jujuorganics

juju's Natural Tips For Thinnning Hair

   This eco-diva would be a millionaire if I had a nickel for every time I'm asked if it's normal to have thinning hair?  "Does it look thin?" "What do you think?" "Is this normal?" "Have you seen this before?" "Does it look thinner than last time you cut my hair?" 

The questions are all the same, asked by women, usually over the age of 30 or 35, who are all wondering, what happened to their once-thick mane?  Often, hair loss can be hormonally related, i.e. women who underwent childbirth (20-45%), or by underlying health problems like diabetes, lupus or hyper-thyroidism.  Sometimes a stressful period in one's life can affect hair growth and loss. As can prescription drugs, nutritional deficiencies and plain old genetics. Female patterned balding goes around the whole top of the head -- it's diffuse -- and it's not flattering!

Here's what I advise: 

1. Get to the root of the problem.  Go see a reputable dermatologist. Go see your doctor. Get blood tests done.  Have a pull test done!  You need to rule out any serious underlying medical condition.  At this point, weigh all of the information you're receiving from your doctor before committing to any kind of prescription hair-growth regime.

2. Incorporate Scalp Manipulation daily.  Your scalp and hair follicles need good blood circulation for optimal hair growth.  Learn to gently massage your entire scalp, with a good organic scalp and hair oil - try Morocco Method's Euro Oil or Aromabliss's Vamakesi Oil.

3. Rid your bath of any shampoo or conditioner that contains sodium lauryl sulfates.  Research has proven a link between SLS's and hair loss. We all know that SLSs cause the suds in soaps.  SLSs are caustic cleaners - excellent for degreasing a car engine but capable of corroding our hair follicles! SLSs also can impair the ability to grow hair. Word to the wise: Never buy or use a shampoo or conditioner that contains SLSs.

4. Take a good quality Omega-3 supplement daily.  Omega-3's are known to play a vital role in hair health. As are iron and B-12.  Try Nordic Natural's Omega Radiance for Optimum Skin and Hair Health.

5. Consider taking the Demodex Folliculorum information out there seriously.  What? Never heard of these microscopic mites?  Chances are, you may have them.  As our age and sebum levels increase, the mite infestation increases.  The folks at Nioxin have taken the relationship between Demodex infestation and hair loss very seriously. But I'm not a fan of Nioxin or any other products of that ilk.  Sea Buckthorn Oil, however, is known to wipe out this mite. My advice:  How about an organic shampoo filled with Sea Buckthorn Oil from Sevi! The best and a top seller at our salon!

Tell me what works for you!  Give these hints a try and enjoy the scalp massage!

Live, Shop and Phthink Phthalate-free now!

The end of an op-ed this weekend in the Times states, "The precautionary principle suggests that we should be wary of personal products like fragrances unless they are marked phthalate-free. And it makes sense — particularly for children and pregnant women..." This principle has been toted by many in my field as a necessary avoidance. In fact, no phthalate-containing nail polishes, shampoos, perfumes and body lotions can be found at juju or many other forward minded locations peddling safer beauty products.  Now, peer-reviewed medical science articles are being written about the absolute link between autism, for example, and exposure to environmental toxins.  A wonderful fact-driven migration: from granola crunching health food stores to the JAMA! 

The science community knows that Phthalate exposure to pregnant women can lead to their children displaying behavioral issues. So why is this toxic ingredient still being added to hair sprays, shampoos and conditioners? A quick search on "phtalate" in the Environmental Working Group's website, Skin Deep database, found almost 23,000 products containing phtalates!  Sure, I wasn't surprised to find Versace's Red Jeans perfume listed, but Aveda's Detoxifying Shampoo (detoxifying? what a misnomer!) and cleansers from Kiss My Face?!! 

My advice for now: avoid buying any product with "phtalate" listed in its ingredients.  Moreover, avoid buying any beauty product that lists "fragrance" in its ingredients, unless, there is an asterisk explaining that the fragrance is an unadulterated essential oil.  Scary.

What's In My Bathroom?

I'd love to title this post, "My Top-5 Must Have List", but...how can I limit my organic beauty product must-haves to just. Not to mention, I'm no natural beauty, and well frankly, I have some needs!

1. Dr. Alkaitis Face Cleanser: it's raw, it's great, it's family friendly, good for all skin types, though I don't easily share this one!  Every ingredient in this 4 oz. wonder has a unique property and specific purpose.  And, it lasts forever.

2. Suki Eye Balm: it plumps, it protects, it works morning, noon or night.  Another miraculous 'fish & loaves' product...never seems to run out!

3. USPA's Wheatgrass Shampoo: Wheatgrass offers unique UV filter properties which can reduce damage to the hair- the perfect choice for color-treated hair - yep, there are more than one silver strands on my head;

4. USPA's Wheatgrass Conditioner:  ditto!  Super-conditioning for my baby-fine hair - not too heavy, but just right!

5. Starflower Essential's Seaflower SPF Moisturizer: contains borage (see previous post re: Top 5 Anti-Aging ingredients) and jojoba oil. This nutrient-rich sunscreen moisturizer for is light enough to use under make-up and provides long-lasting moisture too!

6. Suki Spa's Renewal Bio-resurfacing Facial Peel:  Um....guess who's 43 and is coveting a, let's say, a 'dewier' more youthful complexion?  Your's truly uses this magic serum once a week to get my glow back.  People have noticed! comments are good! 'nough said!

7. Innersense's Inner Reflection Finishing Polish: Keeps the 'do in place and looking fresh all day. Trust me, I work in front of mirrors all day, it's nice to see my hair looking styled and shiny without having to fuss between clients.  This makes me happy!

Check out my finds now!  And keep me posted as to what's behind your cabinet!

juju's Top 5 Anti-Aging Ingredients! Green Listing for Timeless Beauty.

Though there are dozens of organic herbal and plant-based infusions that should be listed as an ingredient in your anti-wrinkle creme, here are my top picks:

1. White Willow Bark, also known as Pussy Willow.  The inside bark of this plant is rich in naturally occurring salicylic acid, a marvelously gentle tool for cellular turnover when applied to the skin. White Willow Bark is also an anti-imflammatory for oily, combination, acne or blemished skin and scalp. Great relief for rosacea, psriasis, eczema, dandruff and any skin or scalp condition that produces redness and/or inflammation.

2. Retinol liposomes from Vitamin A.  The ultimate source of the vitamin A is carotene. Look for the listing of organic yellow vegetables (carrots, tomatoes) and yellow fruits (papaya, mangoes) in your brightening creme.  Reduce fine lines, clear your pores and (again!) speed up cell turnover with these essential vitamin A carriers. 

3. Rosa Centifolia is known for its anti aging components when applied to skin.  Packed with antioxidant for keeping those free radicals at bay, tannins, which have a toning effect on skin, emolient (moisturizing) ingredients, as well as anti-viral and anti-bacterial ingredients. Think roses for dry, weather-beaten skin too.  Really! We're all, young and old, in need of some skin protection in this extremely cold winter weather.  Add to this blasting furnaces and dry indoors, and anyone's skin can look grim no matter what the age.  Roses to the rescue!

4. Vitamin C Glucoside.  Think tart refreshing citrus!  Its brightening power and collagen stimulator are just two of its charms.  Another great provider of antioxidants (we need these internally and externally!) Vitamin C Skin Care is an important component of most anti-aging skin care regimens. Topically applied Vitamin C is proven to help protect the skin from photo-damage from sun exposure. Vitamin C taken orally does not have the same skin care benefit - it must be applied directly to the skin.

One more, one more...what to choose... Carrageenan/Irish Moss is an all natural anti-wrinkle miracle ingredient ...what about green tea with its above-average antioxidant power?  burdock.....Nope I'm choosing....

5. Borage...don't let the name fool you, there's nothing boring about its aid in the pursuit of youthful skin. Borage Oil was used in ancient Rome to enhance natural beauty. It was even used by ancient beauties like Cleopatra and Nefertiti. Borage's composition contains omega acids that are not only beneficial for the skin but are very effective in skin repair. Consider this a green beauty tip via antiquity!

Once again you're reminded to READ YOUR LABEL! Before you spend a dime, read the listed ingredients and watch for these top 5 to appear. If they don't, keep looking!  What are your top 5?  Creative criticism and helpful insight wanted!

Take it Easy....even if it's Organic!

I mean, take it easy when it comes to shampooing your hair.  Real life snippet:  I noticed how silky, soft and strong my client's hair had become.  We had been working together for over a year.  What was once bleached out, dry and weak had transformed into beautiful tresses. Of course we new the non-ammonia, organic color we'd been using on her hair had helped in this amazing transformation.  But it was the client who credited her only shampooing once a week to the change.  I knew it worked!  She had taken my advice, early on, and nixed the daily shampooing routine.

Most shampoos, hand soaps, dish washing liquids, toothpastes, etc. contain a soluble detergent and surfactant known as Sodium Lauryl(laureth) Sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), It is an
inexpensive, synthetic ingredient and a known irritant.  This synthetic detergent can also be found in floor cleaners and other household cleaning products - it is very strong and effective in cleaning and de-greasing.

Our hair, especially colored hair, cannot withstand the effects of such a "tough" cleansing agent. This chemical literally strips hair of its color.  Conventional shampoos mask the harsh effects of this ingredient by putting additional (synthetic) chemicals in the products to act as conditioners and fragrances.

Remember this: Hair, in general, and our scalps, need only small amounts of shampoos and detergents.  It is well known in the industry that hair can actually be cleansed by only using a conditioner (creme rinse) and forgoing the shampoo altogether.  I advise all of my clients to cut back on shampooing and/or water down their shampoos, to lessen the harsh effects of these cleansing agents.

See what changes you can make with this simple omission!

Why I do what I do...Some thoughts...

You know
I love what I do, creatively and professionally and I wanted to work in an environment that reflected how I lived my life: healthy, concern for the environment, sustainability, education, learning, cruetly-free, and responsibility.  When it comes to hair and body care, I wanted products that are pure and organic, products that me and my clients demanded. Organic hydrating conditioners, sulfate-free shampoos, paraben-free cleansers, non-toxic soy candles, pomades and texturizers made from pure plants and essential oils and vegan lip balms. My businesses are dedicated to procuring products from companies who utilize,  respect and promote organic harvesting and growing. And, of course, all of our products are cruelty-free.

Re-Posting "Retooling your Beauty Accessories"

This is important because it makes one a well-rounded and sound eco-fashionista! I'm reprinting some easy to follow tips for making your make-over cruelty-free, eco-friendly and fun!

By Einav Keet, Natural Solutions magazine

"If you think your beauty cabinet passes muster just because you’ve banished parabens, think again. “A health-minded consumer’s responsibility does not end with the purchase of healthy and eco-friendly bodycare products,” says Julie Ebner, founder of Philadelphia’s Juju Spa and Organics. “We must also spend our money wisely on the related accessories.”

Washcloth. Skip the standard washcloth (which can harbor millions of microbes), and try one made of sustainable ayate from agave plants. “The fibers are renowned for their natural antibacterial properties, and these multipurpose cloths can be used wet or dry,” says Ebner. Exfoliate and boost your circulation when you use your ayate washcloth dry, or lather up with it in the shower. Best of all, these cloths resist mildew and can last up to a year.

Makeup Brushes. If you wouldn’t wear a fur coat, you should definitely forgo animal-hair brushes, made from squirrel, mink, sable, horse, and goat hair that’s been inhumanely sourced. “Consumers should demand cruelty-free makeup tools,” says Ebner. Apply your makeup with brushes made from vegan fibers such as nylon. “Not only are these brushes humane, they are non-porous and smooth, providing a more sanitary application.”"

There was some flack about me recommending "plastic" make-up brushes...let me clarify...try these goodies from EcoTools -  available everywhere.  The brushes are made with bamboo handles, the metallic binding on the brush (the ferrule) is made from recycled aluminum cans and the bristles are made with animal-free taklon.  Try it!

One Great Thing in Philadelphia!

    I can't believe my eyes...right there, on the back of a bus, bigger than big, is this wonderful image: Persepolis reading Persepolis!  My family LOVES Persepolis: we've watched the movie 100 times, Santa filled the stockings with Persepolis books 1 and 2...now it seems, Persepolis fever has infected not only my family, but the whole city.  The Philadelphia Free Library (god love them) has chosen Marjane Satrapi’s The Complete Persepolis as the featured selection for 2010's One Book, One Philadelphia.   This "is a joint project of the Mayor’s Office and the Free Library of Philadelphia that promotes reading, literacy, library use, and community building by motivating tens of thousands of people to read an annual featured selection. Marking the eighth consecutive year for One Book, the 2010 program runs from January 20 to March 17, 2010."  Previous books featured in this project included Steve Lopez's The Soloist.

Persepolis, a graphic novel...er...comic book, is Ms. Satrapi's personal story about growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.  Favorite parts include 'Margie's' young adult life in exile in Paris, befriending, hanging out and trying to fit in with sophmoric Euro-poseurs. The Free Library's One Book Committee chose this tale, in part, because of recent election protests in Iran.

Read this now! You'll have Persepolis fever too, I promise.

It's OK to Try Beach Hair in Sub-Zero Weather

What better way to let Jack Frost know what you think about his weather?  In addition, I for one, am tired of the oh-so-sleek-keratin-treated-toxic-formaldahydey-mammal-pelt look!  This beachy, bumpy, voluptuous look not only tips its hat to Pre-Raphaelite muses, but is downright simple, natural and gorgeous. 

     

Here's how you can do this at home:  

Shampoo and condition your hair before bed and towel dry your hair. Evenly distribute either  John Master's Sea Mist (sea salt and lavender styling spritz), an organic aloe vera based gel or other product with hold to it, in even sections throughout your hair. If you have thick or wavy hair, apply some curl-creme or leave-in (Hamadi Shea Leave-In is the best) to smooth your curls and discourage frizz.  With your fingers or a comb, distribute this mixture through your locks.

Then, either gently twist small or large sections of hair or scrunch your hair before you fall asleep.  When you awake, you'll have big, sexy tousled hair!  Don't be in a hurry to wash your hair for a few days, the ehem...dirtier...the hair, the better the look.  Enjoy!

Enjoy the Whipping!

Ok I get it...it's the 3rd day of the new year, and yes, it's COLD!!! with the wind chill, it's barely 0. And I have to walk my hounds? The only, literally, only thought that cheers me at this moment, is the delight I take in slathering on my Vanilla Creme Organic Shea Body Butter - Woodsprite - the Best! 

Banish flaky, chapped, red, raw, ashen, frozen, aged, wintry skin...FOREVER! Woodsprite's Get Whipped, a salon and spa favorite - buy it when it's in stock 'cause it flies off the shelf, works even better than it smells. Rich Fair Trade Cocoa Butter, Kukui Nut Oils, Avocado and Madadamia Oils enliven the time-tested, dry skin cure-all Shea Butter base. You cannot live without this in the winter. Shop now!