TELA DESIGN STUDIO
31 Little West 12th Street, NYC
SCIENCE & ORGANIC BEAUTY HAIRCARE
Words/Studio Images Judith Ecochard/Lyramag.com
Earth Day should be everyday. We get the awareness campaign when this concept was in its infancy back in the 1960’s (Rachel Carson’s chilling Silent Spring tome that documented the devastating and SCARY effects pesticides have on the environment)…but these celebratory occasions are watered down…no pun intended…
We thought about this as we entered the stunning, over 2000sq. foot loft like space that serves as the salon/performance mothership for the brands---- Tela® and P2™ by Philip Pelusi.
This hair and body luxurious collection (truly) takes the concept of organics seriously…meaning, when the Pittsburgh native Philip Pelusi came up with the brand…his concern was to make the most effective treatment products possible, irrespective of costs, using certified organic ingredients…as a starting point. Not with a set budget and work the other way. The typical MO.
THE RESULTS: Products that are as organic as they can possibly be (and the USDA certified organic contents ingredients are listed with percentages). Clever packaging too so that key goodies don’t become oxidized/contaminated and therefore NOT WORK.
THE SALON:
The warm brick walls, floor to ceiling windows filled with natural sunlight brightening up a gloomy winter day, glistening wood floors, and a 19th century Empire design bar that serves organic drinks and teas…are so calming in and of itself…we thought, we could hang here, for hours.
Our visit was more focused however…as we are spending an inordinate amount of time in a swimming pool these days. Besides emitting eau de chlorine from our skin…our hair is now a tinge lighter (actually, we like that)…BUT naturally, we are paranoid about how frazzled our locks might get.
Tela Design Studio is a full service salon…but we opted for a serious moisturizing treatment, a multi-step slice of heaven that included applications of the Rehydration Moisture Charge and the Red Marine Hydrating Treatment…both from the high end P2™ collection.
And we had our locks expertly trimmed, as we were embarrassed after we saw a back view of just how straggling it all got.
RESULTS: How hair was so shiny and silky soft…we couldn’t believe it. And we are attempting to keep the glow via P2™’s Clarifying Shampoo Treatment (we wet our hair, apply a bit, lather up and slap on our bathing cap to safeguard vs. pool chemicals)…followed by a hose down with the HAIRx Intense Hydrating Treatment…and the Tela® Healer…that we sparingly use from roots to ends…and then drip dry.
FYI: The assortment of products is staggering…that is why retailers like Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom’s--- that carry the line…and the Tela Design Studio itself…have a Consultant Analysis questionnaire (for P2) that’ll help target treatments and everyday care requirements and offer up suggestions…
WHAT ELSE:
We love the mission of nurturing creativity in more ways than one…as Tela Design Studio has served as a gracious host for fashion shows and art performances.
FINALE: We were there early afternoon…but as this space is in the hip Meatpacking area of Manhattan…the hours are neighborhood friendly---till 8 or 9PM Monday-Saturday---and Sunday hours too.
HOT: THE NEW MUST HAVE PRODUCT:
The GUARDIAN SPF 18 ORGANIC SUN PROTECTION FOR ALL HAIR TYPES ($40)
A lightweight, greaseless sun-guard ---Guardian is the first organic hair care product that provides superior sun protection with SPF 18…with 75% certified organic ingredients like:d,
Pomegranate, Green Tea, Bilberry Extract (Tela’s Organic Core Blend)
Hydrating Fusion Complex of Solomon’s Seal, Mountain Ladybell humectants, Plantain, Marshmallow Root and Reishi Mushroom (moisture, strength)
2-Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Benzophenone-3 and Polysilicone 15----active sunscreen ingredients to protect hair and scalp from UVA/UVB rays.
HINT: Guys can use this too...to cover a bald spot when out and about.
212 463-8213
