Honeycomb

Hair Care and Pregnancy

2011-10-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

Deciding whether or not to color you hair when you are pregnant is a big decision and it is a good idea to see what options are available to you. The health of your new baby is of upmost importance, along with your health and possible reactions you may have to hair color while pregnant. Organic Color Systems is safe to use during pregnancy after the first trimester. If one wanted to use it during the first trimester we would recommend NOT getting an all over color application, instead getting a color that is applied in foils away from the scalp.

Organic Color Systems does not contain ammonia, bleach, or plastics which are common chemicals found in conventional professional hair color that are found to be harmful to you and your unborn child. Breathing in these harmful chemical fumes can be as harmful as having them on your skin. It is a concern to our clients, as well as our staff whom are pregnant or want to be in the future. Honeycomb Studio uses Organic Color Systems exclusively and is a clean air salon. We stand behind the pursuit of healthier beauty practices for our clients and the earth. Most salons are filled with air contaminants from color (containing ammonia), perms (containing ammonia, lye and thyglycholates), keratin treatments (that contain formaldehyde), et cetera... These chemicals can cause head aches, respiratory issues, itchy/watery eyes, and irritate the skin.

At Honeycomb our hair color, hair lightener, perms and keratin treatments are 100% ammonia free, paraben free, sulfate free, plastic free, lye free, formaldehyde free, and thyoglycholate free! We are a certified Organic Color Systems (a certified organic and vegan color/curl/product line from the UK) Salon. With the absence of these harmful chemicals Honeycomb smells better and won't give you a head ache. Not only are there no harmful chemicals entering the air, they are soaking into your skin, and best of all they aren't being washed down the drain polluting our water supply...which is just one more thing to think about...to preserve this earth anyway we can for those who come after us like our children.

Here are two links to articals from our color line that go into this issue deeper.

HAIR COLOR DURING PREGNANCY

PLASTICS IN HAIR STYLING PRODUCTS

PPD and Ammonia connection in Permanent Hair Color

2011-09-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

Here is a little background in PPD:

PPD ( para-phenylenediamine) is also known as amino dyes, para dyes, oxidation dyes, or peroxide dyes. It was first introduced in 1890 for coloring feathers and furs. It is used as an intermediate in Coal Tar Dyes. It comes in about thirty shades. It has been known to possibly produce eczema, skin rashes, bronchial, asthma, gastritis, photosensitization, breast and bladder cancer, and death. It can cross react with other chemicals , including azo dyes in temporary color. In 1979, the National Cancer Institute found that when FED to rats some ingredients in coal tar dyes cause cancer. There are many kinds of PPD's that used to be in hair color and that are still in hair color. Manufacturers have voluntarily removed 4-MMPD, Direct Black 38, Direct Blue 6, 2, and 4-toluene diamene.

Ammonia is used in refrigerants, permanent wave solutions, hair colorings and bleaches, detergents, explosives, fabrics, herbicides, fertilizers, pesticides, and cleaning products. It is known to cause hair breakage. It has been shown to produce skin cancer. It is extremely toxic when inhaled in concentrated vapors, it irritates the eyes and mucous membranes.

PPD's can penetrate your skin with ammoniated hair color because not only is ammonia swelling your hair shaft and driving in pigment, it's doing that same action to the skin of your scalp.

Now we don't want to scare you. Not all hair color is dangerous, and these days most levels of PPD's even in over the counter hair colors is not what they used to be. Some people are more sensitive to PPD than others.

With Organic Color Systems they take the dangers of PPD seriously. A high pH is an extremely effective way of opening the cuticle as it is generally opened to such an extent as to allow the color to flood into the cortex. Ammonia, as well as raising the pH, when mixed with peroxide, neutralizes the existing color pigments in the hair to a greater degree and therefore much more pigment is needed (meaning more PPD's! Another reason why Organic Color Systems does not like Ammonia). Also as a result of the cuticle remaining open, the percentage of pigment in the color needs to be as high as possible, as a relatively high percentage of the color will be lost when rinsing at the shampoo bowl. This is why Organic Color Systems are able to dramatically reduce PPD levels. They don't lose the same level of color as they don't open the cuticle to the same degree as color containing ammonia.

If you are still wary, most of the PPD's found in Organic Color Systems are found in the Violet and Darker Colors in the line. Organic Color Systems has the lowest amount of PPD's in any permanent hair color line on the market today.

So What is The Difference Between Ammonia and Non-Ammonia Colors?

2011-09-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

The great thing about the color line we use at Honeycomb is that they are a totally transparent company. They completely explain why they use the ingredients that they do. Here is some great information from them to better explain the differences between color lines that use ammonia and those that don't.

"To fully understand this it is vital to understand ammonia’s primary role in a hair color.

The primary function is to raise the pH of the hair sufficiently so as to open the cuticle and allow the color to enter the cortex of the hair. Depending on the percentage of ammonia in each color this can vary as to how high the pH of the hair is taken. The more ammonia there is in the product, the higher the pH of the hair. This is a tried and tested (but outdated method, as proven by the number of companies now launching color ranges without ammonia), as the cuticle is generally expanded to such an extent as to allow the color to easily enter the cortex.

The secondary function of ammonia is to neutralise the existing pigments to a greater degree, which happens when ammonia is mixed with peroxide. Unfortunately there are three main side effects:

1. At the same time that the color is swelling the cuticle to easily enter the cortex, there is significant protein and moisture loss. This is how the hair is damaged during coloring when using an ammonia color.

2. The pH of the hair is raised to such an extent by the ammonia that it is physically impossible to return it to its ideal pH after coloring. This means that the cuticle remains open, the hair continues to lose protein and moisture and there is also an increased risk of color fade.

3. As a result of the cuticle remaining open, the percentage of pigment in the color needs to be as high as possible. This is necessary as a relatively high percentage of the color will be lost when rinsing off at the backwash. Plus, due to the greater neutralisation of the pigment by the ammonia-peroxide mix, a higher pigment percentage is required.

More and more companies are now removing ammonia from their hair colors. This is commendable as ammonia is an extremely harsh chemical and doesn’t need to be in hair color. Unfortunately the vast majority of these colors have merely removed ammonia from the color and replaced it with an ingredient called ethanolamine, but the same three side effects mentioned above still apply. The rule that the more ammonia there is in the color, the higher the pH applies to ethanolamine as well. All they have achieved is to remove ammonia from their colors; they haven’t managed to decrease the pH that these colors take the hair to.

The key difference with Organic Color Systems is that the base of the color (the main ingredient) is not only alkaline, so it raises the pH of the hair, but it is also a conditioning agent, so it softens the cuticle at the same time. This softening process means that Organic Color Systems is able to work at a far lower pH and is a far gentler way to color the hair. As a result, the three side effects mentioned above don’t apply to Organic Color Systems.

Organic Color Systems does contain ethanolamine. It is used because the base isn’t sufficiently alkaline to open the cuticle enough for the color to enter the cortex. Ethanolamine is therefore used to increase the pH enough so that this can occur. Organic Color Systems uses oleic acid in the formulation specifically to neutralise any residual ethanolamine."

Why we chose to use Organic Color Systems (Ammonia free hair color) at Honeycomb

2011-09-29T17:25:00.000-07:00

There are no "natural brands" of hair color than henna. Organic Color Systems claims that it is "manufactured as naturally as possible without compromising it's effectiveness". They are the only permanent hair color on the market, exported to 40 countries, that contain certified organic ingredients.

At Honeycomb Studio we chose to use Organic Color Systems to benefit the health of our clients and our staff. Not only do ammonia free products leave the hair in far better condition that color that contains ammonia, there is no smell of ammonia looming in the air at the salon. Ammonia based colors work at a higher pH level that Organic Color Systems. Keeping the hair color at a low pH means that the cuticle of your hair isn't lifted open as far, maintaining better shine, coverage, and fades less quickly and true to tone. Organic Color Systems contain a conditioning agent that softens the cuticle along with an alkaline base to deposit color and condition the hair at the same time. So unlike ammonia (which works at a much higher pH level swelling the hair and literally forces the pigments into the hair shaft) Organic Color Systems moisturizes the hair which softens the cuticle, allowing it to open at a lower pH, in turn enabling the color to make its way into the layers of cuticle.

This is a much more appealing process to us and our clients. After using Organic Color Systems you will notice a richer color, and shinier softer hair. If you have been using standard color or lighteners containing ammonia you may find it will take a few appointments to see the difference. This is only because it takes time to mend the damage from ammonia. Most hair can be restored through conditioning or reconstructing treatments that we offer at Honeycomb.

Happy Hour at Honeycomb!

2011-09-29T17:22:00.001-07:00

Wednesday-Saturday

2pm-6pm

Brow or Lip Wax $6 (reg. $12)

Conditioning Treatments 1/2 off!

Sudzz Precision Blended Colour Care

2011-09-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

No Parabens

No Propylene Glycol

No DEA or TEA

No Sodium Chloride

No Hidden Sulfates

We at Honeycomb Chose to carry this line of professional hair care products because they match our values and style. Here is are some tid bits on why.

"SUDZZfx include certified organic botanicals in homeopathic percentages in order to create a healthier scalp for healthier hair. These botanicals combine to help stimulate the regeneration of cells while transforming the process of colour preservation. Naturally, they're as good for the environment as they are for the hair."

"SUDZZfx Shampoos are sulfate-free, meaning that harsh detergents and ingredients aren't included to create lather. SUDZZfx goes even further, making sure that the ingredients that are included for lather don't combine to produce hidden sulfates. Which means you will find no lauryl, laureth, and ammonium sulfates."

"SUDZZfx addresses hydration with FXulites. An anti-again and keratin repair, and cuticle repair to smooth away frayed ends. They work to maintain the integrity of the hair, especially between colour treatments by targeting specific ares of damage, infusing hair with the strength needed to fight against the effects of hot stling tools (blow dryers, irons), environmental elements (sun,smog) and even fluorescent lighting. FXulites stand up to anything that degrades protein and colour."

" Your hair colour says something about you, It changes you. It shouldn't, however, change between treatments. With the ColourFIX3 Complex, SUDZZfx protects, preserves and performs when it comes to colour-treated hair. We include the highest quality colour-protection ingredients to extend colour. Colour is brighter, stronger, deeper for longer periods of time."

-SUDXX fx, Inc. GDZ Oxnard, CA

The full line of SUDZZfx is available now at Honeycomb Studio, Phoenix AZ!

For more information check out SUDDZfx online!

Organic Certified Hair Colorists!

2011-07-16T16:01:00.000-07:00

Organic Salon Systems Recognizes Ambur Gore and Alicia Nittle from Honeycomb Studio as a Certified Organic Hair Colorist

Look Good and Feel Good About Your Salon visit with a Certified Organic Hair Colorist

July, 10th, 2011 Phoenix Arizona.

Receiving extraordinary, predictable hair color results can be somewhat challenging for many reasons that face average stylists in the industry. Whether it begins in the consultation, the understanding of the professional product line by the stylist, or simply the skill level of the stylist, Organic Salon Systems is dedicated to giving their stylists the knowledge to achieve the precise color their clients desire. To this end, Organic Salon Systems is committed to education as it pertains to the specialized organics market and is therefore validating top chosen stylists in the country as Certified Organic Hair Colorists upon completion of advanced training. As we honor these top colorists and artists dedicated to their craft, Organic Salon Systems intends on connecting clients with these certified credible colorists. You should always expect the best and receive the best with an organic state of mind.

Ambur Gore and Alicia Nittle at Honeycomb Studio have completed and passed all principals required to become an Organic Salon Systems Certified Hair Colorist. Holding a comprehensive knowledge of organic hair color principles, creative color, foil placement, color application and color correction, clients are going to get both exceptional service and incredible results.

" Organic Color Certification was designed and intended to spotlight the Top 1% of this industry. I recognize these stylists for providing top-notch service and guaranteed color results like no other," says Rebecca Gregory, Technical Director for Organic Salon Systems, "They really begin to be accepted as an expert and attain new heights of success in this industry with a certification like this."

A stylist that is certified through Organic Salon Systems is destined to excel in all areas of hair color.

Schedule your next appointment with Ambur Gore or Alicia Nittle from Honeycomb Studio. Please call 602-840-3902.

Honeycomb Studio has been providing organic and vegan hair options since 2009. Owner and Stylist Ambur Gore opened the salon to provide an alternative to damaging and harmful hair products and services to the Central Phoenix area. They specialize in Organic Color Systems, KeraGreen, hair cuts, styling, brow/lip waxing, dread locks, and Organic Curl Systems. Honeycomb is involved with Local First Arizona, Matter of Trust Charity, Local Fashion Shows, and holds quarterly Art openings and concerts.

www.honeycombedhair.com

www.organiccolorsystems.com

New Locally made Organic Pomade!!

2010-10-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

We are excited to be carrying G.B. Proudfoot's Hair Pomade!

A family owned local company that makes Organic Prooducts.

Just what Honeycomb Loves the Most!

Thanks for voting!

2010-10-19T16:10:00.001-07:00

We really appreciate all of you voting for us in the Phoneix New Times readers poll.

I know it was a lot of work.

We didn't win, but thanks to all of you we got some great exposure and were NOMINATED!

xoxoxox!!

Burr

eeek!

2010-09-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

New Times Best of comes out in 2 more days!

Vegan Dreadlocks

2010-09-22T19:28:00.000-07:00

Our latest Dreadlocks. Bees Wax free. By Ambur.

An Article in the Wall Street Journal about Organic Color Systems

2010-07-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

Organic Hair Color

Photo Booth

2010-06-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

Sarah and Ambur in the back room at Honeycomb.