Let me start by saying that Richie could not have picked a more critical or difficult client to test the new color line. In the last year I had a very bad experience at a salon with cut and color so he knew I would be very honest to say the least. I also desired to lighten my hair to a multi-dimensional copper/red/brown shade. This may not sound too difficult but my hair had been previously been dyed a very dark black with violet highlights that are extremely difficult to remove. (see photo)
Obviously, I had some concern of damage since this was a major task and we anticipated that the process could take up to four hours. After much discussion, Diana Paul, master cosmetologist, and graduate of Paul Mitchell Systems took me to the color room and we got started. In moments I was completely at ease and knew that she was an expert at her craft. She explained to me how hair related to chemistry and geometry which were her favorite subjects in college. I had never had anyone explain in such detail each step that they were taking to color my hair.
Within 90 minutes I had not only the most beautiful looking color I have ever had done but also my hair felt amazing. No joke, it is soft and shiny and in better condition than when I walked in the salon.
Natural or Not
Most hair colors on the market will make hair dry and brittle and strip it of much needed moisture. There are a couple of brands on the market touting that they do not damage your hair since they are “all natural” or “naturally-derived”. The truth is that ALL permanent hair color has to be combined with or include ammonia or mono-ethanolamine to lighten the hair as color does not change color. Unless you are using a temporary (6-8 week wash out color) your color is not 100% natural.
Contrary to popular belief, this does include Aveda which is 97% “naturally-derived” but it does contain ammonia as well as green tea extract and conditioning plant oils.
The Rica Story
Rica was founded in 1994 as a small-scale manufacturer and exporter of hair removal waxes. In a few short years Rica was the leader in the Italian hair removal sector and took the next step into the manufacturing of skincare cosmetics for both salon and retail outlets. Realizing this was just the beginning, in 2003 the company expanded and created the leading professional hair color line, ColoRica. Since that time they have added Naturica hair care and treatment line, Fix Styling and Ricabody premium body care.
I was fortunate enough to meet with the Managing Director of Rica, Alison Bates as well as the Global Technical Director, Jacky Barchay, who had been with L’Oreal for 27 years before being recruited by his Italian friend to create ColoRica. When they began formulating ColoRica they started with the basic principle that when hair is healthy, color will look beautiful but on the contrary, when it is unhealthy no matter how good the color the hair will look bad. Thus they took the approach to create a treatment for hair first and foremost and color second. To make the optimum formula Rica chose to use 8 cosmetic ingredients. (This is more than any other color line on the market today)
ColoRica Ingredients:
Marigold: Plant known for its particular soothing, softening and calming properties. It gives the scalp the delicacy it needs.
Liquorice: Medicinal plant with soothing, softening and anti-inflammatory action. (Marigold and Liquorice, will prevent any irritations during the application of the color)
Beeswax: Natural cosmetic element rich in mineral salts, proteins and Vitamin B5. It re-invigorates the hair guaranteeing protection, nutrition and moisture.
Jojoba oil: Jojoba is a small shrub whose fruits are rich in proteins and nutrients. Its oil is an excellent nourishing and protecting treatment for the hair, which becomes softer and glossier.
Vitamin C: The antioxidant par excellence, allows hair color to last longer because it is less subject to oxidation by external agents.
Keratin extract: Keratin is the main constituent of hair, a protein composed of 18-19 amino acids. Due to the action of external or chemical agents, as the hair ages, the hair structure loses 4 amino acids (serina, glycina, aspartic acid and glutamic acid). This causes instability in keratin cohesion and the hair loses strength and resistance. Keratin extract is simply a blend of those 4 amino acids that are therefore reintegrated to the structure of the hair, to restore strength, health and shine. This process is additive: every time the hair receives a ColoRica treatment, the amino acids build up, thus increasing hair strength every time it is treated.
2 Cationic polymers: Behentrimonium chloride and Polyquaternium are cationic polymers, positive charges present in the ColoRica formula that are attracted by the negative charge of the hair shaft. The opposite charges bind to create a protective film that covers and protects the hair shaft, leaving it smooth, glossy, soft and easy to comb.
New Generation Color
Thanks to its multidimensional molecular structure, “ColoRica” hair color stays inside the hair longer, to deliver longer lasting color. When washed, the hair cuticles in contact with the water open to let the color out. ColoRica’s three-point molecular structure contributes to preventing loss of color from the cortex. The color is therefore brighter for longer,
The company is situated on the slopes of Mount Etna, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Mount Etna is known for its fertile volcanic soils which support extensive agriculture as well as a producing a spring water source with optimum purity that is rich in precious minerals and trace elements. The water used in ColoRica comes from this mineral rich spring.
Rica products are present in more than 60 countries worldwide including Western and Eastern Europe, East and Asia Pacific and now the America’s.
Who wouldn’t want to support a company that has such fabulous products combined with respect for the environment?
To book your ColoRica appointment call Richie Arpino Salon in Buckhead at (404) 231-5092 today!
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