When many people think of health and wellness, they think of a healthy heart, lungs, arms and legs. But Rachel DeRosa and Shelly McConnell also believe total health also includes hair and skin.

And the best way to get your skin and hair their healthiest? They believe it is through using all-natural and organic care products, and they have begun providing those products through a new salon.

“If you don't feel good about yourself, you just don't feel good,” McConnell said last week while working on a client's hair.

DeRosa and McConnell opened Serenity Salon last month inside holistic spa The Center in Auburn. The salon uses only organic products, including hair color and nail products that are conventionally known for containing strong chemicals.

DeRosa, who is the niece of The Center's owner, said the mission of the spa made it obvious that Serenity would not be able to go any other route than all-natural hair and skin care. But she also said she has long been a fan of natural products even when working at other salons through her career.

“I really have trouble promoting and standing behind products that I don't feel are pure and healthy for an individual,” said DeRosa, 25.

Serenity Spa offers hair color, cutting and styling, as well as hair removal and skin care services. It will soon offer nail work, as well as a Friday evening beauty bar during which people can show up and get some all-around work - wax, condition, manicure and style - before heading out for the weekend.

DeRosa said the organic products, like any new hair or skin care line, takes some getting used to. But many of them have advantages, she said. The color lines look much more natural than some of the conventional ones, she said.

And they are oil-based. People pay lots of money to get oil treatments in their hair, she said.

“You notice a difference as soon as the color is applied,” DeRosa said. “The flax oil, the plant essence, they help repair the cuticle. Others break down the cuticle. This is like vitamins for the hair.”

DeRosa and McConnell both said most people aren't aware of how many chemicals are in typical styling products. But as much as Serenity is about green and natural hair and skin care, it's also about being pampered.

It's no accident the salon is in The Center, which offers many holistic and natural health services for clients. Down the hall, you can get a massage, acupuncture, Reiki or other natural treatment to improve overall wellness.

The Center, DeRosa said, is supposed to be a relaxing, nurturing environment for all who come. The same goes for Serenity.

“We really care about the client's well-being. It's not about the almighty dollar,” DeRosa said.

For more about Serenity Salon at

The Center, call

704-0319 or visit

www.thecenter4

wellness.com