Joel

One of the fundamental principles that we agreed on when we opened ZEN was that we would operate as green a business as possible. We recycle everything that we possibly can. We use recycled paper. The products we use and sell are organic, plant derived, often vegan, and in low impact packaging. The only exception to this is hair color, which to do its job has to have some chemicals in it. We’re doing everything we can to minimize our impact on the earth.

So, what about this feather hair extension craze? We’re getting lots of calls on it, so we did a little research. Bottom line? This fashion fad is killing thousands of roosters a week (plus, we think it’s kinda dumb). We’re not going to offer this service, and we encourage you not to go looking for it. If you absolutely must, go for the synthetic ones, and save a rooster.

For more:
http://www.peta.org/living/fashion/feather-hair-extensions-a-trend-worth-killing-for.aspx

Who owns the salon brands that we’re all so fond of?

You just might be surprised when you learn your favorite salon brand comes from the same people who bring you Pantene. Consumer products giant Procter & Gamble (makers of everything from Tide to Pantene) also markets a large number of drug store and professional salon brands. Here’s a list of the hair care companies and brands that they own: Aussie, Clairol, Herbal Essences (and all other Clairol products), Fekkai, Graham Webb, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Infusium, Pantene, Physique, Sebastian, Vidal Sassoon, and Wella.

L’Oréal brings us Kérastase, Redkin, Matrix, Mizani and more. From Unilever we get Dove, Lux, Sunsilk and TIGI. Johnson and Johnson is also a player in this market.

What’s the point? We have to wonder if these huge corporate entities are really producing the best product for you, AND how their manufacturing processes impact the environment.

What we sell, and why it’s different

We currently carry two hair care lines, Phyto and Keune.

Phyto was founded by Patrick Ales over 40 years ago. As a young hairdresser in France, he noticed that the staff that shampooed clients had damaged hands from applying products all day long. Knowing that hair care products certainly should not damage the skin, he began to develop plant based products for hair care. All Phyto products are plant based, highly concentrated and effective, and packaged in recyclable glass and aluminum to minimize the need for preservatives. Phyto is a privately held company, they make only hair care products, and Mr Patrick Ales is still involved in day to day operations.

Keune Haircosmetics is an independent family owned Dutch producer of hair care products for the professional hairstylist. Established in 1922 by Jan Keune – one of the founders of the perm formula- Keune has developed into a multinational entity, specializing in high quality professional hair care products for the beauty industry. In addition to their shampoos, conditioners and styling products, Keune is also the hair color line we carry. Their products are produced in an ultra-modern facility in the Netherlands, with the strictest emphasis on quality control and environmental responsibility. These products are very fashion forward and results oriented. President and company owner; Mr. George Keune Sr.

For more information:

www.phyto.com

http://www.keune.com

Feathers are for the birds, not your head.

Who made that stuff you’re putting on your head?