Today, organic hair color is available in the form of commercial products for in-home use but also products used by professional colorists in salons around the country. As shown in this article, there are distinct differences and benefits in organic products versus inorganic products. Although there are many reasons for choosing hair color of this type, there are some important things that must be understood.
Key Factors for Organic Hair Color
Organic as far as food is carefully monitored by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA but in the case of hair care products, this type of monitoring does not apply. Usually, companies that advertise a hair color product as being organic is being honest but unfortunately, some throw the term “organic hair color” around loosely although the product does not meet standards associated with “organic.”
In addition, even reputable companies that manufacturer legitimate organic hair color use inorganic ingredients in the formula. The reason for this is that other than henna, certain chemicals are required for color to penetrate hair strands and provide long-lasting change. However, the difference is that the inorganic ingredients used in this case would not be harsh like ammonia, which is commonly used in conventional permanent hair colors.
Examples of inorganic ingredients that are commonly used for making organic hair color, even those considered the best, are provided below.
- Ammonia – This ingredient is usually not seen in too many organic products but anyone looking at hair color for in-home use should read the label or for professional color, ask the colorist if the product contains any ammonia and if so, how much.
- Peroxide – This agent is actually important for many hair care products so it makes sense that it would be a part of the formula for organic hair color. However, the goal would be finding or choosing products with the smallest amount necessary for effectiveness.
- P-Phenylenediamine – This is a yellowish colored impurity associated with oxidation and a common component used in hair color products. As a derivative of aniline, this too is found in inorganic products and some organic hair color products.
- Diaminobenzene-AD – Another chemical used in conventional hair dyes, there are some organic coloring products that contain this ingredient but again, in this case the amount should be minimal.
Of course, the goal with any organic hair color is for ingredients to be pure, natural, and eco-friendly. Obviously, being void of harsh chemicals makes the product safer. Although products made with chemicals are formulated in such a way to create as little damage possible, the truth is that any time chemicals are applied to hair, there would be some degree of compromise. On the other hand, products made with ingredients considered truly organic would be effective but also safe.
Safe Ingredients
Just as a person should understand the type of ingredients considered bad or those to avoid in products being marketed as “organic”, it is just as important to learn about the healthy ingredients that organic hair color would likely contain. Remember, there are some top-rated organic products that contain very small concentrations of inorganic ingredients but to the most beautiful, vibrant, and healthy hair but while also promoting overall health and wellness, the following ingredients should be included in organic hair color.
- Antioxidants
- Flower Essence
- Grapefruit Seed Extract
- Lecithin
- Nettles
- Rosemary
- Vitamins C and E
- Walnut Husk
When looking for the most effective and safest organic hair color, the best choice is henna, which is natural color made from ground up leaves of the henna plant. When mixed with water, the green powder is made into paste that provides temporary color change that looks great. Today, henna remains a popular choice because it works and it is completely natural.
Summary
It is important for people to know that even with organic hair color, there could be risks. For some, the risk might be nothing more than an allergic reaction to one or more ingredients used but if a product were made with high levels of inorganic ingredients hidden behind the marketing term “organic”, risk of serious health problems would be very real. For this reason, it is imperative to learn about things used in the formula of any organic hair color product.