Ask Karen - March 2002

I read that you spent over one year researching the ingredients that went into your HairTopia vitamin for hair.  I noticed that it specifically did not include iron as an ingredient.  I know that many other hair growth vitamins do specifically include iron.  I know that you probably have a very good reason for not selecting it to be included in HairTopia but I am wondering if you could explain further?

Thanks,

Petra

Answer

Dear Petra,

Iron supplementation is a controversial topic that is often debated by experts. On the plus side iron supplementation can be beneficial for women of childbearing age who may experience iron depletion during their monthly cycle.  Some experts believe that it is acceptable for women who are not menopausal or suffering from health issues to take up to 18 mg of iron per day.  Other physicians and health care specialists believe that additional iron supplementation is not necessary if a nutritious food plan is followed.  

Iron can have a negative impact.  Recent scientific studies have found that excess iron in the body may potentially increase the risk of heart disease and/or cancer in some cases.  A more conservative view is that all men and women of any age group should never take more that 4-8 mg of additional iron per day without the express recommendation of their doctors. 

Except under strict recommendation of a physician, children under the age of 12 should never take iron supplements.  Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of poisoning in children under the age of 6.  All products containing iron should be carefully kept out of the reach of all children to prevent accidental ingestion.

While iron helps transport oxygen from the lungs to other body tissue and is beneficial for healthy cell growth, an excess may be dangerous to some people under inappropriate conditions.  

During the research of the HairTopia vitamin I was advised by both nutritional specialists and consumer hair care advocates to leave iron out of the final vitamin formula.   Conservative by nature, I subscribe to a "better safe than sorry" philosophy.  After much consultation it was decided that it was best to offer HairTopia without extra iron.

Does this mean that iron supplements are bad?  Absolutely not.  It means, like everything else in life, that people need to make appropriate choices for their own specific needs.  Some people, especially women of certain ages and physical conditions need additional iron in their diets.  Other people such as children, men and menopausal women may need to limit or eliminate iron supplementation in their daily food plan. 

The ultimate recommendation about whether to take iron or not should come from your physician. 

Best wishes,

Karen

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I adore HairBoutique.com and all the great articles.  Recently I read in the Allure March 2002 issues that Thierry Mas of Miami's Stella Salon loves Phytologie Phtojoba shampoo and Phytodefrisant Balm.  I used to be acquainted with a model from Elite that had her curly hair done by Thierry and it looked amazing.  She wore it both very curly and also stick straight.  I believe she used the Phytodefrisant for both looks. 

I now live in Oklahoma and can't find Phyto products anywhere convenient to where I live. Can you help?  Also, have you ever used Phyto products and what do you think?

Many well-known celebrity stylists love and recommend the Phyto products.  I certainly understand why.  The entire line is nothing short of fabulous.  HairBoutique.com invested in the complete line of Phyto hair products from the Phytotherathrie line in June of 2001.  Since that date we have never been sold out of any of the Phyto products longer than 24 hours which was our commitment to our Phytologie customers who count us to keep their favorite products on hand. 

Although Phyto also manufacturers the Secret Professional line that is sold exclusively to Spas and Salons, Phytotherathrie limits distribution of that line.

Of all the products that Phytotherathrie allows to be sold on the Web, we carry every single one. 

Yes, I have personally used almost every single product that Phytologie sells.  In fact, there is not a single product line in the Hairboutique.com Marketplace that I haven't tried before we added it to our online store. 

My love affair with Phytologie started in 1997 when I first discovered Phyto 7 leave-in conditioner.  I also loved the Phytocidre shampoo for my dry, naturally wavy, highlighted hair.  Phytocidre has real vinegar in the ingredients and thus it does not foam at all.  However, it gives incredible shampoo results with a proven accumulative result of conditioning and softness.

My only problem with Phytologie, like you, was trying to find a convenient location to buy the products.  Although they sell Phytologie at Nordstroms in the Galleria in Dallas and at several private salons, making time in my insanely busy schedule to shop was impossible.

The Phytodefrisant and Phytojoba have been the darlings of many beauty editors for magazines such as Allure, Glamour, InStyle and Lucky to name just a few of the hundreds of publications that have featured the Phyto products over the years.

Please feel free to email me if you have questions or need additional details about any of the Phyto products. 

Best wishes,

Karen

PS.  To visit the talented hairstylist Thierry Mas, make an appointment at Stella Salon in Miami (305-532-0024).