At Suzanne’s Organic Salon naturals replace toxic chemicals

A life-changing book, several people in Suzanne Huffman-Chamberlin’s life suffering from cancer, and a chance to work with a mentor at the top of his field developing hair and skin-care products of naturally derived ingredients are all part of what brought about Suzanne’s Organic Salon.

At Suzanne’s they specialize in food-grade hair care lines–you could eat them (though those who have tried say they taste pretty awful).

The shop at 254 E. Michigan has three chairs in a 700-square-foot space, for Huffman-Chamberlin and two other stylists, Amy DeBoer ad Karrly Sykora. The salon is located in a building constructed in 1860 and its high brick walls show off its origins.

The salon’s owner is proud to carry hair care lines that avoid such things as ammonia that irritates eyes and affects the immune system; parabens that are neurotoxins and carcinogens; sulfates that are toxic to organs and irritate skin; and artificial fragrances that are toxic to the immune system and are neurotoxins.  

Instead they carry Organic Color Systems, certified organic in Europe, where the standards are higher than those of the USDA. The hair color line is free of the chemicals linked to cancer.

The salon also uses Mastey Shampoo, a French import that has none of the synthetic fragrances that have been shown to contribute to estrogen imbalances.

Customers respond favorably to the kinder-gentler hair-care products, saying they appreciate the salon does not have the ammonia smell that permeates some shops. Those who have sensitivities or are allergic to hair dyes often find the organic colors are a safe alternative that works for them.

“As the research is evolving the product lines continue to improve,” Huffman-Chamberlin says. “It’s exciting and challenging.”

Huffman-Chamberlin’s mentor in the field has been Horst Rechelbacher, founder of Aveda, a company that uses plant-based ingredients in its beauty-care products. Rechelbacher has gone on to start another company, Intelligent Nutrients, but his philosophy remains consistent: Everything we put in and on our bodies must be nutritious and safe.

Her commitment to beauty products without toxic chemicals goes back to 2006. At a workshop with Rechelbacher, he talked about the need for the industry to change and recommended the book “Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry” by Stacy Malkan.

At about the same time a friend was diagnosed with breast cancer, her sister developed cancer at age 30, and two clients who were Huffman-Chamberlin’s age also had cancer diagnosis.

“It was hitting me on all levels,” Huffman-Chamberlin says.

That’s why she carries only products she trusts, and also tries to educate not only her clients but others that it is important to pay attention to what goes into their hair- and skin care products. She points them to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Environmental Working Group. 

EWG’s Skin Deep Database offers information on the ingredients in more than 60,000 shampoos, makeup, deodorants, sunscreens and other personal care products with 50 toxicity and regulatory databases. It also offers information on products that are not made of cancer causing ingredients.

Suzanne’s Organic Salon’s website also offers a list of ingredients found in shampoos that can be toxic for those who want to know more about the products on their bathroom shelves.

“Our industry is self-regulated,” says Suzanne Huffman-Chamberlin. “This is a several billion dollar industry that regulates itself. We as consumers have to be more educated. We have to learn what are our healthiest options.”

Though many of her clients come in expecting a new way of having their hair treated others take some convincing. “Change can be scary. It’s not easy, but as they learn more they get really excited about the possibilities.”

Suzanne’s also carries skin care products made by locals with the same philosophy, such a products from Elina Fedotova and Tina’s Pharm.

Source: Suzanne Huffman-Chamberlin, Suzanne’s Organic Salon