Chic Geek – by Nikki B.

“Philip’s Psychic Forecast of Today’s Skin-ovating Approach to Hair Care”

Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, UV Filters and Vitamins, just to name a few, were ingredients once only reserved for skin care but today are all the rage in the haircare marketplace and being written about in blog after beauty blog.  But this is not foreign territory to us at Philip Pelusi.  Philip has been integrating skin care ingredients in his haircare formulas since day one.  And with good reason.

Philip has always believed that a healthy scalp is the precursor to every great head of hair.  And especially since the scalp is merely an extension of our foreheads, it seems natural to treat it in a similar way to our face or body.  And with hair and skin also both being composed of keratin protein, enhancing it with the same ingredients also makes sense.  So, “skin-ovating” one’s hair care routine makes for a great foundation for any great hair color, texture service or Volumetric Haircut.  Here are several Philip Pelusi revolutionary skincare lookalike marvels:

Ceramides – Once only reserved for face and neck treatment products, Philip created his Patent Pending Hydro-Charged Pelusi Ceramide Complex to help rebuild, strengthen, moisturize and seal in color.  It’s present in all P2 Ultimate Shampoos, Conditioners and Smart Styling Treatments.

Hyaluronic Acid – Now being pronounced phonetically by a famous actress in Loreal skincare commercials, saying “hya-lur-on-ic acid”, as if it is a brand new ingredient.  Almost 50 years ago Philip put this still-revolutionary moisture binding powerhouse in his P2 Deep Hydrating Treatment and P2 Lite Leave In Conditioner.  We can recommend this treatment mask and a hydrating mist, vernacular once only reserved for skin care products, to help improve the hair and scalp.

Salicylic Acid – Used frequently in skin care to help rapidly exfoliate surface dulling dead skin cells.  Philip created the first ever anti-dandruff shampoo, P2 Exfoliating Shampoo Treatment, with this skincare marvel along with other skin hydrators such as Marsh Plant.  It works gently to lift off dry or oily dandruff to produce a healthier scalp environment and allow better penetration of beneficial scalp ingredients.

Probiotics – Relatively new to the skincare ingredient scene to help balance the skin’s microflora (good bacteria), Philip created the first ever probiotic hair care line Tela Beauty Organics Life Force Shampoo, Conditioner, Scalp Serum and Mask. 

UV Filters – Hair can get a sunburn just like the skin, causing dryness, color loss and breakage.  So why reserve daily sun protection for face or body only?  There are Ultra Violet Light Filters in every Philip Pelusi product.  P2 Potion and Tela Guardian Angel are the biggest protectors while Philip’s proprietary Matrix Blend of 6 UV Filters run throughout many of the P2 product line.

Deep Cleanse – Just like in skincare, sometimes we need a remedy to manage an over oily scalp.  Philip invented his P2 Detox Shampoo Treatment containing Philip’s proprietary oil-reducing micro-emulsion, the Philip Pelusi Rocket Ivy Blend.  You get a deep but gentle cleanse and with these Ph balancing ingredients, a cleaner scalp throughout the day.

Hydrating Oils – Face oils are all the rage today and with Tela Guardian Angel Solar Hair Serum we have a haircare hydrating equivalent.  Containing 4 different oils, Quinoa, Sunflower, Jamaican Black Castor Oil and Sachi Inchi to hydrate and help heat protect the hair and scalp.

Anti-oxidants and Vitamins – Essential to any skincare routine, these ingredients were often only reserved for facial serums and treatments.  While Vitamins C, E and A, Organic Milk Thistle, Organic Chinese Foxglove and Organic Reishi Mushroom are just a few of the hundreds of anti-oxidants and vitamins threaded throughout both the Tela and P2 product lines working to protect and fortify the hair and scalp.

Chic Geek by Nikki B.

“Philip Pelusi Rx ~ The Hair Doctor is In!”

Have you noticed Philip created an entire category of products called Rx?  Daily HaiRx Xtreme Repair Spray, Rx Deep Hydrating Hair and Scalp Treatment, Rx Intense Hydrating Treatment, Rx RepairHair Leave-In Heat Styling Treatment, Rx Clarify Shampoo Treatment, Rx Exfoliate Shampoo Treatment and Rx Detox Shampoo Treatment. 

But why Rx?  Philip specifically formulated these revolutionary, tech smart products to help stylists and guests tackle niche’ hair and scalp problems such as dandruff, breakage, loss of moisture, excess oil, DHT removal, chlorine or mineral removal and damaged hair.  Each formula is made with the very best ingredients and technology while being color safe, strengthening, hydrating, shine creating and so much more. 

They are also non-texture-specific, meaning they can be used universally on any guest suffering from any of these problems no matter their hair texture.  This makes them easy to prescribe for the stylist too!  We can treat the Rx problem, while separately addressing texture with the rest of their recommended Philip Pelusi products.

But who is the “hair doctor” writing the Rx prescription?  You are!  The stylist should analyze the hair and scalp and make product recommendations to help solve these problems.  We are not talking about diagnosing medical conditions, please leave those to their physician.  But cosmetic or cosmeceutical problems, such as those listed above, can be helped or managed by one or several products in Philip’s Rx collection.

After the stylist analyzes the hair and scalp and has a thorough verbal consultation with the guest, they can select the Philip Pelusi Rx product or products and recommend them to the guest.  Show and tell the guest everything they need to know for successful use of the product at home.  Which product to use, how to apply it, how much to apply, how frequently to use it, how long it should stay on the hair and scalp before being rinsed thoroughly, are all things that need to be part of the stylist’s prescription.  Just think of the Image Profile as your prescription for each guest.

And be sure to follow up on the Rx product they purchased when you see the guest at their next visit too.  How has the product been working for them?  What positive changes have they noticed with their hair and or scalp?  And make sure they are still using the product correctly.  Proper use of each product makes a big difference in the results they will experience!  Just tweak their application plan as needed!

Chic Geek by Nikki B.

“Incredible Ingredient: The Pelusi Bio Polymer Complex”

Philip Pelusi is the mix master of the best hair care products in the world.  One of the tricks to his amazing trade as a Product Artist is his use of Micro Emulsion Technology to not only perfect his ingredients, but to create incredibly unique proprietary blends that make his products one of a kind. 

One of these blends is his Pelusi Bio Polymer Complex which includes 2 revolutionary ingredients: USDA Certified Organic Baobab Seed Oil and USDA Certified Organic Baobab Protein.  Together they are a hair conditioning powerhouse!  You will find the Pelusi Bio Polymer Complex in so many Pelusi products from Tela Frizz Buster, to P2 Clenz Crème, to P2 Polish and more. 

Philip insists on using an organic Baobab (pronounced Ba-oh-bab) Seed.  USDA Certified Organic, means it is planted, grown, harvested, stored and manufactured under the strict, and expensive, regulations of the United States Department of Agriculture.  But nothing less than this will do for Philip.  100% commitment to quality at all cost is his product ethos.

These seeds are hand-picked from sustainably sourced, small community farms where the Baobab Tree grows most often in Africa and Brazil.  The Baobab Tree, also known as the upside-down tree or “Tree of Life” most often found in Madagascar and throughout the continent of Africa, is duly named because of its many uses from bark being woven into rope, its fruits and leaves being eaten as salad, as medicine to alleviate digestive issues and even the hull of a dead Baobab Tree being used as shelter.  The sustainably harvested Baobab fruits has also helped support the livelihood of local communities where these trees grow.

Philip chooses only the very finest version of USDA Certified Organic Baobab Seed Oil, meaning it is cold-pressed.  This means it retains its nutritional value during processing, when the seeds are pressed and the oil is extracted from them, and that is not always the case with most oils.  Baobab Seed Oil is rich with Vitamin D3 and Fatty Acids Palmitic, Linoleic, Oleic, Alpha Linolenic and Stearic Acids which help deeply nourish and moisturize hair and scalp without weighing down hair’s volume.  And Baobab Seed Oil also helps reduce frizz and creates shine. 

Baobab Seed Protein helps build substantive, meaning long lasting, tensile strength and therefore volume and better style longevity.  Baobab Seed Protein helps create thicker feeling, stronger, more voluminous hair with great manageability and style memory that also has been proven to help resist both UV and thermal damage. 

Chic Geek by Nikki B.

“Incredible Ingredient: Sachi Inchi”

Sachi Inchi and Plukenetia Volubilis; sounds like tongue twister, right?!  These two names are a one in the same incredible ingredient sourced by Philip Pelusi himself for his Tela Beauty Organics product, Guardian Angel Solar Hair Serum.

Philip choose USDA Certified Organic Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil (pronounced pluck-an-ay-sha vol-u-bill-is and well known as Sachi Inchi, pronounced saw-cha in-chee) for its strength, moisture, smoothness and shine.  USDA, standing for United States Department of Agriculture.  Organic, meaning this ingredient meets the strict standards of organic growing, harvesting and manufacturing of the USDA.

Philip choose the very best quality, meaning cold-pressed, Sachi Inchi Oil expressed from Plukenetia Volubilis Seeds which are native to tropical South America.  Cold pressed is a manufacturing process that allows the ingredient to retain all its nutrition value during manufacturing.  This is true of any cold pressed oil even oils we cook with such as Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  Just check the label to see if it’s a cold pressed version.

The Sachi Inchi seeds and oil high are rich in protein and fatty acids Omega 3, 6 and 9 to strengthen, hydrate and help with heat protection.  This incredible ingredient also is rich in hair protective antioxidants Vitamins A and E to help protect from environmental pollutants while helping slow the oxidative process that fades hair color.

Through the high-tech process Philip uses called Micro Emulsion Technology, to prefect the molecular size of his ingredients, Sachi Inchi is a quick penetrating emollient that hydrates hair and helps smooths during styling and creates lots of lustrous shine and manageability.  And all of this with zero build-up!  Every ingredient, including oils, Philip chooses are cleansed away with the next shampoo while never stripping or drying the hair or scalp.

Chic Geek by Nikki B.

“Not All Silicones are Alike!  Do You Know the Difference?”

There is an exciting upgrade being made to Philip’s products; we are well on our way to becoming silicone free!  In the world of ingredients, the marketing buzz on silicones has started to go down the same road that sulfates did.  And as always, Philip is way ahead of the curve.  He has removed silicones and upgraded most formulas with the Hydro-Charged Pelusi Ceramide Complex, Patent Pending, the Pelusi Bio Polymer Complex containing USDA Certified Organic Baobab Oil, or other cold-pressed hydrating oils such as Jamaican Black Castor Oil, Quinoa Seed Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil (known as Sachi Inchi); all USDA Certified Organic.  These revolutionary blends make these formulas supersede anything in performance on the hair.

But not all silicones are considered bad for the hair and in some cases are the best choice for the formula.  Let’s explain.  As always, the quality of the ingredient makes the big difference here.  This is the case with both P2 Polish and P2 BrilliantHair, in that they contain a small amount of a top-quality silicone because it helps provide the best results on the hair.  As an example, in these formulas, only the very best quality highly-modified silicones are used.  They bind moisture, provide heat protection, help detangle and protect color.  Highly-modified silicones can actually help deliver ingredients deeply and rapidly inside the hair, especially when augmented by heat and therefore provide many benefits including smoother, silkier, better conditioned hair.

These top-quality silicones Philip chooses are Hydrophilic, meaning water-loving.  They are extremely expensive but well worth it because they are water/shampoo soluble and can never build up on the hair.  Philip never uses Hydrophobic, meaning water-hating, silicones that actually prevent moisture from entering the hair, create build-up, and keep other things from entering the hair such as color, perms and treatments.  Hydrophobic silicones also leave the hair feeling like it has a gummy coating, and this is what give most silicones a bad rap for the hair.  Rest assured this is never the case with any product from Philip Pelusi!

Chic Geek by Nikki B.

“Helping with Hair Loss for Today’s Ageless Woman”

Women today want to look vibrant and healthy at any age and hair loss just doesn’t work in that equation.  Age-related hair loss, or any hair loss, can be very scary leaving today’s busy woman wondering what is causing it and mostly how to make it stop.  As stylists we need to be informed and help our guests but without taking on the role as doctors.  Let’s break it down…

The follicle effect:  Hair loss often creeps up on someone slowly over time until it becomes starkly noticeable.  There are 3 stages of hair growth within the hair follicle; Anagen (growing) Stage in which the hair is actively growing out of the follicle, Catagen (intermediate) Stage where the hair is still growing but not as actively, and Telogen (resting or shedding) Stage where the hair has stopped growing and is residing in the follicle until it naturally sheds or is easily pulled away during any type of hair manipulation such as brushing.

This is a very normal process where hair grows, dies off and is then replaced by new hair growth.  However, when someone has an age-related hair loss issue this process can be sped up and often no new growth takes the old hair’s place.  The follicle can also start to shrink with age, making hair grow out thinner and thinner until the follicle no longer produces hair.  And if the follicle is left dormant too long, it becomes harder to sometimes impossible to stimulate new growth therefore making it critical to treat hair loss in its early stages.

Causing factors:  There are many factors that can be the cause of age-related hair loss and these do require the input, possible testing and prescriptions from a doctor.  Heredity and general health both play a role in contributing to hair loss, both of which should be discussed with someone’s general practitioner.  Nothing can be stop genetic factors, but someone might have a treatable hair loss related condition that could be contributing to this.  Changes in hormone levels, such as caused by menopause, also greatly affect the loss of hair.  Testing can sometimes show a hormonal imbalance, but this is something that should be discussed with a gynecologist.  This possibly can be resolved via hormone replacement but again this should only be recommended and approved by a doctor.

Nutrition can also play a big role with hair loss or growth.  Poor nutrition, lack of protein or the proper nutrients can all be contributing factors that should be explored with a doctor or a certified nutritionist.  Vitamin supplements can also possibly help improve hair growth.  These are generally not certified by the FDA but can sometimes prove to help in the overall health and strength of the hair as well as stimulating hair growth or helping to eliminate what many sources are writing about today, stress induced inflammation in the body that contributes to an increase in cortisol (stress hormone) levels that could result in hair loss.  This is a “hit or miss” possible source of help but again should be discussed with a doctor.

Light Therapy is also now a booming business and often a source of help for hair loss.  Products such as hair helmets and hair headbands offer follicle stimulation via various types of exposure to light produced by these electronic apparatuses.  Generally, they are to be placed on the head several times a week to have the light help stimulate growing follicles.  These machines can be investigated via one’s dermatologist.

Topical medicinal products can also be a source of possible help.  Over the counter Rogaine (5% Minoxidil) as well as a prescription strength 15% Minoxidil can be recommended and possibly prescribed by a dermatologist.  Please note that everything we have discussed so far are good things to be aware of, but all need to be referred to a physician and NEVER recommended by a stylist.

What we can do:  The products someone chooses to use on their scalp/hair makes a big difference to the health of the scalp and the strength of the hair.  And although nothing has been proven to regrow hair except Minoxidil, keeping the scalp in the healthy state, clean, free from debris and buildup plus strengthening new-growth hair can have a big impact to the volume and look of the hair.

Zero Buildup:  Every Philip Pelusi product is water and shampoo soluble while most products on the market are not.  Philip chooses only the very best grade of ingredients when he creates his shampoos, conditioners and styling products, never any lesser grade ingredients such as cheap polymers, resins or silicones.  The scalp can breathe and is left clean after every shampoo.

Specific P2 Shampoos:  Next, we can recommend 4 shampoo products from Philip Pelusi to help create a clean and healthier scalp.  P2 Clarify (to remove product buildup), P2 Exfoliate (to remove dead skin cell build up a.k.a. dandruff plus product buildup), P2 Roots for Men (which operates almost exactly as P2 Exfoliate with added scalp enhancing ingredients), and P2 DeTox (which removes dirt, oil, product buildup plus the follicle poisoning toxin called DHT; officially known as Dihydrotestosterone (pronounced dye-high-dro-testosterone).

DHT is a toxic bi-product from scalp-produced testosterone that is thought to be the primary cause of thinning hair.  DHT is toxic to the hair follicle and has been shown to reduce the size of follicles resulting in finer, thinner, weaker hair strands.  All of these P2 shampoos are color safe and leave the hair shiny, healthy and full of body.  But remember, if a guest is still using a buildup causing conditioner or styling product from a different product line, these shampoos will have little effect.

Tela Life Force:  We can also recommend the Tela Beauty Organics by Philip Pelusi Life Force Collection, in its entirety or on a select basis along with any P2 or Tela product system.  Tela Life Force works on the principle that we need a healthy balance of good bacteria (microflora) to create a healthy scalp environment.  Without it, the scalp cannot function at its optimal level of performance and prematurely ages the scalp.  Tela Life Force contains probiotics to help the scalp rebalance its microflora helping it to flourish, helping provide a healthy scalp environment for hair growth.

Strengthen weak hair:  And last, the very best product that can be used on the hair for strength is a daily application of P2 DailyHaiRx Xtreme Liquid Hair Repair Treatment after every shampoo topped with any Philip Pelusi P2 or Tela Conditioner.  Whether the hair is weak from aging or if the hair is a new sprout of grow, that strand of hair desperately needs support.  P2 Xtreme fills that weak hair strand with Gluten Free Wheat, Corn and Soy Proteins to help it withstand heat, mechanical and chemical damage, helping it resist breakage helping to keep it on the head longer as it grows.

Cosmetic illusions:  We can help our guests with the proper length and style of hair to best camouflage hair loss such as bangs to help disguise frontline hair loss, changing their part side, or giving them a somewhat shorter (collarbone, chin or ear length) layered style for added lift and volume to overall thinning hair.  Also recommending mid-level hair color tones with dimensional highlights can create the illusion of thicker hair.  Proper styling products, plus volumizing styling techniques will arm this guest with the best styling process to get the best look.  Also, be sure to alert your Philip Pelusi supervisor for any broken skin or rashes present on the scalp before doing any hair service in the salon.  This is best for guest’s protection so reach out for guidance if needed.

No single solution:  Unfortunately, there is no single solution to hair loss and every person’s anatomy will respond differently to every treatment and combination of treatment.  A big part of finding what works is really a lot of trial and error by each individual but we can be a big support in the overall process.

Q – Is P2 Daily HaiRx Xtreme the foundation to every haircare system?

A – Yes!  But before we can fully answer why we must first look at several factors.  First, what makes up the structure of the hair.  The hair consists of keratin protein, the inner cortex layer is like the brains of the hair meaning it hold the protein, moisture, chemical and physical bonds and melanin.  It’s where color is lifted and deposited and where bonds are broken and rearranged during chemical services.  The outer layer is the cuticle layer consisting of protein scales that layer each other like shingles on a roof to protect the inner layer, the cortex.

Q – How does hair become damaged and what happens to the structure of the hair in the process?

A – Any head of hair that is exposed to the following factors becomes damaged; hair that is color or chemically treated, exposed to heat styling, sun, chlorine or well-water and hair that is longer than 1”.  When experiencing any of these damaging factors, the outer cuticle layer of the hair is first compromised, meaning chipped, broken or destroyed cuticle layers.  This exposes the cortex layer of the hair below, and if left unprotected the hair will further erode in the points of damage until the hair breaks.

Q – How does this damage effect how hair holds a style, holds color/chemicals and reflects light?

A – Simply put, if hair is damaged and left unprotected it cannot do any of those things.  Hair will always operate at its best when operating at its maximum level of protein.  When hair is damaged and weak, the diameter of the hair strand is smaller and jagged and therefore will not style as easily and will not be able to hold its style.  The damaged sites or “potholes” allow color to slip through so colors will not last as long and will not take evenly because hair is porous.  Also, those damaged sites are the first-place further damage will occur because if left unprotected hair chemicals and colors will seep into those damaged spots first further eroding them.  And an untreated rough and chipped hair surface in no way can reflect light to create shine.

Q – So is this there P2 Xtreme can help?  What does it do to the structure, performance and appearance of the hair?

A – P2 Xtreme is the foundation to every good hair care system and here’s why…  Although nothing can regrow and or permanently replace a missing cuticle layer or part of the cortex, Xtreme resurfaces the damaged sites of any strand of damaged hair based on 2 things; a scientific principle and the right ingredients at the right molecular size.  Xtreme contains many beneficial ingredients but the 3 central rebuilders are Gluten Free Proteins that help to strengthen the hair and scalp; Hydrolyzed (liquified) Gluten Free Wheat, Corn and Soy Proteins.  Gluten free to meet consumer demands yet retains all the strengthening benefits to the hair and scalp.

Q – What exactly does Xtreme do to the hair?

A – There is a scientific principle involving the hair called Substantivity; meaning when the right type of protein at the right molecular size is applied to the hair, they will want to cling to those damaged sites much like a magnet does to the outside of a refrigerator.  They are in place, but not permanent.  But as long as they are continually applied to the hair as the application directions state, after every shampoo, the hair is always operating at its fullest possible level of protein with the help of Xtreme.

Q – So what does this mean to the hair?

A – Hair is smoother, reflect light so its shinier.  Hair is stronger because these damaged sites have been reinforced with the proteins and other ingredients in this incredible product.  Hair is less porous, so colors and chemicals take better and last longer.  Hair’s strength is reinforced and therefore is more resilient to further damage and breakage caused but color, chemicals, heat and styling damage.  It’s like a protein supplement for the hair in a bottle!  We often drink protein smoothies or take protein supplements for our internal body’s health and although this is not exactly the same thing the concept is true, P2 Xtreme is a protein supplement for the hair and hair is made up of protein so it doesn’t get any better than that!

When Philip creates a great hair care product, first he goes shopping for ingredients.  Every day Philip is constantly researching and sourcing the finest grade, most cutting-edge proteins, and other ingredients, from around the world.  He believes when shopping for ingredients, you get what pay for.  And just like shopping for food ingredients, there are various levels of quality when it comes to purchasing hair care ingredients.  Philip has a 100% commitment to quality at all cost and only purchases the very best.  Specifically, Philip only works with the very best plant-based ingredients.  He does not use any animal derived protein sources, not only because of the demands of today’s marketplace, but also because he finds plant sources for protein simply work better in the hair.  Philip and his team of chemists, work with the scientific principle of substantivity, meaning when you choose the right type of protein and make it the correct molecular size, it will naturally cling to a damaged keratin site in the hair.  Next, we’ll explore that highly advanced scientific technology Philip uses to perfect his ingredients and formulas!  Stay tuned!

When we are born and as our hair grows stronger during our youth, like our skin, hair is perfect and healthy and therefore performs perfectly as it consists of its maximum level of keratin protein.  But as our hair ages, or as we prematurely age our hair with color, chemicals and heat damage such as blow-drying and flat irons, the level of keratin protein diminishes, making hair weak and dull, sometimes to the point that the hair breaks off.  Hair never performs as well as when it is operating at its full level of protein.  So as a product creator, Philip’s goal is to help recreate this perfect or close-to-perfect hair fabric for the guest, so they will be happier with their hairstyle every day.  To achieve this, Philip uses the most advanced scientific technology teamed with the very best ingredients to help keep hair fabric operating at its maximum level of protein.  Amazing products, such as Xtreme, RepairHair, Intense and more, teamed with the best stylist-to-guest product education makes all the difference in the performance of the hair.  Next, we’ll take an ingredient “shopping trip” with Philip!  Stay tuned!!