The Most Harmful Chemicals in Hair Dye: PPD and Resorcinol.
Our best overall pick is Biolage Haircolor, a henna dye that's free from harmful chemicals including ammonia and PPD. We also love Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit, which is free of ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, PDD, phthalates, and gluten, plus the added benefit of being packed with hydrating ingredients.
Lead acetate, another common ingredient, is linked to neurotoxicity. Conventional dyes can contain many other harmful chemicals like DMDM hydantoin, methylisothiazolinone, and fragrance. One study of over 25,000 women found that the use of hair dye was associated with increased breast cancer incidence.
Natural dyes: henna & indigo
Henna's been around forever and is a tried and true non-toxic semi-permanent option. It won't damage your hair and real Henna contains no harmful ingredients.
EcoColors Permanent Hair Color Ingredients
EcoColors Hair color is gluten free, ppd free (p Phenylenediamine free), propylene glycol free and ethanolamine free as well as sulfite free, and paraben free.
They typically contain high amounts of ammonia, PPDs, nitro dyes, metallic salts, and even unclean henna. These are harsh chemicals that can be extremely damaging to the hair as well as cause reactions to sensitive skin and allergies. When you apply box dye, the hair is permanently altered.
Sorry, hair dye without any chemicals is just not a thing (again, unless you're working with henna or straight-up plant juice). Dye will always require some chemical-based ingredients to help deposit pigment onto your hair.
Erythrosine, also known as Red 3, is the most controversial dye. Male rats given erythrosine had an increased risk of thyroid tumors ( 23 , 24 ). Based on this research, the FDA issued a partial ban on erythrosine in 1990, but later removed the ban.
Acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure to trichloroethylene can affect the human central nervous system, with symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, confusion, euphoria, facial numbness, and weakness.
Demi-permanent dyes only slightly penetrate the outermost layer of your strands. This leaves you with non-damaging color that lasts.
When it comes to salon treatments, the best professional hair color line is Wella Illumina Permanent Creme Hair Color. Available in 36 shades, the colorist-recommended formula is gentle, versatile, and leaves hair oh-so-shiny.
Hair dyes can cause hair damage. Practicing hair-friendly techniques like limiting heat styling and conditioning the hair can help minimize damage whenever possible. Dyeing your hair closer to its natural color may also limit time exposure to hair dyes and help minimize damage.
Derived from henna trees (aka the plant Lawsonia inermis), henna is arguably the most natural popular hair dye out there. And compared to other temporary dyes, it lasts longer.
Many box dye formulas also contain ammonia, a chemical that can damage strands and cause them to be dry and brittle. Professional hair color formulas are often made without ammonia to ensure that hair isn't damaged during the coloring process.
Box dyes often say they contain moisturising ingredients or are 'ammonia-free'. However, even these usually contain PPDs, salts and other chemicals that will damage hair, especially with repeated use.
Apply a 2% hydrogen peroxide solution or compresses of potassium permanganate in a 1:5000 dilution to completely oxidise the PPD.
PPD is found in almost all currently available permanent hair dyes, and in many demipermanent and semipermanent hair dyes. It's found in both salon dyes and in drugstore dyes.
Generally, it's safe to re-dye every 6 to 8 weeks. Permanent hair dye lightens the hair and deposits color.