 Ever been to an eco-friendly nail salon? How about a 'chemical-free' one? I had my opportunity while on vacation in Chicago this past December. It's been about a year since I started my chemical-free lifestyle journey. I first started last year by eliminating in complete any container that had chemicals in it. Yes, that called for a 2-week home cleanse from laundry soap to most of the insides of my make-up bag. Boy! It has been a difficult one; completely amazing how dependent we are or have become of c-h-e-m-i-c-a-l-s. I did replace all my soaps with naturally made(which called to play chemist) solvents. Anyways, back to my chemical-free and eco-conscious manicure. Well, it was during one of the freezing days in Chicago, but I was determined to find a chemical-free nail salon. My hands and nails were screaming in thirst and handcream was not cutting it anymore! So, I got online and did a quick search, I knew Chicago had to have something. This city is pretty up-to-par with the changes around the world. Si senor!(yes, sir), I found one that was both eco-friendly and chemical-free and only about a mile and half from where I was staying. This was a win-win during a brutal cold day---I don't kid you on this. So much, people were doing science projects outside with hot water. Typically, I search for eco-friendly nail salons, but I had to up my game this time; just felt right. It was time to get off the chemicals from nail polishes, cleaning solvents and whatnot. I had already given up your typical toxic nail-polish remover; it was time to move forward. Unbelievably, I had found Noktivo; Chicago's premier eco-friendly and chemical-free nail salon located in the Northside of Chicago. I super layered myself and got on that Lawrence bus(I have to mention I love Chicago transportation--well, on certain routes that is) and headed over to my eco-friendly and chemical-free manicure appointment. You might be asking why chemical-free? To make the story short; some of the chemicals that we consume whether through food or the biggest organ of our body; skin---- are hormone disruptive and cause cancer. The fumes are not only disruptive to the body but to the environment as well. I strongly suggest to look into this if you have not yet and remember one-step-at-a-time; it can get a bit overwhelming. The faith side? the responsibility to care for my body which was entrusted to me in the best way possible along to do my part in social responsibility.  The bus ride was quick and warm--thank you Chicago Transit Authority. It was across the street and about half a block north. I walked into a cozy and chic salon with no fume smells. Love it! I was warmly welcomed with warm tea and began the process of my manicure. Everything smelled delish! I did the USDA Organic Sugar & Shea *The Luxury Treatment* which included raw sugar scrub, a shea butter rub, honey mask, a hot towel wrap and massage. Totally divine and healthy! What else can I ask for? Probably another hour. LOL. Anyways, throughout my treatment, I also did have a nice conversation with the owner whom I was lucky to have as my manicurist. By the way, for my vegan readers, Noktivo has a selection of vegan nail polishes. After the treatment was done, I walked around the nail spa to check-out the natural products and books from their Green Beauty Shop. They carry a range of local brands that cater natural brands for the face, hands and body worth checking-out. Indeed, I left completely relaxed. But, like any other manicure, the real test comes days after the treatment. Well, I can say the my eco-friendly and chemical-free manicure help up through all my brutal cold outdoor days in Chicago until I made it back home in New York. Talking about all this calls for a home treatment of honey and coconut oil hand mask. Ever tried one of those? Just don't eat it off. It's beyond hydrating! Notivo Spa also offers healthy natural facials, spa parties and waxing. They are located at 4831 N. Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60625. Visit them at www.noktivo.com Written by M. Sadeel Allam who enjoys diversity in cultures, eateries, religions, styles and a good conversation over tea. "Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication" - Leonardo De Vinci
Comments
|
