Trichologist Maureen Toohey, owner of Fresh Organic Salon, in Bedford Hills, New York, has been a visionary in the beauty and wellness industry for more than 35 years. The research and development of natural, holistic approaches to beauty has been at the center of the values driving her business.

As a pioneer in the natural, organic salon movement, this wellness advocate doesn’t compromise when seeking innovative technology and ingredients to ensure safety and a better quality of life for her clients. She partners with manufacturers around the globe that ban toxic chemicals from their ingredient lists and whose ethos are aligned with fostering health to all living beings on Earth.

Over the years, Toohey has noticed more and more clients reporting hair shedding and scalp issues. “Some of them have been reporting up to 50 percent hair loss and there’s been a rapid increase in people between the ages of 16 and 40 years of age,” she says. By implementing a paramedical and holistic approach to hair reregeneration, Toohey has been successful in assisting countless individuals in restoring and maintaining healthy hair growth, a healthy scalp and overall better health and wellness. Natural Awakenings got the chance to catch up with her to discuss the way she addresses hair loss with her clients.

When did you start specializing in hair loss prevention and regeneration?

In 1986, while working in White Plains, New York, I had a lot of corporate clients interested in using minoxidil when it first came out. I never recommended minoxidil and successfully prevented many clients from using it. I was getting the same results with my clients using all-natural products paired with lifestyle modifications.

What is your standard approach to clients seeking your expert advice about hair loss?

I start with an in-depth evaluation to get to the root cause of why someone is experiencing hair loss. Using trichoscopy, I analyze their scalp and hair and take extra time to listen to their concerns and past history. I treat everyone as if they were my own family with honesty and meticulous attention. I then design solutions, such as using our in-salon, state-of-the-art photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy combined with guided home maintenance.

These solutions only comprise effective holistic remedies that guarantee no side effects. This non-abrasive approach may include detoxification through guided nutrition, a scalp and hair detox, scalp massage and other beneficial therapies for restoring youthfulness to one’s hair, scalp balance and overall wellness.

Why do you think there’s been such an uptick in people experiencing issues with hair loss?

There are many reasons why someone experiences hair loss or scalp disorders including autoimmune disorders, hormone imbalance, medication side effects and more.  Stress can affect hair loss, and so many of us have been under a great deal of added stress the past few years. I collaborate with my clients’ doctors, dermatologists and integrative medicine practitioners, in addition to recommending a non-toxic healthy lifestyle which includes good nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction through mind-body practices such as meditation. When your body systems are not in harmony or toxic overloaded, it slows down other systems and cuts off nutrients and blood supply. This is when skin and scalp disorders show up, which can lead to more permanent hair loss. There are so many lifestyle changes we can implement to minimize hair loss. Self-care is crucial for maintaining a healthy scalp and hair.

What drives you to provide only safe, non-toxic products to your clients?

I’ve been a natural health advocate for decades. It truly saddens me that the major brands of health and beauty products wreak such havoc on our bodies. Being a cosmetologist is one of the most toxic careers. Many of my peers have passed away due to lung and kidney disease. As a child growing up in the salon environment, I developed many side effects. I’m no longer sick at the end of my workday. I want all people to be able to experience the benefits of going to a beauty salon, without any harmful consequences.

Fresh Organic Salon is located at 190 Rte. 117 Bypass Rd., in Bedford Hills. Starting this month, the salon will be hosting healthy beauty wellness gatherings, lectures and workshops. (See the community calendar starting on page 44.) To schedule a free hair and scalp consultation or for 20 percent off an organic makeover, call 914.242.1928, email [email protected] or visit FreshOrganicSalon.com.

“I want to take this time to acknowledge everyone that I work with at Fresh Organic Salon. These wonderful professionals are a rare find. I am beyond proud of each and every one of them as they’ve embraced a more holistic approach to beauty from the inside out. They all have advanced their knowledge and skills and are just so talented and team-oriented. But most of all, they are truly kind, caring, patient and loving people.”  

~ Maureen Toohey, Owner of Fresh Organic Salon