Unfortunately, there is currently no completely organic and permanent hair dye that is effective without a certain amount of chemicals. However there are some hair dyes which contain much less chemicals and these remaining chemicals also make up a lower portion of the hair dye mixture.
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| marieclaire |
The main ingredient which makes the most difference when eliminated from hair dye is ammonia. Without ammonia, hair dye doesn't have the fumes associated with conventional hair dyes and is much less aggressive on the hair (and your health).
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| pantryspa |
Some other chemicals ingredients which can be reduced and even elimated in the hair colouring process include: formaldehyde, silicones, SLS (sodium laureth sulphate), thioglycolates, resorcinal, diaminobenzene, PPD and parabens.
For more information and understanding about the main ingredients, chemicals and allergic reactions associated with conventional hair dye see blog post: Permanent Hair Dye - Ingredients and Hair Dye Allergy, Henna & Pregnancy. These blog posts will also show how some ingredients are not as harmful as others.
Due to a personal allergy to ammonia fumes (my eyes have a immediate allergic reaction and require expensive eye drops) as well as seeing the harsh effects it had on my clients skin and hair texture, I went in search of more natural, healthier, safer options. I have found a number of options, which, true to form, leave the hair colour glossier and in better condition:
1) Henna, which comes as a natural, plant-based, earthy-smelling green powder provides vibrant orange/red tones to the hair. Unfortunately the henna which is used to dye hair almost always contains the chemical PPD to create a permanent hair colour so it is usually not chemical-free and most probably contains other chemicals too.
For this reason henna should not be used by pregnant woman and an allergy test is recommended before using it. Also keep the list of ingredients in case of emergency.
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| Henna powder koilsbynature |
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| Henna Leaves herbalhaircolor |
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| Mixed with water, henna is applied as a paste to the hair delhi4cats |
In other words, the use of henna is a commitment and does not leave your options open for changing or adapting your hair colour.
2) Naturalmente is a professional hair colour range, imported from Italy by Gentle Approach. It provides an extensive set of creative tools for hairstylists to use, ranging from colour shampoos and conditioners (direct pigments) through to gentle professional semi-permanent and permanent tints. The grey coverage is good leaving the multiple tones of natural hair colour therefore, a believable 3-dimensional effect to suit your personal needs, with a lot less damage.
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| Naturalmente hair colour |
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| Rose Flower Shampoo & Colour Shampoo (left) can be used to prevent green hair caused by Chlorine; Naturalmente hair colour (right) |
Naturalmente provides gloss, shine and natural looking colour all the while respecting the natural structure and health of the hair. It is gentle on the hair and skin; moisturising and treating the hair with a high content of oils.
It contains no ammonia, SLS (sodium laureth sulphate), perfume, preservatives (parabens, formaldehyde) or silicones, but uses orange essence (for aroma), coconut derivatives, wheat, olive oil and top-quality purified pigments.
The Naturalmente range also includes the colour defence system (professional and home colour care system for colour-treated hair), hair care products and styling products.  |
| mycleansingprogram |
3) Nature's Colours (South Africa) also imports from Italy and comes in two permanent hair colour ranges. Herbatint is their retail/home colour and Color Herbe is their professional/salon colour.
It is also able to give natural-looking colour variation which blends/tones in with your natural colour tones and pigments present in the hair. It also contains no silicones or parabens.
Herbatint is against animal testing. It provides 100% coverage of grey hair and contains no ammonia, resorcinol or parabens. It provides better conditioning and longer-lasting colour than conventional hair dyes. Herbatint also contains the active vegetal ingredients of Aloe, Meadowfoam oil, Betula Alba leaf extract, Witch Hazel extract and Echinacea extract, and comes in a number of intense shining colours.
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| herbatintusa |
Herbatint is sold in 28 countries worldwide
Related products/brands: Herbavita (New Zealand), Herbatint (UK), Herbatint (USA), Nutraways (Canada), Nature's Nutrition (Canada)
Color Herbe is the professional ammonia-free permanent hair colour with 100% coverage of grey hair. It does however still contain diaminobenzene, PPD and resorcinol which are used for the effectiveness of the product and this may cause an allergic reaction. Being ammonia-free, it does not damage the hair structure, and it also contains Aloe Vera for soothing and conditioning benefits.
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| Color Herbe expatliving |
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| Vegetal Color naturescolours |
It may camouflage grey but is not suitable for completely covering grey hair. Neither will it lighten your hair.
It contains no ammonia, peroxide, PPD, diaminobenzene, parabens or silicones and appears to be one of the safest options for hair colour during pregnancy (It does however contain resorcinal so it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it or any hair colour when pregnant).
Vegetal Color is very easy to use since no mixing is required. It has also not been tested on animals.
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| Vegetal Color Colour Chart |
I have used all these products and would be happy to discuss with anyone about these hair colouring options, and any others you may be familiar with. If you have any concerns or questions, fire away :)
You may also be interested in: Treat Your Tresses
Healthy Hair From The Inside Out
Hair Loss And Thinning
