I’m answering the burning query, does natural hair dye exist? 

As a hairstylist, hair shade was the very first thing that modified once I moved in the direction of a greener life-style years in the past.  Not that natural hair dyes are good, as a result of they aren’t.  However the excellent news is that there are higher choices than the standard hair dyes on the market, particularly for those who’re inhaling poisonous fumes all day as a stylist.  I really stopped doing hair for a bit till I discovered a safer possibility.  I didn’t need to be round typical shade, and I undoubtedly didn’t need to be exposing others to harsh chemical compounds.

*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate hyperlinks on this weblog submit. If you buy one thing from my hyperlink, I’ll obtain a small fee from the sale.  This comes for gratis to you, however is paid by the corporate.  I don’t take changing into an affiliate with any firm evenly.  If I’m, it’s as a result of I consider within the firm and their product. 

*Suzi (Gurl Gone Inexperienced) is a participant within the Amazon Providers LLC Associates Program, an affiliate promoting program designed to offer a way for websites to earn promoting charges by promoting and linking to amazon.com.

It’s possible you’ll be considering that hair dye isn’t that large of a deal in case you are solely utilizing it a handful of instances per yr in comparison with your different private care merchandise. However I’m right here to say that it could possibly’t be ignored when you think about the poisonous components in hair dye and the truth that

66-77 % of girls dye their hair (1)

Fairly loopy statistics! And when you think about that some (possibly even many) ladies may not know what they’re placing on their heads together with the truth that the Meals & Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate hair dye it undoubtedly will get a little bit extra scary. In truth, 

“the FDA can not take motion in opposition to a coal-tar hair dye on the idea that it’s or incorporates a toxic or deleterious ingredient that will make it dangerous to shoppers, so long as the label features a particular warning assertion and the product comes with enough instructions for shoppers to do a pores and skin take a look at earlier than they dye their hair. PLUS, Coal-tar hair dyes, not like shade components generally, don’t want FDA approval. (FD&C Act, 601(e)).” (2)

YIKES! And this “coal-tar” hair ingredient I’m speaking about, nicely it’s in a whole lot of hair dyes…even a few of your so-called pure hair dyes. You additionally must know that hair dye that’s “For Skilled Use” isn’t required by the FDA to listing the components even.  That’s proper, your hairstylist could not even know what’s in that skilled field of hair dye. So scary!  

However, I’m right here to offer the whole lot it’s good to know when deciding if you wish to dye your hair (or not) and what you’ll need to use in case you are aiming for a much less poisonous hair dyeing expertise.

What precisely is in hair dye that makes it so poisonous?

Taking a more in-depth have a look at hair dye means we have to have a look at the components that make up your favourite hair dye merchandise. Listed below are a number of components to contemplate when deciding if you wish to proceed utilizing your present hair dye or not:

Arylamines (PPD)

That is one of the vital harmful chemical compounds present in hair dyes. It has been identified to trigger bladder most cancers and to trigger most cancers in experimental animals. One of the widespread names for it’s p-phenylenediamine (PPD). You’ll even discover it in pure dyes (though the proportion is quite a bit decrease). It features as the primary coloring agent in hair dye and it helps the colour to final by shampoos. 

Whereas poisonous alone, it will get even extra poisonous when paired with hydrogen peroxide.  Hydrogen peroxide is what’s utilized in formulations with the PPD to get it to activate. It’s fascinating to me that the FDA has not accredited for this chemical to be examined on the pores and skin, but it’s practically unimaginable to not get it in your pores and skin for those who’re coloring your hair…loopy! Many stylists can find yourself with pores and skin irritation or dermatitis due to fixed publicity to PPD and people getting their hair dyed report eczema and dermatitis. Research hyperlink it as a doable carcinogen. (3)

Ammonia

That is the most well-liked chemical folks have a tendency to listen to about when confronted with mainstream hair dyes. Ammonia is utilized in hair shade to blast the cuticle and deposit the colour.  Apart from it being poisonous, it’s additionally actually damaging to your hair.  Why do you suppose stylists are all the time pushing these conditioners like loopy?!  

There may be loads of analysis displaying ammonia is a respiratory and bronchial asthma irritant (4). Plus it’s simply plain not good for the atmosphere contemplating it’s washed out of your hair and goes down the drain into our waterways. This can be a large deal as a result of it’s identified to be poisonous to aquatic life even in low concentrations. (5) Apart from inhaling the poisonous fumes, as soon as it’s on a shopper’s scalp it seeps into the pores, which is then carried into the bloodstream.  Backside line-avoid it!

Toluene-2,5-diamine

These are utilized in everlasting hair dyes.  Apart from getting complications, getting dizzy and having allergic reactions, long run publicity can leadvert to female reproductive system injury and being pregnant loss.  (6)

Parabens, Resorcinol, lead acetate are a number of different offenders.

*There’s a slew extra chemical compounds you’ll find in your hair dye –  really there might be as much as over 400 chemical compounds – they usually all include their very own well being dangers!

What’s the greatest pure hair dye?

As each a shopper and a hair stylist, I’ve to say that the perfect skilled pure hair dye is Oway. However there are 2 different manufacturers I need to embody in my listing of greatest pure hair dyes in case you are getting your hair dyed professionally. Once I say skilled, I imply these are solely out there to these licensed as a cosmetologist.

1. Oway

I’ve to say this line I’ve been probably the most impressed with.  I’ve solely used them a handful of instances –  sadly once I had my salon it wasn’t out there in any other case I might have undoubtedly used it.

First they’re made in Italy. They’re ammonia free and provide 89 colours which is an honest choice.  They really have 6 legit pure ingredients of their hair shade, which is uncommon to search out.  They actually push the phrases biodynamic, pure and natural.  Clearly, for those who’ve been studying by this submit you realize that it’s in all probability a advertising time period, which it’s. 

However I’m shocked how they do actually have a excessive customary relating to being extra eco-friendly throughout.  You don’t have to sit down underneath warmth to course of the colour or do a ton of steps to cowl grey hair – which isn’t the case with all of the manufacturers I’ll point out. 

Should you’re a stylist and studying this undoubtedly use a scale, it’s important for good outcomes with this shade line.  I used to be impressed with how I didn’t need to pack on the colour with this line too – once more, not the case with all of the manufacturers I’ll point out. Clearly, it’s nonetheless not utterly pure however I might say so far as being a stylist and having ease of use, constant outcomes and doesn’t odor horrible, it’s undoubtedly a greater possibility.

I needed to additionally point out how a lot I beloved Oway’s Hbleach lightener!  It’s the perfect lightener I’ve ever used – such an incredible possibility.  It really makes the hair really feel higher after utilizing…I do know loopy.  It’s ammonia free and incorporates lavender important oil and kukui butter.  It’s so creamy.  Should you’re a stylist and also you’re desirous to check out Oway, try the web site simplyorganicbeauty.com.  You’ll have to get accepted as a stylist to be able to buy merchandise.  Additionally, for those who’re not a stylist however need to discover a stylist that makes use of Oway, name their quantity (888)213-4744 after which push the quantity 4 to discover a salon close to you that makes use of it.  You may as well e mail them right here.

2. Natural Colour Techniques (OCS)

That is the skilled line I used at my salon.  They’re made within the UK, which is nice as a result of they’ve increased requirements than the U.S.  It’s ammonia and resorcinol free.  This was one of many predominant causes I went with the road on the time.  It was again in 2013 and this actually was the one possibility when it got here to pure hair dye from what I knew. 

It nonetheless does have PPD in it however has the bottom quantity wanted to ensure that it to nonetheless be efficient.  As a substitute of ammonia within the product they use Ethanolamine and Triethanolamine. They don’t odor as dangerous, however so far as toxicity goes, are nonetheless up there with ammonia. Probably not that significantly better in my thoughts.  They use Ethanolamine and Triethanolamine together with warmth for the colour to penetrate the hair shaft. You’ll be able to learn the full ingredient listing right here.  This line covers gray hair and offers lovely outcomes.  Your hair feels wholesome and glossy.  The fading was no completely different than mainstream shade.  I dare say it was really higher than conventional shade.

The odor is extra of an earthy odor, nothing disagreeable about it in any respect.  Should you’ve smelled ammonia shade then you realize what I’m speaking about.  They provide 64 colours that may be made everlasting shade or semi-permanent relying on the developer they usually provide two lightening powders.  The lightening powders are ammonia, bleach and mud free.  The road is vegan and a few of their merchandise do comprise a wheat protein, nonetheless they declare that they’re gluten free.  I might nonetheless ask them for those who’re delicate to gluten in any means earlier than making use of this shade simply to make certain.  A few of their colours, in addition to the lightening powders, have wheat protein in them. 

Additionally they have a very semi-permanent line that’s referred to as No Limits.  These dyes will wash out in 6-12 washes however don’t comprise PPD or PTD and you need to use them within the comfort of your property.  They’re bought as a retail product from the salon.  As I discussed above, simply because this line is “pure” and has the phrase “natural” in it doesn’t imply it doesn’t comprise toxins.  Once I used it, I nonetheless wore gloves.  Though it’s higher in some methods than customary hair dyes, it nonetheless is hair dye on the finish of the day.  To discover a stylist utilizing OCS, please e-mail them at healthierhair@organiccoloursystems.com.

3. O&M

O&M stands for Authentic Mineral.  I used it right here and there in my salon.  It’s newer and made in Australia. O&M is ammonia, resorcinol and PPD free.  However nonetheless incorporates a number of different poisonous chemical compounds as an alternative of PPD like p-aminophenol, 4-Chlororesorcinol, Toluene-2,5-Diamine Sulfate and a couple of, 4 Diaminophenoxyethanol hcl. Here’s a full ingredient listing.

The odor of O&M is extra of a cleansing agent odor.  I’m not a fan to be sincere.  It’s not overly robust or burning like ammonia in any respect nevertheless it isn’t as nice as OCS.  It doesn’t require warmth to penetrate the hair shaft like Natural Colour Techniques does, which I beloved.  Additionally they have a really creamy consistency.  The hair felt nice after utilizing the product. 

They’re quite a bit bigger than OCS when it comes to colours, they provide 99.  They arrive in a cream type for everlasting and liquid for semi-permanent.  The outcomes I acquired from utilizing O&M have been nice.  It coated gray nicely.  The hair shined and lasted by shampoos additionally.  Should you’re a stylist and also you’re desirous to check out O&M, try the web site simplyorganicbeauty.com.  You’ll have to get accepted as a stylist to be able to buy merchandise.  Additionally, for those who’re not a stylist however need to discover a stylist that makes use of O&M, name their quantity (888)213-4744 after which push the quantity 4 to discover a salon close to you that makes use of it.  You may as well e mail them right here.

So, is natural hair dye any higher than typical hair dye?

I do suppose it’s higher. However, have you ever seemed on the again of your “natural” hair shade on the ingredient lists?  As a result of there’s undoubtedly some severe artificial components happening, that means it’s something however natural.

Beneath is a listing of components present in “pure” boxed hair dye.  They aren’t fairly.  It could be completely different utilizing it if it solely had a pair poisonous components however when the listing is that this lengthy, it makes you suppose twice earlier than utilizing it. They could take away a number of the heavy offenders relating to typical dye however they’re removed from protected.  If there’s a rating subsequent to the ingredient listing it’s the rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Pores and skin Deep DataBase.

• PEG’s(polyethylene glycols)- Petroleum primarily based enhancers.  Often contaminated with heavy metals, Ethylene oxide (utilized in World Conflict 1 nerve gasoline) and 1,4 dioxane-(a carcinogen) and makes it simpler for components to soak up into your pores and skin/scalp.  Not one thing you need in your merchandise if there are a listing of different poisonous components.  The EWG Pores and skin Deep DataBase charges this as a 1 however that’s not correct.  They aren’t wanting on the complete make-up of the ingredient.  Some manufacturers can try to take away these impurities however it might be onerous to search out that out.
• Mineral Oil- Constituted of petroleum. Will be contaminated.  It might even be a doable carcinogen. (7)
• Propylene Glycol- Similar to (PEG’s- polyethylene glycols), it additionally makes it simpler for components to penetrate the pores and skin and is usually a pores and skin irritant.
• Parfum/Perfume- Could cause phototoxic reactions and might be photoallergic.  Pores and skin irritant, and has been often known as a neuro-toxin, hormone disruptor and an allergen.
• p-Phenylenediamine- Rating of 7- Allergic reactions and immunotoxicity in addition to most cancers.
• Ethanolamine- Rating of 5-6, Allergic reactions and Immunotoxicity
• 4-Chlororesorcinol- Rating of 6- Allergic reactions, Immunotoxicity, and most cancers.
• 2-Methylresorcinol- Allergic reactions and immunotoxicity.
• 2-Amino-4-Hydroxyethylaminoanisole Sulfate- Rating of three nevertheless it did have a reference for most cancers.
• m-Aminophenol- Rating of 5, for allergic reactions and immunotoxicity and most cancers.
• N-Phenyl-p-Phenylenediamine Sulfate- Rating of seven, allergic reactions and immunotoxicity, most cancers.

Regardless of this, I do suppose natural hair dye is best than typical since you’re not utilizing ammonia which blasts your hair and in the long run damages your hair.  The integrity of the hair is preserved so significantly better and the hair is total more healthy when utilizing natural hair dye or dye that doesn’t use ammonia in it.  There are much less total doubtlessly dangerous components in natural hair dye versus typical hair dye as nicely.  Though not good, I believe for those who’re going to dye your hair natural hair dye is a greater possibility.

Is natural hair dye dangerous on your hair?

I don’t suppose hair dye generally is sweet on your hair however natural hair dye is the most suitable choice and I wouldn’t say it’s dangerous on your hair.  It really nourishes it a lot extra and has a way more mild method to getting the colour within the hair cuticle in comparison with typical hair dyes that blast your cuticle and go away hair feeling dry and brittle.  

What pure hair dyes might be accomplished at house?

If you wish to proceed dyeing your hair your self, then listed here are a number of the pure boxed hair dye choices, nonetheless simply keep in mind they don’t seem to be utterly pure.

Many of those boxed dye choices are even out there on Amazon! 

I’ll say that I used to be most impressed with Madison Reed’s ingredient listing.  Nonetheless completely not squeaky clear in any respect, however in comparison with the opposite typical hair shade at house dyes it wasn’t as loopy.  Madison Reed’s are additionally PPD free, for these which can be allergic or delicate to PPD.  However know that doesn’t imply the ingredient they use as an alternative, para-toulenediamene sulfate, is non poisonous.  It has its personal set of uncomfortable side effects too. 

I’ll listing some hair dye alternate options under which can be undoubtedly safer. However these boxed choices are for those who simply don’t need to spend that a lot time doing their hair each 6 weeks, or they’ve purple hair, need highlights, and so on. The alternate options to hair dyes simply gained’t have the ability to meet everybody’s wants.

What are the perfect hair dye alternate options?

I’ve 3 choices for pure hair dye alternate options so that you can try, though I do suppose Hairprint is the most suitable choice with simply 8 meals grade components.

1. Hairprint 

That is the one utterly protected shade line out there in the mean time.  However I wouldn’t actually name it a hair shade line.  It’s a boxed dye you need to use at house that doesn’t work such as you would possibly suppose a traditional shade would.  It makes use of 8 food-grade components to dye the hair. 

I’ve personally used it on my mother’s hair a number of years in the past.  Though it’s utterly protected it’s additionally a whole lot of work.  It took us about 2 1/2 hours from begin to end. 

I totally suggest it for those who’re simply desirous to cowl your roots and you’ve got brown to darker hair naturally, nevertheless it doesn’t work nicely with somebody who needs to cowl their darkish roots and have highlights, which was my mother.  It turns your hair to its unique shade.  So for those who’re a pure degree 5 brown, that’s what the colour will seem like when accomplished. 

In my expertise it was even darker although.  It appears very opaque and never see by.  It pale on my mother however nonetheless was too harsh for her.  As you become old the rule of thumb with shade is add heat and go lighter.  Darker could make you look older and the pores and skin extra sallow.  Hairprint doesn’t work for blondes, redheads or reddish hair.  You should buy it on-line right here!

2. Henna

Henna is a plant and utterly pure.  There are nonetheless henna dyes that comprise small quantities of PPD, so make sure that in case you are utilizing henna it’s pure.  Usually henna will reveal a reddish brownish shade however some firms have added in different crops with henna now to alter the colour.

Henna is absolutely onerous to work with. As soon as you place it in your hair, you actually can’t get it out.  It’s everlasting.  However a distinct everlasting than typical everlasting dye.  I’ve tried stripping henna out earlier than with bleach and what occurs is it turns brassy and purple.  The issue is as soon as you place it on, you actually can’t do a lot else together with your hair.  These days you may obtain completely different colours utilizing a wide range of henna powders.  Try Morocco Technique for more information.

3. Mineral Fusion’s Gray Root Concealer

This can be a nice different to hair dye – a root concealer!  This isn’t really an throughout shade on your hair however for simply your roots.  You utilize it if you end up making an attempt to cover these gray hairs.  It actually does mix nicely and covers the gray!  It simply washes out after shampooing.  You utilize it such as you would mascara. 

Now this isn’t by any means utterly pure.  It charges a 5 on the Assume Soiled app.  Nonetheless, that is undoubtedly a greater different to dyeing hair for my part.  You’re giving your self quite a bit much less of a poisonous load.  It’s a lot higher than mainstream root concealers too.  Plus, it’s an excellent possibility that can assist you stretch getting your hair dyed, which makes it price it. Test it out right here.

Conclusion: Does natural hair dye exist?

Should you’re considering actually natural when it comes to no dangerous chemical compounds then no- until you’re speaking about Hairprint.  Are there safer choices, completely. Whereas phrases like natural and pure are thrown round with hair dye, they shouldn’t be taken evenly.  I inform folks it’s an excellent place to begin when on the lookout for a much less poisonous method to hair dye but in addition is usually a greenwashing time period for those who’re not cautious. There are higher choices on the market relating to dyeing your hair and that’s the place you would possibly see the natural hair dye label pop up.  A fantastic place to begin however not the one factor to contemplate when on the lookout for a safer hair dye. 

Do you dye your hair? What’s your favourite pure hair dye?

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References:

1. Saitta, P., Cook dinner, C. E., Messina, J. L., Brancaccio, R., Wu, B. C., Grekin, S. Ok., & Holland, J. (2013, January). Is there a real concern concerning the usage of hair dye and malignancy improvement?: A overview of the epidemiological proof relating private hair dye use to the chance of malignancy. The Journal of scientific and aesthetic dermatology. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3543291/. 
2. Heart for Meals Security and Utilized Diet. (n.d.). Hair dyes. U.S. Meals and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/hair-dyes. 
3. Koutros, S., Silverman, D. T., Baris, D., Zahm, S. H., Morton, L. M., Colt, J. S., Hein, D. W., Moore, L. E., Johnson, A., Schwenn, M., Cherala, S., Schned, A., Doll, M. A., Rothman, N., & Karagas, M. R. (2011, December 15). Hair dye use and danger of bladder most cancers within the New England Bladder Most cancers Examine. Worldwide journal of most cancers. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3203248/. 
4. Toxicant and illness database. Toxicant and Illness Database – The Collaborative on Well being and the Setting. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.healthandenvironment.org/our-work/toxicant-and-disease-database/?showcategory=&showdisease=&showcontaminant=&showcas=7664-41-7&showkeyword. 
5. Environmental Safety Company. (2021, February 29). https://www.epa.gov/wqc/aquatic-life-criteria-ammonia. EPA. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/wqc/aquatic-life-criteria-ammonia. 
6. Toluene. Toluene – Overview | Occupational Security and Well being Administration. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/toluene. 
7. Mineral oils: Untreated and mildly handled. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/content material/profiles/mineraloils.pdf. 

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