Twin Cities spas go eco-friendly

Going au naturel with your beauty routine is no longer the patchouli-laced, DIY debacle that it once was. These days, nontoxic personal care products are available at the corner store and more spas and salons are going eco-friendly by offering treatments ranging from raw facials to ammonia-free hair coloring. Here are five Twin Cities retreats that are bringing feel-good-about-it beauty to the masses.

Fusion LifeSpaPart luxury spa retreat, part natural health clinic, Fusion was ahead of its time when esthetician Donna Duffy founded it six years ago. Along with her architect husband, she built an eco-sensitive oasis with a holistic approach to beauty. Services range from natural nail treatments and organic waxing and tinting to acupuncture and chiropractic care. Later this year the spa will begin offering therapeutic bath and water treatments. It also hosts wellness seminars -- including an introduction to meditation and nutritionist-led group cleanses -- in the spring and fall.

Try: The organic facials and fruit enzyme peels, which incorporate Duffy's 100 percent natural, nontoxic skin care line.

Details: 18142 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven, 952-345-3335, www.fusionlifespa.com.

Horst and Friends SalonMore than 30 years after founding Aveda, Horst Rechelbacher returned to his roots with the opening of his latest namesake salon. The certified-organic salon is housed in the Minneapolis headquarters of Intelligent Nutrients, his nontoxic, plant-based health and beauty company. It uses Intelligent Nutrients products, including a shot of fortifying Intellimune Oil and an Aroma Journey, at the start of each appointment. (Although Horst doesn't do hairstyling, he has hand-picked the salon's stylists.) Later this spring, the salon plans to offer nontoxic spa treatments and laser hair-growth treatments using plant stem cells.

Try: A haircut and style using the cult-favorite Intelligent Nutrients line, followed by a free Clarisonic mini-facial.

Details: 983 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls., 612-617-2011, www.horstandfriends.com.

Kasia Organic SpaPeople often come to Kasia Organic Spa in a panic after developing an allergy (e.g. itching, rashes) to professional hair color, said owner Kassie Kuehl. What they find is one of the best-kept beauty secrets: "Ammonia-free hair color doesn't cause a reaction, and actually lasts longer than traditional formulas because it doesn't open up the cuticle as much," said Kuehl. Just a year old, the laid-back south Minneapolis spa has become a destination for natural-beauty products and services. Facials include a skin-health analysis and plans for an at-home regimen, and Kuehl parlays her background as a personal trainer and functional medicine practitioner into customized cleanses for clients.

Try: Permanent hair color free of ammonia and other chemicals, or Kasia's line of natural sun care and Pure-odorant deodorant.

Details: 822 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-824-7611, www.kasiaorganic salon.com.

Nature of BeautyMaking eco-friendly beauty accessible is second nature for women's health advocate and owner Terri Bly. She has a knack for sourcing high-performing nontoxic products, which are available at her popular online shop, natureofbeauty.com, and at her new spa and boutique in Mendota Heights. Pick up the brightening eye serum from Naturopathica, nab a makeup lesson using Vapour Organic's foundations, or head back to a zen-inspired treatment room for a facial featuring one of certified-aromatherapist Le Joy's custom blends. Dedicate a night of detoxifying your beauty routine by booking a Makeover & Wine party with a group of friends.

Try: Dermaplaning, a chemical-free alternative to microdermabrasion, or the new organic biodynamic facial with raw organic honey and goat's milk yogurt.

Details: 50 Main St., Mendota Heights, 651-222-3127, www.natureofbeauty.com.

Nurturing You Beyond Organic Salon SpaAfter Laura Arechigo developed a sensitivity to the chemicals she'd long used as a hairstylist and esthetician, she embraced a more organic lifestyle. That included opening a spa. Tucked into the lower level of her cozy Minnehaha Parkway walkout, Nurturing You reflects Arechigo's intimate approach to wellness. In addition to offering a full menu of salon-spa services using only organic and natural product lines, she conducts "holistic personal beauty profiling" consultations to help clients enhance their physical qualities with the right haircut, color, makeup and clothing.

Try: An organic pedicure using the locally made nail-care line Nontoxique, a formaldehyde-free hair straightening treatment, or one of the detoxifying ayurvedic services.

Details: 30 W. Minnehaha Pkwy., Mpls., 612-827-5422, www.beyond organicsalonspa.com

Minneapolis-based lifestyle expert Elizabeth Dehn is the founder of beautybets.com.