Ask A Professional: Stylist Q & A
How do I prevent breakage?
Quick Answer: Preventing hair breakage requires gentle handling and proper care.
Read MoreWelcome to Plastic-Free July
Plastic Free July is an annual movement that encourages millions of people to reduce their plastic consumption. Originating in Australia in 2011, it has grown into a global campaign, motivating individuals, businesses, and communities to reconsider their plastic use and adopt more sustainable practices. But why is this initiative so important, and how can you get involved?
Read MoreAsk A Professional: Stylist Q & A
Your hair’s cuticle (the outermost layer of the hair shaft) is the secret to smooth, shiny hair. It is composed of overlapping, scale-like cells that form a protective layer around the inner structures of the hair. When these layers lie flat and are properly aligned, they reflect light, resulting in luster for your locks. However, when the cuticle is raised or damaged, hair can appear frizzy, dull, and more prone to breakage.
Read MoreThe Sweet Benefits of Sugaring
Sugaring is an ancient hair removal technique that involves using a paste made from sugar, water, and lemon juice, to remove hair from the root. The process is gentle yet effective, and can be used on all parts of the body. The paste adheres to the hair and dead skin cells but not to live skin cells, resulting in less irritation than other hair removal methods.
Read MoreAsk A Professional: Stylist Q & A
How Do I protect my hair from summer damage?
Now that the Cali sun has started to peak out, we can all get back to soakin up her warmth. Here are a few tips to help your hair survive summer.
Read MoreHello Sun
As we bid farewell to the short days of winter, there is no better time to appreciate your alliance with the sun. Recognized in astrology as the ‘planet’ symbolizing one’s will and sense of vitality, the sun’s energy has been revered for centuries. As technology has evolved allowing us to dive deeper, these ancient ideas have only become more validated. As humans our biology is recognizing the lengthening of the days by the light waves coming in through our eyes and onto the skin. These cells are sharing important information with the organs in our bodies that help ensure the rhythms of our body stays in sync. These include hormones and neurotransmitters responsible for adequate sleep, metabolism, mood, immune system, and even the growth of hair, skin, nails and bone.
Read MoreAsk a Professional: Stylist Q & A
Question: How do I get my hair to its healthiest?
Short Answer: Be Nice to your hair and your hair will be nice to you.
Read MoreSustainability challenges: No perfect answer, just better ones.
Earlier this month, I was invited to speak at the La Mesa city counsel meeting. Council member Dillard was wanting to initiate a comity to work towards plastic free changes in our city. I wanted to represent on behalf of businesses in La Mesa and the sustainable community.
During the discussion amongst the council, I was surprised at the opposition. One member seemed supportive but was quick to jump to questions the details of the more difficult challenges, questioning what will be the solutions for the more difficult plastics and situations.
Read MoreStylist Q&A: Why is my blonde hair so brassy?
Question: Why is my blonde hair so brassy?
Answer: Let’s dive into the science of brassy hair- that annoying orangish or yellowish tinge that can sneak its way into your precious locks.
Why does hair even go brassy in the first place? When you lighten your hair, whether it's through balayage, highlights, or all-over color, you are uncovering the natural pigment in your strands. Over time, the toner that you left the salon with fades and you are left with your natural tone. Follow these top-notch tips to keep it in check:
Read MoreAsk A Professional - Stylist Q&A
Question: How can I soothe my itchy scalp throughout the winter months?
Answer: Dealing with a dry, flaky scalp in winter is a common issue due to the cold, dry air. Here are some tips to help soothe and alleviate the discomfort:
Read More2023 Waste Report!
We are so proud of these numbers. Thank you for supporting our vision and making sustainable business a possibility.
Read MoreAsk a Professional: Stylist Q & A
How often should I be getting a Treatment?
Of course, it varies depending on your needs and goals. At the minimum, you should replenish your strands once a season (and yes, San Diego seasons count too).
If you have long hair, are growing it out, colored or highlighted, textured, you swim, use heat often, or have thirsty, damaged ends, my recommendations goes to every time that you visit the salon.
Read MoreAsk a Professional: Stylist Q & A
Is it better to come with dirty hair to my color appointment?
Back in the day, the ammonia in color was more prevalent, and a dirty scalp was reccomended as a protective barrier. But we have come a long way with color technology and it is much gentler thankfully. The professional guidelines suggest a clean, dry scalp for best results. It also helps us to better see what we are working with. It doesn’t have to be freshly washed but try not to go more than 2 days past a cleanse.
Quick Answer: It is best to come with cleanish, dry hair for any appointment.
Read MoreDitching Plastic Like a Boss: Your Ultimate Guide to Plastic-Free July!
Hey there, eco-warriors! It's that time of the year again when we join forces for Plastic-Free July! This global movement aims to reduce our plastic usage and save our beautiful planet from the clutches of this synthetic menace. So, grab your reusable water bottles, buckle up, and let's embark on this plastic-free adventure together!
Read MoreThe Bad Side of Natural Hair Care
As a stylist behind the chair in a low-tox hair salon, I get to style a variety of crunchy gals. Many of them are drawn to our clean, toxin free apothecary options for haircare. Some lean on the advice of well-intentioned social media influencers for how to naturally care for their mane. I would like to address some of the misinformation I have heard being spread, as natural does not always equal safe and effective.
Read MoreYour Sustainable Camping Guide for the Summer
There’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than by NOT harming the great outdoors. We all share the responsibility of protecting Mama Earth and I am here to help you and your family have a fun and meaningful season full of lasting memories.
Read MoreMother's Day is Coming! We can help with that.
Mother’s Day is right around the corner and we’ve curated quite the selection of offerings for all the special people who mother in you life. Of course the apothecary is always open for you to build your own special gift as well. Here are 3 special offers available until May 13.
Read MoreDoes Going Zero Waste Seem Daunting? Try Sorting Properly First
Most of us do not live a perfect zero waste life. It can be really daunting to try eliminating all the plastic from our lives. Since it is Earth Month, I wanted to take the time to discuss one of the ways we can start to make an impact with the waste that we do produce, and that is learning to sort it properly.
Read More
Celebrating Women-Owned Products at Scisters Salon
We feel that every month is women’s month here in the salon. However, we particularly love this time of year as we get to highlight some of our most favorite woman-owned products in the apothecary!
Here at Scisters we have some requirements of our brands that we ALWAYS insist. Those are: zero waste, cruelty free, and environmentally friendly. In addition, there are extra conditions we strive for whenever possible. Those are: vegan, locally made (and sourced) and lastly women and/or BIPOC owned!
Here we have highlighted five of our favorite women-owned companies at the salon:
Dip - Sustainable Hair Care
Owner: Kate Assaraf
Her story: “Kate Assaraf's entrepreneurial journey is a classic example of an unusual humanitarian commitment and an inspiring corporate pursuit going hand in hand. The real meaning of corporate social responsibility is epitomized in the case of Kate Assaraf and her product, Dip sustainable hair care.” - International Business Times
We know that we’ve highlighted Kate and her fabulous bar shampoos and conditioners multiple times on this blog, but honestly, we can’t get enough. Kate has won NUMEROUS awards including Best Hair Care 2022 and Woman of Courage 2020. Keep rockin’ it Kate!
2. Root and Splendor - Natural Home and Body
Owner: Kristin Fracassi
Her story: “Just as the quality of the soil at the root of the plant impacts how well it grows and flourishes, we believe our bodies and minds are similar. Whether it’s physical, emotional, spiritual, relational - what you put into and feed your roots matters. Here from our healthy roots is where we grow and experience splendor. Each and every ingredient in our products is natural, eco-friendly and safe for people and planet - all working together to create the best atmosphere to grow healthy and experience splendor.” - Root and Splendor Website
We honestly could yabber on and on with our love for Kirstin and her amazing laundry products. Not only do we carry the laundry detergent and stain remover in our apothecary, but we also offer them in bulk! Bring your bottles to us and score a big win for your wallet and the environment.
3. No Tox Life - Vegan Bath, Body and Home
Owners: Sandee Ferman & Callie Milford, Mother-Daughter Team
Their Story: After Sandee headed to her local grocery store one day and reading the "natural" shampoo ingredients, she realized that it was full of harsh, drying detergents that were causing her scalp issues. The idea of No Tox Life was born - helping people switch to a truly non-toxic lifestyle.
Sandee’s daughter Callie Milford is the co-founder and creative director of No Tox Life. She designs & formulates new products (along with Sandee), and directs the look of the brand, as well as managing sales to the hundreds of independent grocery stores, zero waste stores and lifestyle stores carrying the line.
There are few products in the apothecary that we (and our guests) gush over more than No Tox Life’s Shower Steamers! So much so, we have a hard time keeping them on the shelves; ESPECIALLY in the winter and during the holidays. So if you’re a eucalyptus lover, plan accordingly and grab ‘em while we have ‘em!
4. Embers and Blooms - Soy Wax Candles
Owner: Katherine Olenski
Her Story: “As a hairstylist, its my passion to spread joy to others in a simple way, reminding them that life is beautiful. So when I had to take a step back from that to protect my guests from Covid-19, I had to find a way to express that passion. I was spending my days pouring candles for friends and taking time to tend to my garden. I would pick a bunch of blooms, light a homemade candle, and savor the moment. But as we know, fresh flowers die after they bloom, so I decided to give them an extended life by combining the two. The combination of a handpoured candle made with only the cleanest ingredients and adorned with hand pressed flowers was too breath taking not to share with the world, so Embers & Blooms was born. “ - Embers and Blooms Website
We are SO lucky to have Katherine as both a stylist AND a supplier in the salon. That means we get to celebrate her twice as much this month and we couldn’t be more proud to do so.
5. Marley’s Monsters - Reusable Home Goods
Owner: Sarah Dooley
Her Story: “It all started in 2013, when our founder and President, Sarah Dooley, was on maternity leave from her career as an interior designer, and waiting for the arrival of her first baby, Marley. Before Marley’s birth, Sarah dusted off her sewing machine and got to work creating her first monster out of fabric scraps she had collected. It had been years since she had made anything, but with hard work, dedication, and trial and error, Sarah eventually went on to launch her own business, Marley’s Monsters, all centered around reusability and sustainability.” - Marley’s Monsters Website
We are incredibly honored to be able to carry quite a few marleys products on our apothecary shelves. From bento bags to sponges and unpaper towels. We just love her, her message and every single product we’ve used.
As always, if you have any women owned and sustainable products you love, tell us! We’re always on the hunt to support our sisters. Local and around the world!
5 winter skincare tips from local dermatologist Sama Carley
Have you used Naim skincare yet? It’s the amazing zero waste and refillable line that we carry in the apothecary. We asked founder and local dermatologist Sama Carley for her advice on caring for our skin in these cold dry months. Here’s what she said;
1. Use a heavy moisturizer twice daily
Make sure it’s non comedogenic
Avoid thinner or runny lotions that have more preservatives and alcohol which can lead to drier skin. Recommended brands include CeraVe or Vanicream face and body creams that come in large tubs to reduce waste and simplify regimens. For simpler and more plant based, coconut oil can be great for some people but some do break out with this! Always trial a test spot and wait a few days to make sure you don't react. Avoid all other oils/natural moisturizers as many of them do clog pores (Shea butter is notorious for this). The trick with moisturizers is they must be applied within 30 SECONDS after washing face and applying toners/actives. The longer you wait after water contact, the more the evaporation dries out your skin. Seal it all in ASAP!
2. Ease up on the actives!
Dry and irritated skin in winter does not handle actives as well.
Decide what you want to work on the most and focus on 1 actives product. If anti-aging is a focus, utilize just a retinol or adapalene product. If texture is an issue, products with alpha hydroxy acids will do the trick! Try the Naim Exfoliating AHA Serum nightly. Is inflammation, rosacea, or acne a problem? Try a gentle beta hydroxy acid toner with sulfur to reduce inflammation and breakouts (like the Naim Balancing Facial Toner with salicylic acid and sulfur). Is pigment irregularity an issue? Vitamin C products that are stabilized by ferulic offer help with this, and can also help with aging and sun damage. The Naim Pigment Correction Serum used nightly is a great tried and true option.
3. Double cleansing is key
to fully remove irritants and toxins built up throughout the day and all the heavy moisturizer for a clean face, break up your cleansing routine.
This is not only for people with dry skin, but those with oily skin will be surprised what a difference double cleansing with an oil does! Start first by using a dedicated oil to dissolve away all impurities - we love the Naim Botanical Cleansing Oil because of the anti aging effects of the rosehip oil and the relaxing scent. Follow this with your favorite cleanser, we recommend either the Naim pH balancing cleanser or any gentle fragrance free bar soap. This step will saponify and wash away the oil after the oil has pulled away and dissolved impurities.
4. Weekly Masks
for brightening effects to fight off that dull winter skin tone and smooth out texture!
The Naim Resveratrol Pumpkin Peel is a decadent treat for a self care night at home. You'll see instantly more supple and brighter, smoother skin after 10 to 15 mins of this mask! You can also reduce waste by making your own more gentle moisturizing mask at home.
5. SPF, SPF, SPF!
Although the shorter and darker days can leave us glum, the UV rays are still persistent this time of year.
Not only that, but if you suffer from pigment irregularity, the visible light from indoor lights can also worsen this issue. Mineral sunscreens with at least SPF 40 to 50 every day is a must! Steer clear of chemical sunscreens, and ideally find a mineral sunscreens that is tinted. The iron oxide used to tint sunscreen helps protect from damage visible light - imperative especially for those of us with skin of color. Some of our favorites include: ILIA Skin Tint, Josie Maran mineral tinted sunscreen, CeraVa mineral 50 tinted sunscreen, Neutrogena Sheer tint mineral. Although tempting, avoid homemade SPF and other "natural" alternatives. SPF is technically a topical medication and should be treated as such. Be sure to get enough vitamin D from fresh, healthy, varied foods in your diet and remember vitamin D needs fats to be absorbed well!