The Salon Movement

Moving Salons Forward Sustainably

Interesting Hair and Beauty Facts

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Remember ALL those facts you had to memorize while you were in beauty school? It probably seemed a little tedious at the time but once you realized why you had to learn it all, it made you the beauty professional you are now. Worth it, don’t you think? And you have to admit some of those facts you learned were pretty interesting.
 
Along with having amazing skills, part of being a good hair stylist or beauty professional is to have great communication with your clients. Showing you know your stuff and sharing interesting relevant information about hair and beauty with them gains their trust and loyalty. Here’s a list of some of the more interesting facts about beauty we know which you can pass along to your clients.
 
Common Hair Colors
 
Do you know the most common (natural) hair color? It’s black. Red and Blonde are the least common hair colors coming in at 1% and 2% of the population respectively. If you have a client with naturally blonde or red hair, encourage them to embrace it and maintain it as long as they can.
 
Hair Grows Faster In Warm Weather
 
Your clients may realize they see you more often for trims in the summertime than other times of the year (unless you live in a year-round hot climate). That’s because heat stimulates the circulation of your scalp encouraging hair growth.
 
In fact, hair is the second fastest tissue that grows in the body – second only to bone marrow.
 
Hair Is Strong
 
Each strand of hair can support a LOT of weight. Your entire head of hair can support 2 tons of weight, not that we recommend trying this at home. And a wet strand of hair can stretch up to 30% longer than a dry strand without breaking.
 
The Hair Knows (Almost) All
 
A single strand of hair is almost as effective as a blood test in finding out what’s running through someone’s blood. This includes minerals, vitamins and drugs. Interestingly, one thing that hair cannot identify is gender.
 
Blondes Have More… Hair
 
You find about 100,000 strands of hair on the average head. Natural blondes often have upwards of 146,000 while redheads will come in closer to 86,000.
Nail Polish Has Thankfully Evolved
 
Nail polish was one of the first beauty products made and was found in China waaaaay back in 3000 BC. Its formulation consisted of gum, egg whites, beeswax and colored powder. Can you imagine how long that took to dry?
 
Perfume Used To Be A Drink
 
Kyphi, a perfume very popular in ancient Egyptian times, was often drank as a treatment for lung and intestinal issues. It was made from wine, flowers, honey and berries but we’re betting it still didn’t taste very good!
 
Lips Are Unique
 
Just like fingerprints all lips are different, no two humans will leave the same lip print.
 
Lips are also one of the few parts of the body which doesn’t sweat or produce any oils. Therefore, it’s important to keep them moist by drinking lots of water and applying a hydrating protective balm.
 
Lashes Are Lush
 
The average lifespan of a single eyelash is 150 days which is why they don’t grow super long. It’s common to have 1 to 5 lashes fall out every day.
 
Upper lash lines are clearly more populated with hair than the lower ones but did you know that there are more than double the number of top lashes than bottom lashes? About 100 on the bottom versus approximately 250 on the top.
 
For more intriguing tips and useful marketing hints to promote your sustainable beauty or sustainable fashion business join The Salon Movement today! We have different options depending on your level of business. Find out more information here.

Sneaky Ingredients To Watch Out For

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Anything you put on your skin absorbs into your body so don’t you want to make sure you’re putting on the best? Even some sustainable beauty products labelled “natural” aren’t as natural as they advertise. The list is long (sadly) but here are some of the most common questionable ingredients which often make their way into beauty products. If you see any of these, put that bottle back on the shelf and walk away!
 
Phthalates
 
Phthalates are all too commonly seen in beauty products yet should be avoided at all costs. Studies have shown some correlation between phthalates and endocrine disorders which can possibly lead to certain cancers.
 
Unfortunately, some manufacturers disguise their use of phthalates by using the term “fragrance”. Make sure the products you’re buying have transparent ingredient lists so you know exactly what’s in them and what that “fragrance” really is. Which brings us to our next sneaky ingredient…
 
Fragrance
 
As we’ve just told you, “fragrance” can be an evil term. Some products smell amazing and that’s because of the natural herbs or essential oils added. However, other products smell amazing due to chemicals like phthalates being added.
 
Once you use products that have a true natural scent, you’ll start to notice the difference. Until then, watch for “added fragrance” and other indecipherable names on chemical labels. Fragrance can also be an irritant so also try buying fragrance-free.
 
Alcohol
 
Alcohol is added to a lot of skin care products because it makes your skin feel cool and fresh temporarily. But after just a few uses, alcohol can lead to irritation and excess sensitivity of the skin.
 
Watch out for alcohol-based ingredients, and look for terms like methanol, isopropyl and ethanol. These are scientific names for different types of alcohol.
 
Colours
 
Other than to make it look fun, there’s no reason to add dyes or colours to any product. Colours listed with numbers such as “Red 3” and “Yellow 5” are especially dangerous and can lead to behavioural issues in kids, as well as skin irritation.
 
BPA
 
OK, so BPA (or Bisphenol-A) won’t actually be on the product’s ingredient list but it’s quite likely to be in the packaging. Even if you’re buying sustainable beauty products with only organic ingredients, if it’s packaged in plastic containing BPA, it may cause you problems anyway as the packaging can leech into the liquids.
 
BPA is linked to hormonal imbalances, not to mention the damage it can do to the earth. Look for earth-friendly packaging on everything you buy.
 
What Next?
 
Luckily, many cosmetic companies are coming around and taking unnatural, dangerous ingredients out of their products, including the sneaky ones. It may take a little research but look for transparent companies, ones who are open about what’s on their ingredient list and what those unrecognizable terms on their labels really mean.
 
We use and recommend Davines products to everyone for both home and salon use. It’s a fantastic company that cares about the earth and your body. If you’re not sure where to start, please read our previous blog post, Davines products your salon MUST carry.
 
Be part of the movement by partnering with The Salon Movement. We’ll help make sure you’re using the very best sustainable products and are a part of a committed team of professionals who make a difference. Join now.

Why It’s Time To Join The Movement

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If you or your salon is already part of The Salon Movement then you already know all the incredible benefits which come with membership to this amazing community. If not, we’re here to convince you.

Sustainability is here to stay, and your salon could be “the next big thing” your community needs. Let’s delve deeper:

WHY BE A SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS?

You may be wondering what the benefits of being a sustainable business are. You know you’re doing a great thing for the earth, but is that where it ends? Not at all!

Your Salon Will Get More Recognition

Sustainability is huge and more people than ever are seeking out sustainable fashion, products and salons. This could mean you!

You Reduce Costs

At the beginning, you may need to invest more money to make your salon into an eco-friendly oasis. But the savings you’ll see will occur almost immediately and be well worth it in the long run.

Installing water-reducing showerheads and low-flow toilets will save you water, money and energy. Even switching to low-energy power bars and making sure lights and machines are turned off when not in use is a very inexpensive, simple start to sustainability.

You Reduce Waste

Using sustainable products and materials is so important to your footprint on the earth. You’ll notice an impact almost immediately and will likely save you significant money if you’re having to contribute to garbage services.

You End Up Healthier

You won’t believe how wonderful eco beauty products are these days. The right products will produce fabulous results on your skin and hair and you’ll glow inside and out from not using toxic chemicals. It also feels great to know you’re doing your part to help the earth.

WHAT DOES THE SALON MOVEMENT DO?

Our statement is to have “a unified grassroots movement of sustainability-conscious Davines stylists and salon owners who actively care and love our planet, culture, and craft.”

Education:

We believe that education is vital to perfecting your skills and keeping up to date on the latest products and styles, especially those to do with sustainability. For some great ways to keep your training fresh, check this out. Movement members also get ongoing webinar training and special Davines product information.

Retail:

If your business isn’t seeing the returns you’d like it to, The Movement can help you realize your extreme potential. We’ve got some really exciting things to share that will take both your career and business to the next level.

Marketing:

Marketing is huge for your business, and The Movement can help deliver your sustainability offerings and message to those who are looking for it.

Environmentalism:

The earth sustains, heals, and supports our success and all it requires from us in return is some mutual consideration, respect and love. As Davines ambassadors and stylists, we’ll work together to keep the harmony.

Other Benefits:

In addition to knowing you’re part of an incredible, sustainable team, you’ll have access to our webinars and education system, as well as receive the latest information on all new Davines products. You’ll also get tools for growing your business and receive promotions and discounts from our sustainable partners.

SIGN UP NOW

We have different sign-up options for stylists, salon owners and Davines partners, and content is customized to fit you. Join us now.

Spring Into Sustainability!

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Spring is arriving next week and for most of us, it will be welcomed with open arms! It’s the perfect time of year to re-evaluate how eco-friendly you’re being in your life.

Here are a few easy ways you can change to be more eco in your home and work life this Spring:

Decrease Your Water Usage

At both your home and business, there are a lot of things you can do to reduce your water use. If you don’t have low flow toilets or shower heads, get those installed — they’re not as expensive as you may think. Don’t know where to look? We’re big advocates of the products that ECOHEADS offers.

Be mindful of water by only turning it on when it’s time to rinse your hair, teeth or dishes instead of letting it run. Install eco-friendly, water-conserving dishwashers and washing machines and only run full loads. And why not put some old buckets outside to collect rainwater to water your garden and indoor plants?

Reduce Your Energy Use

Switch to energy efficient appliances if possible especially with the ones you use the most. Assess your lighting and heating options, maybe it’s time to go with solar options. If this isn’t in the cards quite yet, there are other small steps you can take which will help. Turn off all lights and machines when they’re not in use, replace your light bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs, and wear a sweatshirt instead of cranking the heat.

Change Your Products

Eco-friendly products can be found everywhere these days. If you’re a DIYer, it can be as simple as mixing baking soda and vinegar to clean most of your surfaces!

Natural beauty products are better than ever, and you know that by supporting sustainable beauty, you’re doing good for your skin and the environment. If your salon isn’t already carrying Davines products, what are you waiting for?

Clear The Clutter

“Spring cleaning” time is here and this year, you’re not only going to give everything a good clean, you’re going to be ruthless in purging everything you don’t need. It may take some time but go through everything at home and at work and donate or recycle what you don’t need. Keeping old paperwork and unnecessary items can weigh us down mentally and emotionally.

Reduce and Recycle

So now that you’ve cleared away all your clutter, you certainly don’t need to add any more back in again. Set up a system that allows you to reduce your waste. Don’t print out emails, stay away from disposable products, and recycle everything you can’t re-use.

Shop Smartly

“Fast fashion”, a term used by fashion retailers to describe inexpensive designs that move quickly from the catwalk to stores to meet new trend, is popular these days. Think the stores that offer you shirts for only a few dollars but will only last you a few months. Clothing is becoming a huge environmental issue in the way it’s manufactured and sold. Instead, look for sustainable fashion when you can and know that you’re doing good for the earth while purchasing a quality piece.

This is the same for towels and sheets you use every day. Spending a little bit more money on Bamboo or other sustainable fabrics will last longer and be kinder to the earth.

Support local markets which carry produce from sustainable, chemical-free farmers. Switch to fair trade items when purchasing coffee, tea and chocolate whenever possible.

Start A Garden

Spring is the perfect time to start a garden even if it’s just a small container garden on your windowsill. Plants have many everyday uses besides looking pretty. In fact, growing plants that naturally purify the air will help you breathe easier. Aloe plants can be useful for small injuries, instead of turning to chemical-based creams to soothe those small burns or cuts.

Growing your own herbs and vegetables is a life changer. You’ll save money plus eating something YOU have grown tastes amazing!

Join The Movement!

If your salon hasn’t already become a part of The Movement, it’s time to make the leap. This will put you ahead of your competitors, and you can rest easy knowing you’re doing what’s best for everyone. Find out more now.

Davines Products Your Salon MUST Carry

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“By creating beauty sustainably, we encourage people to take care of themselves, of the environment in which they live & work, of the things they love.” — Davines.

If you haven’t already discovered the wonderful sustainable beauty line, Davines, we hope we’ll convince you to give them a try. The Salon Movement is proud to be a unified grassroots movement of sustainably-conscious Davines stylists and salon owners. Supporting Davines shows that you care about the earth, as well as your customer’s well-being.

Davines was founded, and continue to produce, in Parma, Italy, with development starting in the 1980s and products being ready to sell about a decade later. Davines truly believes in sustainability and is aiming to be the most beautiful and ethical company in the world.

We love every unique Davines product we use, and they truly do have something for everyone. If you’re looking to bring our your natural beauty, here are a few of their best-selling and award-winning products we think you should try:

Love Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner

The best-selling LOVE duo from Davines has won a few different awards, and rightfully so! This shampoo and conditioner set is the perfect fit for anyone with dry, unruly hair that is prone to frizz. The olive extracts and vitamin E gently cleanse and add a smoothing dose of moisture.

Nounou Shampoo And Conditioner

Nounou Shampoo is yet another award winner from the Davines line and, along with the matching conditioner, is a dream. It’s a life (and hair!) saver for anyone who has brittle, dehydrated hair. Fiaschetto tomato is incorporated into the formula to provide the antioxidants and vitamin C which nourish hair completely.

The Oi Line

Several products in the Oi line have won awards and anyone who has used it has little doubt why. This multi-use line of products is perfect for just about anyone. It has the best ingredients to use on a day-to-day basis, when hair is behaving nicely and has no issues. Roucou oil is the key ingredient in this amazing line to keep hair and skin hydrated and soft.

This Is A Sea Salt Spray

This Is A Sea Salt Spray should be re-named “This is an amazing product!” A best-seller for many reasons, this spray provides amazing texture and style to any hair type and it smells so good!

The sea salt in this spray naturally gives tresses the perfect beachy waves many want to achieve without having to head to the ocean.

Well-Being Conditioner

The Well-Being Conditioner is an excellent all-around moisturizer for hair. Made with echinacea plant, this conditioner contains natural antimicrobial products which works to keep hair healthy and nourished.

Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle Conditioner

The Nourishing Vegetarian Miracle Conditioner is THE product to use to put life and moisture back into dry, damaged hair. It invigorates from the scalp right down to the ends of your hair to provide intense moisture and prevent breakage.

Acai oil is the miracle ingredient which provides your hair the protective antioxidants and restorative benefits it needs. Grape phytoceuticals add an extra source of antioxidants as well as polyphenols to keep hair healthy and strong.

If your salon, or personal collection, doesn’t include Davines, that needs to change right now, not only for the sake of beauty but for sustainability.

Davines has some very exciting collections coming out involving coffee, tea and honey. We can’t wait for these products, and to see what other revolutionary, sustainable ideas Davines has for our future.