Re: "ORGANIC HAIR COLOR

It's been only a matter of time before I knew this situation would raise it's ugly head! All

of this situation stems from confusion about what is "natural" or "organic".

Please refer to the April 26th edition of the New York Times. The Times"

"Ethicist" column writes about a woman who considered suing the salon she

visited. The salon promotes use of "all-natural organic dye". I believe the salon owner advertised the words which were provided by the the color brand's instructions.

For YEARS I have shared with my class attendees that the scientific description of

"organic" simply means that an ingredient has been "derived from carbon". . Not all

"organic" ingredients are composed of fruits, nuts and berries or of animal ingredients.

The term "Certified Organic" means that the FDA assures us that a food or body care substance has not been genetically modified, grown with modified seeds, feed, fertilizers

or insect poisons.

The brand the salon was using contained ethanolamine. -- which is MEA.. MonoEthanolAmine, an AMMONIA SUBSTITUTE which is chemically derived from

ammonia. It is found in many products, including hair colors -- particularly in a number of new. non-ammonia permanent hair color brands.

MEA, like ammonia. creates the necessary alkaline environment which allows the

hair color formula to penetrate through the hair's cuticle and into the hair's cortex.

This action deposits new color

AND to "lifts" (lightens) the natural melanin from inside the cortex. This is the action

required to effectively create a result that covers gray effectively, remains stable within the hair, and can re-arrange or remove a measured portion of natural pigment; heace

creating a new shade.

Ethanolamine (MEA) IS NOT CARCINOGENIC.. but it is not a member of the plant family!

"Companies often use carefully crafted language to make their dyes sound "natural". (NYT). Brands that I have discussed like Naturatint, Aveda, L'Oreal, Artego and others are carefully and expertly safety tested before being released into the market BUT As I

understand, the most highly-respected, effective, carefully created hair coloring

products do contain industrail synthesized chemicals. Product choice is, of course,

up to the salon professional.

And many chemists DO classify many carbon-containing compounds as being "organic".

but that is not how some marketers use that term. Ethanolamine should not be combined with substances that can form harmful nitrosamines -- a risk color brands are careful to avoid. I invite salon colorists to look at ingredients: When a color contianes

PPT or PTD.. important hair color ingredients which are CHEMICALS, the brand should not

be described as being "all natural".

Here's someting important. And i quote from the NYT: " There is no clear definition of "natural" for cosmetic products. . The status of ethanolamine is complicated. Ethanolamine dyes may not be as gentle as their marketing suggests - some studies suggest that they

can weaken hair more than ammonia. Remember, these brands are rigorously tested on human hair before being introduced to the market.

From Wikipedia:

Ethanolamine (MEA) was discovered in 1860 by Charles Wurtz. In 1897,Ludwig Knorr developed the modern industrial route.

MEA is an organic chemical compound, the molecule is bifunctional, containing

both a primary amine and a primary alcohol. The odor or MEA is reminiscent

of ammonia. (Yet not as strong as that of ammonia). Key. MEA molecules are a comoponent

in the formation of cellular membranes. It is biosynthesized by decarboxylation of serine.

MEA is industrially produced by treating ethylene oxide with aqueous ammonia

The takeaway here: I recommend that you access the ETHICIST, NY TIMES, Saturday,

April 26th. You will note that the customer writing to the Times was unhappy that her

hair color developed "too dark". The salon responded that they had followed all instructions

and they provided her with a refund. Remember this: NO one "needs" to color their hair.

We are instructed by manufacturers to provide a patch test before each and every hair

color appointment.

I do understand the move toward a more gentle, more natural way of live. Our

lworld as a complex one: Humans can drink sugar and sugar-free sodas, consume alcohol,

eat highly colored chips, sauces and cereals. High Fructose sugars remain in many foods.

Some people continue to smoke.............. Driving a car or sitting in the sun can be dangerous. The choices are ours and being careful consumers .. all of this is up to us.

Comment here. We appreciate your input.

B