I first met Providence-based hair stylist and herbalist, Jo-Anna Cassino, almost two years ago when I wrote a story on her natural beauty line, Botanic Providence, for Rhode Island Monthly. I instantly became smitten with her knowledge on herbs and holistic healing, and impressed by her amazing in-salon apothecary, which is stocked with all natural products for skin, face and hair as well as herbal extracts, tinctures, bitters, house tea and herbal tea blends. Jo-Anna owns Providence-based Flipp Salon, which offers non-toxic hair and beauty treatments, and has two trained herbalists and seven stylists on staff. While JoAnna’s salon remains closed during Covid-19 and hopefully reopening soon, I thought she would be a great person to chat with on her current beauty routine and what herbs are good to help calm our minds and build up immunity during this challenging time.
Here’s a glimpse into Jo-Anna’s day and her favorite herbs and remedies:
How do you start your day?
Most days, I start with a shower to provide a fresh start both physically and mentally to prepare for the day ahead. I rotate between a rich cup of coffee (The Apothecoffee blend by New Harvest, which I also use in our coffee body polish as well), sip on a hot thermos of green tea or I create an herbal tisana that supports focus and nutrition if I have a long day of studies ahead. I also rotate between indoor cycling, yoga and walks in the woods or in my neighborhood.
Can you share your morning skincare routine?
My skincare routine is pretty consistent. I cleanse the skin with a gentle oil, mist with my fragrant facial tonic, and follow up with an oil/serum to moisturize. I am the formulator for Botanic Providence, so I use my own products. I also love to try new brands that are in line with mine. My latest favorite is Herbivore.
How have you’ve been taking care of your hair?
I don’t wash my hair often, instead I gently cleanse the hair, while focusing on the health of the scalp. I use a weekly exfoliator to slough off dead skin cells and reinforce follicle health. To gently cleanse, I rotate with dry shampoo by either Botanic or Cult+ King or I use Harmonic by Intelligent Nutrients, New Wash, or Oway moisturizing hair bath. To treat and style, I use Botanic’s Argan and Abyssianian hair serum (pictured below), Cult+King’s Black pomade, and Botanic’s Sea Salt Mist for texture. If I need extra volume I add a little dry shampoo or I use Oway volumizing mist.
What herbs are you recommending for health and wellness right now?
I can suggest things that bring comfort and support the body during these times, but for specific issues I would advise an intake consultation with a trained herbalist. Herbs that fall into the Nervine Category (help support the nervous system) like chamomile, lavender, California poppy, passion flower, lemon balm, skullcap to name a few. Some stronger nervines can help support sleep such as hops or valerian root. Healthy digestion is key to good immune function, so herbs such as fennel, peppermint, dandelion and bitter herbs are good options. Lemon balm and chamomile also help out in this area. In addition, it’s allergy season, so herbs that support a healthy histamine response and are anti-inflammatory such as turmeric, rosemary, ginger, nettles, thyme, onion and anything high in quercetin are good. A lot of what you see coming up in your own backyard right now is also an ally for the times, dandelion (digestive support, great for skin), violet (great for dry cough and dry skin), and mullein (lung support) in particular. The nice thing about these herbs, is that as a whole they are all helpful allies and there are so many versatile ways to use them, from tea blends to soups and syrups. Please remember, DO NOT forage unless you can identify the herbs with certainty, as there are many toxic species that look almost identical to the medicinals, you must also know the quality of the soil and how endangered the species is.
How have you been unwinding at the end of the day?
I unwind with candles, a hot bath, stretching and a nighttime walk. I love to burn incense and make my own. I also love a good podcast on anything food, music, art, astronomy, astrology or plant medicine. Freakonomics is really good. And, a good glass of red wine or glass of bubbly with edible flowers, of course.
What are some things that are bringing you joy right now in this strange time?
I’ve been binge watching Jane the Virgin and SNL home version for a good laugh. If I feel like a party I tune into Dance Church or find a local DJ doing online gigs—Troop PVD has a good one. I also love card games. I’m actually formulating and testing a few new products for my line, so that has been really fun and uplifting the spirit! Most of all, I love a good book to take me on a journey. I also signed up for Masterclass, so I can get closer to Neil DeGrasse Tyson (lol).
To check out Jo-Anna’s apothecary and Botanic Line visit http://www.flippsalon.com Right now, she is offering 20 percent off all her products with 10 percent of the proceeds going to RI Food Bank. They are doing curbside pick up and delivery on all orders. You can email joanna@flippsalon.com for more information.
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