“You don’t have to choose between health and beauty” is the motivating force behind a new organic hair care salon in Gardiner. The Green Room on Route 44/55 is the newly opened, shared venture of Allison Demorest, Kristen Nicoli and Tina Betterton, longtime local hair stylists who have opted to start their own salon featuring all organic products that won’t sacrifice anyone’s health — their own or the clients’ — in the name of beauty.
The use of organic products benefits both client and stylist. Salons are typically home to a great deal of toxins in the air, from the chemicals used to process hair to the nail stations. Products are applied to the scalp and skin where they’re absorbed into the body. And consider the stylist who spends all of their days in that environment. Opening The Green Room, for its three proprietors, really all came down to wanting to live “the healthiest, cleanest life possible,” says Demorest.
The Green Room uses only products made by Oway — as in “organic way” — which are produced using biodynamic practices and certified fair trade and organic ingredients in Bologna, Italy. While the company’s assertion of being “From Farm to Chair” sounds very in sync with today’s world, they’ve actually been in business for some time, beginning as a pure essential oil company more than 100 years ago. Their products are formulated to achieve professional results using active botanicals and pure essential oils derived without any chemicals. Oway is the first line of professional-grade organic hair color, care and styling products made available on a wide scale. The company’s transparency when it comes to disclosing ingredients is one of the reasons The Green Room stylists like the products, says Demorest.
The new salon owners are committed to providing their clients the same kind of results they’re used to with traditional hair care practices but without sacrificing wellness for either stylist or client. The first question they’re always asked, Demorest says, is whether the organic hair color works as well as the chemical-laden versions. “And it does. It has 100 percent gray coverage, and actually makes your hair look better the longer you use it. It’s balanced and really healthy for your hair and scalp.”
The atmosphere in the salon on a recent late-morning visit was relaxed. With the doors open letting in fresh air, surrounded by plants and with paintings on the walls that will be rotated every few months, the vibe was comfortable and serene, which is exactly the effect they’re striving for, says Demorest. “We just want to create a positive, welcoming place without any chaos where we can achieve beauty and wellness with no harsh chemicals.”
Located next door to Meadowscent, the new business owners like the cross-pollination between their services and what the florist offers, she adds, and they’re happy about the proximity to Café Mio and Sunflower Art Studios as well as the number of other creative neighboring businesses in town. “Gardiner is a cute town, and really up-and-coming. And the people are really friendly.” The location previously housed a salon, so the plumbing and electric were already in place for their needs, requiring little additional construction.
Prices at The Green Room are moderate, in line with other salons in the area. Services offered include haircuts ($45), color ($75) or cut and color ($95). Nontoxic highlights range from $60-$100. Lip, chin and eyebrow waxing run $10-$15 each and natural makeup services are on the horizon. They don’t do nails. In the future, they’re talking about possibly having Reiki in the salon or having someone do massage there on their days off. In the spirit of their organic practice, they also like the idea of hosting classes on things like making your own natural skin care products.
The Green Room is open at 2356 Route 44/55 Tuesday through Saturday. Reserve an appointment by calling (845) 419-2125. More information is available at www.thegreenroom-gardiner.com or visit “The Green Room” on Facebook.
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