Viridis \vir-ad-eze\ adj. Latin: green

Rashes, numbness, chronic headaches, fatigue, lung and liver problems—not exactly incentives to visit a typical beauty salon. But these conditions associated with sick building syndrome (SBS) can be acute for salon professionals and clients in inadequately ventilated buildings. Even once-a-month salon goers are sometimes made ill. The powerful aromas of your average color job can aggravate allergies and cause nausea. Getting a haircut in this environment can also be hazardous for pregnant women.

That is why Carrie Malia opened Viridis A Green Salon (117 Main St., Downtown Kirkland 98033; 425.576.9345; viridis-salon.com), Kirkland’s first green business and the Pacific Northwest’s first environmentally friendly salon, in January 1999, to ensure a clean space for stylists and customers alike.

The idea sprouted for the 38-year old Malia when after 20 years of doing hair, severe headaches and fatigue made it impossible for her to work. She researched her health problems and determined SBS and high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could be the cause. Armed with that knowledge, Malia set out to create a toxin free environment in a profession known for the opposite. Malia spearheaded a complete renovation of the Viridis site, formerly home to a coffee shop and antique store. The work included ripping out the walls and installing a state of the art HVAC system that sucks out harmful pollutants while providing year round temperature control. She fashioned the interior with natural and recycled materials. Pressed sunflower seed and soybean resin was used to make cabinets, complete with recycled glass knobs created by a Fremont artist. Natural lighting, low VOC paint and cork flooring also help to make things more stress free.

All Viridis stylists have been through advanced training and receive ongoing, continuing education on the latest in cuts, color, texturizing and finishing services all tailored to fit each individual. To keep the scene as green as possible, Viridis sells only high quality, professional, natural based hair and skin care products. All of this helps to keep Malia’s clients and customers breathing easy and feeling as good as they look.

Walk-in or by appointment, Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.