All posts by erinkiers

Earth Week 2017!

How will you celebrate Earth Week Next week?  Wanna join our challenge to collect garbage?  Want to get out for a walk (and take a garbage bag with you!)?  We are doing that AND planting a tree at St Jacobs Public School on Thursday April 20th!  They also invited us to go for a nature walk with them!  We are soooo excited!  Earth Day is Saturday April 22nd!  Here are some fun shots from Earth week past years….

Obviously we encourage all our friends so think Green EVERY DAY!  But once a year we rally up the troops to get more involved and educate the community about increasing our collective efforts!

Please join us 16-22 in participating in more Eco friendly awareness, feel free to come in an enjoy our safer services and products while enjoying a week long 10% off any retail purchase to support you hair styles at home!

Tips Tuesday – How Is Neuma Safer for You and Your Family

http://neumabeauty.com/study-finds-cancer-causing-chemical-in-nearly-100-shampoos-and-soaps/

 

It’s disturbing but true, many brands are causing health issues that you use on your Hair and Skin.  Hybrid Hair and Detox Spa is dedicated to researching safer options for you and your family so that what is absorbed into your largest organ, in turn into your blood stream and that of your loved ones is safer for you and the planet!

Some of the ingredients in mousses, gels, and hairsprays are also used in other products such as:

  • Plastics
  • Lubricants for engines
  • Engine degreasers
  • Insect repellant
  • Refrigeration
  • Propellant
  • Emulsifiers
  • Flammable gas
  • Fuel gas
  • Shellac and other paints
  • Furniture finishers

There are many side effects of these chemicals and we have comprised a list of some of these side effects:

  • Hair loss and hair thinning
  • Irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and skin
  • Dry hair and skin
  • Damage to organs including kidneys and lungs
  • Pneumonia
  • Irritation of the mucous membranes
  • Accumulation of toxins in organs and tissues, including the brain
  • Destroyed hair shafts
  • Carcinogenic ingredients
  • Skin damage
  • Hives and allergic reactions
  • Eczema
  • Hair breakage
  • Asphyxiation
  • Blackheads and other skin impurities
  • If ingested, depletion of vital nutrients in the b

Neuma is one of the highest rated professional brands and we are proud to use it in our space!

Here is a few ingredient you WON’T find in Neuma AND you can view a longer list in our service space at #9 Cedar st W St Jacobs.

Synthetic Frgrance

Phthalate

Isothiazolinone

Sulfate

Paraben

Bromide

Sodium Chloride

1,4-dioxane

Gluten

Soy

Neurotoxin

Glycol

Formaldehyde Donor

Urea

FD&C Colorant

Carcinogens

Aluminum Compounds

Tips Tuesday – How Reiki, Crystals and Essential Oils can help ease SAD

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, winter blues, summer depression or seasonal depression, is a mood disorder subset in which people who have normal mental health throughout most of the year experience depressive symptoms at the same time each year, most commonly in the winter.

Yesterday all I heard about was ‘Blue Monday’ and how it is considered the saddest day of the year.  In response I wanted to offer some Holistic approaches that are easily accessible and affordable.  Keeping in mind simply hearing about it all day can have a negative affect on us as words have the ability to affect our health and mood as well, google Dr Emoto’s experiments!

I have experienced depression and SAD FIRST HAND!  Before owning HHDS I had a few consecutive years where I knew I HATED winter and found myself spiraling into despair more as each year went by but usually peaking in the winter.  I had never heard of SAD, but a coworker suggested it might be the affects of this lack of exposure to the sun and suggested a tanning bed.  Against my better judgement I was desperate and despite my having close family members with Skin cancer and having sensitive skin, I did it, and it seemed to work.  The following year I took over the salon I worked in, made it Green and took my first Energy Healing lesson, Reiki Level 1, and I have not suffered the affects of SAD since.  Over the past 7 years I have delved into the Holistic Health and Wellness pool, devouring all the knowledge I could.  Ultimately attaining Master Level for Reiki, up to 3rd level in Shamballa, Celtic Reiki, Crystal Therapy and Becoming a Holistic Life Coach and Certification Instructor.  While my curiosity grew as I became  more and more aware of the profound positive affects this training has provided me with and subsequently my clients and staff, I have come to realize that empowering others with this knowledge is part of my purpose.

Many people think that SAD is just seasonal, and for the most part it can be noticed more during the months we have less exposure to Vitamin ‘D’.  Although anyone with Mental Health sensitivities can experience SAD more frequently then those who don’t , anyone can actually suffer from it.

It can become a vicious circle with low moods (lowering our over all frequency of the body) We crave or attract like a magnet equally low vibrating activities and foods

Of course this inevitably causes a negative chain reaction through our whole lives.

Main Stream Medicine has offered a solution with the SAD Lamp, offering much needed light from it’s radiance that mimics the light we would normally receive from the sun, and still others misdiagnose as a more permanent form of depression and will prescribed Depression medication.  I have tried depression medication, I prefer an empowerment approach where I have more control, being that I am a control freak, this would explain my own approach.  This in no way implies anyone on medication is wrong, but I do challenge you to try these following options before making a definitive choice!  I LOVE Skeptics, but to make a true Skeptic, a healthy one is one that is educated and open minded!  I myself am a skeptic  currently and will always be.  It is smart to question and test theories, then judge for yourself!

The same light exposure from the Sun, and that I found helped me during my Tanning Bed experience is present in greater quantities through a Reiki treatment.  Only with Reiki there are NO negative side affects.  ZERO.  So there is nothing to lose and everything to gain from trying it.  A Reiki treatment is performed by an attuned Reiki Practitioner, on a treatment table/bed fully clothed for anywhere from 15 mins to an hour.  For more severe cases a full hour is recommended.  The process is very relaxing and you notice positive impacts immediately.  As time goes by through subsequent visits you begin to recognize when you need a treatment.  You will become so aware of how you feel day to day that you will start to feel when you need another treatment.  Some people may feel deterred by the repetitive nature and expense of this treatment, however it is no more so then refilling a prescription or purchasing a lamp and replacing bulbs.  Keeping in mind Reiki can be enjoyed with no conflicting reactions during a prescription or using a SAD lamp. for even greater and long lasting affects.  However if you are enjoying Reiki and you want access to that healing energy any time, get attuned yourself!  Having the atonement allows you to self treat not just for SAD but for any headache, upset stomach, sprained muscle, for you and now you can offer it to your family and friends!

Want to learn more about Reiki?  Contact Kerstin Kramer, owner of Natural Health Touch offering Reiki Attunement at Hybrid Hair and Detox Spa, our next Level 1 Class is this coming Saturday Jan 21st 2017 from 9-4.  To sign up call us at 519-886-8624 or contact Kerstin @ info@naturalhealthtouch.com.

Crystals are incredible tools to combat SAD as well,  one of the best being the ‘SunStone’.  What makes crystals so effective is their molecular frequency.  Everything is made up of molecules, including us.  When pain dis-ease or imbalances occurs it is due to the interruption of frequency in the corresponding area.  Like tuning a piano, choosing a matching Crystal will, ‘re-tune’ or rebalance the affected area when worn close to or directly on the body.  Sensitive scientific frequency measuring tools are used to test these theories and have proved effectiveness.  Crystal classes are also available to learn more, including soon to be posted at HHDS for the basic understanding and use of these natural healing tools.  These too can be used in correlation with traditional medicines and approaches with no conflicting side affects, and they will expedite healing.

Essential Oils can play a role in your self care as well.  Citrus based oils and blends like ‘Joy’ from Doterra can boost your mood during the day and can travel easily in your purse for access whenever you need it.  Using essential oils should be careful and educated, some oils can only be used on the skin and infused into the air, others can be ingested, so having a class before use is recommended, or consulting with an Essential oil educator.  If your skin is sensitive using a traveler oil like coconut or olive oil is recommended.  This too can be enjoyed by the whole family and provides you with yet another option to support your traditional medical approach if you wish.  However make sure you share with your practitioner what oils you use as reactions to current prescriptions or new ones can happen.

Without decreasing the magnitude of health affects from physical activity, getting outside to expose yourself to as much vitamin D as you can this time of year, I wanted to expand your prospects with self empowering and self implemented tools that might not have been in your tool kits of Self Care options.  Now you can add more to your repertoire for you and your family!

Want to try Reiki or crystals in a service?  We offer both for just $1 a minute, book your Energy work service in between you hair and skin services or on it’s own, you won’t be disappointed!

519-886-8624

New Year New View

Many of our perspectives have changed since our move out to the picturesque village of St Jacobs.  This warm little town with it’s quaint shops and welcoming energy has enveloped us in a warm hug and provided opportunity and promise.  This has deepened our commitment to simple lifestyles, deeper healing and cleaner options.  WE are SOOO grateful for the welcoming reception we have received for the residents and businesses of this home away from home.  Reviews reflecting our initial feel for this town and location is that it is MORE US, which could not be a greater compliment.  Knowing that we can offer our guests the comfort and warmth that this town provides all it’s residents and visitors is a very good feeling.

As has always been our commitment, we continue to evolve our products and services to reflect our dedication to Eco services and products that support the health and welfare of our ‘Green Family’, guests and of course our planet!  We recently replaced our main retail line with Neuma Organic Hair Care Line, boasting all the organic ingredients and fair trade acquiring of said ingredients, as well as further reduced undesirable ingredients, not to mention contained in over 98% post consumer recycled plastic.  Anyone who knows me and has followed our blogg knows my efforts to reduce new plastic is something I feel strongly about even to the point of offering Canadian Made Organic Shampoos and Conditioners in Glass Mason Jars that we refill.

We  are excited to be planning a new photo shoot to reflect our new perspective of product lines including an eminently planned sampling of a new colour line.  We will keep you posted!  With constant training and searching for safer options comes greater inspiration for looks and styles that push the traditional looks of men and women’s styles.  In salon classes booked through out the year as well as in class have been a standard prerequisite at HHDS to keep the skills of our trade at the forefront of the industry while leading it in conscientious efforts to influence the industry to reduce the chemicals and toxins typically found in the multi billion dollar beauty industry.  By supporting Local Green Business you show the manufacturers and bigger corporations that they must take notice and heed the demands of the consumer for safer more sustainable options.  Not to mention the support you show your local community by the financial support you show your neighbors and access to convenient local bushiness you now enjoy, by keeping their doors open!

A New Year Reflects the New You you can embrace by living more consciously, more simply, more energetically, by introducing healthier safer options to your life and those in your family.  Participating daily in self care regimens, both passive and active self care services that support your efforts to embrace a healthier you.  We will soon be listing upcoming classes we will be offering to assist you with growing your knowledge of self care options easily integrated into you and your families lives.  We are so excited to be a part of your New Perspective of your New You Year.

Holiday Hours 2016

christmas-tree-icon-1004154640

December 

Tues 20 & 27  10-6

Weds 21 & 28 10-8

Thurs 22 & 29  10-6

Fri 23 & 30 10-8

Sat 24 & 31 8:30-2:30

January

Tues 3 Closed

Weds 4 1-8

Thurs 5 Closed

Fri 6 10-8

Sat 7 8:30-2:30

eco-neuma

‘Eco and his Selection for gift ideas this Christmas, Neuma Organic and Vegan Hair Care Line!’

Happy Holidays from all of our Green Family to yours! 

HHDS SPARKLES In St Jacobs, Come Join us!

Just finished baking for our Sparkles event in St Jacobs! All the local vendors are open late, and offering refreshments, and amazing deals and events, including horse drawn wagon rides! On Thursday We are launching our new beautiful Neuma organic hair care line, which is biodegradable, organic and is over 90% post consumer recycled plastic bottles!
On Friday we are excited to have beautiful live music with Ryan Dugal, and Claryssa Webb of #ANewGround beginning at 6pm to 9pm!
On Saturday we are open 8:30 till 6! Offering a great opportunity to get your family photo for holiday cards, or a new head shot with an amazing $40 package for hair wash style, make up and photo shoot!
Thurs – Sat enjoy draws, prizes and free gift bags for the first 50 clients! Call now to enjoy #EcoFriendly Christmas gift ideas, and relaxing services that provide you with the self care you need to get through the hectic Holiday season! 519-886-8624 to book your #SparkleExperience. #livemusic#photoshoot #headshots #familyphotos #StJacobs #Sparkle #Prizes #Draws#SelfCare #EcoChristmas #SaferProducts

 

Tips Tuesday – A New Beginning

Yes we have all been there.  Either by choice or by happenstance, a New Beginning can instigate feelings of excitement, apprehension, joy, fear, doubt and euphoria.  It’s learning how to go with the flow of events while still maintaining your sanity that can be seemingly impossible.  Like trying to tread water in rapids.  It isn’t easy, pretty nor does it feel natural, but low and behold, Nature IS Change.  Things in life are constantly evolving shifting changing.  Either violently and instantly like a volcano during which you simply must attempt to maintain all of your limbs, OR gentle and almost undetectable like the eroding of rocks by a river, like when you realize your kid is going to college and you forgot he wasn’t 5?  We have all experienced both I’m sure.  But we know the days will come again where we will be faced with the inevitable welcomed or unwelcomed presence of change.  I have found some years offer multitudes of change, like the one we are in, for us, while other years seem status quo.  We have moved Hybrid Hair and Detox Spa, and the Institute For Harmonious Living to St Jacobs, and we will soon be moving our family home to Mount Forest.  These decisions were blended in motivation between choice and necessity.  This complicates things a bit.  On one hand it’s exciting and filled with anticipation and joy.  On the other side it is met with fear that we could be causing ourselves more stress or challenge to our already busy lives, while simultaneously grieving the ending of an era.  One thing I love about the universe is that it will take these reflective opportunities to force you to face head on and truly commit to what you really want.  I have found that when sharing our news of change that some people have joined in our celebration with support and mutual appreciation for striving towards goals and attaining them.  While others will meet this announcement of courageous transformation with fear and intrepidation, reflecting back to you your insecurities and seconding guessing.  What to do with this?  As your stomach knots and twists.  Embrace it as an opportunity to recognize that there is something in you that needs to be released, or forgiven or accepted.  No courageous act of change is without a little a bit of pain as the old self is shed and the new vulnerable self emerges.  In response to such ‘Neh’ sayers you are gifted with the opportunity to remind yourself why you chose this new path, re-inspiring yourself to the new opportunities awaiting you.  Or you could allow the negative fear eat away at the precious gift that lays before you in the unknown.  The Choice is yours.

Where change hits you like a tsunami, with gail forced winds and destructive results, change is at it’s most violent and relentless.  Noone outside of you can soothe the impact and hurt that you could feel.  However, these moments can also prove necessary to shake you up in a way that you had never entertained otherwise.  Either way the decision of how this is integrated in to your life is yours.  Years following this event staying in resistance and denial could prove exhausting and futile.  Leaving you regretful and depressed.  Self care will ease this reaction before it takes hold.  Patience, acceptance, allowance and forgiveness for yourself most importantly is vital.  Everyone’s approach is natural for them and fair for their own life, noone has the right to tell you your way of integrating is wrong.  HOWEVER, staying open minded to those best intended supporters, those you trust most, is extremely important as these golden nuggets could be patchwork quilted together to form your own custom redesigned foundation for your future.  Take what resonates to you from their well meaning advice and leave the rest in gratitude.

Within change lies so many emotions and relationships young and old have been casualties of many forms of change.  Although the release of others can instill fear of abandonment, being alone and grief of the relationship, it is necessary to release others whose path you are longer meant to share.  However to best honor what was between you  is most comforting, where trying to hold tighter in a most unnatural resistant way can cause more pain and heartache.

So like treading water in the rapids, reserve your energy and go with the flow, don’t struggle against it.  Use the current of change to slowly, or quickly, sweep you to the edges where safety and stronger footing can surely provide you with a more sound perspective of your circumstances.  Use the reserved energy to heal and regather your wits before proceeding.

To anyone who feels battered and bruised from change, healing WILL come, just make sure you are open to it and give yourself permission to accept the peace after the storm.  Many self sabotage and cause self inflicted pain to punish themselves for what they believe they may have been responsible, having made a mistake, causing what they may see as an act they could and should have avoided, and there by preventing painful change.  What they don’t see is the seemingly random, yet actually, calculated acts of the universe offering you and others opportunities to grow and move forward to a better place.  By self sabotaging they limit their vision and therefore do not see this opportunity, instead choose to stay trapped in a cycle of backwards obsessive thinking, regret, grief and self punishment.  If after nonjudgmental, unconditionally loving, coaching/counseling concludes that asking forgiveness of self or others is appropriate, do so without expectation of outcome.  Whether or not the other forgives is irrelevant after an offered apology.  It is the self forgiveness that will give you the healing you search for.   Surprisingly after forgiving is internal, external circumstances will follow suit.

Never forget that we are all feathers tossed around in the wind of fate, you are not alone.  When and if you search for counsel, self care or simply a safe place to just ‘Be’, I invite you to visit us at Hybrid Hair and Detox Spa, and the Institute For Harmonious Living and enjoy our nurturing ways, through services geared to sooth your mind body and spirit.

We Are Re Locating!

moving01

Our New Home is #9 Cedar st W St Jacobs

As Of September 2 2016!

Our last day at our current location will be
Saturday August 27th, we will then be closed until the 2 of September when we reopen for those last minute back to school services!

We are SOOOOOOO Pumped to be joining the fun small town vintage vibe of St Jacobs!

We are excited to show you our new Brighter Space!

(We can even run for part of the day without lighting!)

For our loyal guests we are offering you 10% off your first visit to our NEW Location.

 Don’t forget to fill out a ballot while you are here pre booking your next appt in our new space too!

The draw will be October 1st for a Facial, Hair Cut, Manicure AND Pedicure!!

Same Eco Services!  Same inviting Green Family!

HOW TO GET THERE:

http://stjacobs.com/Plan-Your-Visit.htm#getting-here

Our Google Earth Photo of our building (although slightly dated!)

https://www.google.ca/maps/@43.5379396,-80.5543373,3a,75y,147.81h,82.56t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sM2w6HOhA4hzIdlL8ObpAvQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1

 

Looking Forward to seeing you there!  Thanks for Supporting GREEN!

Tips Tuesday – Living Plastic Free Part 4 Last Installment

plastic

In our last installment of Living Plastic Free, we cover a few less thought off areas of our lives!  I hope you have found this to be helpful, we have enjoyed learning more ourselves and are looking forward to doing another over haul in our practices @ HHDS.  Involving this big change please watch here for BIG NEWS COMING SOON!

 

Plastic-Free Pet Care

  1. Choose natural cat litter.
  1. Choose pet toys/furniture made from natural materials instead of plastic.
  1. Avoid plastic bowls.
  1. Buy secondhand pet supplies instead of new.

 

  1. Learn to make homemade pet food without much plastic.

 

 

Get it Fixed!

  1. Repair things when they break.

 

Buy Secondhand

  1. Acquire necessary plastic items used instead of new.

 

Packing and Shipping Materials

  1. Request zero plastic packaging when ordering online.
  1. Get off mailing lists to reduce plastic envelope windows.
  2. Get online billing

 

 

In the Office

  1. Make your own glue. homemade wheat paste that really works.
  1. Avoid disposable plastic pens.

 

 

Electronics & Entertainment

  1. Look for secondhand electronics, games, and toys first.
  1. Choose refurbished equipment from a certified e-steward.
  1. Take care of what you have already/Repair it
  1. Avoid buying new CDs and DVDs.

They are made from polycarbonate plastic, after all. Instead, I download music and movies and borrow DVDs from Netflix or the library.

  1. Learn to recycle old disks.
  1. Choose healthier electronics.
  1. Find DIY solutions for techno needs.

 

 

Gift Giving and Receiving

  1. Learn strategies for green gift-giving. Experiences are the best option!
  1. Consider giving charitable gift cards.
  1. Request plastic-free gifts for yourself.
  1. Find ways to wrap gifts without plastic tape.

 

Holidays and Entertaining

  1. Bring your own beverage container & ustensils to parties and events.
  1. Throw a Zero Waste party.
  1. Re-think your Christmas tree.

Most artficial trees are made from toxic PVC.  Opt for a real, sustainably-grown and harvested tree, a live tree that can be planted, or an artificial tree made from natural materials.  There are “trees” made from recycled cardboardwood, or even recycled glass bottles.

  1. Skip holiday plastic tchotkes.

 

 

No New Plastic Clothing

  1. Choose natural fibers.

So much new clothing these days is made from synthetic materials with names like: polyester, acrylic, lycra, spandex, nylon.

  1. Shop thrift stores.
  1. Make your own clothes.
  1. Look for plastic-free shoes.
  1. Choose ethical underwear.

 

 

Camping and Outdoors

  1. Choose plastic-free camping equipment.

 

 

Avoid unnecessary plastic around the house

  1. Stop buying plastic water filter cartridges unless necessary.

 

 

If You Do Nothing Else

  1. Avoid the Worst Plastics

 

If you do nothing else, try to steer clear of Polyvinyl Chloride (#3 PVC), Polystyrene (#6 PS), & Polycarbonate (#7 Other).  PVC is found in many, many products and causes a whole host of environmental problems. Read my post about the problems of PVC. PS contains styrene, which is toxic to the brain and nervous system. PC contains BPA.  Read more about BPA here. If you must use plastic, make sure it’s not #3, #6, or #7 polycarbonate. (Note: #7 is a catch-all for many types of plastic that doesn’t fit into the first six categories. Biodegradable plastic is also labeled #7. So when in doubt, ask.)

 

Tips Tuesday – Living Plastic Free Part 3

plastic

Of course @HHDS we are doing our best to stay Green and Conscious with everything we do, but we can ALWAYS do more!  I love searching for safer options!  If you are like me and you too are inspired by the commitment others have to making a difference you will enjoy this weeks lists to achieve Plastic Free Living!  If you come across any other great tips please share!

 

Personal Care

  1. Check labels of personal care products!

Did you know some facial scrubs and other personal care products contain tiny plastic beads? Avoid anything with “polyethylene” listed as an ingredient.

  1. Use bar soap instead of liquid hand soap.

Bar soap gets rinsed off every time you use it. The plastic pump? Not so much. Where do you think the most germs are accumulating?

  1. Give up shampoo in plastic bottles.
  1. Try hair salves and pomades in metal tins or glass jars. (Like our HHDS Organics option, they are also refillable!)
  1. Color hair at a professional salon like HHDS that uses Ammonia Free colour AND responsibly disposes of the residual colour and packaging with Green Circle Salon waste management!.
  1. Baking soda is the best deodorant EVER.

Instead of deodorant in a plastic container, use baking soda mixed with a few drops of tea tree oil applied to dry underarms with a reusable cotton round. It works better than any commercial deodorant I have ever used. Seriously. If you don’t think baking soda deo is your thing, there are other options.

  1. Use soap instead of canned shave cream.
  1. Choose lotions and lip balms in plastic-free containers.

 

  1. Switch from a plastic razor to a second hand safety razor or at least to minimize a reusable handle and disposable blades, better still take advantage of Weds Wax Day 50% off Brazilians and 10% off all other waxing.
  1. Use less plastic tooth paste/powder, toothbrush, and floss. make your own with coconut oil and baking soda
  2. Use coconut oil and baking soda all the time for many personal care needs!
  1. Choose toilet paper that’s not wrapped in plastic.

Seventh Generation recycled individually wrapped toilet paper can be ordered by the case through Amazon.com. It comes in a cardboard box without any plastic wrapping. Evergreen and Bumboosa are also plastic-free brands.

  1. Use plastic-free feminine hygiene products

14 Look into plastic-free sunscreen options.

I’ve found two great plastic-free sunscreens: Balm! Baby and Avasol.

  1. Choose a plastic-free wooden hair brush.

Medication and Healthcare

  1. Find Do-It-Yourself alternatives for over-the-counter remedies. Essential oils, Crystals and energy work as well as other home remedies lemon and honey, ginger and many more!
  1. Use handkerchiefs instead of paper tissue.

Travel

  1. Bring your own water bottle — even on the plane!
  1. Bring your own snacks.
  1. Bring your own utensils..
  1. Bring your own travel mug.
  1. Don’t forget your headphones.
  1. Bring your own personal care products.
  1. Refuse the mini bar.

 

Hope you enjoyed this weeks installment for healthier Plastic Free Living!  Just writing this Blogg is helping me stay accountable I hope you too are finding it’s helping you stay motivated!  until next week!  In the mean time enjoy this article, it will leave you inspired by the efforts of the next generation!

http://grist.org/business-technology/dutch-teens-ocean-cleaning-invention-to-launch-next-year/