Sarah says: I am dying my dishwater blond hair red very soon. My regular salon uses Schwarzkopf hair dye products. I am looking into going to a “natural” salon, but they use Redken hair dye, which doesn’t sound natural to me. I assume Aveda might be the most natural, but they are also often faux-natural. What is the safest/gentlest/least chemical ridden permanent hair dye?
The Left Brain responds:
Sarah, the sad truth is that there is no such thing as a “chemical free” permanent hair dye. All the oxidation type dyes (the truly permanent ones) use the same basic technology. There are natural color alternatives like henna that can stain hair, but your color choices are limited and those kinds of products only work on the surface of the hair so they’re not really long lasting.
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I beg to differ. There are many women who dye their hair red with henna at the Long Hair Community and many of them claim the results are long-lasting. Some of them even vary the shade of red by adding other natural dyes like indigo (enough indigo can make the dye black, but it’s used to make a brown hair dye), amla (tones down the red of henna by adding “cool” tones), powdered walnut shell husk (brownish dye added to henna), and rhubarb (bright yellow dye).
Sure, it may not have the staying power of chemical dyes, but a lot of women on LHC claim that it’s much more gentle on their hair.
Rainbow Henna makes their own mixes with several shades, and so does Morrocco’s Method. I think it’s a great alternative to chemical dyes, and I personally, would turn to a natural dye before chemicals.
Oh, and beware of cheap henna. Many of them have added metallic salts even though they claim pure 100% henna.
This so rankles me! Even water is a “chemical” and the “natural dyes” are also chemicals. Any dye is a dye due to its physico-chemical properties so stop the crappy terminology! If the dye is not applied with oxidizers then of course it will cause less hair damage, but then again, it’s not permanent.
I agree with you Tinni!
“chemical” is not always bad! salt is a chemical. henna IS a chemical!
Henna has also had some health warnings about it as well.
“natural” is not always the best. arsenic is natural………..
I’m just telling you anecdotes I hear from other women. My mother often tells me how hair dye makes her hair feel so bad, but she keeps in using it to cover grays. Guh, if you’re going to be technical about it, sure, everything is a chemical.
Henna has been used for thousands of years. Supposedly Cleopatra used it to color her hair, lips and nails. p-Phenylenediamine (PPD), which is found in almost all hair dyes, can make people break out in blisters (which is why they warn you about “black henna tattoos” where con-artists use a box of black hair dye to pass it off as the non-existant “black henna.”).
Right. Arsenic is natural and extremely deadly. So? We’re talking about natural dyes, and the ones I was talking about are harmless. On the LHC, women who use henna claim that it even strengthens their hair, and while there’s probably no scientific evidence to back that up, I’ve never heard of a woman claiming that a box of Clairol did anything positive to the state of her hair, except perhaps covering up a bad dye job.
http://www.hennaforhair.com/ppd/index.html
It’s true that hair dye is damaging to your hair, no question about that. The process of oxidative coloring swells the hair shaft and it never fully recovers from that damage. By comparison, henna is less damaging. If you said “henna strengthens your hair more than permanent hair color” I’d say that’s essentially true. But it’s not that henna makes hair stronger, it’s just less damaging then permanent colors.
I used to henna my hair and it stayed on for a reasonable amount of time and actually faded fairly tactfully (a.k.a. didn’t look horrible). I love the chemical-free claims though, my chemistry teacher once found an ad for “chemical-free beer” and we decided it’d have to be a vacuum in a bottle.
Do real research if you want to take care of your hair, don’t just try to avoid “chemicals”.
Sandra, I will be your first woman to say that clairol (or really any permanent hair dye) has given me better hair. I dunno what it is, but when I dye my hair it usually is in better condition afterwards than before. The only times this isnt the case is if I use certain dyes (Feria, and Herbal Essences Colourflirt Mousse have had the worst effect on my hair), bleach my hair (obviously this is going to be worse than just dying), or if I dye it repeatedly over a short amount of time (like now…haha). Otherwise I would dye my hair and it would look waaaay better than before, and feel better too.
Becka, it’s funny because the same happens to me! Every time I dye my hair ( once~ 6 months) my hair looks healthier afterwards. Also, Feria make my hair look awful, dry, and brittle.
I have heard and read so many different views on dyeing hair. I wish I could just go natural and not dye – but the grey and dull lack of color is not very pretty – gray is nice on some people. I have read that dye gets into the scalp and eventually into the liver and many women (because of the carcigenic ingredients) are getting liver damage, breast cancer and bladder cancer from it. Hairdresser having the highest rate of breast cancer. So, they say that Henna is better, if you must dye the hair and drink plenty of water before dyeing, during the process, and after to help flush the liver/kidneys. I heard that Aveda is about the only one that has a better dye for coloring hair. I am not pushing any ones product for benefit – I just want some truth and perhaps might use some light color henna – just keep the color away from scalp. which is hard to do. Blessings
Just a side note on the Feria issue: Feria is (apparently) a metallic dye. These can be a bit rough on your hair, and can cause bad reactions with bleaches and other dyes put on after you use Feria. So, be careful!
You can die it with Kool-aid. if your hair is lioght enuf it will show.
I guess I am disagreement with henna not being as damaging to your hair as other “chemical” dyes. I have used pure henna on my hair twice in my lifetime and both times my hair was in worse condition after using it and my hair was otherwise healthy prior to using it. On the other hand I normally get my hair colored with a demipermanent color that leaves my hair in much better condition after coloring.
I am allergic to hair coloring. Everytime I used Revlon/Clairol/Nice & Easy, my scalp started to itch and became sore. The last time I used Clairol, I got a swelling on face and I had to be rushed to the emergency room. Is there is black hair color that you could recommend to cover my greys. It is very embarassing to go out with so many greys sticking out. I would really appreciate If you can come up with some solution to get over my embarassment.
Thank you
hey im 14 and i asked my mom if i could hightlight my hair and she said yes but im worried if i got it messed up help sos.
ive used henna twice now and i would say that if you did not get good results, e.g., your hair turned out dry or brittle, it is probably b/c you didnt deep condition afterwards. Just like with any other process, you should be using conditioner afterwards. I have afro hair, which is the “unruliest” type of hair to have and I have gotten great results. I already have dark hair so i just the henna to bring out my natural color and give my hair incredible shine. If you are worried about getting the henna that really isnt 100% natural, go to your all natural/organic grocery store and ask for henna in bulk. You will find pure henna ground into a powder and you will have to mix it yourself to create the dye. Step by step instructions on that can be found at hennacaravan.com
I also want to add that it is inaccurate to say that henna is “less damaging” than regular dyes. Henna does not damage the hair at all since it does not cause your hair to undergo a chemical change which is what regular dyes do. Henna deposits the color on the outside of the hair shaft while regular dye opens your hairs’ cuticle layers, (which dont close all the way after the dying process. This is what causes that “fried” look afterwards if you bleach too much), strips your natural pigments, and deposits the new color in place of the old pigment. Even the women who say their hair feels more refreshed after the chemical process should know that this is what the dye does. I am not against these dyes as long as you dont have any allergies to the chemicals and since some people’s hair can handle that type of damage. But for me I will stick to henna , but goodluck whatever method you choose.
SOS,
I have white hair problem, 90% of my hair are white and I want to color ‘em brown (my natural color) I can’t use hair dyes which has PPD, I am alergic to PPD. Can someone tell me if there is any brand which makes hair color without PPD. I have tried body shop’s henna (dark brown shade) but it didn’t work on me and I have also tried other natural henna but they made my hair orange which made me look very funny.
Please someone help me!!!
What about “simply organic” hair dyes online. Havent used it, yet, but google search found them for me and they look brilliant. I have asked if they deliver to/are available in the UK though and whether they cover grey hair!
Sorry, I’m unable to find an ingredient listing for Simply Organic hair colors. If you could provide that we could give you a better answer.
There is a company that produces a line of permanent hair colors that is completely free of harmful chemicals like PPD, ammonia, resorcinol. pthalates, coal tar dyes, amines, etc. The company is called Advanced Cosmetic Technologies and you can find them at www .actnaturals.com
They are salon quality and actually leave your hair beautifully conditioned!
Take a look and color away!!
I am allergic to hair coloring. Everytime I used Revlon/Clairol/Nice & Easy, my scalp started to itch and became sore. The last time I used Clairol, I got a swelling on face and I had to be rushed to the emergency room. Is there is black hair color that you could recommend to cover my greys. It is very embarassing to go out with so many greys sticking out. I would really appreciate If you can come up with some solution to get over my embarassment.
Thank you
You could try a henna dye. But talk to your doctor first.
I used henna to dye my hair 6 months ago, expecting it to wash out eventually, however it never did, the effects were perminant. I dyed my hair using Garnier nutrise, then trid applying brown lighs through my hair to give it amultitonal effect. The roots went BLONDE and the rest went orange. Now i dont know what to do, im too scared to dye it again, or know which dye to use. Maybe i should use brown henna to cove the bleach?? Will it work?? Any suggestions??
I have to say that henna is absolutely the best thing you can possibly do to your hair. You have to make sure you get a good brand, like Jamila, and not some grocery store stuff that claims to be henna. Even some henna vendors sell henna with other metallics and stuff in it. If it’s real and 100% henna, it will NOT damage your hair at all. Theres no such thing as brown, black blonde henna. Henna ONLY dyes red. It IS better for your hair. Your hair will be a little dry from the citric acid you need to activate it. My hair felt pretty dry and unruly after I put henna on my hair. So you just need to fix yourself some acid rinses after you wash your hair. I dilute 1/4 of a cup of apple cider vinegar with 8 cups of water and it leaves me with SUPER soft hair. It works with the pH of your hair. It all gets pretty technical! My color isn’t an ugly faded red that I used to have before.(I dyed my hair at a PROFESSIONAL salon) Now I do henna at home and I get even better results.
I am interested in your opinion of this Organic Perm and Color. Especially the
Pehttp://www.organichair.ca/html/ryoperm.htmrms
May I have some feed back on the Perm and Color??
I have very blonde hair and i use henna hair dye on it to turn it brown. It actually is good for your hair and mine turns out great and if i leave it for long enough it turns back to my exact hair colour so it doesnt permanently damage it or anything. But beware, the powdered henna is REALLY messy so try the liquid one maybe.
I’ve been looking for a permanent black or dark brown hair dye which doesn’t contain P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE (even a henna product I tried had it). Over the years I’ve become so deathly allergic to it that the last time a salon promised their product would be “gentle” enough for me, I ended up in the hospital. On the bright side, the dermatologist there was able to tell me which ingredient to stay away from, but it seems to be in all the PERMANENT hair dyes! I know of the semi-permanent products which don’t contain it, but they wash out so quickly. I’d be forever thankful if anyone knows of anything that would work for me. Thank you!
What about Loreal for hair dye?
L’Oreal makes fine hair colors. They have some of the best hair color formulating chemists in the industry.
try koolaid
Henna is only red, but in conjunction with other plants it will dye your hair different shades (brown, black, etc). Go take a look at http://www.hennaforhair.com and check out the mixes page. And beware any henna that is in a pre-packaged mix, or in any form that isn’t just plain old powdered-up plant. It’s a good alternative for people who would like to avoid standard dyes.
The last time I dyed my hair was 1985 when I ended up in Emergency. Haven’t dyed my hair since until 6 weeks ago. I had a very bad allergic reaction, sores and itching all over my scalp then scabbing and more itching. Needless to say, can’t go through that again. I’m allergic to phenylenediamine and PABA. Just bought Surya Henna Cream which contains no phenylenediamine, ammonia,etc. Sounds like it might work for me but I’m scared to try it Anybody tried Surya Cream? I’d love to know of your experience.
Thanks for the helpful info. Kool-aid is probably not natural. I bet it has food color and maybe additives and preservatives too. I believe “chemical free” reference means no additives, fake food colors, or preservatives; stuff that damages the body.
Again,thanks for the helpful info. I want to cover gray without using hair colors containing toxin’s, or are damaging to hair .
Heh I agree with Yire and I have used Henna in the past, its the only thing that works for me and i find it really good for your scalp. The only prob is now i have a lot of greys that my hair ends up looking orange. The black henna does not work for me,I have tried chemical based dyes like l’oreal and my head is so itchy and the life has completely disappeared from my hair so my question is what can i use that is henna and not orange, but works? or how can i get my dulhan henna to change colour by mixing something in the powder paste?
Have you tried mixing the henna with a good really good brand of coffee to give it a deeper shade of brown? You make a good strong pot of coffee and let it cool, then add it to your henna powder to make the past which you apply to the hair. If you wrap your head in cling film (saran wrap in the US), and leafve it for as long as possible (some people clain to sleep in it??) I leave mine for 2/3 hours, you get a deeper shade. Then you can do the cider vinegar rinse for shine. You can also mix it with red wine for a deeper shade of red, beetroot also works but I reckon that would be abit pink! (Maybe nice for the teens??)
Blessings,
Sinead, Ireland.
I was born with blond hair but it’s turning brown now. how do i QUICKLY die it blond, but naturally?
loreal natural match is a permanent dye and contains no P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE it’s the only one I can use now or I just highlight using a cap so nothing touchs my scalp.
I have been allergic to ppd for many years.I use clairol loving care to color my gray. It sometime last 2 weeks if that.Does anyone know of a hair color that I can use to color my brown hair, without ending up in the e/r
which has occured. I also used a henna, with which I got an allergic reaction. If anyone has suggestions/a product they used, I would appreciate a response. Thank you
thats gay just use regualr hair dye it will actually stay in
I’ve had chemotherapy treatment and was told not to use any chemicals in my hair at all even though the treatment is completed. Can anyone recommend something with chemicals for a few highlights. Right now my hair is salt and pepper and would like some highlites in the front.
have u heard of organic systems and farouk chi ionic hair dyes they have no ammonia in them and are better for people who have sensitive scalps they still have harsh chemicals in them but the doses are smaller so it keeps the hair healthier a friend did say that chi ionic hair dyes fade quickly though but check them out is meant to be safer and less harsh than aveda…etc
Okay, what does Cleopatra have to do with anything?
I discovered a real good natural hair color. try SANOTINT. IT IS THE BEST . NO ALLERGIES. leaves the hair soft and healthy and they have semi permanent too. go on their website, it is really good.
For Awsum Ali–Put lemon juice on your hair and go out in the sun for a while. It takes a few times to work (your hair gets lighter each time), but it permanently lightens your hair. Then you just have to worry about your roots once in a while.
I’ve been using henna for over 10 years now to color my hair red. Last year I decided to go “black” and have had the worst trouble with PPD and weakened hair. I’ve tried henna followed with indigo but the indigo still doesn’t cover my gray. I think they haven’t invented a PPD-free black hair dye.
i also have allergic reactions to ppd, i want a dark color i dont care if it stays 2 days just something to color my hair WITHOUT anything that can cause allergic reactions!! everytime i wash my hair color comes out and i get sick.. is there ANY vegtable dyes or home remedys that wont put me in the er??? i want something as NATURAL as possible! PLEASE HELP=(
I’ve been using Naturtint for years. It is natural without peroxide. My hair looks healthy and I receive many compliments. Wholefoods and most natural living stores carry it in many different colors. I have been graying since my early twenties and have used many different brands. Nutritint covers 100%. As with all color, I have to reapply every 6-8 weeks (usually 8). Aveda brand hair care and colors make me break out with sores on my scalp. And I never use mainstream products….no coincidence we have the highest rate of cancer ever in the last 50-100 years. Your body absorbs everything so do the least harm!
i have been using henna for two years, however i want to revert back to using Aveda dyes. the last ime i put henna on my hair was in november, does anyone know if i would be able to use an aveda dye over the existing henna, or of a way to strip the henna from my hair??
To everyone looking for a non-PPD/PTD (or non-”chemical”) hair dye:
There are only 3 ways to dye hair as of now (maybe 4):
1. PPD- or PTD-containing “chemical” dyes.
2. Henna (possibly with other herbs for different color tones) or other plants
3. Walnut Hulls (brown)
4. Goldwell Elumen dye uses a “direct” dye that gets magnetically locked to hair, supposedly, due to the “positive charge” on hair and the colorants “negative charge”. (I would guess they are saying that the molecules in hair are slightly polar, as are the molecules in the colorant, so they’re attracted to each other and stick)
I have tried henna twice (the second time with a complicated combination of indigo, cassia and amla) and both times the results are unsatisfactory on gray hair.
There is a product called Naturals by ACT. This, though, also uses extracts of henna and other herbs. But because they are extracts, perhaps they work better. (Don’t know, but I might try it.)
SHORT ANSWER: Use Henna, try Goldwell Elumen, or risk Cancer, because no company wants to bother with the R&D necessary to find a good safe dye for human hair when they can keep making money off of people who don’t care (thank you, capitalism—NOT).
The best alternative on the market: Palette by Nature
Discovered this when my face started breaking out after “organic” color was applied. Here is a chemical-free alternative for the wise and hypersensitive.
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These safe and plant-based all natural hair dyes are carefully combined with natural color enhancing actives including antioxidants like Chlorophyll, Hawthorne Fruit, Emblica, Green Tea, and Rooibos Leaf extracts and bioflavonoids like Quercetin.
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Palette by Nature™ is the only all natural 100% plant based colorant with more than 50% organic ingredients that benefits you while making your hair beautiful.
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