So you want a new ’do — something fun with a splash of color
to start the summer off right — but you’re worrying what that burning sensation
and those nasty-smelling fumes might mean about the chemicals seeping into your
scalp and getting poured down the drain? A few studies have suggested that long-term
use of some permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes can increase your risk of
non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia, and bladder cancer. Even
though the evidence is far from conclusive, the EU still was concerned enough
to ban 22 hair dye chemicals a few years back. And what is certain is that it’s
not uncommon for bottle blonde and brunette beauties alike to suffer skin
irritation and allergic reactions in the short term. Plus, all those
unpronounceable chemicals can end up in waterways and other ecosystems, making
it tough for those coveting a new color to stay green while looking great.
So what’s a girl to do? Don’t fret — check out Tête-à-Tête
(765 Beacon Street, Newton Centre, 617.559.0660). The hair salon recently
started offering coloring services with Organic Color Systems, a
product line originally developed in the UK. Its dyes use no ammonia, no
sulfates, no petrochemicals, no parabens, no animal products, and no animal
testing. That is a hell of a lot of nos, but Tête-à-Tête owner Tanya Mitnik
says that with these dyes — which are made from mineral and plant sources,
including extracts of comfrey, chamomile, grapefruit, and orange — you can
still say yes to rich, long-lasting color. “It’s the most beautiful hair color
I’ve seen,” she says. And the dyes come in a huge array of shades (for those
lusting after that beachy look, there’s even ammonia-free bleach for
highlights). Fantastic color that’s gentle on your noggin and the planet? Your
friends will be green with envy.
Listen to Julie on WFNX 101.7 every day
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
