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More Salons Ditching Dangerous Chemicals, Going Green

BOSTON (CBS) - Every few months, Jenny Bomar heads to the salon to cover her gray.

But recently, those frequent visits have been bothering her. "My eyes would always water from the irritation of the ammonia and all the chemicals that were in the hair color," she said.

That's why she decided to try a green salon that uses non-toxic hair color and shampoos.

Beauty expert Rebehak George says more and more salons are going green. Generally, their mission is to focus on overall wellbeing by conserving energy, water and ditching products that contain controversial ingredients. "We've really taken eco-friendly ingredients and married them with science.  That has enabled the products to deliver a truly satisfactory result," George explained.

Most eco-friendly salons offer just about every service you'd find in a traditional salon, from highlights to waxing and manicures.

According to George, the idea appeals to a wide range of people. "Everyone from the pregnant woman, to someone who's suffering from an illness like cancer or to the mother who is bringing in her child who has asthma," she said.

At the Pyara Salon in Burlington, even the spa itself is green. "We looked for environmentally responsible materials, recyclable carpets, things that were responsible in the best way we could," explained owner Christine Perkins.

Customers like Jenny say the green products work as well or better than traditional products.  "The eco-friendly hair color makes my hair feel so soft and silky," she said.

Green Salons in the Boston area:

Roffi Salon and Day Spa

Daryl Christopher Salon

Payara Salon

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