Semi-permanent or natural hair dyes are good options as they minimize damage. Opt for ammonia-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free formulas, and consider plant-based dyes like henna or herbal hair colors. Shades close to your natural color, like dark brown or black, usually cause less damage compared to lighter colors.
There are no such colors which are chemical free. It might be ammonia free because some people are allergic to ammonia but the companies have other chemicals too which they add in color so as to conceal the hair. Without chemical no color can be obtained.
Natural dyes: henna & indigo
It won't damage your hair and real Henna contains no harmful ingredients. And unlike the Henna bars of yesteryear, there are now many pre-mixed Henna-based hair color powders, which make the application a lot easier.
What hair dye brands should I avoid? Brands that frequently use harmful chemicals include Clairol Nice'N Easy, Garnier Nutrisse, Revlon Colorsilk, and L'Oreal Preference. These products often contain ingredients like ammonia and PPD, which are associated with health risks.
Comparing Permanent, Semi-Permanent, and Demi-Permanent Hair Dyes. Permanent hair color has the greatest potential for hair damage due to the chemistry involved and should be done most cautiously.
If your hair is brown, you may need to bleach it more than once before you apply the grey dye. It's important you get your hair as light as possible before you attempt to turn it grey – this will help ensure a more even tone and vibrant, all-over colour.
"If you really want to reduce your exposure to harsh ingredients the safest way, color-depositing conditioners and masks are best," Patton said. These dyes don't require a developer, so they're relatively gentle.
Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Permanent Colour
A natural-looking colour that effectively covers grey is what most look for at an at-home hair dye, and you'll find exactly that in this one. There's a wide range of shades to choose from too, from a Honey Blonde, all the way through to Infinite Black.
The scalp is one of the most absorbent parts of the body—it's like a sponge that sops up whatever you put on it. As hair dye sits on your scalp, chemicals are absorbed through your skin and into your bloodstream. Some of these chemical toxins are peed out, but some remain in the body for months, maybe longer.
These natural hair dye options allow you to color your hair without harsh chemicals like ammonia, PPD, resorcinol, and peroxide commonly found in conventional dyes. Some brands to look for include Khadi*, Surya Brasil*, Manic Panic*, Arctic Fox*.
P-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
PPD, or p-phenylenediamine, is widely used as a coloring agent in many hair dyes. This toxic hair dye chemical is especially common in darker shades. However, PPD can cause irritation to the skin and eyes and may also trigger asthma symptoms.
How often should I dye my hair to cover grey hair? This depends on how quickly your hair grows, but often is between 4-8 weeks. If you're only just starting to grey, it may not be time to begin permanently colouring your hair.
So through our skin or hair follicles, compounds in hair dye could get into our bloodstream. That's potentially worrisome, because a lot of the chemicals in hair dye are known or suspected to be linked to health issues. One common precursor is paraphenylenediamine, or PPD, which is derived from petroleum.
Coffee. For those looking to go darker, cover greys, or add dimension. All you do is brew a strong coffee (espresso works well), let it cool, and then mix one cup with a bit of leave-in conditioner and 2 tablespoons of coffee grounds. Apply on clean hair and allow to sit for about an hour.
Additionally, box dye can be more damaging to your hair than salon color, as it often contains harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide. Finally, box dye can be difficult to apply correctly, and mistakes can lead to uneven color or even hair damage.