As we see our clients making more informed and conscious decisions around what products they use on their hair, exactly what ingredients are in a Keratin Treatment is becoming a regular conversation in our salon. So we thought it's time we addressed the ins and outs of where is the;
Best place to get a low tox keratin treatment in Sydney
Well obviously we're going to say OUR salon but stay with me.
Firstly what you need to know is that when it comes to hair colour and keratin treatments, whilst they have never been as low tox as they are now, it's actually impossible to have fully organic products that work. Instead the best we can do, like here at Bare Beauty, is offer a brand that is as "clean as it gets". What that means is we source products that are as low tox and as possible. Ensuring a checklist of ingredients are excluded such as parabens, sulfates, chemical based surfactants, and the big F, formaldehyde.
We use Bhave made in New Zealand and for more reasons than you would think.
New Zealand wool is soft and strong,
Much like a hug from an old friend on a windy hilltop. And it turns out New Zealand wool can be processed to hold and nourish our hair too. It's why Bhave products use the natural strength and binding power of bioactive keratin. Derived and extracted from pure New Zealand sheep's wool, bioactive keratin makes sure those mane-boosting proteins and amino acids are kept intact (unlike most hair care products - which use hydrolyzed keratin, an ingredient extracted from animal hooves and ears - yuck!) Bioactive keratin was originally developed by scientists to heal wounds and severe burns. This form of keratin technology is not only kinder to our sheep friends, it also mirrors the damage to your hair's internal structure then works to rebuild it from the inside out.
Bio-active keratin perfectly matches hair keratin,
They link together to lock the structure in place. This structure is essential for the protein to perform its role, keeping hair strong & flexible. Other keratin technologies break up the protein when extracted & damage the amino acids, losing the important zipper traction needed to bind for genuine hair repair. this keratin is NOT a functional keratin.
Pure New Zealand wool is a 100% natural material,
Farmed throughout the pristine countryside of New Zealand, the sheep grow a thick fleece of wool to protect themselves from New Zealand’s harsh winter. This wool is harvested during Spring so that the sheep do not have a full fleece during the long, hot summer. During Autumn the fleece grows back in readiness for the coming winter. The wool is harvested by shearing, using electric clippers in much the same way as getting a haircut. Following shearing, sheep return to the fields to continue grazing and raise their young. No animals are harmed at any stage of the wool harvesting process. Our product is tested on humans not animals ensuring they bring no harm to animals whatsoever.
That's why we're the best place to get a low tox keratin treatment in Sydney; at Bare Beauty House. It's important for us to ensure yours (and our teams) safety and peace of mind with a low tox product that doesn't cause harm to animals. You can trust that we only use a curated list of products that've gone through a strict screening process.
So if you're looking for a keratin treatment in Sydney come and get in touch with us here and we can ensure we will take care of your hair in the best way possible.
Hyperpigmentation is darkening and discolouration of the skin. Red, brown, pink or even purple-looking spots, clusters or streaks on the surface of the skin are examples of hyperpigmentation. Acne, sun exposure, eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis can all cause hyperpigmentation.
Why do we treat it in the winter?
Winter is the best time for the skin recovery process. Our skin is usually less tanned and this is very important when starting de-pigmentation treatments as well as the skin being less susceptible to side effects such as burns & redness.
During winter our skin has less moisture so it becomes much dryer. Dry skin leads to irritated skin and when the skin barrier is compromised, it lacks the ability to hold onto oil and water. The skin starts to become itchy, and that scratching leads to a rash. As the cycle persists, this leads to inflammation and hyperpigmentation. So treating the issue before it gets worse will ensure you can confidently flaunt your skin 365 days a year.
We also tend to spend more time indoors in the winter as well as there being shorter days so less sun exposure happens naturally, and this helps speed up recovery.
Treating pigmentation can be done in a number of ways and will depend on the severity of the condition, your skin type and your budget.
For non-invasive in-salon treatments, we recommend a combination of AHA/BHA layered peels, RED light therapy and vitamin infusions.
AHA/BHA layered peels, combine the benefits of lactic and salicylic acid at specific dosage. A bespoke combination of both acids can be tailored to achieve desired results.
Red light is a narrow, isolated form of natural light to give the appropriate intensity and wavelength for light therapy. The intensity of red light used in therapy is much higher than you would naturally get from sunlight and, it’s not damaging like sunlight can be! Red light acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, which is part of what causes hyperpigmentation. In addition, red light has a long enough wavelength to penetrate the epidermis (outermost layer of the skin) and reach the dermis (the middle layer of the skin). This enables it to reach fibroblasts, special types of cells that sit beneath the skin and manufacture collagen – a protein that helps tighten and firm the skin and heal wounds.
Infusing vitamins into the dermis of your skin will help keep your skin nourished, hydrated and maintain its ability to repair itself.
Vitamin C has been known to help decrease hyperpigmentation. Because vitamin C is a powerful nutrient, it also aids in the production of collagen which is essential to maintain hydration and strength of the skin.
At home maintenance comes in many different bottles, speak to your therapist about the best options for you. To play favourites, here's our top picks to reduce pigmentation at home.
Sun protection is just as important in winter as it is in summer. At Bare Beauty House we stock Synergie Skin and one of their most popular products is Uberzinc. Uberzinc is a daily moisturiser that contains 21% of Mineral Zinc Oxide. Uberzinc has a perfect blend of ingredients including zinc, green tea and lycopene all which create a moisturiser focusing on keeping our skin stable and safe from UV rays. Uberzinc is a great choice as a daily SPF moisturiser to wear throughout the year.
There are a variety of in salon treatments and at home maintenance products to be used, but for the best results we recommend a combination of both. Your therapist will be able to prescribe what's going to work best for you. Remember no two skins are alike so dont think following the same routine as your friend who had amazing results will work the same way for you. Get personalized advice!
This will save you time, get you the results you want quicker and ultimately save you money!
Book in for a complimentary skincare consultation with us today to see
When creating those stunning Easter baskets for your kiddies to plow through, use recycled shredded paper or dry leaves. Using newspapers can create an edgy look and using leaves can create a more interactive hands on experience. The same thing goes if you decide to get gifts! Use recycled wrapping paper to try and limit the footprint of waste we leave during this holiday.
Dyed eggs are a beautiful Easter tradition full of colour and celebration. The dyes we use can pollute and poison the earth. To create a greener Easter, make your own dyes from organic products, this also makes sure that you can eat the eggs after! Using bright berries or veggies is a fun experiment at creating your own dyes.
The link below has a method for creating stunning dyes and patterns.
When you think of the hair and beauty industry, it does dominate as a more female centralised career path. However there are still issues within equality and the opportunities that come with the industry. Naomi, Bare Beauty House’s founder, finds that the industry is “dominated by male artistic directors and product companies. Men have been lifted up more through the industry which is disappointing as it is a more female dominated area”.
Think Paul Mitchel, Kevin Murphy, & Tony & Guy, just to name the top three that come to mind.
This imbalance is seen across all industries especially when it comes to powerful roles. Last year we saw some positive changes towards females and parliamentary roles. Samoa and Estonia have elected their first female prime minister. Confronting the out of date belief that women are not suitable for power. In the past couple of years feminists and activists have made stands to fight for equal rights for women and those who also face bias. Creating and editing legislation and bills assists certain communities and people of the world from future bias and mistreatment. It is creating a permanent, sustainable and maintainable tomorrow.
This year we look too celebrating the struggle of feminists fighting for environmental justice around the globe. An example are women farmers in India who are trying to secure land to create lives that are empowered, self-resilient, sustainable and to create change. Last year in India the government decided to raise the legal age of marriage from 18-21 in the belief that the legislation will bring parity in the age of marriage between men and women. This decision led to a amendment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, which was introduced into parliament.
At our salon we open our doors to all kinds of people. We make sure that every client is treated with the same respect and experience no matter their race, religion, age, gender or sexual preference. Our team of fewer than 10 are all at different stages in life. A few have teenagers, toddlers or a baby on the way. Two of us are training to either advance our skills or are just starting out. Due to us all being different ages and ethnicities we must learn to understand and support the wide range of events each of us go through. Although we are all different we have all had some of the same experiences growing up and how we are treated day to day.
To keep us and our clients feeling safe the salon has an anti discrimination policy and Our founder, Naomi, ensures all staff are not only aware of this but adhere to it by the strictest standard. This isn't hard as we all have shared values and a certain level of respect for one another , but its nice to know there is a baseline expectation for everyone who comes into the salon. Naomi also makes sure we support other Female entrepreneurs and business owners to help build a community of successful women in the area. We strive for female success in all aspects of life, whatever that looks like for each individual person. Naomi had her share of struggles and she found difficulty in finding other like minded business women. Since relocating her salon from Rose Bay to Manly, Naomi feels as though she has found her tribe who are on the same journey with her business wise and sustainability wise.
We must continue to fight for equality, biodiversity and ultimately a sustainable world for everyone and everything to thrive in!
2. Set yourself goals
I find setting myself goals, especially now, keeps my mind focused and drives me forward. Your goals can be as simple as coming out of lockdown with healthier hair. You can do this by making time for a hair treatment once a week and not blowdrying your hair during lockdown. Limiting hot styling and adding nourishment to your hair will guarantee your hair will be healthier and happier whenever it is this lockdown ends.
Another goal could be running 5km without stopping. Scheduling time in to run each day or even every second day will be enough to get you there in a few weeks. Put those head phones in and get running, and don’t beat yourself up if you cant run too far. At the moment I am run/walking every second day. I warm up with a brisk 2 min walk, then I run for as long as I can and then walk again until I catch my breath and just repeat this for the time I have set aside. Each time I can run a little longer and feel more fit as each week passes. Try it, what do you have to loose.
How about setting a goal to look younger coming out of lockdown, Yes Please!
You can achieve this by creating and/or sticking to a daily skin care routine. Now they don’t have to be elaborate and all encompassing. Consistency is key.
Make sure you are using a cleanser every morning and night followed by your vitamins (this could be your A and B at night and your C in the morning, or maybe you have one super serum you like to use both morning and night) whatever serums you have just make sure you use them consistently. Using serums packed with vitamins will help feed your mitochondria.
Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of the cell. They are organelles that act like a digestive system which takes in nutrients, breaks them down, and creates energy rich molecules for the cell.
Energising and nourishing your skin cells are vital for a youthful, glowing appearance. Vitamin rich serums will also help normalise any imbalances in your skin, like oiliness, dryness, pigmentation and acne.
Then you want to finish your routine with a moisturiser. This will vary depending on what your skin concerns are. During the day ensure to wear an SPF. I know we are stuck at home but the glass typically used in homes and offices does not block the long-wavelength UVA light, even though it filters out uvb. The UVA can cause early signs of skin aging, wrinkles and can increase the risk of skin cancer.
At night you will want to use something to nourish and repair your skin while you sleep.
You can also add in an exfoliant after cleansing each day if you like and use a Gua Sha and roller to help a number of things including to promote blood circulation, improve fine lines and wrinkles, promotes lymphatic drainage and relieve tension from muscles .
I wanted to keep things really simple for you. Your routine can be as big or little as you like but sticking to the essentials of, Cleanse, Vitamins and Nourishment for your particular skin concerns will make the world of difference. And after just 28 days I guarantee you will see a difference in your skin.
These 2 simple tips can have such a positive impact on your overall wellbeing and mental health. You will be in a routine, focussed, working towards a happier, healthier and even younger version of yourself.
So go on utilise the extra time in your days properly and lets make some positive changes come from all the disruption to our days.
During the treatment clients feel deeply relaxed and often fall in and out of sleep. After the treatment they have that well-rested relaxed post-holiday look and report feeling completely different only wishing they’d found out about it much earlier.
Of course emotions and stresses will start to build up again over time as such is our nature, so it’s important to have treatments on a monthly basis. Regular facial massages started at a young age prolong relaxed youthful look on the face for many years ahead and are certainly a long-term investment. 
2. Anything formulated with PEGs and PGs
PEGs have been found in everything from personal care products, baby care and sunscreens. They act as binders and plasticise ingredients and are designed to enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. This is often a double whammy when you consider that there are often many ingredients in these products that you do not want to be penetrating deeply through the skin barrier. Dioxin is a by-product of the process used to create propylene glycol. Dioxin has been linked to cancer, reduced immunity, nervous system disorders, miscarriage and birth deformity. If you see a PEG on your beauty product ingredient list this is definitely a product you do not want to be absorbed into your skin. A solution to this is finding a brand like Eve Taylor which are made using only natural ingredients. To help the products penetrate your skin we use sound waves through our Ultrasonic Micro therapy device. This is a handheld tool that by using sounds waves helps the products delve deeper into your skin allowing for accelerated results and glowing skin in half the time, no nasties required!
3. Parabens
Parabens are preservatives and allow skincare products to survive for months or even years in your medicine cabinet. They are used in deodorants and other skincare products and have been found in breast cancer tumours. Parabens are known endocrine disruptors that have been linked to cancer and hormonal imbalances. There are plant-based and plant-derived preservatives on the market which make it unnecessary to use products containing parabens. Natural Beauty products are persevered using Sodium Anisate and Sodium Levulinate derived from Aniseed and starch.
4. Phthalates
Phthalates are most often used to create fragrances in cosmetic products. They are known endocrine and fertility disruptors. The scary reality which exists around phthalates is that we are exposed to them in so many areas of our life. The storage of these toxins in fat cells and their bio-accumulation over time makes a strong case for avoiding exposure to synthetic fragrances. With so many natural essential oils and extracts on the market, there is no need to reach for synthetic fragrances. Eve Taylors products are formulated with pure essential oils so there is no need for Phthalates as the essential oils have enough fragrance.
5. Synthetic dyes and colourants
Synthetic colours from coal tar contain heavy metal salts that deposit toxins in the skin, causing skin sensitivity/irritation. Absorption can cause depletion of oxygen. Look for makeup which uses natural iron oxide to create pigments. You will be surprised at the colour assortments that can be created by natural pigments.
6. Benzyl peroxide
This is predominantly used in acne products and may act as a mutagen, producing DNA damage. Natural anti-microbial extracts, Kakadu Plum, Aloe Vera and Salicylic Acid are alternatives to harsh acne treatments and solve acne problems as quickly and effectively as their chemical counterparts.
7. DEA, MEA & TEA
This foam booster is a skin irritant and causes contact dermatitis. It is easily absorbed through the skin to accumulate in the body’s organs and the brain. The more you can get used to milk and oil-based cleansers, the happier your skin will be. Not only do oil-based cleansers prevent your skin being stripped of its natural oils, but they also enable the skin to balance oil production by providing it exactly what it needs so that it does not overcompensate by overproducing oil.
8. Formaldehyde
Has many uses but is most often used in cosmetics as a disinfectant and preservative. Be cautious of products containing 1,4-dioxane, as this can also release formaldehyde in certain chemical processes. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen, skin, eye and lung irritant. This ingredient can either be completely left out or can be substituted for peppermint, which is a natural disinfectant.
Find pure alternatives and embrace toxic free beauty for the healthiest you yet! Awareness of ingredients to avoid is the first step to creating a toxic-free lifestyle and being equally aware of suitable alternatives is empowering. This new knowledge provides you with options to equip you with everything you need to practice a pure and highly effective beauty routine.
The heart 7 pressure point can be found in the crease of your right wrist. It lies in line with the space between your ring and pinkie finger.
There’s a bone directly in line next to this pressure point. Reflexologists claim that applying gentle pressure to this spot may protect against anxiety, insomnia, heart palpitations, and depression.
The small intestine 3 pressure point is located at the outside part of your hand, right on the edge. The point lies in the depression of your hand just below your pinkie finger.
Putting firm pressure on this point is thought to relieve neck pain, earaches, and headaches that occur at the back of your head.
You can find your lung meridian pressure point by looking at the edge of your hand. It runs from the tip of your thumb down along the side of your hand, ending just beneath the crease of your wrist.
Run your finger along this line. If you find a sore spot along this line, reflexologists say you should gently massage it until it feels better. This may help relieve any cold symptoms, such as chills, sneezing, runny nose, and sore throat.
The inner gate point can be found in a special spot on the crease of your wrist. Hold out your hands as if you’re receiving a gift, with your wrists together. Take one hand and feel about 3 centimeters out from where your wrists were touching in the middle.
Reflexologists recommend you massage this point firmly with your thumb. This is believed to improve your digestion and relieve any nausea or stomach pain
The outer gate point can be found between two tendons on the backside of the arm. Place three fingers from your other hand above your wrist. Use those fingers to apply firm pressure to this part of your hand to give your immune system a quick boost.
Reflexologists also believe applying pressure to this part of the hand could give you a rush of energy.
You can find your wrist point 1 on your left wrist. Run a finger down your pinkie to your wrist crease, keeping it in line with your finger. Now you’ve found the point.
Reflexologists claim that firmly pressing on your wrist point 1 regularly may help promote happiness by regulating your emotions
We all need some extra love and attention these days. We hope that these pressure point massages can help aid that and occupy you whilst at home. We will be ready to pamper you on your return!
Give up generic wrapping paper
Most wrapping paper is not recycled (and much of it can’t be), so it ends up in landfills.
A lot of the paper you might think is recyclable is actually lined with plastic, according to 
Use natural decorations
Natural foliage, such as branches, leaves, pinecones and berries are timeless and can be re-used year after year.
Dried citrus slices make beautiful ornaments and they will leave your house smelling gorgeous.
Cook mindfully
Christmas has always been a time for feasting, but we can all definitely be a little more mindful about what we decide to feast on. Try source locally grown and organic produce. Not only will your meal be even more delicious but you can rest easy knowing you have contributed to local business and reduced your carbon footprint. Don't forget to use reusable containers and food coverings for your leftovers!