Since I was thirteen years old, I have received highlights and all-over colors, unaware that the substance creating the fun blond hues or the rich chestnut reds was actually completely toxic to my body.

Along with other heavy metals and toxic chemicals, Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is the main ingredient found in most all hair dyes, whether it be in an upscale salon or out of a Walgreen’s box.  Also known as coal tar dye, PPD is used in creating rubber, photo developer, gasoline, ink, and textile dyes.   The only actual legal cosmetic use of PPD is hair dye, but interestingly enough, the FDA does not approve the substance to be applied directly to the skin.  Hmmm, I seemingly recall when I go in for a hair color or highlight, the dye is absolutely in direct contact with my scalp for sometimes up to 30 minutes.  Weird.

Along my health journey, giving up my hair color was one I struggled with.  But thank goodness for innovative people like Andrina, owner of Moxi Hair Salon.  This hair salon and spa is a true SF gem.  Moxi Salon uses all natural hair color, free of detergents, bleach, plastics, formaldehyde, parabens and sulfates.  And the final result is UNBELIEVABLE. Never have I had such rich, deep, natural looking color that barely fades and creates such a sheen and thickness to my hair.  Andrina is extremely talented, and has created an upscale yet calming environment within her adorable Union Street shop.

It’s pretty much a win win situation here.  Amazing cut and color, sans the stuff you would never ever ever ever voluntarily put onto your body if you knew what was in it.  I cannot recommend this place enough.

http://www.moxisalonspa.com/index.php

http://www.yelp.com/biz/moxi-san-francisco#query:Moxi%20salon

(Source: organicconsumers.org)