As a salon owner and stylist in Portland, Oregon (Nurture Inspired Hair Design) it has been my vision to do things more naturally and sustainably from the onset. I have always been true to lines of hair care that are non-diverted and that are committed to a more sustainable approach, from ingredients and packaging to manufacturing methods. Spurred on by the birth of our son in November of 2008, we set out to find more sustainable options for our salon, putting ourselves under the microscope, in hopes of doing more for the health of our planet, community, clients, stylists and profession. Areas that were open for improvement were recycling (including hair), lighting, energy consumption, and our hair color choice. We rapidly implemented a more rigorous recycling program that now included composting and sending all hair clippings to Matter of Trust (a California based organization that uses the donated hair to construct oil absorbing mats) and to invest in the Free Stylist System with Spectra Lights (a green technology that uses full spectrum L.E.D.’s and a weightless hairdryer) which cuts down on our energy consumption, landfill contribution and stylist fatigue while providing superior lighting, giving a true representation of the color service.
As a stylist, committing to, and learning a new line of hair color is a major undertaking and one that is not entered into half-heartedly. Having tested an ammonia free color offering from my past color manufacturer, I was intimately familiar with the shortcomings; unpleasant oder, lack of pigment deposit, insufficient lift and a general feeling that the ammonia-free option just didn’t translate to what I was used to achieving with the ammonia version. So, with my past experience with an ammonia-free hair color line, my expectations were not too high when I came across Organic Color Systems hair color. The mission, science, and integrity of Organic Color Systems product offering and organization spoke to my core beliefs, thus summoning me to take action. I ordered their small intro, and began to put it through the paces on co-stylists and willing clients. After watching their instructional video which came with the intro package and implementing all the tips and procedures that were lined out, I had amazing results from day one. With this color line, to be truly successful, it is my belief that you need to approach the coloring process in a new way. Once you grasp the science and how ammonia reacts with the hair, you will understand how OCS gets the results you demand. Since switching to OCS, I have had the privilege of dinning with Hilton Bell, the exclusive importer of Organic Color Systems products in America and attending one of his color seminars. The integrity and caliber of the stylists that were present at this seminar was confirmation enough that I was on the right path. All the independent stylists had inspiring stories of what led them to this color line, from experiencing chronic allergies and wanting to stay in the industry to stylists that had left the industry because of illness and were now able to reenter the industry because of OCS’s color line. Since switching to Organic Color Systems I have seen a dramatic rise in new clientele, it seems people are demanding more from their stylists these days, wanting a more natural option that works. As a stylist I have experienced a new lease on my career and creativity while providing a healthier enviroment for all.
Alan Mandarano Owner/Stylist Nurture Inspired Hair Design 7311 SE Milwaukie Ave Portland, OR 97202 971-533-5359 alan@pdxhair.com www.pdxhair.com
Salons
The Story:
I had a real need to source a better lighting scenario for my private station in the rear of our salon. We had the salon built to our specifications as we purchased the property just as they were breaking ground, even employing a local architect that specialized in salon layouts. We had a special room built in the back for our friend who does sacred facials. It seemed like a good idea at the time but proved to be a waste of effort, money and space as the salon was just too noisy for the meditation that was required. After a “small” remodel project (oxy-moron?), I found myself using this station for my hair clientele and was very pleased except for the lighting and the dryer cord situation. I had recalled seeing the Free Stylist being showcased on Tye Paddington’s show a few months prior to my reaching an end with my current set up. I remember how impressed I was with all the features and benefits but shrugged off the notion of owning one, “as a luxury for someone with money to burn”. With the birth of our son close at hand my wife and I doubled our efforts in looking for more sustainable options in the salon. It was during this time frame when I came across an ad in American Salon for the Free Stylist System with Spectra Lights, in which they hit on the sustainability factors of the system which prompted my call. After discussing my needs with the manufacturer they prescribed the best option and I became excited and confident that I was on the right track. Everyone at the manufacturer was beyond helpful. The system showed up about 8 weeks later and my electrician put it in that very day without a hitch.
The Experience:
Having had the Free Stylist now for 3 months in my private little world inside our salon, I am so pleased at how it over delivers & performs on all fronts, that we will be outfitting the entire salon with the Free Stylist System with Spectra Lights (maximum cool factor). To be honest, I “wanted it”, because of the cool factor and “bought it”, for its Green Technology and utility: insufficient lighting, having to constantly jump rope with my dryer cord, frequently dropping dryers, replacing dryers, and knocking my clients in the head with the concentrator nozzle from the cord getting hung up on the chair. Well, the system met my needs to the fullest. The Spectra Lights use full spectrum LED technology and give a true color representation, they are not blue in hue, which could make for some interesting client experiences once they see their hair in sunlight or any traditional halogen light with a warm hue if your formulation was off. The fact that the lights have a 25 year lifespan is a major green benefit and finally, they are just so cool looking. Many of my new clients, when its time for the blowdry, remark; “Wow, I thought that was for asthetics”, as if the hair dryer that passes through the center of the light platform was a non-functioning art piece. The dryer I purchased with the Free Stylist System works like a dream, it really wicks the hair dry quickly and I have never smelled burning hair once with this dryer. My latest dryer purchase had the same technology, but if I wasn’t careful.......yummy.......love that smell.......NOT! (I am convinced that something must have broke inside this most recently purchased dryer to make hair burn so easily.......Oh yeah, maybe one of the dozen falls it sustained could have jared something loose and not have been operating as intended by the manufacturer). On the Free Stylist with Spectra Lights; the dryer passes thru the center of the light platform and will rest suspended at your specified height (I purchased the infrared unit which has a remote to adjust the resting height and tension, techno gadgetry rocks, “it’s green”, why not go big). This eliminates dryer cord gymnastics and addresses cord hang ups and dropped dryers. The dryer turns on automatically when pulled down, giving you an extra hand. I can position my section of hair around a specific tool, and just grab for the dryer, and its on, drying the section, no wasted movement or energy. This is counter to traditional methods; having to grab your dryer, turn it on, the dryer drying the ceiling or wall while you grab your section around your tool, then positioning the dryer over your section. This modern approach became intuitive for me at around two months (with time comes mastery).
Added Value
After getting acclimated with the dryer configuration (took about a month to feel like it was an extension of my body, I kept reaching for my old dryer for about two weeks, you will too), it became very apparent that with the proper techniques; moving the client and rotating concentrator direction, that I wasn’t exerting any force or experiencing tension in my muscles or joints during the blowout (bye-bye chiropractor). As soon as you get comfortable with the system, the absolute weightlessness will blow your mind, and when you arrive at this point, would gladly have paid thee times the purchase price.
My best conservative estimate is that the energy savings from our single station set-up has saved us $75.00 over the course of 3 months. Once the entire salon is outfitted this number will be more significant. Running the numbers, this unit will pay for itself in roughly 12 years on energy saving alone. Dollar for dollar, I can’t think of any other way to effectively update a salon by employing the Free Stylist System with Spectra Lights. Just putting these things up on the ceiling will give any salon that progressive, updated, professional look. The fact that they provide superior lighting, have a 25 year life span, employ Green Technology, save on energy bills, eliminate cord woes, free up hands, create client interest, have an ergonomic design, improve stylist experience, give you on-demand hair drying and update the overall space is a dream come true for this stylist and salon owner.
Alan Mandarano Nurture Inspired Hair Design Portland, Oregon
Manufacturer Stated Benefits:
Organic Color Systems contains certified Organic Comfrey, Grapefruit, and Orange Extract. The comfrey acts as a scalp soother, the grapefruit as a natural anti-bacterial agent, and the orange as a natural anti-oxidant.
Organic Color Systems is ammonia free. Ammonia is a corrosive chemical that is used in explosives, fertilizer, and cleaning products. Its use in haircolor has been banned in Argentina and in the Netherlands ammoniated colors must be mixed in a separate, closed room that has a special ventilation system. In addition to its negative effects on the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, ammonia compromises the hairs abilty to hold on to hair color.
Organic Color Sytems works at a much lower ph than ammoniated colors. Our color works at a ph of 8.5 to 9 versus a ph of 11 for ammoniated colors (This might seem like a minor difference but the ph scale is logarithmic. When you move from 7 to 8 it is 10 times higher, from 8 to 9, 100 times higher. From 9 to 10, 1000 times higher and so on). This is important because ph values are used to open or close the hair. The higher up the scale the hair is taken the more it opens and swells. If you take the hair too far up the scale it becomes very difficult or even impossible to bring the hair back down to its isometric point of 5. This means the cuticle (or outer protective layer) is left open and is not able to protect the more delicate inner structure of the hair. Microscopic photos verify the superior condition that OCS leaves the hair in.
OCS is Resorcinol free. Resorcinol is a pigment that is banned in the European Union but is still used in the U.S. Resorcinol is a suspected carcinogen.
OCS contains on average 0.4 percent PPD's. This is in contrast to ammoniated colors which contain 3-6 percent PPD's. PPD's are an ingredient that some people find objectionable and can cause sensitivity and/or allergic reactions in some people.
OCS uses pharmaceutical grade peroxide. This is used in contact lense solution and eyedrops. It is more refined and milder. This reduces irritation on the skin and burning on the hair.
OCS contains no parabens. Parabens are a preservative that are believed to mimic estrogen in the body.
Free Stylist with Spectra Light Press Release:
Nurture Salon Goes High-Tech to Reduce Carbon Footprint
July, 2009 Portland, Oregon – Nurture Inspired Hair Design at 7311 SE Milwaukie Ave, is not just thinking about reducing their carbon footprint, they’re doing something about it. They’re mixing state-of-the-art equipment from Freestyle Systems, a leading green technologies provider in the beauty industry, with cutting-edge hair design to deliver beauty services that leave consumers looking and feeling good.
Every salon uses hairdryers…the cords get tangled, they smash on the floor...and salons go through them like water. To combat that problem, Nurture Salon is installing The Freestylist Support System, the world's first and only weightless blow-drying system. The system suspends dryers from the ceiling, supporting their total weight, and they turn on and off automatically when pulled up and down. Aside from looking extremely cool, the system extends the life of blow dryers which decreases landfill...and the drama associated with tangled cords and dropping dryers. Originally designed for a stylist with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, the ergonomically correct design reduces the pain and fatigue most stylists feel from the repetitive motion of blow-drying, which makes them happy stylists and a pleasure to visit.
Nurture is also installing SpectraLights, special lights with a spectrum closely matching the sun's, to allow stylists to see true color indoors. They’re the greenest lights available on the market - they save up to 85% in energy savings, reduce wasted heat from conventional lighting, and because they last for about 25 years, they also reduce landfill…all factors contributing to Nurture reducing their carbon footprint.
To make an appointment for a fashion forward, environmentally conscious service, consumers can call 971-533-5359 or log on to www.pdxhair.com for more information.
Freestyle Systems, makers of The Freestylist and providers of SpectraLights, is a leading green technologies provider in the beauty industry that offers patented health-conscious solutions to salon owners that enhance the overall salon experience for both salon professionals and consumers.
Evelyn Ngugi | February 8th, 2010
We’re a month into the new year—how have you held up with those resolutions? Still striving to flaunt your curls? Reduce your carbon footprint? Both? Alan and Natalie Mandarano of Nurture Salon in Portland, Oregon, are an example of a successful resolution to better the world we live in and leave you feeling beautiful in the process. Since 2003, this couple and the team have done just that. Customers are offered tea and a heated neck wrap as soon as they walk through the door. Soothing aromatherapy adds to relaxing atmosphere, and the facility leaves small carbon footprint.
Alan Mandarano “Nurture has a strong intention to heal and to be part of the solution on our planet and people feel good about supporting that,” Alan said. “It’s about more than outer beauty; it’s an inner feeling of bliss and dare we say, love, that we are going for as well. One more person feeling good about themselves has a positive ripple effect on our entire planet, yes?” The salon engages in numerous “green” practices like recycling, composting, using environmentally friendly cleaning products, energy efficient lighting and shopping locally when possible. “As time goes on, we have gotten better and better at ‘greening’ up our salon,” Alan said. “We save our hair clippings for Matter of Trust—an oil spill cleanup organization.” The hair is recycled into special mats that naturally attract the spilled oil. Nurture is involved in other organizations that promote the environment as well as charity. Used makeup and hair products are donated to the Sunshine Pantry, a food pantry in their area. And the hair dye used—Organic Color Systems—is ammonia-free. On the high-tech side, the salon has one ultra cool Freestylist Free-Floating Dryer. It hangs from the ceiling, uses less electricity than other dryers, but dries the hair faster. It also last longer, so you don’t have to toss numerous dryers in the trash. The lights in Nurture are also special—SpectraLights—LED lights that last for more than 20 years and are completely recyclable.
Natalie Mandarano While Nurture was created to be “green”, the birth of the Mandarano’s son, Guy, sparked them to step up their game. “We bought the Prius as soon as we found out we were pregnant and we switched to Organic Color Systems right after he was born,” Alan said. During Natalie’s pregnancy, she wore gloves and tried not to breathe in the ammonia of hair dyes. “It became a bit of an obsession to do our part to ensure that there is a planet for him that can sustain his health and well being,” Alan said. “We wanted to make sure he has clean air and nature to enjoy for his lifetime and for his children’s children’s lifetimes.” And as far as styling naturally curly hair goes, Alan and the whole team follow the same guidelines to ensure a healthy but beautiful cut. “For curls, it’s VERY important to cut WITH the curl and not against it, Alan said. “Remember that curl is ROUND and you want to cut in a way that honors that.” Nurture uses the Alan Benfield Bush technique—it takes into account the your personal growth patterns, head shape, hair texture (fine, medium, coarse), facial shape and desired style shape. “We don’t as a rule recommend razoring or using texture shears,” Alan said. And while Alan, Natalie and the whole Nurture team are certainly excellent and passionate about what they do, they are in no way an exception. All stylists can find small ways to make their salons eco-friendly. They’re even available for consulting if you need help! They suggest: • contacting your city to get information on recycling programs. • Become a member of groups like Matter of Trust. • Change all of your light bulbs to longer-lasting energy efficient bulbs-that’s an easy one! • Shop local, walk instead of drive whenever possible and take public transportation, even occasionally. • Compost. Remember: reduce, reuse and recycle! The Mandaranos strive to be environmentally responsible even in their home. “We enjoy raising our son with love and careful guidance and want him to grow up with a sense of responsibility for not only himself but for his planet as well.” And that’s what Nurture Salon is all about. Taking care of yourself, but also your world in the process. It’s never too late to make good on that New Year’s resolution. “The best thing we can do is to be well ourselves and choose wisely in any given moment,” Alan said. “No one is perfect, but we can strive for excellence.”
Nurtures Clients, Community and World with Green Practices
Nurture Salon (Portland, OR) is devoted to being green. So much so, that every client contributes to saving sea life…and they don’t even know it!
Alan Mandarano, owner of Nurture, is a member of the National Association of Eco-Friendly Salons & Spas, Sustainable Business Network of Portland and Local First, and is acclaimed for his green business practices that not only promote the beauty and health of the Portland community, but the world.
After the birth of his son, Mandarano wanted to double his efforts in looking for more sustainable options for the salon. After seeing the Freestylist Free-Floating Dryer Support System with SpectraLights on “Extreme Makeover Home Edition,” he became interested, and an advertisement in a trade magazine highlighting the sustainability factors of the system prompted him to investigate further.
“To be honest, I wanted it because of the cool factor, and bought it for its green technology and utility,” says Mandarano. This weightless blow-drying system eliminates dryer cord gymnastics and addresses cord hang-ups and dropped dryers. The dryer turns on automatically when pulled down, giving you an extra hand. It dries hair faster, with less electricity and prolongs the life of the dryer, decreasing landfill. Nurture is the only salon in the Portland area with the system!
“The SpectraLights use full spectrum LED technology and give a true color epresentation, they are not blue in hue, which could make for some interesting client experiences once they see their hair in sunlight or any traditional halogen light with a warm hue. The SpectraLights last for over 20 years, reduce electrical consumption by 85%, 100% recyclable, do not contain mercury and do not emit radiant heat, which reduces cooling costs,” states Mandarano.
Another genius move Mandarano made was partnering with Matter of Trust – an organization that recycles hair into mats that naturally collect oil spills from the oceans. So, every client that has their hair cut at Nurture is helping to save precious sea life around the world. Not to mention, helping to decrease landfill.
Other Green Practices
• Owners (Mandarano and his wife Natalie) use Organic Color Systems color exclusively
• Use compact fluorescent lighting in all other fixtures
• Compost all organic materials
• Support Dress for Success, representative hair salon for local conferences
• Carry only professional non-diverted hair care product with a mission of sustainability and responsibility
• Small footprint: designed by local architect Firm 151
• Live and work in community, walk to work and own a 2010 Prius
• Compost and recycle
• Support local artists featuring photography, art and jewelry in salon
• Use all eco-friendly cleaning products and laundry detergents
• Serve shade grown, organic coffee to clients
• Collect used products (hair and makeup) for the Share program (Sunshine Pantry)
Consumers interested in supporting local Portland merchants and reinvesting in their community can make an appointment for inspired hair design at Nurture: 503-224-4150, www.nurutureinspiredhair.com and www.pdxhair.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nurture Salon Nurtures Clients, Community and World with Green Practices
November, 2009 (Portland, OR) – Want to support a local business and feel good about spending money? Go to Nurture (7311 SE Milwaukie Avenue, Portland, OR). At Nurture, locals leave with inspired hair design, contribute to supporting a local sustainable business, which feeds the local economy while reducing carbon footprints, and they help save sea life.
Alan Mandarano, owner of Nurture, is a member of the National Association of Eco-Friendly Salons & Spas, Sustainable Business Network of Portland and Local First, and is acclaimed for his green business practices that not only promote the beauty and health of the Portland community, but the world.
After the birth of his son, Mandarano wanted to double his efforts in looking for more sustainable options for the salon. After seeing the Freestylist Free-Floating Dryer Support System with SpectraLights on “Extreme Makeover Home Edition,” he became interested, and an advertisement in a trade magazine highlighting the sustainability factors of the system prompted him to investigate further.
“To be honest, I wanted it because of the cool factor, and bought it for its green technology and utility,” says Mandarano. This weightless blow-drying system eliminates dryer cord gymnastics and addresses cord hang-ups and dropped dryers. The dryer turns on automatically when pulled down, giving you an extra hand. It dries hair faster, with less electricity and prolongs the life of the dryer, decreasing landfill. Nuture is the only salon in the Portland area with the system!
-more-
“The SpectraLights use full spectrum LED technology and give a true color representation, they are not blue in hue, which could make for some interesting client experiences once they see their hair in sunlight or any traditional halogen light with a warm hue. The SpectraLights last for over 20 years, reduce electrical consumption by 85%, 100% recyclable, do not contain mercury and do not emit radiant heat, which reduces cooling costs,” states Mandarano.
Another genius move Mandarano made was partnering with Matter of Trust – an organization that recycles hair into mats that naturally collect oil spills from the oceans. So, every client that has their hair cut at Nurture is helping to save precious sea life around the world. Not to mention, helping to decrease landfill.
Other Green Practices Owners (Mandarano and his wife Natalie) use Organic Color Systems color exclusively Use compact fluorescent lighting in all other fixtures Compost all organic materials Support Dress for Success, representative hair salon for local conferences Carry only professional non-diverted hair care product with a mission of sustainability and responsibility Small footprint: designed by local architect Firm 151 Live and work in community, walk to work and own a 2010 Prius Compost and recycle Support local artists featuring photography, art and jewelry in salon Use all eco-friendly cleaning products and laundry detergents Serve shade grown, organic coffee to clients Collect used products (hair and makeup) for the Share program (Sunshine Pantry) Consumers interested in supporting local Portland merchants and reinvesting in their community can make an appointment for inspired hair design at Nurture: 503-224-4150, HYPERLINK "http://www.nurutureinspiredhair.com" www.nurutureinspiredhair.com and HYPERLINK "http://www.pdxhair.com" www.pdxhair.com.
