John Masters is creator of the beauty line John Masters Organics. He’s kindly offered to share his expertise with TheKindLife.com and answer some of your questions from the kind forum. I hope you find this helpful!
How do you find eco shampoo and conditioner, and what are the best ones?
To find a good eco-friendly shampoo, it is important to read the ingredient list. Look for only organic-ingredient-based shampoos and then check the ingredient list to confirm. I developed the first organic professional hair, skin and body care line, John Masters Organics, based on feedback from my clients, who helped me test the products in the salon. Being a hair stylist, any product with my name on it had to be result-oriented. I would, of course, recommend my shampoos as I believe they are the best.
If I change one part of my hair routine, what is the most important thing to do eco-friendly?
Start with an organic shampoo, as that is the base of any good hair routine.
What is the most vegan, eco-friendly, non-toxic way to get blonde highlights without bleach?
There is no quick, effective way to get blond highlights without peroxide and bleach. If you have patience and want natural highlights to emerge, create a mixture of organic fresh squeezed lemon juice, chamomile (steep a tea from fresh organic buds) and rhubarb root. Mix together and let cool down. Apply this to your hair daily (sun exposure boosts the lightning action). Applying the mixture with a spray bottle is the most efficient way of application. Spray liberally and as often as wanted. Make sure to condition your hair afterwards as lemon juice has a drying effect on your hair or add 20 drops of 100% Argan Oil to the mixture of lemon and herbs before application to combat any drying effect.
What is the most vegan, eco friendly, non-toxic way to dye grey hair?
The most vegan, eco-friendly way to cover grey right now is by using a mixture of organic henna and herbs, depending on your natural color and desired color. There are several mixtures available at most health food stores. Health food and some professional beauty supply stores also carry hair color that is safer and greener than conventional colors.
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What are some questions you should ask your stylist to find out how eco-friendly their products and methods are?
If a henna & herb mix just doesn’t work for your needs, there are safer, greener colors available – although they do contain some chemicals (albeit they are better than the conventional colors out there). Ask your stylist if the color has any certified organic content. Also, ask what the percentage is of ppd’s (ppd = Paraphenylenediamine) and choose one with a low ppd percentage; one percent or lower is good. Avoid colors with ammonia, resorcinol, parabens or perfumes. Ask for a low volume of peroxide (about 1.5%) unless lightening your hair (about 3%).
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Thank you, John Masters! So helpful. I appreciate it! Also, I love your blood orange and vanilla body wash. It smells divine!
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Photo sources: FromSandToGlass via flickr.com, mdidea.com, LauraLewis23 via flickr.com, possumgirl2 via flickr.com, Marufish via flickr.com, I-r-paulus via flickr.com
