Skin care and hair !!

by admin
Posted On September 8, 2020

Hiya Gorgeous,
We talk a lot about healthy beauty here at KrisCarr.com. Foundation, mascara, nail polish, you name it, we’ve either covered it or it’s in the works! Today, I’m tackling one of the trickier topics that readers ask me about time and time again—hair dye! You’re probably hip to the fact that the chemicals that color your hair can have some not-so-sexy effects on your health.

Over the years, I’ve had trouble finding safe and effective options. In other words, I needed this info just as much as you! And that’s why I asked Sophie Uliano, my go-to organic beauty expert to help out. Sophie is a New York Times best-selling author and internationally renowned Green and Healthy Living expert. Her latest book, Gorgeous for Good, is a 30-day skin-to-soul program aimed at completely transforming the way you feel.

Whether you’re trying to cover up pesky greys or just want to revamp your look with a fun new style, I hope this blog helps you make healthier choices. Ready? Let’s comb through this tangled topic together…

Not all hair dyes are created equal. Learn how you can color your tresses without the chemicals. @Kris_Carr #beauty
Kris: What are the worst offenders when it comes to chemicals found in common hair products? Basically, when we’re reading labels what should we stay away from?

Sophie: The most common “offender” would probably be phenylenediamine (PPD), also known as paraphenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine or 1,4-benzenediamine. PPD is an organic compound used in hair dyes, as well as in rubber chemicals, textile dyes and pigments. Manufacturers like it because it has a low relative toxicity level and a high temperature stability. This chemical allows the dye to stay on your hair despite numerous washes. One big reason you want to avoid PPDs is that repeated exposure can cause you to develop allergic skin sensitization, which is basically when your immune system reacts to the chemicals on your skin.

Here’s the deal: In the past, you may not have had any symptoms of skin sensitivity to hair dye. And then one day while sitting in the salon chair, BAM! The dye is applied, your eyes start to water, you feel a burning sensation on your scalp and a red irritation begins creeping down from your hairline. This is how “skin sensitizers” work. Your body builds up a resistance toward the chemicals over time, and then one day you get a full-blown allergic reaction.

Even worse, you can become cross-sensitized. This means that you might also suddenly become allergic (and I mean severely allergic) to PPD’s chemical cousins, which can be found in textiles, inks, medication dyes, food dyes, perfumes and more.

Kris: So if you’re not a fan of your natural hair color, what’s the best way to dye your hair while also reducing or avoiding harmful effects of PPD and other chemicals?

Sophie: You’re better off using a hair dye that is free of PPD and ammonia. A line that I love for stylists (turn your stylist on to these guys!) is Simply Organic’s Hnectar hair color. You also might want to look at Radico Colour Me Organic for home dyeing with 100% natural and organic ingredients. (I actually think it’s better and less expensive to dye your hair at home!)

Kris: Are there different suggestions for blondes, brunettes or redheads?

Sophie: Blondes are often the toughest because without bleach it’s very hard to get that bright “lift” without brassy tones. If you want very blonde hair, you might want to consider using a safe, organic base color, and then have a smattering of bleach highlights added. The organic natural shades (especially with henna) are pretty amazing for both brunettes and redheads.

Kris: Do different approaches to dyeing your hair (highlights, roots only, full-process, bleaching, ombre) impact your health differently?

Sophie: Absolutely. If a “single-process/full-process” base color is applied, it sits directly on your scalp for a period of time. This is where the real damage to your health occurs. This is why I strongly recommend a safe, non-toxic base. Highlights and low-lights rarely come into contact with your scalp, so they aren’t nearly as detrimental. That being said, bleach gives off fumes that you inhale, and bleach in general isn’t the most eco-friendly ingredient either!

Kris: What’s the difference between store-bought and salon hair dye products when it comes to toxicity and effectiveness?

Sophie: It’s easier to check out the ingredients in store-bought dyes because the ingredients are listed on the box. If you purchase from a certified organic company, and you’ve done your homework on ingredients, you should be fine toxicity-wise. Most of the safer companies will clearly use verbiage such as “free of PPD” etc. Some brands display a laundry list of chemicals that they don’t use, which is also useful.

As far as efficacy is concerned, you just have to try them out. Hair color is so personal—what works for me might not work for you, and vice versa. Most store-bought dyes will work (as in dye your hair for the specified amount of time), but shades in different brands vary.

When it comes to salon dyes, you have to dig deeper. If you have a close relationship with your stylist/colorist, you could ask him/her what brand they use. Most stylists use the brands that give the best aesthetic results, but that aren’t necessarily the healthiest.

You then have two choices at the salon: You can ask your colorist if they would be willing to try out an organic brand (you might have to show them the website), or you can do a Google search to find an “organic” hair salon in your area. I got my stylist to train to use a brand I like and trust. Many of the really great brands like Simply Organic (mentioned above) provide special training for salons.

Thinking about making a change to your hair color? Great! Here’s the good news: It’s your hair, you can dye if you want to. The bad news: It’s not always that easy. Hair dyeing is serious business, and even more serious when you’re doing it yourself. Before you color, make sure you know your stuff. Read up on how the process should be done, or leave it up to your colorist to decide for the both of you! In the latter case, if you decide to have a professional execute your dye job, make sure you’re honest about your hair condition during the consultation.

But for you D.I.Y. addicts, we’ve laid out a guide so you can conduct your dye job right at home, and what you should know before you get started. Read on to learn all about hair dye:

Hair Dye Basics
hair dyeing rinse processHair dyeing can be done in the comfort of your own home.
Hair dye ranges from semi-permanent to permanent formulas. Semi-permanent, demi- permanent, and permanent are the three most common formulas. Each formula offers a different result and can affect your hair shaft in various ways.

During the process, coloring leads to the swelling of the hair shaft, which can make fine hair look thicker. Additionally, it can also enhance the natural shine and overall condition of the hair. Dyes are offered in a wide variety of tones or can be mixed to create the shade and finish you fancy.

Hair Dyeing Tutorial from Formula to Finish
Figure out which formula is ideal for you.

1. Semi-Permanent
Formulated without ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, semi-permanent colorants are gentler than permanent formulas. The color remains until it has been completely washed out of the hair. This is a good option for those unsure of their color choice or only want a new hue for a limited amount of time.

2. Demi-Permanent
A cross between a semi- and a permanent colorant, demi-permanent hair color contains a small amount of hydrogen peroxide sans ammonia. Demi-colorants deposit more color into the hair shaft than semis and last for around 20 washes.

3. Permanent
These colorants are formulated with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. The chemicals enter the hair shaft and deposit the color deep into the hair and can’t be removed by washing. This hair coloring route is perfect for those who are ready to take the complete plunge.

Hair Dyeing Process
After you’ve chosen your formula, you’re now ready to dye.

Check for irritants
It might seem like a tedious waste of time, but you should definitely do the suggested skin test from your boxed dye. After all, a new dye job isn’t worth an awful new skin job, too! Simply dabble a small amount of dye on the inner bend of your elbow. After 24 hours check for any form of allergic reaction. If all clear, you’re good to go.

Prep your skin
Prevent having to rub skin raw to remove dye from your skin’s surface by prepping it—especially the hairline—with an emollient like Vaseline. Don’t forget to use those protective gloves throughout the entire process, too.

Strand test
A step often overlooked, but seriously vital to the process, is the strand test. This helps determine how quickly your hair will react and transform into the new hair color. It will also reveal the duration it takes to achieve the shade you covet. Once you’ve established the approximate time frame, be sure to keep this in mind throughout the entire dye application process.

Dye Application Process
Begin with dirty hair
Freshly washed hair is more prone to scalp irritation due to manipulation of the skin while shampooing. Hair’s natural oils also protect the scalp from stinging caused by exposure to peroxides or bleach.

Section hair
Divide hair into four workable sections and keep them in place with duckbill clips or hair claws.

Dye application
After mixing your dye as per the box instructions, use an applicator brush for even distribution. Begin applying at the root, working section by section. Be sure to follow the directions, paying particular attention to your time window; going over or under the allotted time can alter the entire shade!

Wash, condition, and style
Using the shampoo and conditioner provided in the kit (or using your own formula for color-treated hair), rinse out the dye and proceed to condition. Don’t panic when you see considerable color bleed, as this is mostly from the color that’s latched onto your scalp. It takes a few rinses, but be sure that the water runs clear, indicating any excess dye is washed out. We suggest you carve out some extra time to deep condition your strands, too: After a dyeing process, your hair will need added moisture and treatment. To finish, style hair as you desire and go forth in the world with your fresh new ’do.

Bonus Tip:

Color-treated hair calls for a customized hair care arsenal. Shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for colored hair like TRESemmé Color Revitalize Shampoo and TRESemmé Color Revitalize Conditioner help maintain that vibrant shade and keep your hair healthy-looking. Get regular touchups approximately every four to six weeks to keep your hair dyeing job fresh and revitalized.

1
TRESemmé COLOR REVITALIZE SHAMPOO
Looking for a way to highlight your look? A new hairstyle could be just the trick. Color is HUGE these days, with everyone trying everything from ombre to cotton candy pink. Read up on some of the most popular ways to dye your hair so you can choose the style that’ll fit you best!

How Exactly Does it Work?
When you dye your hair, you’re adding color molecules to the already existing natural pigments. Melanin, the color of hair, is contained in the hair’s cortex, which is where dye works to permanently color the follicles. The color penetrates the hair and bonds to the strands.

Permanent vs. Semi-Permanent: Which Is Right For You?
Depending on what type of dye is selected, the color can wash out after several weeks, or remain on the hair until it starts to grow out. Permanent dye breaks down the natural hair color and adds the desired color to the cortex of the hair in a two-step process. Semi-permanent dye works on the outside of the hair instead of the inside, so the color molecules don’t remain in hair as long as permanent dye. Semi-permanent dye tends to wash out in about six to eight washes, so those looking for a more long-term investment should think about siding with permanent dye. However, semi-permanent is generally less damaging to the hair since it doesn’t bind as strongly to the follicles.

Take a Test-Drive
For inspiration, look at pictures of people with similar skin tones to your own. Choosing a celebrity style to mimic can give the hairdresser a good starting point to go off of – and it’s also extremely helpful to bring in pictures of the style you’re trying to achieve. To get a better idea of what your new hairstyle will look like, virtual makeover sites can help you see what colors will look like against your skin tone. Likewise, trying out any color with hair chalk will also give you a temporary sneak peak into life with dyed locks.

Different Hair Dye Trends to Try
Ombre
Hair Dye 101: Ombre

Ombre is a French term that means “shaded” or “shading.” The technique uses gradual coloring usually beginning from the mid-section of the hair, starting darker and becoming progressively lighter towards the tips of the hair. The gradual color is perfect for low maintenance lifestyles or for those looking for a cost-effective makeover, because since most of the dye action is happening toward the ends of your strands, little to no root touch ups are required. This means an up-front investment in your hair that will last, which makes the style well worth the price.

Balayage
Hair Dye 101: Balayage

Similar to ombre, balayage uses graduated coloring but with a sweeping motion that goes beyond just the tips of the hair. The dye is added vertically to the hair and swept through, which eliminates a color line from forming and ultimately results in a very natural-looking style.

Highlights
Hair Dye 101: Highlights

Highlights involve choosing sections of hair throughout the head and applying a different color than the rest of the hair. Blonde tends to be a popular color choice for highlights, but the sky’s the limit when it comes to this particular option. Dark hair may need to be bleached before adding other colors, because the natural darker pigments are more difficult to lift from the hair than lighter hair.

Lowlights
Hair Dye 101: Lowlights

Lowlights are essentially the opposite of highlights: instead of using lighter colors on sections of hair, you will get darker colors. A less dramatic look, subtle colors slightly darker than your natural hair work to compliment your already-existing color and give it more body. A great option for those with blonde hair who’d like to go a little darker, but not entirely brunette.

Babylights
Hair Dye 101: Babylights

These teeny tiny highlights add a huge amount of style to any haircut. Babylights enhance the tones already present in the hair by applying small, delicate layers of color.

Bright Colors
Hair Dye 101: Bright Colors

This trend is hard to miss – from pink to blue to green, an unusual color is a bold but exciting choice. Dye your whole head cotton candy pink or electric blue if you’re feeling bold. Or, opt for striking highlights or a cool colorful ombre for a more subtle take on this style.

Rainbow
Hair Dye 101: Rainbow

Why have just one color when you can rock them all? If you’re going to get your locks professionally done, do a ton of research on the salon or stylist you’re planning to visit. Stalk their Instagrams to see previous clients’ before and after pictures. Rainbow styles have a tendency to either look flawless or muddled, and you want to make sure your hair’s going to be well taken care of. If you don’t want to dye your entire head a million colors, start small by doing rainbow highlights or rainbow tips.

Gray
Hair Dye 101: Gray

While some people are trying to cover up their grays, others embrace it as the “it” new look. This style colors the hair in gray and white tones, creating a striking and interesting new look.

Preventing Damage
While some dyes can be more damaging than others, the reality is that all dyes result in a decrease in elasticity of the hair, which leads toward more breakage if not cared for properly. However, maintaining healthy dyed hair is far from impossible!

Washing hair as little as possible makes the color last longer, so make good use of dry shampoo. On days where a shower is necessary, make sure the shampoo you’re using is specifically designed for color-treated hair – it helps to maintain the dye, and also helps prevent breakage. Avoid any shampoos with sulfates, as they strip the color from hair. Turning the temperature down in the shower also helps protect hair, as warmer water also strips away color, but cold water can leave your hair softer and more radiant. Moisturizing or leave-in conditioner provides nourishment that keeps moisture locked in, allowing hair to be less likely to break. Hair masks are also a moisturizing option to consider – pick one up from the store or make your own from nourishing foods like avocado, eggs, or coconut oil. Taking care of your dyed ‘do not only keeps it looking great, but prolongs the length of the dye, so you can have healthy tresses and protect your investment at the same time.

feat_dress-for-decadesHow to Dress from Every Decade
purse_guide_SF_featured_02The Handbag: A Visual Glossary of Purses
A Rookie’s Guide to Business FormalDress like the Pros: A Rookie’s Guide to Business Formal
Hair-Cut-FeatureMake the Cut: How to Ask Your Stylist for the Perfect Lob
The Mighty Morphin’ Summer Scarf: 9 Ways to Transform Your Scarf9 Ways to Transform Your Scarf into a Sarong
Scarves 101: a primer on 5 basic scarf shapesScarves 101: A Primer on 5 Basic Scarf Shapes
Fabric Care Cheat SheetThe Ultimate Fabric Care Cheat Sheet
7_items_every_girl_should_have_in_her_car7 Items Every Girl Should Have In Her Car
easy Halloween costume, pirate, gypsy, fortune teller, psychicThe Last Minute Costume: 3 Easy Halloween Costumes
DIY Fixing Ripped TightsDIY: Fixing/Preventing Ripped Tights

Have you ever heard your hairdresser talking about your hair color and wondered what planet she was living on? It’s not just you: Hair color can be confusing. Color names geared for the consumer are rather artful and subject to interpretation (think “cafe au lait”). Technical color designations, on the other hand, typically consist of numbers and letters that describe nuances about the color in a language only your hairstylist seems to understand.

Here, we dissect the very basics of hair color, what your hairdresser knows, and how you can be more informed when speaking to your stylist or choosing your next color.

What Hair Color Is—and Isn’t
First, let’s define hair color. Basically, it’s a formulation of pigments and chemicals designed to enhance or change your hair’s color. Don’t call it “dye,” though.Those in the beauty industry never refer to hair color as “hair dye.” As beauty school instructors tell their students, “You dye an Easter egg; you don’t dye hair.”

Defined as your hairstylist communicates it, the term hair color refers to the combined level and tone of a person’s hair. These are two distinct elements, and they’re crucial for you to understand to get the hair color results that best match your desires.

Hair Color Level
The “level” of a hair color is its relative lightness or darkness.All hair colors have levels, whether you’re talking about your natural color or choosing a new one.

Standard hair color levels are defined on a scale of 1 to 10, with level 1 being the darkest, blackest color and level 10 being a very light blond color. The scale is understood throughout the beauty industry and is used across brands and formulations. Here are the 10 standard hair color levels:

Level 1: Black

Level 2: Darkest (almost black) brown
Level 3: Very dark brown
Level 4: Dark brown
Level 5: Brown
Level 6: Light brown
Level 7: Dark blond
Level 8: Medium blond
Level 9: Blond
Level 10: Light blond
In addition, the very lightest platinum-blond colors are often referred to as level 11, 12, or even 13.

Hair Color Tone
After establishing the level of your natural or desired hair color, you’ll next have to figure out its tone. Hair color tones generally fall into three standard categories: warm, cool, and neutral. When hairstylists discuss color, or if you are choosing a color from a swatch book, the tones are often indicated with a letter. Here are examples of standard color tones:

Cool Tones

A: Ash
B: Beige
B: Blue
G: Green
V: Violet
Warm Tones

C: Copper
G: Gold
O: Orange
R: Red
W: Warm
RB: Brown/Red
RO: Red/Orange
Neutral Tone

N: Neutral—neither warm nor cool
Tones are often combined in hair color formulas to create the perfect shade. For example, an auburn color is achieved by combining neutral or warm tones with red tones. Red hair color can be made cool by adding violet tones to the color formula. Sometimes, hair colorists achieve the right color combination by mixing different color tones together; they receive training in school or through color manufacturers in creating these custom combinations.

Hair color companies typically offer colors that feature ready-mixed tones, as well.

Combining Level and Tone
A hair color’s technical name is a letter-number combination that denotes its level and tone. For example, a warm brown color would be defined as a “7W.” The number indicates the hair color level (dark blond), and the letter indicates that the tone is warm. Here are a few other examples of hair color as defined by level and tone:

8A: Medium ash blond
4RV: Dark red/violet
6C: Light copper brown
5N: Neutral Brown
9W: Light warm blond
Determining Hair Color Level and Tone
Figuring out a hair color level is pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Your opinion might be a level off from the next person’s opinion, but generally speaking, the level is fairly obvious. Hair color tone, however, is not as easily defined by the eye.

What one person may see as “red” the next person may describe as “copper.” This is where pictures and swatches come in handy to ensure that everyone is speaking the same language.

The most important thing to remember when discussing hair color with your stylist is that hair color is not flat (or, at least, it shouldn’t be). It’s a complex interplay of depth and temperature that can enhance or detract from your skin color and features. Communicating with her using the terms “level” and “tone” helps her understand what you want. Likewise, understanding the two will help you choose wisely from the rows and rows of colors at the store if you go the do-it-yourself route.
HAIR COLOR 101
Learn the basics of hair coloring before you visit your salon.
Whether you’re considering a radical change from brunette to blonde, or you’re just looking for a subtle shift from mousy brown to warm brunette, you’ll get the best results from a professional color service.

> COLOR TYPE
Before coloring, consider the different types of hair color available:

temporary color
Includes rinses, color mousses, hair color crayons, mascaras and sprays. Temporary color does not penetrate the cortex, but coats the outside of the hair shaft and washes out in one to three shampoos. It’s perfect for last-minute touch-ups and safe for relaxed hair or permanently straightened hair.

semi-permanent color
Ideal for trying a new hair color shade, semi-permanent color lasts through four or five shampoos. Used straight from the bottle, it contains no ammonia or peroxide, so it is mild enough to be used on fragile, permed or relaxed hair. It blends or covers gray (if hair is less than 25% gray); adds richness to natural hair color; gives highlights and shine, but does not lighten hair color.

demi-permanent color
Also known as long-lasting semi-permanent hair color, demi-permanent color penetrates the hair shaft and deposits color, but cannot lighten hair color. It uses a dedicated developer so the color lasts almost as long as permanent color—up to 30 shampoos. Demi-permanent color produces natural-looking results and blends up to 75% gray.

permanent color
Permanent color penetrates the hair shaft, giving hair new permanent color that gradually grows out. Perfect for 100% gray coverage or for dramatically changing hair color, permanent hair color may be a single process, in which new, darker color is applied to the natural color; or double process, in which the natural color is pre-lightened before new color is applied.

highlights
Accent hair color with highlights that can be applied with several techniques. Natural color is pre-lightened (lifted) from selected strands of hair and permanent color is applied to those areas. This can be a two-step, or, with some newer products, a one-step process. Lowlights, or darker shades, are sometimes applied to give more depth to a lighter hair color.

> SHADE
How do you choose the perfect shade? For the most natural look, select a shade that’s close to your childhood hair color. If you’re looking for a change, let your colorist guide you to the shade or mix of shades that best suits your complexion and your personality.

> APPLICATION
Best results come from skillful application. A salon hair color service uses professional hair color and is done by a trained professional who understands both the artistry and the chemistry involved. To learn more about professional hair color, visit
Step away from the hair dye isle! While permanent dye has been the norm in hair coloring for decades, picking the right shade and keeping it looking gorgeous is a much more involved process than you think. It’s a good thing our expert colorist, Hairstory’s Roxie Darling is here to school us in part 4 of our hair color series.

How does a permanent dye work?
“Permanent dye, when mixed with an activator, actually opens up the hair cuticle, allowing the pigment that’s in the dye to go into the hair shaft to change and manipulate the color of the hair, adding pigment that wasn’t there previously,” says Roxie. She tells us it’s also the best option for grey hair, because it restores pigment back into the hair cuticle, as opposed to just sitting on top. It’s also the longest lasting color that can be used on the hair.

Does permanent hair dye really last forever?
Though 6 weeks is the standard, that actually only covers the time when the hair color is most saturated. “Because of the higher ammonia content, the pigment in permanent dye tends to oxidize faster than when you’re using a toner,” Roxie explains. “After 6 weeks, the hair has been exposed to the environment as well as getting washed and heat styled, causing the pigment to fade. A vibrant copper might dull down a bit after 6 weeks. or a brunette shade can look flat after that time.” Roxie also tells us to bear in mind regrowth maintenance– if roots aren’t your thing, you’ll be touching them up a lot.

Why can’t I find permanent dye in rainbow shades?
Any readers who dye their locks vivid shades including pink, green, or blue on the regular, have surely wished for a permanent option that doesn’t require a bi-weekly touch up. However, there are a couple reasons we haven’t seen this hit the market. “In order to achieve a rainbow shade of hair, you have to remove all pigment from the cuticle first. Otherwise, if you were to put say, blue dye on natural brown hair, the blue would just neutralize the orange pigment in the brown instead of showing up looking the way you were hoping. If you want those colors to show up you have to remove the natural pigment beforehand.” Because a permanent dye on top of bleached hair is a fast way to damage your locks, and blending a non neutral with a neutral will only create a murky shade, it helps us to understand why we still have a long way to go before we can buy candy-colored shades that work the way permanents do.

What’s the difference between boxed dye and what I can get at the salon?
“Box dye is typically not as strong as what you get at the salon meaning, the pigment isn’t as dense or as rich,” Roxie tells us. Salon jobs are also tailor-made. “When you go to a salon, the colorist will formulate specifically for your hair color and texture, but when you buy a box dye, you’re just getting some commercial thing that’s been created by these companies to try and give you something that you want. At a salon you get a custom formulation that’s right for you”.

How do I maintain a permanent haircolor?
“Commitment is key,” says Roxie, “If you want to change your hair, be aware that it’s a chemical process and we can only control it so much in the weeks that follow. By using a non-detergent shampoo (Hairstory recommends Purely Perfect Cleansing Creme) there’s nothing removing the artificial pigment when you wash.
Thinking about making a change to your hair color? Great! Here’s the good news: It’s your hair, you can dye if you want to. The bad news: It’s not always that easy. Hair dyeing is serious business, and even more serious when you’re doing it yourself. Before you color, make sure you know your stuff. Read up on how the process should be done, or leave it up to your colorist to decide for the both of you! In the latter case, if you decide to have a professional execute your dye job, make sure you’re honest about your hair condition during the consultation.

But for you D.I.Y. addicts, we’ve laid out a guide so you can conduct your dye job right at home, and what you should know before you get started. Read on to learn all about hair dye:

Hair Dyeing Tutorial from Formula to Finish
Figure out which formula is ideal for you.

Hair Dyeing Process
After you’ve chosen your formula, you’re now ready to dye.

Section hair
Divide hair into four workable sections and keep them in place with duckbill clips or hair claws.

Bonus Tip:

Different Hair Dye Trends to Try
Ombre
Hair Dye 101: Ombre

Balayage
Hair Dye 101: Balayage

Highlights
Hair Dye 101: Highlights

Lowlights
Hair Dye 101: Lowlights

Babylights
Hair Dye 101: Babylights

These teeny tiny highlights add a huge amount of style to any haircut. Babylights enhance the tones already present in the hair by applying small, delicate layers of color.

Bright Colors
Hair Dye 101: Bright Colors

Rainbow
Hair Dye 101: Rainbow

Gray
Hair Dye 101: Gray

While some people are trying to cover up their grays, others embrace it as the “it” new look. This style colors the hair in gray and white tones, creating a striking and interesting new look.

Here, we dissect the very basics of hair color, what your hairdresser knows, and how you can be more informed when speaking to your stylist or choosing your next color.

Hair Color Level
The “level” of a hair color is its relative lightness or darkness.All hair colors have levels, whether you’re talking about your natural color or choosing a new one.

Level 1: Black

Cool Tones

A: Ash
B: Beige
B: Blue
G: Green
V: Violet
Warm Tones

C: Copper
G: Gold
O: Orange
R: Red
W: Warm
RB: Brown/Red
RO: Red/Orange
Neutral Tone

Hair color companies typically offer colors that feature ready-mixed tones, as well.

What one person may see as “red” the next person may describe as “copper.” This is where pictures and swatches come in handy to ensure that everyone is speaking the same language.

> COLOR TYPE
Before coloring, consider the different types of hair color available:

This article may use affiliate links. Eluxe Magazine only links to products we trust.

By Sophia Hussain

Women have always coveted long, luxurious locks, as it’s the ultimate signature of feminine youth and beauty. We use hair colour to better match our personal style, or to mask emerging white hair. But as much as we may love them, there’s no denying that all permanent hair colours contain a cocktail of chemicals – the trick is choosing the least toxic mix.

The most common – and dangerous – of these chemicals is probably PPDs (p-Phenylenediamine), which has been linked to bladder cancer, lung, kidney and nervous system disorders and severe allergic reactions. It’s almost impossible to formulate a hair colourant without PPDs, however. The main thing to watch for, in this case, is the concentration of the chemical. In mainstream supermarket brands, it can be as high as 5-6%, whereas for brands that claim to be ‘natural’, it can often be less than 1%, and yes, that difference does mean a lot: it’s the difference between, say, smoking a pack of cigarettes and being beside someone having a smoke.

Other chemicals to watch for include the following:

Resorcinol

This receives a nasty 8 out of 10 for danger at the Cosmetics Safety Database. It is classified by the European Union as harmful, irritant to eyes and skin and dangerous for the environment. It may also disrupt hormonal function, and lead to hypothyroidism.

Ammonia

Ammonia is irritant to the skin, eyes and respiratory system, and can cause asthma and breathing difficulties. However, it is much less toxic than PPD, and only receives a rating of 3 out of 10 for toxicity at the Cosmetics Safety Database. Still, many companies are phasing out this harsh ingredient, which compromises the integrity of the hair shaft, too.

Persulfates

Sodium, potassium and ammonium sulphates are present in hair dyes and bleaches, and are used in concentrations of up to 60%. However, concentrations of only 17.5% have been shown to irritate skin, and persulphates are also toxic when the fumes are inhaled, they cause asthma and lung damage. However, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded that they are safe for occasional use, provided that the skin is rinsed well after.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is used in hair bleaches. It is corrosive, and has been banned from cosmetic use in Japan and restricted in Canada. Animal studies have shown it has toxic effects on the nervous system, respiratory and digestive systems at low doses. Other studies on animals have also shown that hydrogen peroxide can damage DNA, possibly leading to cancer.

Lead acetate

This is present in some hair colouring products used for gradual darkening, and is another potentially toxic chemical. Lead has well-known damaging effects on the brain and nervous system.

4-ABP

This ingredient has been linked to development of cancer.

Worried your brand may contain some of these? A good tip for those living in the Americas would be to buy European or Japanese brands: the EU and Japan have banned many toxic ingredients that are still permitted elsewhere. Click here to see more information about that.

Buyer Beware
Knowing that consumers have become savvy to the dangers of chemicals in hair dye, manufacturers have gone all-out in their attempts to greenwash their products. Don’t be fooled! Just because the name of a product may sound ‘green and clean’ doesn’t mean it is. Some of the worst offenders? L’Oreal Natural Match (the ‘natural’ refers to your original hair colour, but could easily be misinterpreted); Garnier HerbaShine (yes, it contains bamboo and has no ammonia, but it DOES contain high levels hydrogen peroxide and chemical fragrance), and Clairol Natural Instincts (again, ammonia free, but packed with other harmful chemicals, including parabens and hydrogen peroxide).

However, it should be noted that permanent dark colours will always have some PPDs. In America, the legal maximum is 2%; brands that really try hard to be natural (such as those below) could contain as little as .06%.

It’s up to you to decide whether or not to use permanent dyes, but keep this in mind: pregnant women are strongly advised not to colour their hair, and the Environmental Working Group found that 69% of hair-dye products they tested for their Skin Deep database may pose cancer risks. A 1994 National Cancer Institute report states dark dyes used over long periods of time seem to increase the risk of cancers such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Despite all the potential dangers, in America, the FDA doesn’t regulate hair dye ingredients (synthetic or natural) at all.

You should be aware that all permanent colours will always use some chemicals; choosing the one that is the least damaging and most natural really is a case of using the best information you have to do so.

But never fear – we’ve done the research for you, and selected some of the best natural hair dyes around.

12 of the Best Natural Hair Dyes
1. Original & Mineral
A favourite with top models and celebrities, this Australian brand was one of the first to produce professional grade ammonia, resorcinol and PPD free permanent hair colour making it gentle on hair, scalp and hands. In fact, they call their formula CCT™–Clean Colour Technology. This delivers clean, lustrous blondes, bright fashion shades and lasting, vibrant colours while completely and gently covering grey.

12 of the Best Natural Hair Dyes
2. Natulique Organic Colours
This certified organic, pro-salon range of permanent hair colour includes a selection that can either enhance your natural hair hue, or deliver more avant garde pastel hued locks. Promising 1oo% grey coverage, a blend of certified organic ingredients, including natural sunflower seed extract and jojoba, apricot and grapeseed oils, activates the colour to fortify the hair for a healthy colour boost. This 95% natural brand also contains a cocktail of essential organic juicy grapefruit and lemon oils.

12 of the Best Natural Hair Dyes
3. Logona Herbal Hair Color Crème
A range of semi-permanent hair dyes in both powder and cream formulas covers grey hair whilst nourishing the your locks and delivering added volume. The innovative one-step hair colour in a tube process almost makes dyeing your hair feel like a relaxing spa ritual! This vegan-friendly dye contains organic henna from Sekem Farm (an Egyptian Fairtrade initiative), rhubarb root powder, jojoba seed oil, and a fragrance based on pure essential oils.

4. ONC Natural Colors
ONC Natural Colours are much healthier than anything else out there. They have a low pH and use heat from a blow dryer to open cuticles rather than a high pH chemical that can damage your health and your hair. It smells a bit of bananas, washes off your skin easily (but not your hair, obviously), and doesn’t leave a hard demarcation line after regrowth. Because this is basically hair care and hair dye in one bottle, it nourishes your locks and scalp whilst changing the colour of your hair. Of course, it’s permanent and lasts as long as any nasty chemical brand.

best organic hair dyes
5. Sante Herbal Hair Colours
Fancy rouge ends or an ombre gradient? In three easy steps, choose to either dye selected strands, sections, or simply coat the entire head with your selected hue with Sante Herbal Hair Colours. The crème formula is safe for ladies of any age – and who can resist a shade called Flame Red! Of course there are the staple options for brunettes and blondes, and Sante Herbal contains organic henna, walnut shells, and wheat protein for a volumising, high-gloss shine.

unnamed-11
6. Root Vanish
Ok, so this isn’t a permanent hair dye–in fact, it’s just a temporary root dye, that washes out in one shampoo. But the results are fabulous–our Editor in Chief has tried this one herself and says it’s a perfect match for her chestnut brown hair, has no strong odour, and looks completely natural.

Great for men and women, the pump-stick style product was designed and colour-perfected by Beverly Hills celebrity colourist Kazumi. It contains no toxic ingredients whatsoever; doesn’t transfer off onto pillows or clothing; conditions and adds gloss to the hair; takes only seconds to use, and comes in 4 natural hair shades.

unnamed-9
7. Tints of Nature
Tints of Nature is an effective range of hair colouring and treatment products, including permanent and semi-permanent colours. Each box comes with a prepping shampoo that alters your hair’s pH slightly, which results in less damage and more dye penetration. The various tones can be custom-mixed, and the colour fades in a way that replicates realistic natural colour. These formulas are natural and gentle, and contain Certified Organic ingredients whenever possible. Tints of Nature’s vegan-friendly hair dyes contain no resorcinol, nonoxynol, parabens, napthol or ammonia, and the average percentage of PPD is a quite low: .42%.

tints_of_nature_chart
8. NATURIGIN Permanent Hair Colour
This innovative Danish brand won the best Natural Beauty Product 2014-2015 in the US market. No surprise since its natural hair dyes are 100% free from PTD, SLS, ammonia, resorcinol, and parabens. Containing a naturally derived formula, with a special blend of certified organic lemon and mandarin essential oils, along with 10 additional pure and gentle organic extracts and natural oils which protect the hair during colouring, each shade of this brand’s dye will reveal shiny, nourished locks!

best organic hair dyes
9. Madison Reed
Smaller colour molecules called micropigments create a gentler colouring process that doesn’t require Madison Reed to use ammonia to aggressively open the hair cuticle to deposit their dyes the way other brands do. In fact, all Madison Reed’s dyes are not only ammonia free, but contain no parabens, resorcinol or PPD. The result is no harsh smells, burning or itching that nasty chemicals normally bring. Argan oil and natural keratin are also present in the formulae to keep the products gentle, and of course, Madison Reed offers a range of colours, from Amalfi Blonde to Perugia Black, all of which promise 100% grey coverage.

best organic hair dyes
10. Saach Organics
PETA certified Saach Organics Natural Hair Colours are semi-permanent hair dyes derived from natural plants and minerals, making it a perfect blend of rare hair treatment herbs without any active chemicals.

Made by a small company with a speciality in natural beauty that’s easy to contact if you have any questions, these natural hair colours are the first semi-permanent hair colours which cover grey hair effectively in one step. Made with herbs grown and harvested according to Ayurvedic Indian traditions, the powdered dye gently coats your hair for vibrant, stable colour that lasts.

The dyes balance and nourish each hair shaft and help prevent breakage and over-drying, leaving hair thick, lustrous and naturally healthy. They are even suitable for hypersensitive skins, and provide 100% grey coverage, without the use of Para Phenylenediamine (PPD), Ammonia, or Peroxides.

best organic hair dyes
11. Organic Colour Systems
This brand may sound like it’s purely organic, but it’s not – there are plenty of non-certifiable organic ingredients here, but the company name was launched over 30 years ago and they’ve kept it. In any case, the list of what’s in these products is pretty benign, and any chemical ingredients are kept at the lowest possible concentrations. For example, PPD (mentioned above) is only .06% for some shades, as opposed to over 5% in most Garnier or Clairol colourings.

12. Oway Hair Color
Organic Way (Oway) is the beauty industry’s first holistic hair colour brand. All 95 ammonia-free permanent hair colour shades are made with biodynamic botanicals (handpicked and grown on their family farms in Italy), organic plants, Fairtrade ingredients and pure essential oils. The base of their hair colour is made with nourishing plant butters, so the hair is left rich, shiny and healthier than before it was coloured. The brand is also certified cruelty-free by PETA and is vegan-friendly, but of course, it does contain some chemicals as well as organic ingredients, otherwise it wouldn’t colour your hair permanently. The concentration of those chemicals varies, depending on the shade, so please ensure you read labels carefully.

unnamed-6
Note: It’s always important to conduct a hair colour safety test prior to using any hair dye. Follow these helpful guidelines for further information.

190 1003 126 5883

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

A Model Knows: Beauty Tips from Daniela Christiansson

All About Eyes: Natural Makeup For Pretty Eyes Every Day

Nail Shapes & Shades for Summer 2016

What is Ozone Therapy? The Best Treatment You’ve Never Heard Of

How Safe is Minoxidil For Women? (& Other Hair Growth Formulas)

Clean Beauty, Literally! 12+ Of The Best Natural Vegan Soaps
132 COMMENTS

Reply
NAYANA
Jan 12, 2015 at 1:01 pm
Hi,
I like the way you organization the post…
Very good Information about Henna powder, For herbal Henna Powder contact us .
Singh Mehandi

Reply
LORA
May 11, 2015 at 3:18 pm
So glad you’ve covered organic hair dyes!
I’m always dying my hair and am so conscious of the amount of dangerous toxins in them!
Great article, Eluxe!

Reply
ROBERT TOPAL
Sep 5, 2016 at 12:11 am
Be careful everyone hair dye that has hydrogen peroxide can be damaging to your hair and nervous system banned in Canada and other places as well thought should know this

Reply
SOPHIE WILDE
Nov 25, 2016 at 6:27 pm
I agree with you there Robert and being a European decided to look and the O+M Scandanavian range which is being sold as being ‘pure and natural’ and hydrogen peroxide was one of the 1st ingredients I saw.As a matter of interest how do women in Canada lighten/highlight their hair if peroxide isn’t allowed anymore?I have Lupus and have no choice other than to go the natural route as I’ve had my hair coming out with illness and want to make the best of myself still and blend in a few grays.

Reply
LAURA MALONE
Feb 19, 2017 at 5:14 pm
Sophie I also have lupus and trying to find some way to color my hair (also a hair stylist). Not being able to do all the fun and crazy things to my hair is killing me and I look like a ridiculous stylist in the salon bc I have brown new growth and red mid length and ends.

DEBORAH MILLER
Aug 19, 2017 at 5:04 am
Try Kevin Murphy color.me
ppd free, ammonia free

VEE CLAERK
Sep 16, 2017 at 3:56 am
Did you find a All Natural & Organic stylist. I am a Licensed Cosmetologist and Alternative Medicine Professional and Educator, I specialize in Chemical free hair color and products. I have been an herbalist/formulator for over 25 years to begin with – as well as a medical professional and educator. Where are you located? I have a clinic and contract out to Green Salons and Organic Health Spas. Most of my clients have Auto Immune Illness/C.I./C.S. I am located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Contact me if you need assistance as I have a lot of experience. May I ask where you are located..

Reply
D SCOTT
Oct 7, 2016 at 5:30 pm
so glad i thought to ask i have learned a lot and will be more careful thanks

Where can i buy any of these products ???

Reply
AMBROSIA POE
Nov 3, 2016 at 8:42 am
Hi~ I was just wondering if you found out where to buy the hair colors listed. Thanks so much!!!

Reply
CHERE
Nov 3, 2016 at 1:28 pm
Hi Ambrosia
Yes, you can buy Saach Organics at http://www.eluxeexclusives.com and if you click on most of the titles, you can buy other brands inthe links, too. Madison Reed sells online, for example – just click the title. Hope that helps
According to one survey from the U.K., women change their hairstyles about 150 times over the course of a lifetime. However many times you make the change, it’s likely that coloring is a part of the process.

It’s not required, of course. These days, going gray is in vogue, with celebrities like Helen Mirren, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Meryl Streep all embracing their natural silver.

Still, about 65 percent of women alter their natural hair color, about a 7 percent increase from the 1950s. We like playing with color. It makes us feel good…until we open the bottle and smell all the fumes.

Traditional hair dyes are full of potentially harmful chemicals that at high exposures, have been linked with skin and respiratory irritation, a suppressed immune system, and even cancer.

RECOMMENDED READING:
A New Way to Cover Gray — How Hairprint Mimics Biology and Restores Your Hair Color

Is there a way to cover the gray—or just enjoy a nice color—without exposing ourselves to these toxic chemicals?

the concern about regular hair dyes
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) states that over 5,000 different chemicals are used in hair dye products, some of which are reported to be carcinogenic in animals. Though manufacturers have improved dye products to eliminate some of the more dangerous chemicals that were used in the 1970s, most still contain less-than-savory ingredients.

CHEMICALS FOUND IN HAIR DYES:
Quaternium-15, which can release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen
Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), which may be hormone disruptors
Phenylenediamine (PPD), which is a skin and respiratory irritant and has been classified in the European Union as toxic and dangerous to the environment
The NCI notes that some studies have found that hairdressers and barbers are at an increased risk of bladder cancer, potentially because of coloring chemicals. Other studies have found personal use of hair dyes could potentially increase the risk of leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but results have been mixed.

WE AREN’T RISKING IT.
When we review the research, we can see that we don’t have enough studies yet to know how coloring our hair maybe 6-10 times a year really affects our health. Most likely—unless we’re hairdressers who deal with high exposures or we color more frequently than usual—the effects will be negligible. Still, it’s not comforting to imagine all those chemicals seeping into our scalps (not to mention the toll that the creation and disposal of these chemicals takes on the environment).

Fortunately, there are other alternatives.

coloring your hair naturally
Turns out we can use a lot of natural ingredients—some of which we can find in our kitchens—to create new hair color. It depends on what color you’re looking for, how intense you want it, and how much time you want to spend.

Keep in mind that natural color products are not the same as chemical color products. They don’t usually last as long, you won’t be able to completely change your natural color, and the color may be slightly different than you imagined. (Of course, that often happens in the salon, too!)

It may take some time and experimentation to get the color you’re looking for, but meanwhile you’ll actually be doing something good for your hair.

A FEW HELPFUL TIPS:
First, if you’re not sure you’re brave enough to try the following dyes on your entire head of hair, save some from your next trim or cut off a few locks and test a small amount of natural dye first.

Next, always rinse out your color with apple cider vinegar to help the color last longer. Try rinsing with a vinegar/water solution, or mix one-tablespoon apple cider vinegar with about a cup of water in a spray bottle and apply after coloring hair—don’t rinse.

if you’re not a diy enthusiast…
If you’re not into making your own, we highly recommend using Hairprint, an incredible, all natural color-restoring product. This safe, hair-healing product is essentially a scientific breakthrough that uses a non-toxic method to restore gray hair to its natural color. Check it out here.

7 ingredients to color your hair naturally
1. COFFEE
Natural Hair Color
Coffee works great if you’re looking to go darker, cover gray hairs, or add dimension to dark tresses. Simply brew a strong coffee (espresso works well), let it cool, and then mix one cup with a couple cups of leave-in conditioner and 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds.

Apply on clean hair and allow to sit for about an hour. If you use apple cider vinegar to rinse, it will help the color last longer. You may need to repeat the process a couple times to see noticeable results.

2. TEA
Natural Hair Color
Like coffee, black tea can help you go darker, and can also help cover gray hairs. If you have lighter hair, though, there are other types of tea you can use. Chamomile, for example, is recommended for blondes, while rooibos may work for redheads.

Do keep in mind that tea works best with your natural color. You won’t be able to turn blonde hair brunette. But black tea can darken blonde hair and chamomile can lighten it—especially if you sit in the sun while you have it in.

The longer you leave the tea on the hair, the more noticeable the color will be. You can also try repeated applications.

The key is to make the tea highly concentrated. Use 3-5 teabags (or about the same amount in loose-leaf tea) for two cups of water. You can apply the cooled tea to hair alone, or mix with conditioner (as noted in the coffee recipe). If you’re seeking to cover grays, mix with some fresh or dried sage, which helps open up the hair follicles.

Leave on hair for at least an hour—more if you want more color. Some even put on a cap and wear the tea overnight, then rinse the following morning. Check your color to determine what intensity you need.

3. HERBS
Depending on what color you’re going for, you can use a variety of herbs to achieve it. Here are some suggestions, depending on what your natural color is:

Natural Hair Color
Red hair: Try calendula, marigold, rosehips, and hibiscus to deepen the red shade or add a few red highlights. The effects are cumulative—if you keep using the dye regularly, you will notice more color. Simmer the flowers in water for about 30 minutes, strain, cool, and then spray or pour on hair and allow to dry in the sun if possible.

Brunette/dark hair: Rosemary, nettle, and sage are all great herbs for dark hair. Simmer all three with water for 30 minutes, cool, strain, and spray or brush through hair. Allow to sit about an hour. You can also use the rinse daily after your shower. Be patient—it may take several days to notice a difference.

Blonde hair: As mentioned above, chamomile tea works, but you can also try calendula, marigold, saffron, and sunflower petals. To hide grays, try rhubarb root in two cups of water, simmer, strain, and pour over hair.

Add black tea to the darker colors above to help the color last longer. Catnip works for lighter colors.

4. BEET AND CARROT JUICE
These two juices can add natural red tints to your current color. Depending on what

Natural Hair Color
shade you want, you can use each alone, or mix them together. For a more reddish tinge, use more beet juice (strawberry blonde, deeper red, or auburn). Carrot will produce a quieter reddish orange.

This one is easy—simply apply about a cup of the juice to your hair. You can also mix in some coconut oil to condition hair at the same time. Work it through, wrap hair, and leave on for at least an hour. (These juices stain—wear something to protect your skin and clothes.) Rinse the juice out, and seal with an apple cider vinegar spray. If the color isn’t dark enough, repeat the next day.

5. HENNA
One of the most popular natural hair coloring ingredients, henna is a powdered form of the leaves that come from the henna plant. These leaves have a natural and effective coloring pigment that has been used for thousands of years to dye hair, nails, and skin.

Natural Hair Color
Natural henna, on its own, creates a red-orange color, so if you see products offering other colors produced with henna, realize the manufacturers have mixed the henna with other ingredients to achieve those colors. Redheads and brunettes (looking for a bit of auburn) are the best candidates for henna hair color. Be careful with this one—the results can be more orange than you’d like, so you may want to mix a little chamomile in with the paste to tame the color.

To make your own henna hair dye, mix about one cup of henna powder with 2 cups lemon juice. You can also add in a tablespoon of vinegar to help release the color. Allow to sit about 4-6 hours until it thickens. Apply to hair and comb through. (This is messy so be prepared!) Wrap your hair in plastic wrap and allow to sit 2-3 hours before rinsing.

6. LEMON JUICE

Looking for a few highlights? Try fresh-squeezed lemon juice sprayed and brushed through hair. Leave on for several hours. If you sit in the sun, you’ll notice more lightening. Blondes can enjoy even more lightening by mixing with chamomile tea.

Lemon juice works slowly, so expect to repeat applications several times before seeing results.

7. WALNUT SHELLS
Natural Hair Color
If you want to secure a dark brown color, this is the way to go. Crush the walnut shells and boil for about half an hour. Cool, strain, and apply to hair. If you’re wanting to cover grays, you can use a cotton ball to apply only to those areas where it’s needed. Again, be careful as this dye will stain everything, so take precautions.

To create a more intense dye, return the strained juice to the heat and boil until it’s simmered down to about a quarter of the original volume. Allow to cool in the refrigerator, strain if needed, and pour through hair.

To save time, use walnut powder instead of the shells.

Let sit for at least an hour (more if you want more color), and rinse. Try to avoid really hot water as it can take the color away. Wash in lukewarm to make the color last longer.

Have you colored your hair the natural way? Let us know in the comments below!

READ NEXT:
A New Way to Cover Gray — How Hairprint Mimics Biology and Restores Your Hair Color

Sources:
“Hair Dyes and Cancer Risk,” National Cancer Institute, August 10, 2011,
Everything You Need to Know About Organic and Natural Hair Color Formulas
Looking for organic hair dye? We have some bad news.

image
By Marci Robin
Nov 17, 2017
406
imageGETTY IMAGES
The last few years have seen a bigger-than-ever push for natural and organic beauty products. Many consumers are under the impression that components found in “organic” or “natural” hair products make them inherently safer. Unfortunately it’s not that simple, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

In fact, not only is organic hair dye not necessarily safer than synthetic hair dye, organic hair dye simply doesn’t exist.

The Good Housekeeping Institute breaks down why: “Other than henna, any commercially available hair dye — store-bought for home use or found in salons — uses chemical actives for them to work,” says Birnur Aral, Ph.D., Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Health, Beauty and Environmental Sciences Lab. “By and large, these chemicals are synthesized substances.”

Even when the packaging claims to be all-natural, organic or chemical-free — which is literally impossible because everything, including organic things, are made of chemicals — that could basically be an outright lie. This is because the FDA can’t do anything about the use of these terms regarding cosmetics. The FDA regulates cosmetics via the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act, neither of which define the term “organic.”

In other words, if you see hair dye that isn’t henna and it claims to be organic or natural, it’s “most likely still employing synthetic ingredients for it to work,” Dr. Aral says.

The good news: Hair dye doesn’t have to be organic or natural in order to be safe, and there are other ways to be both health- and eco-conscious when it comes to coloring your hair. Here are the most important things to know:

You can’t avoid chemicals, but you can avoid unnecessary harsh ones.
As previously mentioned, everything is made of chemicals. Water, for example, is a chemical compound. So get it out of your mind that chemicals aren’t safe just because they’re chemicals.

There are, however, harsh and potentially toxic chemicals in some beauty products, and while there has been growing momentum in the industry to remove or minimize these ingredients, hair dye is one of the worst offenders when it comes to including some pretty shady and unnecessary chemicals.

“There is definitely a movement happening where women are choosing more ingredient-conscious beauty products,” says Chelsea Smith, master colorist for Madison Reed, which makes at-home hair color that’s touted as the first “six-free” formula. This means it doesn’t include what they consider to be six questionable ingredients commonly found in hair-color formulas: ammonia, resorcinol, parabens, phthalates, PPD and gluten.

“These six ingredients are a mix of hair color ‘actives,’ preservatives and contaminates, and we were able to redesign our hair color from the ground up without the need or presence of any of them,” Smith explains. “We’ve been able to remove them from our products in order to minimize the chemical profile of our formulas while maintaining salon-quality gorgeous results.”

Go as natural as possible.
If you still prefer natural ingredients regardless of unproven safety benefits, you may want to look to a trusted brand like Aveda, which promises a mostly natural hair-color formula.

“Ninety-six percent of the formula is comprised of ingredients derived from nature, such as the humectants, conditioners, viscosity builders, solvents and antioxidants,” says Justina Mejia-Montane, Vice President, Global Product Development at Aveda. “The formula is chockfull of naturally sourced ingredients, most notably our signature botanical blend of sunflower, castor and jojoba oils that help protect the hair and infuse it with amazing shine.”

Keep in mind that even a brand so committed to natural formulas must rely on some synthetic ingredients in order for the hair color used in its salons to work.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
“The remaining 4% of the ingredients are of synthetic content which are the colorants, dyes and preservatives,” Mejia-Montane explains. “It is unavoidable to include synthetic ingredients in professional hair color because all of the colorants and dyes used in permanent and demi-permanent hair color are synthetic. These are the ingredients that create hair color via the oxidation process.”

Choose a cruelty-free brand.
Although you may not be able to color your hair with a natural or organic formula, you can make conscious choices when it comes to the treatment of animals and the use of animal-derived ingredients.

Manic Panic, which recently celebrated 40 years of making wild hair colors used in both homes and salons, has been cruelty-free for so long that they’ve actually trademarked the motto, “Tested on celebrities, not animals.” And in addition to being free of ammonia, peroxide and PPD, all of the formulas are vegan, prompting PETA2 to name their formulas Best Cruelty-Free Hair Product in several different years.

Madison Reed is also cruelty-free, boasting certification by Leaping Bunny.

“It is an international stamp of approval that recognizes no animal testing is used or commissioned in any phase of product development by our company, its labs or ingredient suppliers,” Smith explains.

Indie cosmetics brand Lime Crime also has the Leaping Bunny seal of approval, and they recently launched a collection of fantasy hair colors called Unicorn Hair ($16, amazon.com) that can be applied at home.

Pick formulas that come in eco-friendly packaging.
Want to make Mother Nature especially happy? Pay attention to the packaging too.

“Aveda’s tubes are manufactured with 100% wind power and made from post-consumer recycled content — right down to the cap,” says Mejia-Montane.

And when you order directly from Manic Panic’s website, it will be packed with biodegradable peanuts.

Ultimately, the dream of organic hair dye is just that — a dream. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use your head when deciding what kind of hair color to put on top of it.

WATCH: Tips from the Top Colorist in Paris
Get the lowdown on the industry’s newest solutions to harm-free colouring
By Aleesha Badkar 13 March 2018 Next article
Looking to make the switch to natural hair dye? Found out everything you need to know at womenshealthmag.co.uk.

© Stocksy
If in 2017 you cleaned up your diet, then in 2018 make it your haircare. Now really is the time to experiment with natural hair dye and not least because of the ominous research that’s linked frequent colour changes to breast cancer.

Across the board, organic beauty is having a moment; a trillion dollar one if headlines are to be believed. Driven by a larger shift in awareness of what you put on your body is equally as important as what you put in it, chemical-based products are losing fans, fast.

In hair care specifically, the market for natural and/or botanically derived products is expected to soar to 6.70 billion by 2023 according to Crystal Market Research.

But back to now. In salons, stylists are increasingly open about choosing to use less toxic formulations for their sake of their clients – and their – skin. At home, the vegan beauty brigade and pregnant women crave colour that lasts but is made from ingredients that they can pronounce.

Question then: is natural hair dye worthy of the hype? Or is plant-based beauty better suited to products in pots?

Firstly, if your suffer from dry hair a plant-based product could help. “Most traditional hair colours use ammonia, resorcinol, paraphenylenediamine (PPD) and para-toluenediamine (PTD),” says Olivia Crighton, hair stylist and director of Glasshouse Salon. “These [ingredients] can raise the PH level of your hair beyond normal and the ammonia can damage your hair condition.”

But that’s not all.

Traditional hair dyes are known to degrade the protein in your hair, while also wicking away moisture, explains Crighton. “This prevents the cuticle from effectively closing, which could result in lacklustre hair that can appear dull, has reduced colour retention and you may find your colour fade quicker.”

In addition, ammonia (what gives hair dye that pongy smell) and resorcinol, a common colour pigment, are highlighy toxic in nature. In the past, studies have linked these chemicals to skin and eye irritations and in extreme cases respiratory problems.

“Finally, paraphenylenediamine (PPD) and para-toluenediamine (PTD) are petroleum derivatives,” and are ingredients to be wary of warns Crighton. “Permanent hair colour often uses high percentages of these ingredients which irritate sensitive skin types.”

Ever rolled your eyes and dragged yourself to the hair salon for a patch test? Don’t.

“We test every new client to check for any sensitivities to ingredients and allergic reactions. Because in order to achieve a permanent colour result you do need to use one or both of these ingredients when colouring.”

Enter, natural hair dye.

Experts have spent more than 10 years sourcing natural ingredients to deliver colour that doesn’t compromise your health values. Plus less chemicals = more sustainability in the environment.

So whether you’re embracing zero waste (read about zero waste to find out how you can be even more sustainable) in the bathroom or keen to be kinder on your skin and locks, here is how to navigate natural hair dye.

NATURAL HAIR DYE: HOW TO FIND THE BEST PRODUCT
1. DO visit a salon for a colour
Before leaning over a bathroom sink with a box of natural hair dye in one hand while clutching your hair in a gloved other, book a visit to a stylist.

Natural hair dyes are unique formulations and few can replicate salon colour at home.

Most natural hair dye formulas are designed for salon use only, as they contain fewer hair colour chemicals, so need to be handled professionally in order to get a good amount of colour.

“We use Organic Colour Systems’ hair colour,” says Crighton. “It contains a fraction of the amount [of PPD and PTD] in comparison to traditional dyes. The absence of ammonia, also ensures we minimise pigment absorption into the bloodstream as we are not opening the pores of the skin in the same way as a traditional colour might.

“It’s worth noting there are good semi-permanent (non oxidative dye) options around (ie. No Limits by Organic Colour Systems, used in salons) that don’t contain these pigments for those too sensitive. Semi-permanent colours will not be able to lighten the hair though and have minimal grey coverage as they work on the outside of the hair.”

Crighton’s thinking aligns with other new launches you’ll soon see in a salon near you. Take, L’Oréal Professionnel Botanéa – the newest herbal hair colour launch. Using a trio of powder pigments and water heated to a precise temperature your colourist can re-vamp your hair colour sans chemicals sans high heat. But precision is key here. Both the mixture and the temperature measurements need to be spot on to avoid a hair mare.

2. DO pay attention to how you wash and care for your hair
Certain ingredients in shampoos and conditioners can affect how well natural hair dye takes to your hair.

“You don’t want to use a silicone shampoo,” says Eric Bone, International Director Sustainable Innovation, Hair Metiers, L’Oréal Research and Innovation. “Silicon shampoos are heavy so will prevent the colour from grabbing onto your hair.”

Silicones also create an artificial barrier around your hair strands and can inhibit colour absorption.

Stick with natural shampoos and biodegradable products, to make the most out of your hair colour.

“They are very gentle to the hair fibre,” says Bone, “so would be a good complement [to the colour] to take care of your hair.”

3. DON’T be afraid to ask for advice
Again, consulting a professional stylist can leave you with better colour results. Though there are natural dyes on the market, they all work differently depending on your hair colour – so while they may work great on blondes, darker colours might not get results.

The condition of your hair could also make a big difference to how well colour grips to your locks. But if you think you can’t a get a natural colour because of your frizzy roots or dried out ends, think again.

“With any product that you put on your hair it will depend on the state of your hair and whether it is damaged or not,” says Bone. “If you have very thick hair for example, the uptake of the colour will be a bit more difficult compared to hair that is already slightly damaged – that will be easier.”

Who knew?

4. DON’T forego just using a tint
Some natural shampoos and conditioners will tint your natural hair colour or previously dyed hair. So you can have a colour refresh with no need for a harmful dye.

Try Aveda’s pure plant range that uses madder root and black Malva to add different hues to your hair.

Natural hair dye, aveda color enhance madder root shampoo

Aveda Color Enhance Madder Root Shampoo, £36, feelunique.com

5. DO look for natural ingredients, such as beetroot, turmeric and specialised powders
Yep, not just the grated hero of lunchtime salads, beetroot’s colour pigments can actually be used to dye your hair.

“Many brands are now introducing ingredients such as beetroot and henna as an alternative to chemical dyes,” says Francesca Dixon, Hari’s Hairdressers’ Senior Creative Colourist.

“Be aware that some of these are more colour enhancers than dyes,” says Dixon. “You can still achieve a great overall colour, however they do not penetrate the cortex of the hair, so many not be as permanent as a chemical dye.”

Newer natural hair dye formulas also use specially sourced Asian powders to dye the hair.

Cassia powder, henna powder, indigo leaf powder, alma powder and neem powder can all be combined in various ways to make pastes that change your hair colour.

And if previously hair dyes required 3 hours processing time, not anymore thanks to these powders that can naturally lightens hair in 30 minutes to an hour.

But while you can be out of the salon in an hour, be wary of harsh chemicals for two days afterwards as the colour will take time to settle.

“If you go for darker shades where you have a bigger concentration of indigo natural dye, you would go through a process where the full development of colour would take several hours,” says Bone. “It could be up to 48 hours, which is why we say that for the darker shades you have a full development of colour. That does not mean you can’t wash your hair in that time though, because the dye particles are already into your hair and they are being oxidised to give the final colour through the hair oxidation.”

Handy. Look out for lemon juice too, as this can have a bleaching effect to lighten your locks, and turmeric, which can enhance blonde shades.

So while that golden latte may stain your coffee mug, it could give you the beachy highlights you’re looking for.

6. DO check the pH level of your products
Healthy hair will have a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, meaning that your hair cuticles will be closed, keeping hair hydrated and maintaining elasticity.

Try and find conditioning products that are more alkaline, as this will balance out the high pH of the colour.

“[Natural hair dye] is designed to work within the hair’s optimum pH levels,” says Karine Jackson, Karine Jackson Hair & Beauty. “The base of the colour is already alkaline to raise the pH, whilst also being a conditioning agent to soften the cuticles. This softening process means that Organic Colour Systems is able to work at a far lower pH, which is gentler on the hair and far less ethanolamine (a chemical that contributes to dry ends and colour fading) is required.”

WANT TO GIVE NATURAL HAIR DYE A TRY?
It’s Pure Herbal Hair Colour

Natural hair dye, its pure herbal hair colour

It’s Pure Herbal Hair Colour, £11.95, amazon.co.uk

Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care

Natural hair dye, christophe robin shade variation care

Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care, £41, lookfantastic.com

Herbatint Permanent Herbal Hair Colour Gel

Natural hair dye, herbatint permanent haircolor gel

Herbatint Permanent Herbal Hair Colour Gel, £9.20, amazon.co.uk

Saach Organics Natural Hair Colour

Natural hair dye, saach organics natural hair colour copy

Saach Organics Natural Hair Colour, £10.95, amazon.co.uk

Lush Henna Hair Colour

Natural hair dye, lush henna hair colour

Lush Henna Hair Colour, £10.95 uk.lush.com

Loreal Botanea

Natural hair dye, loreal botanea

Avaialable from June, loreal-paris.co.uk

Trying to look after your locks better? Read about to only wash hair once a week to avoid dry ends and whether you should be going to bed with wet hair.

Hiya Gorgeous, We talk a lot about healthy beauty here at KrisCarr.com. Foundation, mascara, nail polish, you name it, we’ve either covered it or it’s in the works! Today, I’m tackling one of the trickier topics that readers ask me about time and time again—hair dye! You’re probably hip to the fact that the…

Skin care is the most wonderful thing !!!!

Skin care and hair !!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply