BY
BILL BRADLEY
Want to look younger? Many people do in this youth-obsessed
cultured.
Changing the colour of your hair or getting rid of the grey is
one way of achieving a younger look.  However, Gatchell
hairdresser Anna Le-Grie says many people are concerned about
the chemical preparations used in hair colouring, shampoos and
cosmetics.
 "Many people are sensitive to chemicals like ammonia used
in hair colour treatments. As a hairdresser, I found I was
affected too so I began looking for safer organic treatments
for hair. After years of searching I have found products that
my clients and I are comfortable with at an affordable cost,"
said Le-Grie, owner of More Than Just Hair at 973 Lorne St.
After seven years as a hairdresser in England, Le-Grie
started to experience breathing problems. She suspected it was
linked to the ammonia she was exposed to in the products she
used at work.
"Many of my clients reported they suffered from scalp
tingling, nausea, breathing problems and headaches but they,
like many people, thought it was the price they paid for
looking younger," she said.
After a few years of research, Le-Grie discovered Organic Color
Systems, a company that pioneered organic hair colour products.
According to the company's website, ammonia not only affects
the health of clients and hairdressers but it's hard on the
hair cuticles themselves.
 "Ammonia not only makes the shaft of the hair cuticle
resemble Swiss cheese, it also damages the amino acid or
protein called Tyrosine, which is found inside the hair shaft.
Tyrosine is responsible for producing melanin (the natural
pigment in the hair shaft).
"When the Tyrosine is damaged, the ability of hair to hold
onto colour is greatly reduced. By introducing colour into the
hair shaft without damaging the Tyrosine, the colour lasts
longer because it has something to bond to," states the
website.
"The hair colouring products I use here are organically
based from natural ingredients, are safe for myself, my clients
and their hair. If they weren't, I would be the first to know,"
said Le-Grie.
Even cosmetics and shampoos are suspect.
"Shampoos that are chemically-based can damage the
hair-drying it out for example. I sell the line of shampoos
from Miessence. The natural ingredients such as aloe vera,
lemon myrtle rosemary and sage are grown without the use of
synthetic insecticides, herbicides and fumigants. They are
certified organic,"  Le-Grie said.
Natural-based products even feed the scalp and hair with the
nutrients contained within the products said Le-Grie.
Probably most important of all the natural approach works.
Hair feels softer and the look is more natural.
For more information, phone 675-6607 or visit More Than Just Hair Care across from Tim Hortons on Lorne St. For more information, visit www.organiccolorsystems.com and www.lightworlds.net .
