This compound and peroxide-containing hair dyes have a reputation for leaving hair dry and damaged. These chemicals open up shafts and cuticles thereby allowing the dye molecules to work on the shaft.
Professionals who use ammonia end up irreparably damaging their clients’ hair. These chemicals can harm delicate scalps. Moreover, prolonged exposure to this compound can lead to serious health problems to the clients and health professionals. As a result of its potential harms along with the growing consumer preference for ammonia-free or organic products, people are going for dyes without it.
No ammonia-containing brands are simply products that offer an alternative component in dyes. Some of the chemicals that substitute ammonia include MEA (monoethanolamine/ethanolamine). Similar to it, this chemical opens the hair shaft slightly to allow the pigment to enter the shaft. MEA is less effective compared to ammonia. As a result, higher concentrations of the chemicals are used.
Brands without ammonia are likely to contain similar chemicals. It may contain peroxide, p-phenylenediamine, or resorcinol which are equally as harmful. Therefore, you have to recognize using “ammonia-free hair color,” does not necessarily translate to a safer approach brand.
There are some pros and cons to the use of ammonia and peroxide free hair color. They include:
Presently, there are numerous brands in the market advertising based on the claim that they are ammonia-free. However, as we have seen so far, from this compound, it does not necessarily translate to being as being friendly to your locks. Still, there are some great products out there.
One of the best ammonia-free brand includes the L’Oreal ‘no ammonia’ hair color. This brand is available in a wide array of shades, and makes the hair smoother, more glossy, and lasts longer. According to the vice president for marketing in L’Oreal U.S, this L’Oreal has finally put an end to hair damage resulting from coloring.
Aside from L’Oreal and Garnier’s Oila, there are other notable brands and they include Clairol Natural Instincts demi-permanent formula. This brand is without ammonia and contains natural oils such as coconut oil. When using Clairol, it is advisable to stick to lighter shades of the color that you prefer and to stick to neutral shades to get the best results.
The BBLUNT Salon Secret High Shine Crème is another brand without ammonia product in the market. The brand is preferable for DIY fans and promises to leave the hair smooth and shiny. On the other hand, the product is not advisable if it is dry, and tends to fade within eight weeks.
Another favorite product in the market is the Matrix, wonder black “Ammonia-free” brand. This brand gives 100% coverage to grey hair. However, the brand has limited shades in the market and only lasts for about 6 weeks.
Other products to look out for include Revlon Colour Silk, Naturtint Perm, Godrej Expert Rich crème, and Schwartzkopf.
According to the Eluxe Magazine, the best longlasting brand with no ammonia include; O&M (Original and Mineral). This brand is a favorite with professionals and celebrities and was one of the first in the market to offer, ammonia, peroxide, and resorcinol free permanent hair dye. Other brands include Natulique Organic Colours, K pour Karité Natural and NATURIGIN Permanent hair color.
As much as we love to dye, there are other chemicals to be concerned about. The most dangerous of these chemicals is PPDs (p-Phenylenediamine), which can lead to lung, bladder, or kidney cancer. Other harmful chemicals aside from ammonia include Per-sulfates, resorcinol, hydrogen peroxide, lead acetate, and 4-ABP.
Dyes containing these compounds have banned in Japan and Europe. That being said, it is probably advisable to avoid dyeing your hair during pregnancy.
Doctors recommend dyeing your locks after your first trimester. However, with the advent of technology, it is okay to dye your hair during pregnancy using ammonia-free products. Just make sure to consult with your physician, or talk to your stylist concerning good and safe alternatives.
If you are going for a drastic transformation, it is advisable to go slow and opt for applying one shade at a time depending on your curls.
In a study carried out in 2001 by the International Journal of Cancer, researchers observed that women who have engaged in the practice of permanent hair dyeing faced a higher risk of cancer. A similar study in 1994 noted that women who exposed their locks to dark hair dyes for more than 20 years had a higher risk of developing cancers such as multiple myeloma and bladder cancer.
Therefore, if you are worried about the safety of applying hair dyes while pregnant, you can opt for natural strategies, such as using henna. There are brands, such as the Morocco Method brand that combine natural ingredients such as chamomile, calendula, Indigo, and henna, to give you an extensive array of shades. There is also the Black Walnut powder that can be used to get a darker shade.
