Hair salon switches to organic products after doctor's order

Fusion salon will host a July 3 event to celebrate the change

The Southwest Community Connection, Jul 1, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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MULTNOMAH – After years of working with hair color, Tamara Marshall, owner of Multnomah’s Fusion Cut and Color Salon, was given a tough choice by her doctor: Stop using chemicals or shut down her salon.

Marshall had become increasingly sensitive to breathing its harsh chemicals. Coupled with the negative effects she had seen on her clients’ skin, Marshall decided it was time for a change and transformed Fusion Cut and Color into an entirely organic salon.

Now not only are Fusion’s customers free of the burning and itching often caused by traditional hair color, they enjoy a salon environment absent of chemical fumes. Because the salon does no perms, relaxers, bleaches or nail services, it should be safe for those with compromised immune systems or allergies, as well as pregnant and nursing mothers.

None of Fusion Cut and Color’s products are tested on animals and most are vegan. One of Marshall’s best finds is the all-nutrient hair color from the United Kingdom: Organic Color Systems, a new pH-balanced product low in PPD (Para-Phenyline Diamine). Marshall claims that it is both safe for her salon’s clients and easy on the environment.

“It’s important for consumers to understand the truth behind what’s on the market and realize they have options,” she said. “At Fusion, everyone can get gorgeous without the guilt.”

Marshall said she does a number of other things to see that her salon is socially conscious. Fusion donates long hair to Locks of Love, an organization that creates wigs for children with cancer. The salon also recycles hair clippings for Matter of Trust, which uses the hair to help clean up oil spills.

The salon is having an Open House on First Friday, July 3, from 5-10 p.m., consisting of music, food, fun, and an artwork/jewelry sale by Peace for Paul, a nonprofit based in Uganda. Festivities also include a sustainable art fair, gift bags and a raffle from local artisans.

For more information call the salon at 503-246-7940 or visit www.fusioncutandcolor.com. Fusion is located at 7870 S.W. Capitol Hwy.