Six Essential Positive Steps when Dealing with negative reviews

Posted on November 10, 2017 | Leave a comment

Reviews just got real..

You work really hard to deliver a professional service and in just a social media stroke a disgruntled client writes  negative review before confronting you. How do you respond?

Article by Diane Shawe Author

You have two choices here:

  • you can attempt to rectify the situation and save face for others who may see the review (and earn some new clients in the process), or
  • you can flip a bitch and make yourself look like a complete idiot.

You may want to read my article on DCC reviews Dishonest Competitor Complaints.

Regardless of whether the ghost client or genuine client was right or wrong, it is your job to show others that you care and you are willing to do whatever is necessary (within reason) to make this client happy.

Here are six examples to demonstrate your genuine concern and suggestions what to write:

1.) Apologise. The very first thing you need to write is,

“My name is ___ and I am the owner of this establishment. I am so sorry that you had such a negative experience and I would love the opportunity to make it up to you.”

2.) Show gratitude. Let the client know that you appreciate that they took the time to write the review.

“I am truly apologetic that we did not meet your expectations during this visit, but I do greatly appreciate that you took the time to write a review. As a small business owner, reviews like yours are so helpful to me, so thank you for communicating to us where we are falling short so that we can rectify the problems immediately!”

3.) Make an offer. Offer the client something for their inconvenience. They may not take up the offer, but at least make an effort. If they had a terrible massage, offer to give them 50% off with your most experienced therapist. If they didn’t like the color job, offer to have it corrected for free by your most senior colorist.

“If you would be willing to give us another chance, I would love for you to enjoy _____ for _____!”

4.) Let it be known that you addressed the problem with your staff. Make it clear that you have taken action to correct the problem.

“After reading about your experience, I held a meeting with my staff members and addressed the problems you have communicated in your review.”

If the problem was caused by a communication issue (a rude employee, for example), say that the staff are now going to be more conscientious in their communications with each other and with guests. If it had to do with a bad service, inform the reviewer that you are now going to be requiring all staff members to undergo weekly continuing education and monthly technical evaluations. (Seriously, you should be doing that anyways.)

5.) Promise it will NEVER happen again…and mean it. This is where you take the feedback you were given and you learn from it.

ADAPT YOUR BUSINESS TO ENSURE THAT NOBODY EVER HAS A REASON TO LEAVE A SIMILAR NEGATIVE REVIEW IN THE FUTURE.

“I want you to know I am taking proactive steps to ensure that this issue doesn’t arise in the future. I am doing this by ___. I promise you that nobody will ever experience this problem again.”

6.) Apologise, thank the reviewer, and invite them back again. Yeah, really.

“Again, I want you to know how sorry I am. I do appreciate your feedback and hope that you’ll give us another chance to earn back your business.”

DO NOT GET CONFRONTATIONAL, ATTEMPT TO EXPLAIN “YOUR SIDE” OF THE STORY, OR DISCREDIT THE REVIEWER.

I have seen responses to reviews that were downright nasty and unprofessional.

“This woman is obnoxious and rude. We’re all glad that you’re leaving the salon. We pity the next hairdresser whose chair you sit in.”

“This client fails to mention in her review that she ALWAYS tries to haggle the staff for lower prices when she comes, even though the price is clearly communicated to her prior to the start of her service.”

“This review is completely bogus. This never happened. Whoever this is is lying.”

NEGATIVE REVIEWS GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOWCASE YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS.
DON’T BURN IT BY BEING PETTY.

A classy, professional, understanding response may impress potential clients, negating the poor review entirely.

Common Negative Review Topics AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM

1.) Pricing is too high: A good way to respond to this is to showcase the benefits that set your business apart. (This is assuming that your prices are higher because your services/products justify them.) If you offer monthly specials, mention this as well. Some people just can’t afford to (or don’t want to) pay higher prices. You shouldn’t renegotiate your pricing unless it is affecting your business on a massive scale.

IF A CLIENT OR TWO COMPLAINS ABOUT THE PRICE, THAT’S FINE. WHAT YOU NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR ARE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SERVICE THEY’RE RECEIVING.

2.) Rude staff: Tell the reviewer that you have reprimanded the employee responsible. In addition, make it clear that you’ve held a meeting to ensure that all staff members know how seriously you take customer service. Ensure that the client will not have the same experience again should they return.

3.) Bad services: Make a commitment to help your staff continuously improve. Continuing education doesn’t have to cost tons of money. Have each of them teach a one or two hour class on something every week. Set up a rotation for it. They can pick the topic. Evaluate potential new hires before signing them on to work for you. Do regular evaluations of your existing staff members also.

4.) Business is unclean: There is NO excuse for you to have a filthy, disorganised salon or dirty equipment. If you and your staff are too busy to keep it up, hire someone to do so. Seriously, you have no excuse.

5.) Miscommunication: Clarify the miscommunication in the review. Sometimes, miscommunications are honest mistakes. If an employee said something in error, apologise and explain the reason why the employee may have been confused. Never blame the reviewer.

Whatever you do, keep your cool. You want your response to be classy, upbeat, apologetic, and humble.

YOUR GOAL IS TO HAVE OTHERS THAT READ YOUR RESPONSE THINK, “WHAT A GREAT WAY FOR THEM TO HANDLE THAT SITUATION!”

You do not want potential clients to see you rage out on a client online. Show them how well you treat unhappy customers and how quickly and professionally you respond to their criticisms. Keep it together and not only will you salvage the relationship with the reviewer, but you will gain the respect and admiration of the potential clients who read the review response as well.

BOGUS COMPLAINTS

Dishonourable Competitive Complaints (DCC)

Competitors have found a dishonourable way to rubbish another competitors name whilst promoting there own business or services.

Be aware that there are many DCC complaint websites that are not policed in anyway and allows anyone to post a destructive message without any real link back to them.

Messages can also be posted against your Youtube videos, facebook, Google, blogs and articles, so it is sometime worth ticking the box that allows you to approve any messages before they are posted against your name or business.

Read more …

If you don’t already have policies at your salon, consider implementing them.

 

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Guarding your Hair, Beauty and Hair Extensions business reputation online

Posted on November 8, 2017 | 2 comments

There’s more to adding hair

Your reputation and brand are linked.

Article extracted from ‘Getting started in the hair extensions business by Diane Shawe
Guarding your brand encompasses your personal reputation, business name and appearance of your salon or even your mobile business. 

Your staff and their performance, how they treat and look after clients, the quality of products you use and the level of service you deliver are also linked to your brand.  

All of these are your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and your USP is your promise to deliver a benefit to your clients who expect you to live up to your promise.

Six ways to help yourself protect your brand

1. Avoid using profanity. You may think that swearing is cool, but you would be surprised at the number of people it offends. Express yourself simply and clearly.

2. Always give your clients your undivided attention. Try not to spend time texting or speaking on your phone whilst doing a clients hair. 

3. Be dependable, keep commitments, practice honesty and show no form of disloyalty. Do not gossip or slander.

4. Do not ever take ethical shortcuts; always do the right thing. Maintain a high standards and keep the clients happy. Once a reputation has been shattered, it is very hard to fix the damage. Bad word of mouth spreads like wildfire. So make sure to protect your reputation.

5. Keep your prices and terms and conditions up to date. Make them available and accessible.

6. Ask your clients for reviews, people forget to post a review when they are happy, but when annoyed they go to  the internet to tell everyone else but you. 

Dishonourable Competitive Complaints (DCC)

Competitors have found a dishonourable way to rubbish another competitors name whilst promoting there own business or services.

Be aware that there are many DCC complaint websites that are not policed in anyway and allows anyone to post a destructive message without any real link back to them.

Messages can also be posted against your Youtube videos, facebook, Google, blogs and articles, so it is sometime worth ticking the box that allows you to approve any messages before they are posted against your name or business.

Get the brush your hair deserves

None of us have the time to go through the internet with a fine toothcomb, but bear in mind that when people use to talk about each other behind each other’s backs, it was all word of mouth and often without your knowledge.

The internet has changed all this and it can be very devastating for small businesses when a client decides to wage a campaign against you and your only sources of income is from your business.

So my advice is to keep posting positive articles, blogs and testimonials from happy clients.

Hopefully in the not too distant future the same rules that apply to newspaper defamation will also apply to the internet.

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What invisible force is holding your business together?

Posted on October 20, 2017 | Leave a comment
Global Business Strategy

Global Business Strategy

THE INVISIBLE FORCES THAT HOLD YOUR COMPANY TOGETHER

I have recently read several articles about Storytelling.  I have however come to realise that the objective of a well-crafted , complete story is to create synergy.

article by Diane Shawe M.Ed

This combined effort or synergistic effect produces energy in many places within the company. These fields of energy become an invisible force that holds your company together (see Figure 1-). While the concepts of field theory are still relatively new as they are applied to an organisation, we must believe that people working together toward common goals display a different level of excitement than a loose collection of individuals with no defined purpose. That excitement is created by lots of leaders telling lots of good stories about the organisation. It is about leaders creating myths, legends, and fables of the company that tend to attract people. It’s the stories told around the coffee station. Leaders can create energy, synergy, and bonding to corporate stories by appealing to people’s sense of belonging, challenge, purpose, and contribution.

four feild of energy that generat passion by Diane Shawe

 

Figure 1. Four fields of energy that generate passion.

 

 

Fields of Belonging

People want to belong to something. That’s why they join clubs, work in groups, and live in communities. They want to be part of a winning work organisation. I’ve never met a single person who said, “I think I’ll go to work for a losing company.” Use this basic human need to create a field of energy around membership in your organisation. If you work by yourself, then connect with groups with like minded people.

Fields of Challenge

People want to experience challenge in work and life. That’s why they search for the cure for cancer or participate in extreme sports. Give people a challenge. Ask them to do the impossible. Stretch their knowledge and ability. Tap into their unused energy. Channel it toward your goals. Again if you work for yourself, then reach for the stars, stretch yourself so you can grow. You will be surprised at the results.

Fields of Purpose

People want to know that their work has meaning. That’s why they need to know if what they do has relevance. Even if you work alone and for yourself, knowing that you are appreciated goes a long way to motivating you. Show everyone how he or she fits into your business plan and why it is important for every employee to be successful. It is amasing how easily your goals will then be accomplished.

Fields of Contribution

People want to know if their work has contributed to the activity. Have they made a difference? Show employees where their individual efforts help the team achieve its goal and you have a satisfied workforce. If I can make a difference I will work at a different level than if I believe that my work is just part of a giant struggle that leads to no conclusive end game.

Belonging, Challenges, Purpose and Contribution are some of the key drivers to becoming self employed or doing something that you love.  If you find that these ingredients are missing from your daily cycle, this could be some of the reasons why your self esteem could be low. So let us take a look at nine tools.

THE  NINE  TOOLS  FOR  GENERATING  EFFECTIVE BUSINESS ENERGY FIELDS

According to many articles, effective leaders can use the elements of a business plan to create the necessary energy to make things happen. They know energy fields and business plans cannot operate independently. A business plan that has an inconsistent story will be flat, lackluster, and boring not to mention under believable. There will be no passion or sense of purpose. Employees will not work with pride or display enthusiasm above and beyond. There will be no sense of urgency to complete the plan. Lethargy toward the written plan will be evidenced.

On the other hand, well-crafted business plans generate all the human power you need for accomplishing ambitious goals. Turning people on turns on the business plan. I know business plans can be a pain, but revising them can help refocus you and recharge your energy. Each of the nine element has a unique value to your business plan and the underlying company story. Margaret J. Wheatley describes our present understanding of energy fields.

“We have moved deeper into a field view of reality by our present focus on culture, vision, and values as the means for man- aging organisations. We know that this works, even when we don’t know how to do it well.”

9 elements to create energy by Diane Shawe

Figure 2

Here are nine critical elements ( Figure 2.) I believe are core to any organisation’s ability to create energy fields:

  • Vision Statement (creates passion)
  • Mission Statement (creates purpose)
  • Strategic Goals and Objectives (set direction)
  • Strategies and Tactics (generate action)
  • Philosophy Statement (creates ethical boundaries)
  • Focus (creates efficiency)
  • Value Statements (create a scale of importance)
  • Principles (benchmark behavior)
  • Strategic Intent (signals commitment)

Without beating the rug anymore, when was the last time any of your nine elements updated?

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Celebs 5 most popular Hair Colours this Autumn

Posted on September 1, 2017 | 1 comment


Jet Black

All-black everything can be daunting, the Kardashian have made it very popular however for a fresh take on this Autumn favorite, try warming up jet-black with ribbons of chestnut highlights. A few piecey, cool-toned strands like Olivia Munn’s look especially stellar on olive skin tones.

Dark Bronde

Already have a darker brownish-blond shade like Khloé Kardashian’s? Ask for a glaze. “With exposure to summer sun, your hair tends to fade and get bleached out.

Warm Copper

Consider this a marriage between dusty rose gold and deep auburn, with a warm metallic spark all its own.

On the brighter end of the copper spectrum sits Emma Roberts’ “cayenne red,” because of the rich red gleam that runs through the color. The shade contrasts her light complexion, and, maybe it’s just us, but it reminds us of autum. If you choose to go this route, it’s vital to keep the red hue from falling flat, so follow these celebrity-endorsed tips for keeping your red as vibrant as possible.

High-Contrast Roots

For anyone who dyes their hair, you understand how annoying root touch-ups can be. Instead of rushing into the salon, let your roots work in your favor this fall. By growing out your hair without a salon touch-up, it takes on a naturally lived-in appearance that celebrities like Hailey Baldwinhave proved to be fans of.

The best part of high-contrast roots, like Joan Smalls’ chic look  is that there’s pretty much zero upkeep. Simply let your roots grow in and your blond ends grow out, and sooner or later—boom—you’ve got yourself ombré hair.

Ombré

If you thought ombré was over, think again, because it’s still going strong. Get Jenna Dewan Tatum’s perfect two-tone look by going cool on top, warm on the bottom. Have your colorist add a caramel-color tone from midlengths to ends in order to soften a natural brunette base.

Sandy Beige

Great news for those of you who love ultra-blond highlights in the summertime: By adding some beige-toned streaks like Behati Prinsloo’s to your hair for fall, you’ll end up with incredibly beautiful dimension and richness. Keep the color lasting longer with a few of our favorite shine-inducing hair products.

For a different take on the shade, like Jordyn Woods’ here, aim for a sandy allover color that gradually deepens, just a touch, at the roots.

About Need a Hair Makeover

Are you tired of your hair style and sick of waiting for your hair to get to the length you want, sick of chemicals, sick of your unmanagable hair? sick of thin lack lustra hair?

Well we can help using Hair Extensions. So for some women this is a no-brainer.  With over 16 different hair extensions techniques there is bound to be one technique that can safely help achieve your hair goal in a short time.

So if you have short hair but want it long, straight hair but want it curly or the other way round, thin hair but want it thick, highlights without chemicals or just want some hair ,Well we have a amazingly fantastic deal to help you get started.

Free consultation
Free colour match
Free refreshments
Free WiFi
Free friendly smile

WhatsApp or message 07532 798395
Facebook.com/needahairmakeover

Download our latest  #hairextensions advice app from googleplay http://tinyurl.com/m36fkyc or book an appointment http://www.needahairmakeover.com.


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Diva Celebs Hair Land of Extremely Long Hair Extensions Hots Up

Posted on August 10, 2017 | 5 comments

Every Celebrity That Has Long-as-Hell Hair Right Now

Article by Diane Shawe Author
See how celebrities from Nicki Minaj to Kim Kardashian are all-out working the extra-long hair trend? Other stars are going X-treme long and adding inches with sweeps of butt-grazing hair.

So although short lobs were going strong with celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kylie Jenner cropping their cuts just a month or two ago the hair-toss boomerangs they now have access to has started trickling down to the ordinary guys on the street.

There’s long hair, and then there’s extra long hair. The former is the uninteresting look which is now considered average! The latter is a luxury reserved for one-name A-listers like Kim, Nicki, Rihanna, Ariana…the list goes on.

Nothing says “I’m rich and important” like stick-straight, shiny, or long bouncy wavy butt-length (or in Nicki’s case, ankle-length) strands– says Diane Shawe expert hair extensions consultant and author.

Just think of the amount of upkeep it requires, the price of extensions or custom wigs, and the sheer implausibility of doing regular-person, day to day activities with 32 inches of hair affixed to your head?

You need to be Somebody to pull it off–so it’s no wonder the divas of our time have taken to owning the look lately but, the look is out there on the streets now and some girls are even rocking Xtreme long braids to achieve that ultimate head turning attention.

So how can you achieve this look on the streets without spending thousands?

PONYTAILS

Pre made ponytails starting from £40- £120 depends on the length and density.

WIGS

High grade heat tolerant Wigs are the best because you can blow out the look to keep the locks looking shiny and in good condition. Prices vary but an investment from £70 – £300 and you can rock that look anytime throughout the year.

HAIR EXTENSIONS

Clip-ins for fun

Great but can be heavy and could come away easily.

Wefts for weaving

Great a little more secure best used on people who already have long hair.

Prices start from £250 – £700 for Brazilian virgin human hair 26 inches

For more information click here to download our android app

Selection of Celebs with extreme long hair extensions

Billie hadid

Rita Oramoo

Ariana Grande

Shay Mitchell

Gigi Hadid

Jessica Alba

Kylie Jenner

Kourtney Kardashian

Chrissy Teigen

Jourdan Dunn

Taraji P. Henson

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appswiz.hairextensionsadvice&hl=enJulianne Hough

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How your face Shape affects the hair Extension style you chose

Posted on August 4, 2017 | 2 comments

Getting right hair extension style for face shape

Hair styles, hair extensions, hairpieces and wigs should compliment the shape of your face. If you not sure about which style will be most flattering on you, use the following suggestions as a guide to find a style that works with your face shape.

At need a Hair Makeover we discuss seven different face shapes during your free consultation, diamond, heart, oblong, oval, pear, round, and square, and what styles are most appropriate for those face shapes.

To determine your face shape, look into a mirror and pull your hair back. Compare your face shape to our illustrations.

Diamond

The Diamond shaped face has wider cheekbones with a narrow chin and forehead. A diamond-shaped face allows for lots of hairstyle options.

Diamond shaped faces need a hairstyle or wig styled with fullness or width in the forehead hairline and the lower cheekbones of the face near the chin.

Hair should be styled close to the head at the upper cheekbones where the face is broadest. Bands or a layered fringe will disguise a narrower forehead.

The fullness at the jawbone with a style such as a bob or a shoulder length cut with jaunty layering to add some movement will give the illusion of a more oval shaped face. hairstyle or wig styles that tuck in behind the ears also will work well, in addition to showing off your wonderful cheek bone structure.

Heart

Heart Face shape

The Heart shaped face has a large and wider forehead, high cheek bones, with sometimes a widow’s peak hairline, and a narrow v-shaped chin.

To soften the forehead width, look for a hairstyle or wigs that allows you to bring some hair across it. Keep the hairstyle closer to the head near the eyes and fuller around the jaw, as well as below and in front of the earlobes where additional width is desired.

A chin length bob is great for this type of face shape as it makes the jaw area appear wider and more balanced with the rest of your face. Longer, layered hairstyles also work well.

Oblong

Oblong Face shape for hair extension

The Oblong shaped face has an elongated rectangular shape featuring a long straight cheekline.

The hairstyle or wig style you choose should add width to help minimize the vertical length of your face.

Look for hairstyle or wig styles that are short to medium in length with longer top layers such as wedges and graduated bob cuts. Chin and shoulder length looks that turn under or flutter out also work very well to add width. Straight across bangs, feathered bangs, or half bangs with side parts soften the forehead.

Layered styles in medium and longer lengths with wavy and curly textures will flatter the face and neck while obscuring the straight long lines of an oblong face.

Oval

Oval Face shape for hair extensions

The Oval shaped face has no one area the is more dominant than another.

An oval face is well proportioned, with the length of the face longer than the width. The oval face allows for the most versatility in hairstyle or wig choices.

Most hairstyle or wig styles whether short or long, straight or wavy are suitable. Therefore, consider your best features such as eyes, checks, or mouth and then accentuate them with your hairstyle or wig style.

Pear

Pear Face shape for hair extensions

The Pear shaped face features a distinctly narrow forehead. The cheekbones and jaw line essentially broaden to showcase a wider look, while the chin adopts a rounded shape.

With a pear shaped face it is best to look for hairstyle or wigs that will add volume above the jaw line. Layers create fullness on the upper half of the face.

Don’t be afraid to show your forehead which draws attention upward and away from a full jaw line. If you have bangs, angle them slightly and tuck them behind the ears to frame the jaw line and draw attention upward.

Hair on the sides of your head and at the nape are best set and combed in a pattern close to the head since any style too voluminous will add weight to the bottom of the face.

Round

Round Face shape for hair extensions

The Round shaped face has a round chin and hairline with the widest part of the face through the cheekbones. Wig styles with a fullness and height at the crown, but not at the ears, are a good choice.

Off center parts help reduce the roundness. hairstyle or wig with short hair styles with a swept-back direction or with hair styles that are longer than chin length should be considered. hairstyle or wig which have layering at the top to achieve fullness while keeping the rest of the cut relatively close to the face, will help make your round face shape appear longer and narrower.

Square

Square Face shape for hair extensions

The Square shaped face usually has a strong square jawline with an equally square hairline. Look for hairstyle or wig that add height to the top and narrowness at the sides.

Height at the crown will elongate the symmetrical square shape. Short-to-medium length hairstyle or wig, especially with waves or roundness around the face or wispy bangs to soften the angular shape are also good choices. Off-center parts with height at the crown look great on square shaped faces.

Wearing a hairstyle or wig with layers and wispy looks around the face is another way to soften the shape of your face.

Conclusion

So the next time your considering changing your hair, just don’t focus on what’s trending but tale into consideration your face shape.

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10 Traits That Help Kill a Potential Sale by Diane Shawe

Posted on July 26, 2017 | Leave a comment

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves about the things we read, wrote or learned about increasing your client/customer base.

Diane Shawe's avatarAll about Hair Extensions & Hairloss Courses and Franchise Opportunity by Diane Shawe

Learn to develop positive communication style Learn to develop positive communication style

Here are 10 tips on how not to leave 10 Strong worst impressions.

Article by Diane Shawe M.Ed

1. Not knowing your Audience

Trying to sell something to someone that you don’t really know, you don’t know if there is a need or indeed if they have already got what you are selling will kill a potential sale or recommendation.

Persuasive people know their audience inside and out, and they use this knowledge to speak their audience’s language. Everyone is different, and catching on to these subtleties goes a long way toward getting them to hear your point of view.

2. Not getting Connected

The person you are speaking with is a person, not an opponent or a target. No matter how compelling your argument, if you fail to connect on a personal level, he or she will doubt everything you say.

People are…

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Detoxing with Beetroot for a healthy liver

Posted on July 20, 2017 | Leave a comment

A friend of over thirty years has just been told that she needs a liver transplant! She does not smoke or drink and use to be a aerobics teacher!

So I started to look up some advice about ways to maintain our liver health especially as most of our food and water has synthetic products added to them.

Article by Diane Shawe M.ED

Well it would seem that Beetroot support liver health (one of our main detox organs) and are full of nutrients and antioxidants. Beet roots are an incredible food and if you can use the leaves also, even better.

According to Jo Robinson, author of Eating on the Wild Side, beets are some of the highest antioxidant foods and have nine times more antioxidants than tomatoes and fifty times more antioxidants than carrots! Beets’ unique combination of phytonutrients and antioxidants have been shown to be especially helpful in reducing chronic inflammation. 

Beets have a special pigment, betalin, which strongly supports the body’s phase 2 detoxification process. 

Phase 2 detoxification is when the body neutralises and removes potentially harmful substances from the body by making them water soluble. 

Beets can also spice up your love life! They are high in boron, an element that has shown to increase testosterone levels and therefore sex drive in both sexes. 

Beets have also been shown to widen blood vessels. This increased blood flow throughout the body also supports sexual health. What about beet greens? 

Beet greens are some of the healthiest greens available at your supermarket and have a similar nutrient profile to kale. If you buy beets with the greens attached you’ll know you are buying recently harvested beets, which can also have greater nutrient levels. 

I know you can get jars of beetroot soaked in vinegar, but if you can get the freshly grown from the market I believe this will be better for you.

So what else?

Pepper It’s easy to dismiss pepper as a common spice. Its commonality almost makes it boring. What’s fascinating about peppers that it accounts for 1/5 of the total spice trade in the world! Besides adding a pleasant taste to our food, black pepper is a warming stimulant that promotes good digestion. 

I think the most amazing thing I found out about black pepper is its ability to increase the bioavailability of our herbs and foods. Adding a bit of black pepper to herbal formulas or to our dinner plate means that we have increased the qualities and nutrients available to us. 

So here’s a couple of delicious recipes to help you detox your liver.

Beetroot salmorejo

Check out our super easy recipe to make a fresh and delicious Spanish ‘Beetroot Salmorejo’

Time: 15 mins

Yield: 4 people

Ingredients include:

  • 400 g Beetroot (- Boiled)
  • 600 g Tomato
  • 8 units Strawberries (- Medium size)
  • 100 g Breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves Garlic

Put everything in a blender, add two cups of water and blend until smooth. Pour out into small saucepan bring to boil and then turn down and simmer for 20 minutes.

Peppery Borscht

Peppery Borscht Today’s beet borscht recipe is a beloved and traditional soup from Russia. Borscht soup is a fantastic way to support your body’s natural detox abilities while enjoying a delicious soup. There are lots of different borscht recipes out there. 

In this version that I found it includes those incredibly nutritious beet greens and added extra pepper for zing and increased nutrient absorption. 

What you’ll need… 

1 1/2 cups cubed potatoes 

2 cups cubed beets 

6 cups chicken or vegetable broth 

2 tablespoons butter 

1 1/2 cups chopped onions 

4 garlic cloves minced 

1 cup chopped beet greens 

1 tablespoon caraway seeds 

2 teaspoons salt (or to taste) 

1 celery stalk, 

chopped 1 large carrot, 

sliced 3 cups coarsely chopped purple cabbage 

2-3 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper 

2 bay leaves a couple 

handfuls of shitake mushrooms 

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 

1 tablespoon honey 

1 cup tomato puree sour cream (optional) green onions for garnish 

Heat the butter in a large pot. Sauté the onions until they are translucent. Add the garlic, caraway seeds, salt, pepper, bay leaves. Sauté for 1 minute. Add the celery, carrots, cabbage, beets, potatoes, mushrooms and stock. Simmer until all the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. 

Stir in the balsamic vinegar, beet greens, honey and tomato puree. Cover and simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour cream (optional) and green onions for garnish. 

Source of info and recipe

Rosalee de la Forêt Rosalee is the Education Director of Learning Herbs and author of Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Everyday Ingredients Into Foods & Remedies That Heal. She is passionate about helping people discover the world of herbalism and natural health. Rosalee teaches at international herbal conferences and runs a popular herbal mentoring program. Read more about Rosalee https://learningherbs.com/remedies-recipes/beet-borscht-recipe/

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Why it is important to use gloves when dying hair or hair extensions

Posted on July 2, 2017 | 1 comment

What is paraphenylenediamine and where is it found?

How can paraphenylenediamine cause skin irritation when dying hair or hair extensions and where is it found?

 

Article by Diane Shawe  M.Ed 

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is a chemical substance that is widely used as a permanent hair dye. It may also been found in textile or fur dyes, dark coloured cosmetics, temporary tattoos, photographic developer and lithography plates, photocopying and printing inks, black rubber, oils, greases and gasoline.

People working with PPD such as hairdressers or hair extensions technicians may develop dermatitis on their hands; patch testing usually reveals hypersensitivity to PPD. Occupational allergy to PPD has been found in a milk tester whom through laboratory work was in frequent contact with PPD solution. Dermatitis on the hands and occasional spreading to the arms and upper chest occurred.

YouTube is the undisputed champion in free visual knowledge transfer. I have seen lots of hair technicians demonstrating how to dye hair and often they are not using gloves.

Unprocess virgin Hair Extensions

 

In 2015/6 alone nearly £15m worth of treated human hair – has been washed and sometimes dyed – was imported into the UK, according to Customs and Excise.

It comes mainly from India, China and Europe. On top of that almost £10m worth of wigs,  false beards, eyebrows and eyelashes made from the stuff were also imported.

Those in the trade estimate the hair extension industry alone is worth £60m in this country, although there are no official figures.

When it comes to our tresses, the rarest and most expensive is natural blonde hair, Des Tobin a professor of cell biology at Bradford University, who has studied hair and the trade.

“About 90% of the world’s population has dark brown hair,” he says. “It’s actually really hard to get natural, adult hair that is blonde. The rarity of hair colour will dictate the price. Blonde hair can cost up to three times as much as dark hair.”

Recently we have seen a flood of natural Virgin remy hair which is unprocessed enter the market place. It is a lot cheaper so an increase in home and salon hair bleaching and toning is on the rise.

PPD in Hair Dye and the importance of gloves

Millions are spent annually on home hair dyes, salon balayage and multi colour ombre colours. The use of PPD as a hair dye is popular because it is a permanent dye that gives a natural look. Hair can also be shampooed without becoming decoloured and perming to achieve waves or curls can be done without difficulty.

PPD hair dyes usually come packaged as 2 bottles, one containing the PPD dye preparation and the other containing the developer or oxidizer. PPD is a colourless substance that requires oxygen for it to become coloured. It is this intermediate, partially oxidised state that may cause allergy in sensitive individuals. Fully oxidized PPD is not a sensitiser thus individuals with PPD allergy can wear wigs or fur coats dyed with PPD safely.

What are the reactions to PPD allergy?

Reaction caused by the use of hair dye in mild cases usually only involves dermatitis to the upper eyelids or the rims of the ears. In more severe cases, there may be marked reddening and swelling of the scalp and the face. The eyelids may completely close and the allergic contact dermatitis reaction may become widespread.

Severe allergy to PPD can result in contact urticaria and rarely, anaphylaxis. PPD has also been suspected of precipitating contact leukodermaand vitiligo in genetically predisposed individuals.

What should you do to avoid PPD allergy?

For the Technician

If you are a hairdresser or hair extensions technician, rule one when working with any chemical that could cause dermatitis is to wear gloves. I have seen many youtube demo videos were the technician is not wearing any gloves.

For the Client

If your client have an allergy to PPD  you should avoid the use of all oxidation type hair dyes. These are usually recognised by coming in a 2-bottle preparation. If you have been informed by your client or you should have completed a client consultation form checking for allergy history (most clients won’t know what PPD is) to be safe perform a patch test or suggest a semi-permanent hair dyes which may be a suitable alternative but approximately 10% of individuals who are allergic to PPD also react to these;

Patch testing

Patch testing to confirm sensitivity should be performed prior to their use. Metallic hair dyes and vegetable rinse hair dyes may be used but these do not provide permanent colouring. Some newer permanent and semipermanent hair dyes use para-toluenediamine sulfate (PTDS) instead of PPD. This is likely to be tolerated by about 50% of people who are allergic to PPD. Patch testing is recommended prior to use.

Related substances to PPD which may also cause an allergic reaction

Azo dyes: used in semi-permanent and temporary hair dyes, ballpoint pen inks, gasoline and diesel oil, and as colouring agent in foods and medications 
Benzocaine and procaine: these are local anaesthetics used by doctors and dentists

Sulfonamides, sulfones, sulfa drugs: 

PPD allergy may make you sensitive to the use of these drugs also, discuss with your doctor before changing or stopping your medication
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA): this is used in sunscreens and creams that are readily available in over-the-counter preparations. You should only used sunscreens that are labeled ‘PABA-free’. Ask your pharmacist for suitable alternatives.

Para-aminosalicylic acid: used for tuberculosis

Alternative names for paraphenylenediaminePPD or PPDAPhenylenediamine basep

-Phenylenediamine4
-Phenylenediamine1,4
-Phenylenediamine4
-Benzenediamine1,4
-Benzenediaminepara
-Diaminobenzene (p-Diaminobenzene)para
-Aminoaniline (p-Aminoaniline)Orsin™Rodol™Ursol™

Please seek professional advice from you GPS or Chemist if unsure.

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Seven Superfoods to help Stimulate your Hair to Grow

Posted on June 27, 2017 | 1 comment

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Lately I have been writing about cocunut oil and its extensive benefits. Having great hair does not begin and end with expensive external treatments, shampoos and conditioners. You may lather and rinse as much as you like, but the key to great looking hair is actually in some superfluous in your kitchen! (or at least in the supermarkets) As your hair grows one-fourth to half an inch every month, it is the product of the nutrients that you have consumed in that month. By having the diet that promotes hair growth, you can expect to stimulate lost hair to grow back. 

Include-these-hair-growth-friendly-super-foods-in-your-diet-and-say-bye-to-hair-slow-growing-hair.

You can only help your hair to grow healthier by introducing the right nutrients in your diet.

Here are seven suggestions:

Dark green vegetables
Vitamins A and C are needed to make sebum in your body, the natural hair conditioner. It is secreted by your hair follicles. Spinach, broccoli and swiss chard are excellent sources of these nutrients. Besides, you also get iron and calcium from green vegetables.

Nuts
For keeping your scalp healthy, you need selenium. It is an important mineral for the health of your scalp. Brazil nuts are rich in selenium. Walnuts condition your hair with alpha-linolenic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. You also need to have the right intake of zinc in your diet as it prevents hair loss. So, nuts rich in zinc such as almonds, cashews and pecans should be regular in your diet.

Beans
Your hair care diet must include legumes such as kidney beans and lentils. They not only provide much needed protein for your hair growth, but also plenty of zinc, iron and biotin. Biotin deficiencies can make your hair brittle and consequently, break from the scalp.

Carrots
Excellent source of vitamin A, carrots promote healthy scalp along with good eyesight. Include carrots in your snacks or salad toppings to condition your hair for a shiny head.

 

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Whole grains
Zinc, iron and vitamin B can be had from whole wheat bread and fortified whole grain cereals. Include these in your evening snack before having dinner.

Low-fat dairy
Skimmed milk and yoghurt are the best source of calcium, and also contain protein in the form of whey and casein. Again, you can take cottage cheese and yoghurt with you to work to have as evening snack. A good way to supplement the hair growth nutrient quality of low fat dairy is to include ground walnuts and flaxseeds as they contain omega-3 fatty acids and zinc.

Coconut Oil

Over the last decade, coconut oil has garnered lot of attention in the western countries, and for good reason. The benefits of coconut oil for hair care is now supported by scientific studies. According to one study, coconut oil when applied to the hair pre-wash reduced protein loss for both damaged and undamaged hair. Coconut oil was compared with mineral oil and sunflower oil, and it proved to be far more beneficial than latter two.

How to Take Coconut Oil

I use coconut oil for all of my cooking and baking, and I will often put a tablespoon of it in my morning smoothie. You can also apply it directly to your skin or as a carrier for essential oils or blends.

*WARNING – refined or processed coconut oil can be bleached, over-heated, and chemically processed to increase its shelf-life. Processing the oil changes the chemical makeup and the fats are no longer good for you!

SO INSTEAD – buy extra virgin coconut oil for the greatest health benefits. Here is the brand I personally use and recommend to my patients:

Tropical Traditions Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil

As you can see, coconut oil benefits are immense! But they don’t stop with these 20, if you want the ultimate guide check out Dr Axe top article on 77 Coconut Oil Uses and Cures.

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