In a major move signaling the power of millennial shoppers and their quest for clean, environmentally-friendly ingredients, cosmetic giant L’Oreal has announced a shift to plant-based ingredients in its popular hair dyes, replacing synthetic and often toxic chemical ingredients that the brand has built its business on.

“The organic cosmetics boom has been driven by rising numbers of younger consumers rejecting chemical-based products in favor of plant-based ones,” reports Reuters, noting that the organic beauty market is estimated at $11 billion globally, and likely to double by 2024.

“There’s very strong demand from women to move towards healthier formulas,” said Marion Brunet, manager of L’Oreal Professional, noting it’s no longer the fringe natural or diehard “green” consumer seeking out healthier alternative, but mainstream consumers attracted to the simplicity of natural ingredients and the health benefits.

L’Oreal’s new vegan range, called Botanea, comes from three plants native to India including indigo, cassia, and henna, the latter of which has long been used to tint hair in India and favorited by natural consumers wanting a truly synthetic-chemical-free hair coloring alternative. But henna is a messier process than conventional hair dyes; it’s a thick and messy paste and can also make hair look brassy. But L’Oreal’s new products are a slight upgrade to the traditional henna; and they’re only salon-only right now because professional color mixing is needed. But the company hopes to be able to launch a shelf-ready version for the at-home consumer soon.

The mega beauty empire, which owns Urban Decay, Lancome, NYX, Maybelline, and Kiehl’s, has seen its smaller brands (like Urban Decay and NYX) expand while traditional and professional salon products have slowed in 2017 as small-batch skin and hair care companies continue to expand reach and return customers with natural products safer both for bodies and the planet.

Find Jill on Twitter and Instagram

Related on EcoSalon

Should Personal Care Products Come With Warnings? Senators Introduce the Personal Care Products Safety Act
DIY Hair: How to Trim Your Own Bangs from Blunt Cuts to Side-Swept Fringes (Videos)
Dyeing Armpit Hair (and Keep it Smelling Fresh) is the Latest Hot, Weird Trend

The post L’Oreal Goes Retro (and Vegan) With Natural Henna-Based Hair Dye appeared first on EcoSalon.

‘Tis the seaon of pumpkin spice. Lattes, cookies, gum, candles… You name it, there seems to be a #PSL version of it. The trend has even gone to our heads. Literally.

That’s right, pumpkin spice hair color is happening. And it is not as weird as it sounds.

Okay, so the name might make this trend seem a bit out of hand. But pumpkin spice hair color is a warm shade of coppery auburn that most women can pull off. The pink, purple, green, and blue hair turning up everywhere these days makes pumpkin spice hair seem sort of demure. Starbucks’ world takeover has officially hit salons.

So yes, if you wish to adorn your locks with the hair version of a #PSL, you will have to go in for chemical coloring. Not so into the idea? There are other options to pumpkin spice up your beauty routine that will cost you far less in toxins and dollars.

Pumpkin Spice Up Your Beauty

Kjaer Weis Cream Blush in Above and Beyond is brand new for the season. Just got my hands on this beauty yesterday and it is a new beauty staple. Because of the KJ sheerness, you can go either lightly warmed up or bright pop of color with this beautiful blush.

Kjaer Weis Lip Tint in Captivate is another new hue this fall. A pumpkin spice tone with a hint of gold.

W3LL People Elitist Shimmer Mineral Shadow in Luminous Copper gives that fall feeling to eyes. Add the powder to hair gel or moisturizer for a hit of glowy-ness.

Prtty Peaushun Skin Tight Body Lotion comes in several light reflecting, skin tightening shades. Add some warmth to your bod with this celeb favorite.

RMS Beauty now makes 5-free nail polish to match its lip and cheek tints! Curious is perfect for sporting your #PSL.

Still see yourself going with pumpkin spice hair color? Sally Hershberger Salons in West Hollywood and NYC both offer the color. Next best, take a pic along to your stylist.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

6 Spicy Fall Beauty Trends To Wear Now

A Brush With Eco Friendly Hair Color

3 Cruelty Free Hair Dyes for the Colorful Vegan Gal

Image of pumpkin spice drink via Shutterstock

The post Pumpkin Spice Hair Color is a Trend and Not as Weird as It Sounds appeared first on EcoSalon.

One beauty practice we tend to hedge around is hair color. Not all women are ready to go grey. And you know what? That’s ok. But there are safer ways to coloring your hair.

We are pretty clued in to the downside of conventional hair dyes. Even if you are not quite sure what is in that hair dye, the noxious odor and simple fact that it permanently changes your hair color is enough to suggest some pretty potent, and not so natural, ingredients.

A massive 75 percent of women (and many men) partake of this unhealthy practice. We eat a healthful diet, exercise, use clean personal care products, yet the majority of women apply toxic hair color to their scalp every month or so.

It all comes down to a little something called feeling good. For some, hair color is in a nonissue. For most, it matters a great deal. You wouldn’t use a healthy facial moisturizer if it provided less than satisfactory results, right? Same with hair color. Most women have not found a healthier alternative to toxic dyes that also give the desired outcome.

So yes, it is important to feel good about yourself. And if coloring your hair is part of what makes you feel good, by all means, go for it. But you should know what, exactly, is in that hair dye.

The main offenders in chemical hair dyes are synthetic colorants and petro-ingredients (both linked to cancer), and ammonia. The FDA does restrict the use of some (very toxic) ingredients in cosmetics. While coal tar is not prohibited, even though it has been “determined to cause cancer in laboratory animals”, products containing it must come with a warning. Hair dyes are one area where coal tar can crop up. Once again, you are on your own in the U.S. where cosmetic safety is concerned and it is in your best interest to become an avid label reader. The European Union has banned several hair dye ingredients.

If you are not ready to go grey, and many of us are not, what are your alternatives to toxic hair dye?

The most natural hair color is henna. The problem? Mixed and unpredictable results. Some love it, most do not. Logona makes a natural hair color and Naturtint is another less toxic option. These are less reliable than the chemical version and tend to be shorter lived, but definitely a safer alternative.

Still other women, myself included, take precautions while using the toxic stuff. I go as long as I can between coloring and have my stylist apply highlights and lowlights with foil, so the color has as little exposure to my skin as possible. This is also a bit more natural looking than a mono-hued color. Is it healthy? No. Is it important to me? Yes.

As with most things beauty related, the choice is up to you. Healthy is good, but you have to feel good too. Make healthy choices where it works for you.

Related on EcoSalon

Helen Mirren Advocates Aging Gracefully in New L’Oreal Ad

When You Feel Good, You Look Good

5 Awesomely Hair-Raising Organic Hair Salons in the U.S.

Image of woman coloring hair via Shutterstock

The post Coloring Your Hair: Safer Ways to Less Grey appeared first on EcoSalon.

Red might be the boldest and most vibrant shade that ever sprouted naturally from anybody’s head, but it’s also elusive. Getting the perfect red (using non-toxic dyes, naturally) can be a difficult prospect, and keeping it is even harder, as it tends to fade quickly.

To preserve dyed red hair as long as possible, wait 24-48 hours after coloring to shampoo, and then use the four-pronged approach below, involving gentle cleansers, color-depositing products, protective styling serums, and oil-absorbing hair powders for those in-between-washing days.

Color-Preserving Hair Products

The cleansing agents in many shampoos, especially those made to clarify or volumize, can be way too harsh on color-treated hair, causing that coveted red hue to fade faster than it should. Products that are specifically formulated for dyed hair are typically gentler, and often contain extra ingredients that can help protect hair from the damaging effects of sun, chlorine and heat-styling. If you need extra moisturizing power, check out Lavera’s Mango Milk Shampoo for Color Treated Hair, which contains organic cocoa and shea butter for lusher locks. Aveda’s Color Conserve line prevents fading and keeps hair soft without being too heavy, while Alterna’s Bamboo UV + Color Protection Vibrant Color Shampoo might work better for oilier scalps. All are free of harsh sulfates and sodium chloride, as well as parabens, synthetic dyes and phthalates.
Oil-Absorbing Hair Powders

It’s best not to shampoo your hair too often if you want to preserve your color for as long as possible between dye jobs, but if you need a little help to keep your hair from looking a little limp, there’s a product that will seriously change your life: hair powder. Lulu Organics offers all-organic, talc-free hair powder that absorbs oil and imparts a heavenly fragrance. It’s available in lavender + clary sage, jasmine, patchouli + amber and vetiver + black pepper. Another organic, all natural hair powder from Sisters of the Black Moon manages oil with arrowroot powder and kaolin clay.

Heat-Styling Protectants

Use a protective product when heat-styling to prevent the kind of damage that can make dyed red hair weaker and more porous, which leads to uneven color retention. Josie Maran’s Argan Oil Hair Serum reduces frizz, boosts shine and helps seal the hair cuticle. PHYTO’s Phytomist Color Protect Radiance Mist is a lightweight leave-in conditioner that detangles, and also prevents color from fading by protecting hair against oxidation.

Red-Enhancing Shampoo, Conditioner & More

Color-enhancing products for red hair can definitely help keep your hair from fading, but should be used sparingly to prevent over-saturating your hair with color or significantly changing the shade you prefer. Aveda’s Madder Root Shampoo & Conditioner contain a vivid red pigment that brightens red tones; the effect is subtle in the shampoo, but the conditioner is so powerful as to almost be a dye in itself, and it will tint blonde or gingery highlights pink. Test it out on a small section of your hair first, or dilute it with regular conditioner to reduce the color depositing effects. Another brand, Shikai Color Reflect in Warm, contains just a little bit of henna for a subtler result.

Want to go totally natural? Try tinting your hair temporarily with a spray made from red hibiscus petals. This works on natural red hair as well as colored hair, adding warm red tones, and it’s easy to make. Andrea Drugay offers the simple instructions to make it yourself.

Related on Ecosalon: 

Be a Redhead Bombshell: Safer Natural Red Hair Color from Box to Henna 

A Brush with Ecofriendly Hair Color

Photo: Stefanie Neves

The post Keep Dyed Red Hair Colorful with Natural, Non-Toxic Treatments appeared first on EcoSalon.

Red hair is bold, sexy, sassy and fun. It stands out in ways that other hair colors just can’t compete with, especially when it catches the light in just that certain way. But very few of us are naturally blessed with this gorgeous hue, from pale ginger to rich auburn, so if we want to feel like a flame-haired bombshell a la Christina Hendricks or Florence Welch, we’ve got to fake it.

Red can be one of the hardest hair colors to achieve, since it tends to fade quickly, and the wrong shade can send you to the clownish side of the spectrum. Here are some natural red hair color tips, and organic red hair dye brands that can safely get you the vivid shade you’re looking for, including healthy and all-natural henna. 

At the Salon: Aveda Plant-Based Hair Color

Nobody does red hair color better than Aveda, and if you want to avoid the pitfalls that can come with at-home dye jobs, putting yourself in the hands of a pro is your best bet. The brand’s full-spectrum permanent dyes are up to 99% naturally derived, with plant-based formulas instead of the petrochemicals that typically make up permanent hair dye. The nice thing about going to a salon is you can have a color custom-mixed to ensure that it’s just right for your skin tone, and the colorist can blend different shades to give your overall look more depth.

Aveda isn’t the only option for safe, organic red hair color, of course. Look for a salon in your area offering organic, non-toxic options, and check out the brands they use online before making an appointment.

At-Home Permanent Red Hair: Naturtint and Herbatint

If you’d rather just grab a box off the shelf and get it over with, there are a few options to choose from. Whole Foods and other natural food stores offer brands like Naturtint and Herbatint. Herbatint is free of ammonia, alcohol, fragrance and parabens, and uses less peroxide for a more natural-looking result; the Environmental Working Group (EWG) gave it a safety score of 2 out of 10, (lower numbers indicating a safer product). Red shades range from light copper blonde to ‘flash fashion’ crimson red, and they can be mixed to create your own custom shade. The same goes for Naturtint, which scored a 3 from EWG. These box formulas aren’t perfect, but they’re a big improvement over the conventional store brands.

Not sure which shade to choose? When it doubt, go lighter. You can always dye it again if the results aren’t bold enough for you, but it can be hard to fix cherry-red hair that’s darker and more dramatic than you wanted.

Making a Big Commitment: Henna

By far, the healthiest and most permanent option for red hair color is henna. Totally plant-based, henna bonds with the proteins in your hair rather than just coating it in a very long-lasting reaction that’s hard to reverse. Because it has a sheer effect, working with your own natural hair color, the results tend to look fairly natural, with lots of dimension.

You can control the hue of your results using the custom formulas described at HennaForHair.com, which incorporate other natural ingredients like coffee, hibiscus petals and lemon juice. Always try it out on a small piece of hair before coloring your entire head.

Temporary Red Hair: Vegetable Dyes

If you want to give natural red hair color a try, but you’re feeling a little commitment-shy, try a temporary rinse. Vegetable dyes like Manic Panic can be used over your current hair color (assuming it’s not too dark) for a subtle effect that washes out in a week or two. Manic Panic is vegan, PPD-free and never tested on animals, but some formulas do contain parabens. Learn more about the ingredients at Bonzai Aphrodite, and make sure to do an allergy test before use.

Main Image: megan leetz Other Images: Aveda.com

Related on Ecosalon: 

A Brush with Eco-Friendly Hair Color

Auburn Aspirations? Henna 101

The post Be a Redhead Bombshell: Safer Natural Red Hair Color from Salon to Box to Henna appeared first on EcoSalon.

Sizzle with that fizzle in ways you never knew.

Is it just me, or is Coca-Cola always hanging around – either leftover from a party, in the back of the fridge, in the corner of the garage, or just chilling in the pantry waiting for another barbecue and Aunt Sue who prefers it over any other drink. But now, maybe all that extra Coke is a good thing, because there’s more to the fizzy drink than you could ever imagine. In fact, even if you don’t drink it, it’s actually quite the handyman.

One of the ingredients in Coke is sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, which is an alkaline substance that can help take care of your body and clean your belongings. Here are 20 new ways to look at the drink.

Rust Buster

Soak rusted material in Coke overnight and scrub in the morning. The rust will weaken and come off more easily, fading t0 a shine.

Window Cleaner

Wipe down windows with Coke to remove grease and dirt without overusing chemical and toxin-ridden household cleaners.

Bolt Loosener

Because Coke is so useful in dissolving rust, it can help to loosen bolts that have rusted into a position that makes it nearly impossible to remove.

Meat Caramelizer

Marinade chicken or beef in Coke along with spices and other condiments. The Coke will give the meat a browned appearance, and when cooked, the sugar from the Coke will caramelize and offer the dish an added depth in taste.

Windshield Defroster

Awaken to a cold Winter’s morning with a layer of ice on your windshield? Save yourself the extra morning-time muscle and pour a bottle of Coke over the windshield. Wait a few minutes and then witness how much more easily the ice comes off when scraped.

Skunk Odor Killer

If you are ever in the unfortunate position of having been sprayed by a skunk, hop into the shower with a bottle of Coke and pour the soda over the sprayed area. The Coke helps to eliminate the odor.

Hiccups Ridder

Gargle a mouthful of Coke in the back of your throat, and word on the street is that your hiccups will disappear.

Hair Curler

Gaga was onto something when she used Coca-Cola cans as curlers. Massaging the beverage into your hair can also help to curl it. While it dries, crunch your hair with your hands to help facilitate the process.

Pain Reducer

Stung by a bee? Bitten by a mosquito? Attacked by a jelly fish? Nothing Coke can’t relieve. Dab affected area with the beverage to relieve the burn.

Hair Gum Remover

There can never be enough ways to remove gum from the hair, because let’s face it – it’s often the difference between a pixie cut and long luscious locks, so there’s no playing around. Pour Coke over the area tangled in gum, let it sit for a few minutes, and then begin to pull out.

Pot Cleaner

The bottom of household pots often become blackened. Pour Coke into your pots, letting it sit for a bit, and then washing the pots as normal with special attention to the discolored areas. The Coke will remove the grime and release the shine!

Toilet Cleaner

For the rusty and moldy nooks and crannies, add a can of Coke into the mix to help hasten the cleaning process. No one wants to spend more than the minimum cleaning the toilet, so consider Coke your new best cleaning mate.

Clothing Stain Remover

Pour Coke right on top of a stain and let it soak. The stain will slightly discolor, but after you throw the apparel into the wash, it will come out clean.

Lawn Improvement

Flat Coca-Cola is an effective gardening tool. Simply add one can per week to a compost bin to give microorganisms a boost. They will feed on the Coke, improving their strength and health.

Stomach Soother

Balance the pH levels in the stomach. Coke will temporarily relieve indigestion, heartburn, and other stomach-related pain.

Bugs and Wasps Deterrent

Distract outdoor bugs and wasps from the party by isolating a few topless cups of Coke away from the main event. The bugs are attracted to the Coke’s sweet aroma.

Bug Killer

Even though bugs are drawn to Coke, once they venture into the liquid, they meet their demise. If you want to get rid of an ant hill destroying your patio or rid roaches from cabinets and nooks in the attic or basement, spray bugs with Coke.

Hair Dye Fader

Wash your hair with Coke to help fade a dye that may have been layered on too thick or dark for your liking.

Paper Ager

If you want to give documents a more authentic look, soak them in coke for 10 minutes, remove them carefully, and allow them to dry. The papers’ browned look will fool anyone into thinking their antiquated.

Explosion Maker

Mentos + Coke = Explosion. See for yourself. And play safely, kids.

Image: Coca-Cola Art, Gary Huston, Power Plant Op, Sam Chills, Isolino

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post 20 Unusual Uses for Coca-Cola appeared first on EcoSalon.