The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek by Nikki ~ Product Education Director

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.

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek is a treasure trove of in-depth Philip Pelusi ingredient knowledge.  To see all Chic Geeks, go to…  Chic Geek (busystylist.com)

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek by Nikki ~ Product Education Director

A clean scalp is essential to maintain a healthy scalp environment and proper exfoliation plays a key role.  So, in addition to the USDA Sugar Cane Granules (written about in the Chic Geek Lift Off Part I) in the Tela Beauty Organics Probiotic Scalp Scrub, Philip has another totally unique way to exfoliate the scalp.

Don’t flake out!  Salicylic Acid is one of the revolutionary ingredients in Philip’s P2 Roots Shampoo.  Just like this fruit acid works in antiaging skin care products on the face, Philip put this to work in this scalp rejuvenating shampoo treatment.  Salicylic Acid gently lifts dead skin cells off the surface of the scalp.

P2 by Philip Pelusi Roots Shampoo also contains Zinc Pyrithione.  This is a sloughing agent that naturally exfoliates and removes dead skin cells from the skin’s surface.  Plus, it has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties helpful when combating dandruff.  It is a long-standing ingredient used in dandruff shampoos for decades and enhances the abilities of this shampoo treatment.  It is totally unique to have both Zinc Pyrithione and Salicylic Acid in the same shampoo. 

This dynamic duo for skin exfoliation is key to those who suffer from dandruff, where the body exfoliates as a much slower rate than normal, seasonal dandruff common in winter and in an aging scalp where the body’s natural exfoliation rate slows over time.

The more flakes and buildup, the more frequently you can use the P2 Roots Shampoo and the longer you leave it on the scalp, the deeper the results.  Meaning the product has more time to work.  This can be done as part of a Philip Pelusi Spa Hair Therapy Treatment in the salon and in the shower at home by simply leaving the shampoo on the scalp longer before doing a gentle scrubbing motion and rinsing it off.

Both P2 Roots Shampoo and Tela Beauty Organics Probiotic Scalp Scrub are balanced with hydrating ingredients.  Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Tela Hair Immunity Complex, Organic Peppermint, Aloe and Lavender (and much more!) in the Tela Probiotic Scalp Scrub.  And Marshmallow Root Extract, Sodium PCA, Silk Protein, Geranium, Oatmeal, Vitamin E (and more!) in the P2 Roots Shampoo!

And this is the perfect time of the year to start educating guests about these amazing products.  Even if one of these is something they just use seasonally or perhaps could help them all year round!

(2^nd image scratching head) The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek is a treasure trove of in-depth Philip Pelusi ingredient knowledge.  To see all Chic Geeks, go to…  Chic Geek (busystylist.com)

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek by Nikki ~ Product Education Director

A clean scalp is key to having healthy hair.  But this can be tough to achieve if someone suffers from dandruff and something not often thought of, the natural aging process of the scalp.  Dry or oily dandruff is obvious, you can see it and feel it.  But natural aging of the skin creeps up on us slowly over time.  We can see it on our faces via lines, wrinkles and dry skin. 

Face vs scalp?  But we don’t often think of this when it comes to the scalp.  But the scalp is merely an extension of the skin on our face, so it is simultaneously aging too.  Just like on the face, the skin cell turnover (known as exfoliation) slows on the scalp leaving a buildup.  The result when left unchecked is shrinking hair follicles producing thinner, lack luster hair, losing the body and bounce of its younger days.  The follicles suffocate and sometimes can shrink to the point of nonexistence and once the follicle is left dormant long enough, the hair will no longer continue to sprout from that follicle.  Of course, this is not the only thing that stifles hair growth but needs to be addressed as one of the possible culprits.

Lift Off!  Yes, exfoliation is one of the keys to rejuvenating the scalp similar to how antiaging products work on the face, revealing new fresh dewy skin.  Also, a fresh clean scalp allows for better penetration of Philip’s scalp enhancing ingredients including proteins, moisture, antioxidants, pre and probiotics and more.  We have a couple ways to approach exfoliation at Philip Pelusi.

USDA Certified Organic Sugar Cane Granules are one of the star ingredients in Philip’s Tela Probiotic Scalp Scrub.  The sugar put the “scrub” in this amazing scalp enhancing product.  Organic Sugar Cane Granules help to lift dead skin cells, dirt, debris from scalp and hair.  They help create a cleaner, healthier scalp environment and help create a better deposit of nutritional scalp ingredients in the product such as the Tela Hair Immunity Complex containing Pre and Probiotics.

This product can be used as part of the entire Tela Life Force care routine, as it is part of in-salon The Tela Root to End Recovery Hair and Scalp Treatment and also as part of anyone’s Philip Pelusi product system.   Stay tuned for Lift Off Part II!

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek is a treasure trove of in-depth Philip Pelusi ingredient knowledge.  To see all Chic Geeks, go to…  Chic Geek (busystylist.com)

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek by Nikki ~ Product Education Director

A Q & A on why P2 by Philip Pelusi X-treme Daily Treatment Spray is the foundation to healthy hair fabric!

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 where 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!

More about Daily HaiRx X-treme Daily Treatment:

• Silicone Free, Sulfate Free, Gluten Free, Paraben Free, Formaldehyde Free, Propylene Glycol Free, Vegan, Allergen-free fragrance, BPA Free
• Excellent for extremely damaged, fragile hair 
• Philip Pelusi proprietary Matrix Blend helps preserve hair color and hair strength
• Philip’s Hydro-Charged Pelusi Ceramide Complex, Patent Pending strengthens, protects color
• Green Tea and Fennel help protect hair color and hair’s tensile strength

How to Use:

• Use every time the hair is shampooed
• Shampoo hair, rinse thoroughly.  Spray X-treme onto clean, damp hair.  Approximately 4 – 12 mists depending on length and density
• Top with a P2/Tela Instant or Deep conditioner to support texture and moisture needs, massage into hair/scalp
• It is not necessary to comb through but can be only after Instant or Deep conditioner has been applied.  Wide tooth comb only.
• Leave on 3 minutes or more under plastic cap.  X-treme reaches 95% absorption in 3 minutes.  Rinse well. 
• Use before and/or after chemical services for best service results

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek is a treasure trove of in-depth Philip Pelusi ingredient knowledge.  To see all Chic Geeks, go to…  Chic Geek (busystylist.com)

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek by Nikki ~ Product Education Director

The way our skin acts and feels can drastically change along with the temperatures every winter.  But what about our scalps?  When the temps drop outdoors, and heat rises indoors, the moisture content in the air dramatically drops which in turn pulls moisture out of the hair and scalp.  Hair and scalps should contain an 8 – 10% moisture content even when the hair appears and feels physically dry.  When below 8%, hair appears dry, dull and gets static and scalps get dry, itchy and flaky.

Be sure to ask your guests what type of changes they notice in their hair and scalp in the winter.  We can help with these issues with a simple 2 step process; exfoliate and hydrate!  Recommend our P2 by Philip Pelusi Roots Exfoliating Shampoo Treatment with the skin care exfoliant Salicylic Acid.  This helps to boost skin cell turnover helping to remove excess surface flakes during the shampoo process.  I can be used everyday or just one or two times a week depending on how bad the flake problem.  Also, it can be left on under a plastic cap for 5 minutes or so while in the shower to allow for deeper ingredient penetration.

This process also allows for better penetration of next step; add humectants!  Recommend our P2 Deep Hydrating Hair and Scalp Treatment containing the skin care humectant Hyaluronic Acid.  And although just about every skin care advertisement today boasts about containing this moisture binding powerhouse, Philip was the very first to add it to his haircare products decades ago.  It helps boost skin’s natural ability to hold onto moisture especially important during the winter.

Hyaluronic Acid is naturally found in the skin but also throughout all of nature especially in plants, such as in rose petals.  Philip uses this type of plant derived Hyaluronic Acid to help supplement the scalp.  This ingredient lasts in the hair and scalp for several days to a week, depending on porosity, and with reapplication you can help maintain a proper moisture level.  The result is healthy looking, shiny hair and less flakes!

Tip…this same process can be done to the feet and hands one or two times a week as well for soft smooth hydrated results!

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek is a treasure trove of in-depth Philip Pelusi ingredient knowledge.  To see all Chic Geeks, go to…  Chic Geek (busystylist.com)

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek by Nikki ~ Product Education Director

Today’s marketplace demands the very best ingredients in a product but of equal importance, what’s not in a product.  Today’s consumer will sometimes not purchase a product based on ingredients they perceive to be bad.

This is certainly true of food, with Subway, Panera, Dunkin Donuts, Kraft and countless other companies touting their removal of chemical or artificial ingredients and colors from the food products.  Other companies, such as various fresh food delivery services, market not only how delicious the food is but also their “clean, fresh, organic” ingredients. 

Philip Pelusi, as always, is so far ahead of the curve on this in creating hair care products.  A symbol of excellence portraying the latest technology and consumer and earth friendly ingredients, The P2 by Philip Pelusi and Tela Beauty Organics products are Sulfate Free, Paraben Free, Formaldehyde Free, Phthalates Free, Mineral Oil Free, Synthetic Fragrance Free, Retinyl Palmitate Free, Coal Tar Free, Oxybenzone Free, Hydroquinone Free, Triclosan Free, Triclocarban Free, PEG-Free, Dioxane-Free, Synthetic Dyes Free, GMO Free, Silicone Free, Cruelty Free, Salt Free, BPA Free, Gluten Free (finishing throughout 2024), Silicone Free (finishing in 2024), and Allergen Free Fragrance.  Philip’s products are also Ozone Safe with No Animal Testing.  “Free” never felt so good!

Every Philip Pelusi formula has been updated over the decades, never standing still, always improving in performance, ingredients and marketplace demands.  Moving forward, Philip Pelusi updated formulas will continue to reflect this credo with some new consumer demands being added to the list.

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek is a treasure trove of in-depth Philip Pelusi ingredient knowledge.  To see all Chic Geeks, go to…  Chic Geek (busystylist.com)

Every superhero has its nemesis.  For Superman it was kryptonite LOL. 

For Stylists and Guests our superhero so to speak is hair color, taking our haircuts to a whole new visual level and our Guest’s look into something confidence boosting and dynamic.  One of its number one enemy is water.  Meaning out of the tap, take a shower in it, water.

Water, surprisingly, is one of the biggest color fading agents.  It’s the same when we wash our clothes!  The more they are laundered, the more the color of the fabric fades.  Side note, this is a really relatable analogy that when communicated to guests helps them understand their hair and the importance of your recommended at-home hair color maintenance program.

So how do we keep water, a necessary part of our cleansing routine, something that minimally effects hair color investments?  First, we must partner with our guests to use the proper home-care product routines and regulate how often they should be cleansing.  We can explain that when we wet our hair, this changes the physical properties of the hair so the more often we take our hair from dry to wet, the more the color molecules will slip through the broken keratin sites of the cortex and cuticle therefore making hair color look faded.  So, limiting the number of times we cleanse, plus the might products makes a huge difference. 

Next, it’s all about the product technology.  An absolute must recommendation is our unmatched, revolutionary Tela Color Lock+.  It should be used in every in-salon color formulation and will help limit color fadage from the start.  Then in addition, having the guest put 1 – 2 pumps of Tela Color Lock+ into their regular conditioning routine.  It can mixed right in their texture-oriented Philip Pelusi conditioner, applied to the hair and scalp, leave on a few minutes or longer for a treatment while in the shower, then rinse.  To learn more about this dynamic product watch this groovy 3-minute video…

In addition, we recommend all of our hair color Guests use one of our many ultra-color-protecting texture-oriented Philip Pelusi shampoos.  Plus alternating with our P2 by Philip Pelusi Clenz Crème No Suds Cleansing Conditioner, will make a huge difference.  Their revolutionary ingredients, zero water and zero sulfate formulas all help guard against color from fading.  To learn more about all Philip Pelusi Shampoos click on (insert P2 Video library link).  And for a deep dive into P2 Clenz Crème watch this cool 2-minute video…

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek is a treasure trove of in-depth Philip Pelusi ingredient knowledge.  To see all Chic Geeks, go to…  Chic Geek (busystylist.com)

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek by Nikki ~ Product Education Director

Do you ever wonder why Philip’s products have such a dramatic, long-lasting, rejuvenating effect on the hair and scalp?  It’s because Philips products are literally scientific marvels based on something called Substantivity; the scientific fact that when the right type and size protein is applied to the hair they are attracted to one another and cling to each other just like a magnet does to a refrigerator.

When creating his products Philip chooses the finest quality plant proteins, then makes them the perfect molecular size thru Micro Emulsion Technology for the best, deepest and longest lasting penetration even into the smallest broken keratin sites.  Hair’s condition is greatly improved so it responds better, is more resistant to damage, shine and strength are improved, as well as greatly reduced color fadage.

(pics of microscopic ingredients and PP products)

Similar to any great fitness program or a multi-vitamin, these results need to be maintained with consistent use of your “stylist prescribed” Philip Pelusi product system.  If not, just like failing to do ab-crunches, your hair will eventually revert to where it was.  So be “A Cut Above The Rest” and educate your guests about the science behind Philip’s products!

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek is a treasure trove of in-depth Philip Pelusi ingredient knowledge.  To see all Chic Geeks go to… Chic Geek (busystylist.com)

by Nikki B. ~ Product Education Director

Did you know aerosol hairsprays are one of the big no-no’s for hair color preservation?  In a recent article published by Beauty Launch Pad, they state aerosol sprays can “remove hair color molecules from the hair” due to their “high alcohol content” and “high Ph” level.  We agree!

Aerosol hairsprays are damaging to the hair fabric and also ruin the stylist’s beautiful artistry and the guest’s hair color investment.  And further, this leaves the guest wondering why their color is fading.  Bad application?  Faulty hair color product?  Did my stylist do something wrong?  We don’t want any of that at Philip Pelusi.

In over 55 years of haircare product creation, Philip Pelusi has always had a NO aerosol policy, light years ahead of its time!  Philip Pelusi has NEVER created an aerosol product.  No aerosol sprays, no aerosol mousse, no aerosol anything, not even in the 1960’s and then again not in the 1980’s when these types of products were in high demand by the public from which he could have had thousands of products sales.  But he still said no, aerosols do not fit into his product creation credo.

Why?  Well, we believe that Philip must have an internal crystal ball in which he can see into the future, seeing today’s “green” trend way ahead of anybody.  But he could also see what was right in front of him too, meaning he looked around his salon knowing he wanted to help protect the safety of his guests, his stylists, their hair, and the environment from the foe of the aerosol product.

Let’s unpack this!  Philip believed then and still does now that he that does not want himself as a stylist, his employees or his guests breathing in harmful aerosol fumes day in and day out, week after week, month after month, year after year.  He felt this would be dangerous to the body.  Think about it, stylists doing hair in a relatively small space with fumes whirling about on a consistent basis.  And it turns out decades later he was absolutely right!

Also, he believed that these aerosol carcinogens would inevitably be bad for the environment too.  Perhaps not ruin the ozone layer on their own but be a contributing factor to poorer air quality for the consumer using the product.

Additionally, Philip’s chief concern has always been with the quality of the guest’s hair fabric and hair color investment preservation.  His mantra has always been that our hair is the most important fabric we wear.  We wear our hair fabric every day!  Hair products play one of most important roles in protecting and enhancing the hair texture and condition.  So why put drying carcinogens onto the hair via aerosol sprays or mousse?  Philip simply said no to that.

Instead, Philip created a strengthening non-aerosol mousse and 4 incredible non-aerosol styling and finishing sprays, P2 by Philip Pelusi Liquid Mousse, P2 Fluid Spray, P2 Define Root Lift Spray, P2 Rivet Finishing Spray and P2 Industrial Finishing Spray.  All non-aerosol and containing good for the hair ingredients such as plant proteins and moisturizers, UV filters and antioxidants.  And all of these formulas have been updated throughout the years too!

And one last mystery to unfold here, Philip’s intentional use of a small amount of an alcohol-derivative in his hairsprays so support his non-aerosol initiative.  Why?  Because all of Philip’s sprays are non-aerosol, they needed a way to get out of the bottle and onto the hair, to literally turn from a liquid into a spray.  And SD-Alcohol 40 is a safe way to do this!  Not a traditional “drinking” alcohol, this alcohol evaporates the second it hits the air. 

Simply put, the liquid “spray” comes up from the bottle up through the dispenser and then when it leaves the bottle, the split second it hits the air, this alcohol-derivative evaporates turning the liquid into a fine mist allowing it to disperse onto the hair without any alcohol getting onto the hair at all.  A non-aerosol workaround, if you will, to allow stylists and clients to get the hold and style they are looking for but with zero aerosol anything involved!

For more information about Philip’s Styling and Finishing Sprays go to our Philip Pelusi company website (click here) P2 Virtual Product Classes (busystylist.com) and view the P2 by Philip Pelusi Virtual Product Class ~ Special Effects ~ How to Shape, Craft and Hold!

The Philip Pelusi Chic Geek is a treasure trove of in-depth Philip Pelusi ingredient knowledge.  To see all Chic Geeks go to… Chic Geek (busystylist.com)