synthetic ingredients and that the produce has not been contaminated with synthetic chemicals such as pesticides.  Beware that “natural” does NOT mean organic.  There is no standard for the term natural, this is left up to the producer or manufacturer so it’s buyer beware!  You should also know that there are corporations out there who are completely altering our food and no one knows what the ramifications are of this on a long term basis.  It’s a good idea to learn about what you are putting in your mouth!

Even pet owners today are turning away from the over-processed, chemical ladened pet foods on the market and demanding organic ingredients.   For too long pet foods have been made up of by products and substandard ingredients which can harm a pet’s health.  

Today we also have organic hair care products.  Due to the fact that what goes on the body gets in the body, this is a good alternative.  For those who eat organically it only makes sense that they might not want to take the chemicals in with hair color and hair care products.  Let’s face it, we don’t all look so great with grey hair!  With organic hair color, gone are the days of the burning scalp and watering eyes while the color is

processing.  Does it cost extra?  Yes, but some of us definitely feel it is worth it!  Does it hold?  Yes, remarkably well!

Last week we did a blog on enjoying the sun without worrying about the damaging/aging effects     In the summer, more than ever, your skin care routine is critical!  One of the most important things you can do for your skin to prevent aging is to use sunscreen.  Obviously we are very impressed with SkinCeuticals which is why we sell it at our salon.  Our blog last week featured some of their key products for sun protection.  Some skin experts recommend a combination of physical blockers with zinc dioxide or titanium dioxide and a chemical blocker such as octyl methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone, avobenzone or octocrylene.  If you are concerned about allergic reaction, it’s recommended  that you try it on your hand or arm first, before applying on your face.

Then there are the Vitamin A creams, retinoid which are prescription or over-the-counter.  These  can really stimulate your collagen and elastin molecules underneath the skin while exfoliating off the top layer of dead skin cells as well as the brown and red spots.  Retinols should always be applied at night because the sun makes them less active.

In the morning, go for the antioxidants.  Apply a vitamin-packed antioxidant cream such as Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic or Phlorein CF.  If you require extra or additional treatments, you can supplement your routine with facials, dermabrasions and peels every other month or so.  With all this available, summer will come and go without you being the worse for it!

Were you aware that extensions can be used for post-chemotherapy patients?  Obviously you would want a professional who has had the proper training to provide this service.  Why?  A post-chemo patient’s hair is so fine and delicate that it will take an extra careful application to make their hair extensions work with no damage to their new hair. It also matters what type of extensions are used.  The extensions must be light weight and have a light weight bond such as the Micro Point Simplicity by Cyberhair.

There are certain bonding techniques which must be avoided as you don not ever want to damage a post chemo patient’s new incoming hair growth.  Bond types such as sticker or adhesive, I -tips and weaves must be avoided as they may cause extra stress on the natural hair, breaking and causing additional hair loss to the client’s ultra-fine hair.

A salon/studio which focuses on Women’s hair replacement would typically be the best place to for post-chemotherapy patients to go for hair extensions.  A salon specializing in extensions may not be a good choice unless they have specifically been trained to work with post- chemo hair and have the proper light weight extensions.

Do your research to find the right salon so that you can feel confident in getting hair extensions which will help restore your self image!  Fantasia Salon specializes in Women’s Hair Replacement and has trained professional who apply Simplicity Hair Extension.