PH balanced hair care

In recent years there has been a conscious movement towards bettering our health. More people are buying organic and chemical/hormone free, well, everything. Aside from organic foods, organic and hormone-free vitamins, personal hygiene products, and even clothing are popular among those of us leading whole + healthy lives (and who can thankfully afford it).

But what about our hair?

There is a large population of people who look forward to their bimonthly (sometimes more often) trips to the salon. Between the artistic and therapeutic hands of our stylists, to the confidence boost we feel as we exit the salon, most of us wish the sensual salon products' scents would linger for just a while longer.

***However, we must realize just because they are SALON PRODUCTS does NOT mean they are GOOD for our hair!!****

My father and his team recently attended a hair convention concerning the awful demise most salon products are facing. After smaller hair care companies are being bought out by larger corporations, the quality of the colors, shampoos, conditioners, and styling products are suffering greatly. Sure, they may smell expensive, and they usually are expensive, however there are A LOT of expensive things that are bad for your health. Trust me, you're not paying for quality products.

My father informed me of the harsh detergents that have been gradually creeping into most hair care products, stripping the hair.

You wouldn't lather yourself with JOY from your kitchen sink, so why use hair care products that contain them? That's right, some popular products contain the same ingredients as your dish soap (even Ms. Meyer's wouldn't be a good choice for your mane ;)

As the organic/eco revolution trucks on, we must be aware of all products and foods we are putting in or on our bodies.

The BEST shampoo/conditioner/styling products you can use are ones that are pH balanced. Our hair has a natural pH of anywhere from 4.5 to 5.5, your hair care should have the same pH. More and more companies are beginning to put the pH of their products on their packaging. 

Allow me to recommend a great new line I've just started using. My father's salon recently began selling SOMA. SOMA is a small company that have created pH balanced, organic hair care made from plants. He has also switched the color they work with, and for anyone who has worked at a salon you know how rare and difficult it can be to change products that you've been working with for years. However these new products are MUCH better for your hair.

Not only does SOMA smell great, I've noticed my hair isn't as dull as before.
Also, SOMA products are among the cheaper lines I've seen out there (outside of drugstores, of course).

If you're paying salon prices, you want to ensure you're getting quality treatment.

SOMA:
http://www.somaorganics.com/

My father's salon's website. 6 West 18th Street NYC:
http://sachaolivier.com/

Recession? Nope, I'm just a college student.

It is up for debate whether or not we're still in the midst of a recession. I feel as if everyday it is a different story. Personally I think the media moguls and powers that be want to instill fear in us and have us put our energy into worrying about our bank accounts instead of the real atrocities that are going on in the world. 

Never the less, I thankfully have not felt the recession. I'm a nanny and there are still plenty of parents in nyc that are in need of an extra set of hands. 

However, if I've noticed anything as a result of the recession, it is that people are vain and still want to look their best despite a financial crisis. 

My father owns a hair salon and although the salon has felt the recession, hair grows and greys show, so my father has thankfully been busy (he is also an artistic genius when it comes to hair, so I cannot say I'm not surprised). 

It's also important that we continue to take care of ourselves as the world goes to mud around us. We must maintain mental clarity and physical strength. Many of us have gym memberships, but if you're like me, it feels as if the gym is stealing a bit of your soul each month when you pay your dues. 

NO FEAR! A home gym is possible. Even in TINY nyc apartments!!

I've recently taken a liking to workout dvds. Two I would recommend: 

-Tara Stiles Yoga Anywhere 

-The Tracy Anderson Method: Mat Workout DVD

Also, free weights are a great thing to have in the house, as is a yoga mat. (3-5lbs)

Other ways to keep fits sans a gym membership? Walk more, use public transportation less (when you're able to) and forego the elevator and take the stairs!! 

Chia: Powder vs. Seed

In the past I've always bought Chia Seed (a former roommate turned me onto the oatmeal alternative). Living in New York City, I thankfully have little trouble obtaining health foods + there is no shortage of healthy restaurants/juice bars.

As I mentioned I've replaced oatmeal with a chia pudding I make every morning that takes literally a few mins--not as much hassle as oatmeal. Oatmeal is great but it somethings robs me of energy--maybe I'm hallucinating, but that is how I feel. It shouldn't be discounted; Oatmeal is chalk full of nutrients--IF you eat rolled oats, no sugar added. Low in fat, oatmeal can be an ideal breakfast staple, however you must beware of additives.

Chia POWDER is even better for you than SEEDS. I was recently informed that any seed that has been germinated (made into a powder) is easier for your body to absorb nutrients. This is also true for flax seeds/flax powder. 

"Inherently full of healthy omega fats, protein, antioxidants and dietary fiber, the small chia seed’s nutrition is even more enhanced by the process of sprouting. This germination of the seeds increases the nutritional profile and enzyme content, and allows the food becomes more easily digested and assimilated within the body."


Buy Chia Powder at your local health store OR here: 
http://www.navitasnaturals.com/products/chia/chia-powder.html


Can easily be added to your morning oatmeal or yogurt. Vegan, kosher, raw, gluten-free. 


Personally, I mix:
- 3 tbsp of Chia Powder with
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened Almond Mylk. 
-Add cinnamon 


+ mix for a few seconds. Let stand for 10 minutes. Feel free to add a sweetener if you taste doesn't appeal to you--like raw honey, or agave nectar if you're vegan. 
Add berries for added fiber and antioxidants (blueberries are best!) 
If you're not feeling the texture, adding a little bit of water or more Almond mylk (or hemp, soy, rice) and stir again.  
I honestly am GENUINELY full after I ingest this for hours. 


Enjoy and please SHARE your thoughts on Chia. 


CH-ch-ch-CHIA