Cici Elliott's Low Tox-Journey
In the heart of Rochester, Cici Elliott, a low-tox salon alchemist, stands as a guiding force of holistic care and unwavering dedication. Her journey into holistic hair care and wellness began not merely as a profession but as a personal quest born out of profound challenges and transformative experiences.
Cici’s path was shaped by adversity, starting with her own health struggles. Diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, a journey fraught with misdiagnoses and dismissals by conventional medicine pushed her towards self-advocacy and exploration. “I had to become my own advocate,” she recalls, reflecting on the pivotal moment when her health issues escalated and traditional medical approaches failed to provide answers. “It’s been a slow, steady journey to get to that aha moment,” she shares. Fueled by frustration and a quest for answers, Cici embarked on a journey of self-education, studying holistic practices and the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit.
For Cici, her work transcends mere hairstyling—it’s about holistic wellness and empowering her clients to embrace their health journeys fully. “I treat the whole person,” she emphasizes, “not just their hair.” Her approach blends traditional hairstyling with a holistic philosophy that addresses the root causes of health issues, often uncovering underlying conditions that traditional medicine overlooks. “I’m the person you come to when you’re ready for the truth,” she states, underscoring her commitment to honesty and education regarding chemical use.
Client-Centered Approach
At Roc’s Mane Attraction, Cici’s studio transcends the typical salon experience. It’s a sanctuary where clients find solace and personalized care. “It’s their space as much as mine,” she explains. Each client receives a tailored experience, from customized playlists to snacks chosen with care. This client-centric approach extends beyond aesthetics—it’s about creating a safe, nurturing environment where healing can unfold naturally. “I am super proud that I can literally guarantee someone that their hair will be better every time they leave my chair,” Cici says, highlighting the nutrient-packed products she uses to promote hair growth and scalp health.
She also shares her top DIY low-tox recipes and pro tips with her clients, ensuring they have safe, effective alternatives for home and personal care. Her recommendations include a DIY Low-Tox Soft Scrub for cleaning and a Fermented Garlic Honey recipe for immune support and culinary uses. “It’s a labor of love for me,” she says, emphasizing her dedication to providing holistic solutions.
Expanding Horizons with Purpose
Driven to reach more people and offer her unique brand of holistic care, Cici is expanding Roc’s Mane Attraction. Her upcoming stand-alone studio in Pittsford is not just a business venture; it’s a commitment to community and relaxation. The new studio, Eden’s Coven, is a scalp and facial lounge offering scalp and facial services and reflexology. “I want to reach more people,” she says, “to show them there’s another way—a way that respects their health and wellness on every level.”
Inspiration and Impact
Cici’s journey has inspired a community beyond Rochester. Through her Instagram presence (@rocs_mane_attraction) and word-of-mouth, she educates and empowers a growing audience about ingredient awareness and holistic living. “It’s about sharing knowledge and empowering others to take charge of their health,” she says. Cici is always taking on new clients, noting that most of her newer clients are younger high school students going into college because they’re more aware of toxic ingredients. She teaches that “small changes leave a long-lasting impact,” highlighting the importance of making manageable, sustainable adjustments.
Cici’s commitment to helping others extends beyond her salon. She sits on the board of directors for Lupus Chick, a nonprofit that supports individuals with lupus. Lupus Chick provides an online community to help patients feel less isolated and depressed and assists with educational and medical costs.
Looking Ahead
As Cici looks to the future, her goals extend beyond hairstyling and wellness. She envisions a sustainable model for caregiving, inspired by her son, Levi, whose autism requires substantial support, and who has profoundly influenced her life’s purpose. “I want to create a group home model that doesn’t exist yet in the U.S.,” she reveals passionately, “a place where people like my son can thrive and be cared for with dignity.”
Commitment to Holistic Health
Cici embodies the spirit of empowerment and advocacy. As she prepares to open Eden’s Coven, her mission remains clear: to heal, educate, and inspire—all while fostering a community where every individual’s well-being is valued and nurtured. In a world where wellness often takes a back seat to convenience, Cici reminds us that true healing begins with understanding and embracing our holistic selves. “We have to be forever vigilant,” she insists, committed to the continuous pursuit of holistic health and well-being.
Cici's Tips & DIY Recipes
Easy Tips to Reduce Toxins at Home
Shoes: To avoid bringing contaminants indoors, leave shoes outside or in a designated area like a vestibule or garage. This helps keep your entryway clean and reduces dirt and toxins inside.
Ventilation: Open windows for 20 minutes daily to improve air quality by circulating fresh air and expelling indoor pollutants. Aim to open one window on each level of your home.
Fragrance: Avoid products labeled with “fragrance,” as they can contain over 3,700 harmful chemicals. To protect your health, replace items like candles, detergents, and air fresheners with safer alternatives. Start by switching out products as they run out.
DIY Low-Tox Soft Scrub
Mix 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup Sal Suds by Dr. Bronner, 10 drops essential oils (lemon, rosemary, and clove found at Lori's Natural Foods) Add in 2 tbsp. hydrogen peroxide when ready to use. Works great on toilets, bathtubs & grout.
fermented garlic honey
Ingredients:
Glass Canister
Organic Garlic
Raw Honey
2. Cover with honey. Remove air bubbles.
3. Ferment 4-6 weeks, opening lid daily.
Usage: 1 tsp daily for immune support, up to 3 tbsp when sick.
Combat back-to-school sickies with this super simple fermented garlic honey recipe you can make at home.
This recipe is great for immune support, antimicrobial and antifungal properties, and is beneficial for hair, skin, and nails. Plus, it tastes amazing! The whole family can take it, and it’s a culinary delight. Use it in salad dressings, on salmon, or with whipped butter.
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