Traci Aylmer of Earth Organic Hairdressing is a passionate advocate for natural, organic beauty and haircare products. She tells Cityscape why she made the switch, and what the benefits are.

Why do you use products with only natural ingredients? I like to use natural products because I have discovered over the last decade that beauty and haircare products contain alarmingly harmful chemicals. Learning that parabens have been found in breast tumours was the final straw.

What is the philosophy behind it? I think my philosophy is based on caring about what I pass on to others and caring deeply about animal welfare. Nothing in my salon or home is tested on animals.

What do you see as the benefits? The benefits of using natural products are really a no-brainer. If I said to you ‘Would you like to absorb this carcinogenic cream through your skin to make it softer or would you like to rub this natural cream on your skin that is harmless and has the same effect?’, what would you choose?

What has been the response from clients? More and more people are waking up to this movement. The response from clients is overwhelmingly good. Educating our clients is something we all agree on as being an integral part of our service.

Was it difficult to source products that fitted with your philosophy? I spent a year researching products. Sifting through the ‘smokescreen’ was interesting and time-consuming. It was an enjoyable process and I learnt so much about what chemicals are in all sorts of products and what effects they have on our bodies.

Are the new products as effective as the ones they have replaced? I would only use products that are 100 percent effective. I spent time matching and testing conventional products against natural products and to be perfectly honest I feel they perform better.

If you could give the world one haircare tip, what would it be? Use a good professional and natural shampoo/conditioner.

earthorganichairdressing.co.nz