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Health, Nutrition & Wellness, Nutrition & Beauty, Style

My HairPrint Results and a little philosophy too

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Allow me to introduce you to HairPrint, the only 100% hypoallergenic, non-toxic, odor-free hair color in the world proven not only to restore hair to its natural color… it also improves hair structure!

Bye-bye harmful chemicals that eventually cause irreparable damage to the hair shaft, follicles and scalp– Not to mention to our bodies as a whole, since the particles of standard toxic hair dyes are small enough to enter the bloodstream (the reason we can't color hair during pregnancy). The melanin pigment in Hairprint is already present in millions of our skin cells and due to its relatively large size does not pass into the bloodstream.

Currently, HairPrint has formulas available to return hair to its original shade of brunette or black… even if hair has since gone totally gray or white. They're working on a formula for blondes to be available soon.

When I stumbled across HairPrint I was intrigued by the fact HairPrint not only returns hair to each individual's specific natural color, permanently, it also leaves hair in better condition.

Following are the details of my results. I'll start with what led me to try it out in the first place.

Slowly but surely I've been overhauling all the products in my life from beauty to cleaning, food, laundry, etc. to upgrades (often inexpensive, simple alternatives) made with basically edible ingredients. At this point I could conceivably eat most everything I use! A lot of things do double duty – for example, it's amazing how much can be done with vinegar and baking soda. It's been a process of becoming ever more conscious of how what I'm using in my environment and on my body affects not only myself, my family and my pets, but my neighbors, the community, all animals and people, the earth and beyond. As we become more and more conscious, our eyes open wider to see conditioning for what it is… and we can't help but continue the journey down the rabbit hole, realizing and questioning the litany of assumptions, habits and beliefs we carry around, unravelling their domino affects which have become so tightly woven into society.

Which brings me back to hair… and the memory of a hair appointment a couple of years ago. For years I've been going to a lovely French salon in Washington for a great cut and "rich brown" color to give my natural tone an overall boost. This time, however, the experience went a bit differently. As a result of my ultra-clean lifestyle, my sensitivity to chemicals, smoke etc. has become super acute. Though I will say, I'd never been someone to care about stuff like this prior. Now, something like a processed girl scout cookie – it literally tastes like plastic chemicals to me. Or the scent of fabric softener wafting through the neighborhood - startling and artificial to my nose. My senses have recalibrated to the scent of baking soda and essential oils in my laundry (bonus tip for super soft, lovely smelling clothes) and the bright fresh flavors of a plant based diet.

I digress, however, back to that hair appointment… WHEW! My eyes, nose and scalp were on FIRE like I'd never experienced before! I could barely contain myself under that black cape, realizing how incredibly toxic the whole situation enveloping my head was – I knew I could never do it again. What affect must it be having on my body I wondered… on my dear hair stylist… on all the stylists who do this for a living day in and day out, their clients?

Yes, it is true, everyone's constitution is different. Some people can withstand a lot more than others – or at least for a longer period of time before they notice ill affects. Before they begin to put two and two together between the correlation of lifestyle habits and resulting diseases/impacts in body/mind/spirit. Society/conditioning is a strong enabler, however, writing much off as a part of getting older or simply lumping various preventable maladies into the trusty folder of "it's a mystery, that's life".

Friends, it's not a mystery, there is a litany of research available demonstrating the devastating ill affects the thousands of chemicals present in the majority of "food", "cleaning products", "beauty products" etc. etc. being consumed. Just check out the EWG site, read Dr. Michael Greger's book, How Not to Die, or watch the movies, What the Health, or Earthlings to get all the facts.

Why isn't all this stuff more well known? Chalk it up to the machine of conditioning. Profit motives, lobbyists, habit… basically, ego on a large scale. Ego is conditioning. Who are we then if we aren't our ego, our identity? Our authentic nature is love… the heart. Our authentic nature does not lack or need to be "someone". It's already complete. Full. Wise. Powerful. Beautiful. Our authentic nature does not want to envelop heads in harmful chemicals. It actually knows better – without even having to read a book, watch a movie or visit a website. The heart doesn't support any of this stuff. The heart, love, is very wise. It's who we really are. However, conditioning is a formidable and relentless opponent, and, if our eyes aren't open, it will take the upper hand.

However, No! I'm not here to be a fear monger. The good news is everyday there are more and more outstanding alternatives entering the market – like HairPrint – with amazing, clean, beautiful high vibration products.

Thankfully, many people are catching on so the awareness and demand for these beautiful choices is growing. As I said before, it's definitely a rabit hole one enters, once we taste a real peach, we don't want fake peach flavoring. Once we start using real essential oils, chemical sprays and perfumes just don't compare. Yet, it's a win, win, win, win as there are SO many upsides to a clean lifestyle, from the health and beauty benefits of detoxification, to the mental and physical benefits of aromatherapy, the saving of animals (from product testing, exposure to the resulting toxins in our waterways, etc), saving our hair from turning to straw, preserving our beauty and youth… the list goes on! A clean lifestyle on all fronts holds such integrity, improving, uplifting and preserving our body, mind, spirit, earth and everything/one around us.

HairPrint not only provides a safe alternative to men and women who want to return their hair to it's natural color safely, but they're also giving 20% of their profits to educating women in developing countries.

I love the result in my own hair, though I have to say, since I've been plant-based I am suspecting that the few gray hairs I had, may be turning back to brown – more on this in another post – or feel free to ask about in the comments section. I completed the process myself in my bathroom following the instructions to a T. I had been using Surya Henna which I'd loved, previously. However, it does contain some chemicals (though it's a FAR cry from standard hair dye) and it's temporary, washing out after 5 or 6 weeks. Not so with HairPrint! It's permanent. Yes, the process is a tad lengthy – though shorter than driving to a hair salon if you account for travel time – and much less expensive. I've read about others having their hair stylist do the process for them so that's always an option. Additionally some women are even layering successful balayage highlights overtop the HairPrint base. I'm a simple chocolate brown girl… as you can see from the results photos I've humbly interspersed alongside the stunning models depicted in HairPrint's inspirational artwork.

For more information on the HairPrint line of color, shampoos, conditioners and products, feel free to visit them here: HairPrint. No, I have not been paid to write this little testimonial. I'm just a happy customer :) Also, I'm happy to answer any questions about my process switching from Henna to HairPrint as it does require a tad different procedure. Overall, my hair felt super soft, silky and voluminous. I didn't use ANY additional product aside from the HairPrint color – didn't even style it – just blew it dry and that was it. In all honesty if I'd known I was going to take the results pics I'd have probably absolutely styled it – but this is at least a testament to the truth that HairPrint truly does improve hair structure making styling a potentially optional step 🙂

Much love,

Juliane

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Health, Nutrition & Wellness

Detoxing Your Home, Cleaning with Essential Oils

Hello, friends! A little while ago I promised I'd share my fabulous Essential Oil (EO) finds with you and I'm finally here to make good on my promise. I've amassed quite the EO collection by this point, using them as my gorgeous personal fragrance (all those chemical perfumes I used to wear pale in comparison to the scent of my beautiful essential oils) as well as edible grade essential oils in my recipes, smoothies, tea and drinking water. Today, however, I want to share with you several recipes for cleansing everything in our homes from the produce we eat to our floors, bathrooms and laundry too! I use a single blend that does it all. So simple. So clean. And, makes our homes smell absolutely heavenly. Let's begin with why it all matters:

When trying to live a healthy lifestyle by eating right and exercising, sometimes the last areas we may think to change are our cleaning and personal care products. We pay a lot of attention to what we put in our mouths. We read food labels and see how much sugar, saturated fat, and chemicals are in food products. So why not pay just as much attention to what we put on our skin?

Because the skin is our body’s largest organ, what we put on it and come in contact with gets absorbed into our bloodstream and integrated into our body tissues. The skin is not a coat of armor on our body; of course it protects our body, but it is highly permeable. Our skin is also our body’s thinnest organ. Only 1/10th of an inch separates our delicate organs from all sorts of toxins, many of which have estrogen-mimicking effects that can destroy all of our good health intentions.

We still want our homes to be clean and free of pests and harmful germs; however, the household chemicals we use to clean our homes pose some very serious health risks. Many ingredients in these popular products—products that we have grown to trust—are harmful to our health. So, why would we want these toxic chemicals around us and our families? The problem is that most of us are not aware of these hidden dangers and how pervasive these health threats can be. This is why it is so important for us to educate ourselves and find out what toxins we are regularly exposed to, ways to limit or reduce our exposure, and what products to use that are safe and effective alternatives.

Who knows what some of the toxins are that we are regularly exposed to through our cleaning and personal care products?

Triclosan is classified as a pesticide and probable carcinogen by the EPA. In fact, the EPA gives Triclosan high scores both as a human health risk and as an environmental risk. It is a synthetic antibacterial ingredient that contributes to the creation of resistant forms of bacteria like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). It is used as a preservative and not always labeled. It is a cheap way for companies to make their products last longer without collecting bacteria.
Parabens: A study done by the Journal of Applied Toxicology detected high amounts of parabens in breast cancer cell growth. Parabens are able to bind to estrogen receptors, where they encourage breast cancer cell growth. It mimics natural estrogen that leads to cancer. It may contribute to sterility in males, hormone imbalance in females, and early puberty.
Phthalates make nail polish chip resistant and fragrances last longer. “Fragrance” is basically a secret mixture of chemicals. Companies are not required to list these chemicals on product labels. Toluene, which is in fragrances, is a known neurotoxin that causes loss of muscle control, brain damage, headaches, memory loss, and speech, hearing, and vision problems.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or SLS One of THE most dangerous ingredients used in cleaners and personal care products. Laboratories use it to purposely irritate the skin on animals and humans so that they can then test the effectiveness of healing agents on irritated skin. It is a mouth irritant that is in almost every toothpaste and can cause canker sores. It prevents deodorant from drying out. It is the main ingredient in antifreeze.
The EPA considers Propylene Glycol so toxic that they require gloves and goggles when disposing of and burying it.
Mouthwash products with an Alcohol content of over 25% are linked to cancer of the mouth, tongue, and throat.
Metals: Women with breast cancer have higher levels of these metals. Aluminum prevents our skin from sweating.
It is amazing that all these toxins and chemicals, and many more that were not listed, are present in products that are designed to protect us.

The European government has banned 1,222 times more chemicals than the U.S. Under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, household cleaners are the only household products for which manufacturers are NOT required to list all ingredients. Certain ingredients, like fragrances for example, are considered trade secrets, and government regulations are designed to protect proprietary information. The power of large companies’ well-funded government lobbying efforts have allowed them to avoid legislation, often hiding behind the principle of “trade secrets.”

Most people assume the government oversees the multibillion-dollar household cleaning products industry, but the reality is that it is largely unregulated. According to the EPA, of the nearly three thousand top selling chemicals in the U.S., only 7 percent have a full set of basic toxicity information. For the most part, the EPA simply relies on voluntary testing agreements with major manufacturers.

Without full disclosure, consumers can unknowingly expose themselves and their families to unhealthy chemicals. The Natural Resources Defense Council recently tested 14 air fresheners and found that 12 contained phthalates, and none of the products listed this on the label. Until the government enacts laws to force companies to fully disclose their ingredients, or better yet test the safety of their ingredients, it is important for consumers to educate themselves. page3image20136 page3image20296 page3image20456 page3image20616 page3image20776

Many of us have grown tired of putting our health in jeopardy just to clean our bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen. It’s very obvious why green cleaners have such an appeal and why people want to use them. The household cleaning industry has caught on to this and responded in full force with product lines that claim they are green and natural. These products are labeled “green” and “natural” for marketing reasons and to charge 20-30% more. They usually contain the same amount of chemicals! This is a practice is called “green washing”—misleading marketing to make products appear green and healthy.

For example, arsenic, uranium, mercury, and formaldehyde are all naturally occurring and poisonous. “All natural” and “green” isn’t necessarily nontoxic. It is hard to tell what exactly is in our cleaning products under the Federal Hazardous Substance Act. We live in a chemical world; every day we are exposed to toxins, chemicals, and pollutants. It can be overwhelming to even think if we can avoid all of this exposure. Even some of the so-called “green” products are damaging to our health.

It may not be possible to avoid ALL of the toxins in our lives, but there are plenty of ways to significantly reduce our family’s exposure through simple lifestyle changes and behaviors. We can decrease our family’s exposure to toxins by using essential oils for cleaning. It’s really not as hard as it might seem.

Use a damp rag when dusting. Chemicals often settle on surfaces, and dusting with a dry rag releases them into the air to be inhaled. Using a damp rag captures them on the rag instead.
Allow fresh air into your home frequently, this allows chemical-filled air to escape. The EPA estimates indoor air is 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, due in part to household cleaners and air fresheners.
Wash nonorganic produce in a vegetable and fruit wash or buy organic produce to reduce pesticide and herbicide exposure.
Making our own household cleaners is super easy using essential oils. It’s as easy as going to the cabinet and grabbing that toxic store-bought cleaner! PLUS it is a safe and very effective alternative! Who knows what essential oils are best for cleaning?
One of the great things about oils is their antimicrobial effect, and they are safe. Chemical antiseptics can cause just as much damage to our cells as the actual germ.

Here are some ideas for a powerful natural clean using just one essential oil blend, Thieves Oil:

Thieves oil is one of the best essential oils for cleaning because of its antimicrobial effect.
Thieves household cleaner is an all-purpose cleaner formulated with 100% plant- and mineral-based ingredients. It gets out tough stains and problem areas in the home without harsh or abrasive cleaners. It is biodegradable and complies with EPA standards.
What are the five oils used in Thieves? (Clove, Cinnamon Bark, Rosemary, Lemon, Eucalyptus (E. radiate))
Thieves oil blend was found to have a 99.6% kill rate against airborne germs!

What's the story behind Thieves? The oils or herbs were used by thieves who robbed the dead and dying during the plague of the 15th century and who never contracted the disease. Our cleaner is patterned after this formula that offered protection during a time when 50 percent of Europe perished from the plague.

Simple Detoxifying Home Cleaning Recipes:

All-purpose Cleaner
1 capful Thieves Cleaner to 1 quart distilled water in spray bottle

Dishwasher
1 capful Thieves Cleaner

Pots and Pans
1 capful Thieves Cleaner to 3 cups distilled water
or
1.5 parts castile soap + 1 part water + 5-10 drops lavender or rosemary EO

Floors
1 capful Thieves Cleaner to 6 cups distilled water
or
Tile & Linoleum: 1/2 cup white vinegar in a bucket of water w/ a mop + EO of your choice or juice of a fresh lemon
Wood Floors: use the same mixture but only with a slightly damp mop.
Marble or Stone: avoid using vinegar, instead use water + castile soap + a little tea tree oil aka malaleuca for antibacterial option.

Walls
1 capful Thieves Cleaner to 2 cups distilled water

Fabrics
1 capful Thieves Cleaner to 2 cups distilled water

Laundry
1 to 2 capfuls Thieves Cleaner, depending on size of washer
or
1 part vinegar + 1 part baking soda + 1 part washing soda + 1/4 part castille soap + your fav EO of choice

Carpet
1 capful Thieves Cleaner to 6+ cups distilled water

Light Degreasing
1 capful Thieves Cleaner to 3 cups distilled water

Medium Degreasing
1 capful Thieves Cleaner to 2 cups distilled water

Heavy Degreasing
1 capful Thieves Cleaner to 1 cup distilled water

Window and Glass Cleaner
1 capful Thieves Cleaner to 5 quarts distilled water
or
1 /4 tsp Thieves Cleaner to 1 quart of distilled water in spray bottle

Hand Cleaner
1 capful Thieves Cleaner to 1/2 cup distilled water

Fruit and Vegetable Spray
1 capful Thieves Cleaner to 3 cups distilled water

My delay in sharing this post was due to experiementation with a variety of EO brands. I wanted to be certain of which I liked best prior to sharing with you. I have fallen without a doubt in love with my favorite, Young Living Essential Oils. I've found they're far and above the most beautiful, pure, therapeutic grade, premium-sourced, -cultivated and -distilled oils available. Do some experimenting for yourself and I'm certain you'll come to the same conclusion. If you have any questions about formulations for different cleaning projects than those listed above, sound off in the comments! Thieves is definitely a no-brainer for most things, however I had only so much room to share here leaving out recipes for things such as dusting, pest repellent etc. Tho don't worry, they'll be coming soon in a future post 🙂

Feel free to use my YL member code: 2061352 to take advantage of significant savings on the purchase of any Young Living Essential Oils enabling you to receive wholesale over retail pricing.

Love All,

Juliane

What's your favorite way to use Essential Oils? Do you have a favorite? I absolutely love ylang-ylang & jasmine.

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