It’s a vicious cycle; you need a hair cut when you’ve had a baby, but don’t have time – because of the baby.
I’m always put off taking kids into a hair salon too, because I don’t like the chemically smell.
So when organic hairdresser Claire Rodgers Mansoor got in touch about organic colours, I was definitely interested.
“The colours I use are all no ammonia and low ppds,” wrote Claire. “So great for pregnant and post pregnant ladies.”
Claire herself became allergic to ammonia products when she turned 18, after years of training to be a hairdresser. She could no longer work in salons where traditional colouring products were used, so sought out an alternative and found Organic Colour Systems. She began to work for the company, travelling the world to teach the techniques to others, until deciding to settle down and have her son.
Now she works at The Green House in Lightcliffe, and is passionate about the colours and their clean ingredients.
“Our dermatologically tested and patented permanent hair colour formula contains the lowest possible levels of oxidative pigment (PPD/PTD),” says the Organic Colour Systems website. “And is packed full of high grade, natural and certified organic ingredients, which nourish and strengthen the hair during colouring. Uniquely, our permanent colour works at a lower level pH than traditional chemical colours, meaning that there is no damage to the hair.”
My hair was in a terrible state after my third pregnancy (three kids aged five and under so spare minutes go into caffeine consumption instead of hair care!). Some TLC was sorely needed and although I was quite embarrassed about my post-pregnancy mane, Claire put me right at ease.
The Green House is a lovely little salon on a quiet street in Lightcliffe. Claire says children are very welcome, and I spotted some crayons and colouring books inside. I opted not to test the theory on my almost-three-year-old though, and brought my new baby instead. There was enough room for the pram, and I happily breastfed through most of the appointment, not worried about the baby breathing in any fumes (there weren’t any!). Another customer came and rocked the pram while I had my hair washed, and although not many people walked by the window (so you don’t feel on display while breastfeeding), those who did had a little coo over the baby.
“Organic Colour Systems contain organic ingredients which is great but it’s also what it doesn’t contain that makes it even better,” explained Claire. “There is no ammonia in the colour range as it’s not needed; ammonia is only used to raise the PH of the hair to open the cuticle for colour to penetrate. However, it is raised so high it can never be closed so the hair is damaged because the natural protein and moisture is lost, as well as the colour.
“In organic colour systems we use peg-2 soyamein, which is a natural base to raise the PH. It is only raised enough for colour to penetrate and by only doing this, the conditioner is able to close the cuticle back down, locking in the colour and giving natural shine and healthy hair.”
I opted for half a head of highlights, and my priority was getting rid of those pesky greys! Previously I’d had blonde highlights put on them and found not all of them had been covered, but Claire managed to get them all, and add brown, which she said would look better when the colour grows out. She gave me some great advice on how to keep it sleek and shiny too.
I also wanted quite a lot chopped off, since it was in such poor condition. I asked for something easy to maintain, but that would make me love my hair again, and wouldn’t be such a magnet for baby sick! She did a great job, styling it longer at the front that at the back, which gives lots of movement while making sure the baby doesn’t get a mouthful of hair when carried over my shoulder.
I left the salon delighted, feeling like it would be manageable to keep up to at home. I’m honestly the happiest I’ve ever been with my hair! I feel younger, revitalised and the important part – it’s baby sick free!
MUMBLER OFFER: 20% OFF HAIR CUTS AND COLOURS WITH CLAIRE. SIMPLY CALL 07739 797397 – OR MESSAGE ON FACEBOOK – TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT AND MENTION MUMBLER. Claire works Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
While Calderdale Mumbler received a complimentary colour and cut, no amount of fabulous hair would never cause us to write a dishonest review. Therefore, reviews contain our honest views and opinions and always will.
