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Have you ever been to a salon and sat under that halo alien hair dryer thing thinking, “what the hell kind of toxic waste products are being penetrated into my brain right now?” Yeah, me too. Odds are, you’re getting infused with some gnarly chemicals. Gnarly chemicals = not so good for your overall health. With the advent of organic food, organic clothes and organic pet grooming supplies (I know, right), where on Earth can you go to get natural, toxin-free salon services and products? Well, if you live near Beverly Hills, you can go to Shades.

I sauntered into Shades, located at 144 South Doheny in Beverly Hills, on a lazy Saturday morning to claim some fancy pants salon services (courtesy of Shades..thank you!) a la The Hills. I was getting one if their famous scalp treatments. I also brought a friend who received a manicure. My main inquiry? Whether or not the all-natural, organic, toxin-free products and services would have the same power and effect as normal products and services (those that include the toxic waste). Frankly, I have been pretty hesitant on making the all-around switch to organic and natural because I’m afraid those products won’t work as well as my normal products. Thus, wasted money.

Everything at Shades is completely toxin-free and organic. Why? Susan, Shades’s founder, had been a top Hollywood colorist and had an extensive celebrity clientele. This, however, was not all it was cracked up to be as she ended up getting ammonia poisening from the exposure to ammonia-based hair color. A visit to her daughter, who was studying botany, inspired her to try her hand at creating her own all-natural hair products. She began experimenting with herbs and natural ingredients and, after tons of research, ended up with the 100% ammonia free hair color process that has garnered her so much attention.

Taking a peek at all her products is like looking inside a witch’s cupboard. Sweet smelling oils and concoctions overflow each stylist’s station – all handmade by Susan. Even the products used in my friend’s manicure were all-natural (and very relaxing, she said). Likewise, a quick glance around the salon at the clientele will quickly remind you that you are in Beverly Hills. The staff, however, is extremely humble and very nice. And Susan? She’s a gem. You can’t help but like her as soon as you talk to her.

My scalp treatment was A M A Z I N G! I almost fell asleep in the chair due to the massive amount of scalp massaging that was going on. The scalp treatments at Shades are used to stimulate hair growth. A few oils are massaged into your scalp and brushed through your hair, then you sit under the dryer and cook for about 20 minutes. I was told that women will come in and shed like crazy, but after a few scalp treatments, nery a strand will fall from their head. My hair was so incredibly soft and supple after the treatment. It’s amazing that it can feel like that by using a product that has absolutely no chemicals.

Anyone living near Beverly Hills needs to check this place out. It just makes you feel good to know you are using products that are good for you. You can still join in on the fun if you don’t live near Beverly Hills. Susan’s online store has all her natural ammonia-free products for sale.

I really want to thank Shades for their amazing services! I am a fan for life!

SOURCE: Non-Toxic Salon: Who Knew?!