As the beauty and self-care industries have flourished, many women are making an unfortunate tradeoff: good looks for good health. On average, a woman puts more than 200 chemicals on her skin every day—and about 60 percent of them are absorbed by the body.  

Oway salon products were created so that no one has to make that tradeoff. Each formula is hand selected by green chemists, using the highest possible percentage of natural ingredients, including plant butters, pure essential oils and healing biodynamic botanicals. Biodynamic farming is a step above organic, involving ethical, eco-friendly harvesting methods that never harm plants, animals or the planet. 

Hair care products that are rich in active natural ingredients and free from chemical treatments are healthier for our bodies and improve our sense of well-being and quality of life. That’s why Oway eliminated SLS/SLES, parabens, PEGS/PPGS/BGS, mineral oils, artificial colorants and synthetic fragrances from their formulas. 

Let’s talk about some of these ingredients, and why it’s important to avoid them in our personal care and beauty products. 

Parabens, preservatives used in 85 percent of personal care products, are known to mimic estrogen, potentially causing hormonal imbalance and possibly breast cancer. Parabens become toxic when applied to the skin; they easily penetrate the body to enter the bloodstream. 

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs), commonly used in skincare and hair color products such as thickeners, softeners and solvents, enhance the absorption of ingredients—including harmful ones—into the skin. PEGs contain impurities such as ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen and respiratory irritant used as a nerve gas in World War I. 

Phthalates, commonly used to make plastic more malleable, are found in hairspray, nail polish and solvent, among other beauty products. Most plastic containers contain phthalates, which can leach into the product inside. Several studies have linked phthalates to breast cancer and some congenital disorders. The best way to avoid them is to choose products with glass containers. 

Parfums—usually listed simply as “fragrance,” with no further breakdown of its chemical components—are the most toxic things you can put on your skin. Some can trigger neurological problems and asthma attacks. Look for beauty products that use pure essential oils for scent. 

Parafins, also called mineral oil, are created from crude oil and are found in skin creams and ointments. Parafins just sit on the skin, sealing off the pores and preventing the skin from breathing—thereby causing skin irritations and allergic reactions. 

With the right ingredients, a salon product can actually make hair healthier while delivering professional results. For example, Hcolor from Oway is pH controlled to protect the hair fiber and improve hair texture over time. Ideal for gray coverage, it creates glossy, long-lasting, vibrant color. 

Hcolor is formulated with the following essential oils:

Biodynamic hibiscus, a powerful antioxidant that protects the hair and scalp, adds thickness and shine to the hair, and prevents split ends and premature graying. 

Organic perilla oil protects the skin and scalp from irritation and discomfort with its calming anti-inflammatory properties.

Organic cotton protein restores and strengthens hair, inside and out. Its softening and binding properties help the hair absorb color molecules. 

Fair trade date oil, which is rich in nutrients and vitamin B, adds hydration and elasticity to the hair, and contains fatty acids that lock in moisture. It also stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss. 

A product’s packaging is just as important as its ingredients. The amber glass and aluminum used in Oway salon products are indicators of high quality. 

Amber glass protects formulations with a high concentration of natural ingredients and essential oils, guaranteeing their purity. Aluminum, an extremely resistant and adaptable material, is also highly recommended for optimal product preservation. And here’s a bonus: both glass and aluminum are completely and infinitely recyclable. 

Camy Gibson trained at the Aveda Institute in Tallahassee and has been a hairstylist for seven years. She’s been a certified organic colorist with Organic Color Systems for three years and with Oway for two. Currently she is a stylist at Le Vogue Salon, located at 609 W. Chase St., Pensacola. For appointments, call 850-582-0177.