Hair & Wellness with Lisa Nguyen

Lisa Nguyen is the owner and founder of Enough Studio; a hair and wellness space founded in 2018 with a commitment to facilitating the beginning, continuation and evolution of their client's self-care journey- in and beyond the studio.

We sat down with Lisa to discuss the journey of Enough Studio, what it means to live Low Tox and how our nutrition can benefit our hair health.

We'd love to know the journey of Enough Studio and how it came to fruition?

The idea for the studio was born after many years of suffering painful chemical irritations and dermatitis on my hands as a hairdresser. I realised there was a huge problem in the industry - I didn't feel comfortable using products that contained ingredients that were toxic and harm both customer and hairstylist. It took a toll on my health, and I came close to leaving the industry after some terrible reactions to the products I had to use in the salon. I started researching alternatives and realised there was an opportunity to combine my passions for wellness and hair into a clean space - and ENOUGH was born!

ENOUGH was created to foster and nurture a community of like-minded individuals and businesses. Our studio was always intended to be shared and to facilitate learning and movement, so we offer the space for hire and have had movement specialists, holistic therapists, workshops and events here over the years. We also share our upstairs space with a naturopath and physiotherapist. Enough is the home of hair and health.

What do you think it means to live consciously? 

To live consciously, I shift my thinking and instead of being part of the society factory, aligning actions with my views and values and doing them everyday makes me feel fulfilled. We can learn how to focus on life as a journey to be experienced fully, rather than a means to an end.     

What does it mean to only use Lox Tox and Chemically reduced products? 

The average woman uses 12 personal care products a day, containing around 168 different chemicals, and whilst as a society we are increasingly making better informed decisions on our consumption with both health and sustainability in mind, our hair products are often the last on the list.

Whilst people are becoming more aware of the chemicals found in most products, what I have found is that they are not aware of the dangers, or why they’re supposed to be avoiding them.

For example, parabens are preservatives found in most hair care products, cosmetics, deodorants, and skin care. They mimic oestrogen, which interferes with hormone function, and may play a role in the development of breast cancer. What’s more is, parabens react to UVA rays, which leads to increased skin ageing and DNA damage.

PPD and PTD are in all commercial hair colours, and are the number one allergen that can cause major allergic reactions. Even if you are currently not allergic to these two chemicals, over time the toxicity levels build up in your body, which can result in sudden outbreaks and sensitivities.

I'm really passionate about getting the word out there that there are alternatives to the chemicals and toxins used to achieve the look or style someone is after - and we don't have to make sacrifices on the health of our hair, bodies; the health of the people who work with these products everyday; and of course, the environment.    

We're so interested in your movement specialist Aneeka, can you tell us more about what's involved? 

Aneeka is a movement enthusiast who's passion is helping people feel their best and perform their best. Having grown up playing elite sport Aneeka understands the push and drive it takes to succeed, but with that came multiple injuries and health concerns. She decided to take a step back and by taking a holistic approach to health and well-being through her physiotherapy practice she has been able to help herself and others achieve a "flow state" defined as: "an optimal state of consciousness where you feel your best and perform your best". For Aneeka and many of her clients slowing down, and working inwards has allowed a new sense of freedom. 

 The monthly movement flow is about prioritising your health and wellbeing the first Sunday of every month by allowing yourself to slow down, breathe, and move in ways you never have before. The class includes a mixture of foundation movements, mobility, strength, breathwork, and meditation followed by an organic tea and post movement snack.

ENOUGH Studio x Flowstate Physio classes are held the first Sunday of every month.

How do you think we can live consciously and use digital media to help us?

In a world that is obsessed with being busy; with acquiring and accumulating stuff; with keeping up with the Joneses - we want to take a step back and sideways and not get caught up in the hype of what society defines as 'success' and find safe and supportive spaces with those who want to go beyond this idea.
 

Hair health is a common issue for many of us, can you suggest some top foods to support this?

Healthy hair starts from within so to create hair that loves to grow and glow focus on quality nutrition via a nutrient-rich diet. Your hair follicles crave food rich in zinc, iron, biotin, niacin and vitamin C which can be found in things like eggs, sweet potatoes, nuts, berries, fish, olive oil, and avocados. Don't forget food rich in omega-3 and protein too. Like all good things in life, practice this in moderation. Your hair (and gut) will love you for it.

Enough Detox Tea supports digestion and improves health to the body, hair and skin.

How much do you think hormones play a part in this?

The key to holistic hair care is multifold: a nutrient-rich diet, helpful herbs & supplements, supportive lifestyle practices and stress control, and natural treatments are the best places to begin.

Your top tips for achieving optimal hair health:

• Massage your scalp often to stimulate hair growth, this gets your blood flowing
• Lower hot tool use – and opt for air styling instead
• Wear protective hairstyles – think braids, headbands and avoid wearing your hair up too tight and don’t overtease your hair.
• Cleanse your scalp – because build up can suffocate your roots and less to dull flat hair and breakage. 
• Moisturise your hair, ALL THE TIME – add a mask to your routine because hydrated hair grows way faster and stronger than dry, damaged hair.     

We'd love to know your favourtie hair products that you stock at Enough and their  benefits.

 Aede, Australian made natural hair supplements to promote hair growth and thickness targeting hairless associates with hormonal imbalance and stress.

Enough Detox Tea supports digestion and improves health to the body, hair and skin.

Addition Studios hair shampoo and conditioner bars - luxe plant based and plastic free haircare!

Thanks Lisa!

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Enough Studio was founded in 2018 by Lisa Nguyen to champion a low-tox and sustainably-focused hair and wellbeing experience. After years of exposure to harsh chemicals and fumes, Lisa set out to create a wellness sanctuary on Unley Road, Hyde Park to focus on delivering a holistic approach to all things hair, and an experience that is safe for both you and the environment. Whilst Enough Studio functions primarily as a hair salon, we also focus on physical and mental wellbeing.
www.weareenough.com.au

Be sure to follow @enoughstudio on socials for more hair wellness content. 

298-300 Unley Rd, Hyde Park SA 5061