Do you hate your gray hairs or just want a change? Hair dyes or hair color are one of the most amazing inventions of all time–it’s a product that makes us feel younger, more confident, and exciting. Naturally, the best way to get rid of that unwanted silver hair is with hair color. But if you’re trying to live a clean and non-toxic lifestyle, hair color formulas, for the most part, have a pretty toxic mix of chemicals that are unsafe and, in some cases, may be extremely harmful with regular use. You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you topics like safest shampoos, safest cookware & safest deodorants, now join us as we tackle hair dye. And stick around for the end as we have ranked all the hair dye products, even the ones with vivid colors.
Disclosure: This post was medically evaluated by Sondra Strand, RN, BSN, PHN & Rebecca Elizabeth Sherrick Harks, RN. Products and manufacturing aides can change without notice so buyer beware. This post contains affiliate links, with most to Amazon, which means Mamavation will receive a portion of those sales and we will use that to pay ourselves back for the testing and research we do here. You can also give a tax-deductible donation to our consumer studies here through Environmental Health Sciences. Thank you!
Table of Contents
I’m Just Going to Break it To You–Your Chances of Getting Cancer Increase with Regular Use of Hair Dye
Cancer sucks. There’s nothing happy about it. Most of us know someone who has cancer or knows someone who has lost their lives to cancer. But when it comes to women who regularly use hair dye, those numbers start to go up. Here’s a list of cancers that are linked to regular use of hair dyes. While many debate the overall risk of various cancers and whether they are caused by permanent dye and their ingredients, it seems clear that there is a risk.
It’s important to put this into perspective and understand that we are surrounded with carcinogens and hormone disruptors all the time. Hair dyes seem to be a bigger exposure to women, but if you improve other areas like cookware, the mattress you sleep on, and shampoo you use, and the type of air purifiers and water filter you have. It lessens the overall impact of your hair dye. In other words, if this is too much for you, start detoxing elsewhere.
Breast Cancer
A recent study out of Finland surveyed over 6,500 breast cancer patients, ages 22-60, and discovered that the odds of breast cancer increased by 23% among women who used hair dyes when compared to those that did not.
Bladder Cancer
A 2004 study suggested that there might be an increased risk of bladder cancer for people who dye their hair: “Overall, odds ratios (of getting bladder cancer) were somewhat elevated among women who began using hair dye after 1975, used dyes for more than 31 years and who used hair dyes more than 282 times.” Additionally, women who started regularly using hair dye before the age of 37 were also more at risk. While studies like these remain controversial, other studies have shown an increased risk of bladder cancer among professionals who use hair dye in their work (hairdressers and barbers).
Other Cancers
At least one study suggested a possible link between glioma, a type of brain cancer, and hair dye use. It was easy to find several studies linking permanent hair dye and leukemia, as well as at least one linking it to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
13 Basic Ingredients Inside Hair Dyes That Are Toxic and Should Be Minimized As Much as Possible
P-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
Used in permanent color, especially darker shades. It may also be contaminated with 4-ABP, a human carcinogen. According to the FDA, this is a skin allergen and irritant. In fact, the FDA does not allow its use on the skin in the form of black henna temporary tattoos.
There is a lot of conflicting and missing data on this particular ingredient, including whether or not it’s banned in Europe, whether the FDA tried to ban it outright and more. It is banned in Canada. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics claims that it has long been suspected to be carcinogenic and may alter DNA when mixed with hydrogen peroxide but to date, the data is not rigorous enough to be conclusive. The EPA also lists it as a respiratory toxin.
Resorcinol
This is an endocrine disrupter that impacts thyroid function. Skin and eye irritant.
Aminophenol
This is a known endocrine disrupter and at least one study has linked it to thyroid tumors.
Ethanolamines (MEA, TEA, DEA)
Some products contained ethanolamines, which have been shown to cause cancer in animal lab studies. When in use with certain other chemicals, they can form nitrosamines, which are a possible human carcinogen. These chemicals can bioaccumulate, even hair dyes. They also may impact male reproductive health, pregnancies, and possibly damage the liver or kidney and cause neurotoxic effects.
Some products include Cocamide MEA, which is meant to be a safer form of ethanolamine. Unfortunately, it may contain traces of Cocamide DEA, which has the same effect of producing nitrosamines.
1-Naphthol
This is a possible endocrine disruptor. At least one study suggests it may be linked to sperm DNA damage.
Toluene, Toluene-2,5-Diamine, and 4-Amino-2-Hydroxytoluene
According to the CDC, toluene can impact your nervous system. Repeated exposure can lead to permanent problems and scientists are not sure if repeated low exposures will lead to permanent damage. Some studies have also suggested possible reproductive effects, such as spontaneous abortions, but it’s not clear. Toluene itself is the most harmful, but the other versions listed above are not completely safe either.
Quats
Short for ammonium quaternary sanitizers, quats have been linked to medical issues such as harming fertility, causing miscarriages, and severe birth defects in animal studies. Some are also endocrine disruptors. Certain quats can also release formaldehyde, even if the product does not contain any formaldehyde.
Ammonia
This chemical can harm eye, lungs, respiratory tract, and is very toxic for people with asthma or allergies.
Undisclosed Fragrance with Phthalates
Many hair colors employ undisclosed fragrances, likely to cover up the harsh chemical smell. These fragrances can come thousands of sources, so there is no way to tell what toxins are in them. There were few that did not have this ingredient. One problematic ingredient that could be hiding in “fragrance” is phthalate. Phthalates are an endocrine disruptor linked to cancers, weight gain, and infertility.
SLS/SLES
These surfactants can be an eye irritant. Some debate whether SLS is a carcinogen and other research states it may damage the immune system.
Lead Acetate (in “progressive” hair dye)
In October 2018, the FDA repealed approval for lead acetate as a color additive to hair dye. Progressive hair dyes may contain lead acetate but I did not find any thus far in the brands I checked.
Propylene Glycol
This petroleum-based ingredient is often contaminated with carcinogenic compounds such as 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide which can also cause reproductive system toxicity, headache, and nausea.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone
These allergens/irritants were found in a few brands. They are potentially neurotoxic and demonstrate organ toxicity in lab studies.
Important Notes About “Coal-Tar” Hair Dyes
Historically, some hair dye ingredients were a by-product of the coal industry. Today, most dyes are synthetic and are petroleum-based, NOT coal-tar based. However, the FDA never changed the name.
Additional Investigations by Mamavation
Are you looking for other safe personal care products? Mamavation has been investigating the personal care aisle for many years and has many additional investigations for you to take a look at.
Personal Care
- Makeup
- Lotion
- Hand Cremes
- Anti-Acne Products
- Anti-Aging Creams
- Soap & Body Wash
- Liquid Hand Soaps
- Sunscreens
- Body Oils
- Nail Polish
- Face Wash & Moisturizers
- Hair Styling Products
- Hairsprays
- Detanglers
- Leave-In Conditioners
- Hair Dye
- Deodorant
- Dry Shampoo
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Shampoo Bars & Conditioner Bars
- MLM Companies
- Toothpaste
- Dental Floss
- Mouthwash
- Toilet Paper
- Head Lice Treatment Products
- Hair Relaxers
- Peel-Off Facial Masks, Sheet Facial Masks, & K-beauty Facial Masks
- Beard Oil
- Self Tanning Products
- Contact Lenses
Feminine Care
Mamavation’s Investigation of Hair Dyes–The Brands
Mamavation looked at hundreds of hair dye products for gray coverage, blonde hair, red hair, brown hair, dark hair, dark brown hair, temporary hair color, semi-permanent dye, & permanent formulas. Not all hair dyes are promising a natural look or using natural hair colors, but many are. Please use common sense because many natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions so please do your due diligence and double-check ingredients yourself.
As you can see, hair color is chockfull of harmful ingredients. Almost all brands had at least one or 2 of these chemicals. Others were a whole toxic soup of these plus many more. Ready to see how your brand rated? Let’s take a look. Next to each brand is the number of toxins listed above their products contained.
Not Our Favorite Hair Dye / Hair Color Brands
These brands have 5 or more problematic ingredients inside their formulation. The number of problematic ingredients is listed next to the name. Some of these brands may advertise themselves as more natural, but in order for us to rank them higher, they would need to improve their formulations a bit.
- Aveda (6 bad ingredients)
- Calura (9 bad ingredients)
- Clairol Nice’N Easy Color Crème (7 bad ingredients)
- Clairol Nice & Easy Root Touch Up Semi-Permanent Colors AND Permanent Creme (7 bad ingredients)
- Clairol Natural Instincts (6 bad ingredients)
- Garnier Nutrisse (8 bad ingredients)
- Garnier Olia (8 bad ingredients)
- Ion (8 bad ingredients)
- John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray (5 or more bad ingredients)
- John Frieda Precision Foam Color (6-8 bad ingredients)
- Loreal Preference (8 bad ingredients)
- Madison Reed (8 or 9 bad ingredients)
- Prevana (9 bad ingredients)
- Pulp Riot (6 bad ingredients)
- Revlon Colorsilk (8 bad ingredients)
- Shea Moisture (7 bad ingredients)
- Wella Colour Charm Demi-Permanent (5 bad ingredients)
Better Hair Dye/ Hair Color Brands
These brands have 3-5 problematic ingredients inside their formulation. The number of problematic ingredients is listed next to the name. This is the sweet spot where you will find a compromise between your health and effectiveness.
- Arctic Fox (5 bad ingredients)
- Ecocolors (2 or 3 bad ingredients)
- Clairol Nice & Easy Root Touch Up Refreshing Spray (none listed above but does contain heavy metals)
- Herbatint (4 or 5 bad ingredients)
- John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss (2 or 3 bad ingredients)
- John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Color Deepening Treatment
- Just for Men Touch of Grey (4 bad ingredients)
- Kristin Ess (3 bad ingredients)
- Lime Crime (5 bad ingredients)
- Loreal Feria (4 bad ingredients)
- Manic Panic (3 bad ingredients)
- Natratint (5 bad ingredients)
- Natulique (5 bad ingredients)
- Naturcolor (5 bad ingredients)
- Organic Hair Colour (5 bad ingredients)
- Sun-In, both products (4 bad ingredients)
- Tints of Nature Henna (4 bad ingredients)
- Tints of Nature Permanent Color (5 bad ingredients)
Best Hair Dye / Hair Color Brands
These brands have less than 3 problematic ingredients inside their formulation. The number of problematic ingredients is listed next to the name. However, these formulations are ammonia-free, paraben-free, and the least problematic we could find.
- Beyond the Zone Color Jamz (2 bad ingredients, including undisclosed fragrance)
- Davines (1 bad ingredient)
- Desert Shadow (0 bad ingredients)
- Hairprint (0 bad ingredient)
- Henna Color Lab (0 bad ingredients)
- John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss (2 bad ingredients, including undisclosed fragrance)
- John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Color Deepening Treatment (2 bad ingredients, including undisclosed fragrance)
- Light Mountain Henna (0 bad ingredients)
- Lush Henna (1 bad ingredient–undisclosed fragrance, but likely essential oils)
- Natulique Zero (1 bad ingredient)
- Morocco Method Simply Pure Henna (0 bad ingredients) **use discount code “mamavation” for 15% off**
- Overtone Coloring Conditioner (1 bad ingredient)
- Palette by Nature (0 bad ingredients)
- Radico Color Me Organics (0 bad ingredients)
- Rainbow Research Henna (0 bad ingredients)
- Saach Organics (0 bad ingredients)
- Sante Herbal Hair Color (0 bad ingredients – some colors had a fragrance but claim they are essential oils)
- Surya Brazil Henna Powder
- Tints of Nature Highlights (2 bad ingredients)
Best Natural & Non-Toxic All-Purpose Cleaners 2022
I am new to mamavation. Can you review Naturigin? Thanks
How clean does All Nutrient rate?
This is a very complete list. Thank you. Today I learned mine has 8 ingredients and that’s probably why I always get migraines after dying the hair.
Unfortunately, I am allergic to Henna.
I’ll look into the recommended brands for henna-free.
How about hair shampoos? And conditioners? My lively hair ruined by Schwartskoff natural black pemanent tint. Sold in this country. And it contains henna. Burnt my scalp after 2nd grey root touch up and it has to be cut away. So my long Indian hair is ruined as is my health. I found out my thyroid gland had stopped functioning and 1st degree burns I received when washingbit off! It bleached the pigment from my skin on scalp, face and shoulders! Fact. Also caused allegic asthmatic APS.
I have Schwarzkopf Keratin Blonde. Lefts up to 9 shades. Bond enforcing system. I choose Platinum Blonde 001.
Currently my hair; I have about 3 inches of very roots and the rest is a darker shade of brownish/ some red tones. Ultra lightening kit.
What can you tell me about this product and possible outcome? Please help
Have you found anything good?
Gain knowledge from an article that explores
Thank you
This is a great list of ingredients to avoid. The issue I have is I’m constantly using permanent color to cover resistant grey. It would be great to have the lists broken down by permanent hair color (including Sally’s & professional brands) and another list for semi permanent hair color. The majority of “good” color listed is semi permanent like Artic Fox and is not something everyone can use.
Thank you!
Hi,
I recently tried Herbatint for the first time. Only on the roots and it dried out my hair terribly, even though I did not apply it to the ends. I thought it would be better since it is supposed to be more “natural”. I will be going back to using Garnier Olia. It never made my hair this dry.
I used Age beautiful from Sally’s for 10 years and was diagnosed with B cell lymphoma of my scalp… I don’t see any of the salon grade brands on here… do you have a study for them?
I was hoping to see Goldwell color on this list 🙁
Hi! I am dying my hair for the first time ever and I am planning on using Arctic Fox girls night. If anyone has any tips, please let me know!!! ????????
Hi, thank you for this! I was wondering about Kevin Murphy? Thank you!
Hello.
I was wondering if the hair color products by Green Hare Mud have been considered for this investigation?
I would like to know the same thing on Green Hare!
????
Please what about Cruset Black Hair Color Dye Solution
I heard they were greenwashing and that their products were not as pure as they claim
I had my hair coloured woth Kevin Murphy and my scalp is itching a lot. Can you please advise if you have a scalp treatment to use before colouring?
Why isn’t Schwarzkopf mention?
Or the ever popular Loreal HiColor Lift Lines especially since Loreal was somewhat tested…as well as some of the higher end “Sally’s” brands. Seems a bit strange alot of missing ones in the bunch.
Yes, such as Zoto’s Age Beautiful
Good Question ❓
How about the naturtint brand?
I just used loreal in a box turned my oranges roots that I messed up to a dark brown.
Roux products . Started using a non ammonia color enhance leave in between shampoos blonde. Salon products are they evaluated?
This is some great info and thanks for your research into this.
Just wondered about Loreal Majireal and Schwarzkoph Igora?
How much bad ingredients in Iba natural hair colour
Just found your list! Thank you for your hard work. I’m trying to detox and get severe low iron levels up so this is timely. For years I’ve been coloring my gray hair and wanted to see which natural product is best for dark hair that can last several weeks. Do you have a top pick?? Thank you again!!
I am am ovarian cancer survivor. For years I used two of the worst brands. Please, ladies, use a better hair dye! I’m sure it’s not the only thing that led to the cancer I had, but it certainly didn’t help!
My grandmother boil walnut hulls and used that colored water to dye her Grey hair brown. She lived to be 99.
Oh..wow..that’s a good natural hair dye. May I know the recipe?
I’m looking for something natural too as my hair keep falling badly ????. N I also have many sickness.
I can’t wait to know. Thank you
Hello I am also looking for a safe permanent hair color I came across this and I am recently diagnosed with low iron levels also have you found out what is causing your low iron I have been having a lot of test done have not found what is causing it please contact me
Hi,
You can possibly have thalassemia minor, which can be checked via a specific blood test. I happen to have it and was fortunate to have been diagnosed in my early 30’s. It’s a hereditary blood disorder in people of mediterranean Heritage. You can google it.
It can not be treated with iron. I live a perfectly normal healthy life. There is a thalassemia major, form of it, but you would have been diagnosed as an infant bc that form of the blood disorder requires frequent blood transfusion.
Hope this was of some help, and good luck!
Hi what about shampoo dyes? Please & thank you!
O&M.
https://originalmineral.com.au/pages/our-story
The Surya Brazil henna brand doesn’t list number of bad ingredients after its name. Is it possible to post that information as well?
Thank you for your work on this!
How about organic color system?
What about a brand called Better Natured?
Hair print totally made me itchy the first time i used it. The second time notably more itch and the third time i used it it blistered my ears and my scalp. My ears where like a chemical burn and it lasted for about a month. I am horribly allergic to it. I think there are ingredients in there that are not listed. The way it foams up and covers the hair is just like a dye, i dont believe this product is what it says it is. Also their customer service was super rude to me when i called them about my reaction. They had zero interest in wanting to know any information from me to see what ingredient could possibly be causing this reaction. On a 1-10 i give them a negative 5.
oh wow glad to know I will not look into this one I am thinking just getting some wigs and forgetting dyes havent dyed in 3 years due to a bad reaction with my allergie test with loreal preference 4 hours after my allergy test My lips and tongue swelled slightly and lips burning feeling I was dizzy nauseated felt super sick felt like I was going to faint so I have not dyed for 3 years going on 4 not sure I ever will again
Oh..wow..that’s a good natural hair dye. May I know the recipe?
I’m looking for something natural too as my hair keep falling badly ????. N I also have many sickness.
I can’t wait to know. Thank you
Pls reply to my comment ????
HI CAN you help me check is Originals and Minerals is safe for hair/ any bad toxic
how about The Virgin hair colour by nook, which is better, O & M or The Virgin hair colour by Nook. Please investigate both for me and thanks
How toxic are reskin products?
If you mean Redken, I only know the EWG says they have a rating of 2 (green 0 is best and 10 is most hazardous). But remember Mammavation found PFAS in some products EWG said were safe (green zero). So that’s the best I can say about Redken.
Does Wella Professionals hair dye have toxic ingredients?
Yes!! It has 5-6. I looked at it today at Sally’s! I can’t find anything safe to cover this gray hair of mine!
If Someone has used Madison Reed in the past is it safe to put Redken Chromatics on their roots? I need to know this soon. If they used Positano Black before and if it’s safe I would use 3nn.in Chromatics to blend . If this isn’t safe could another suggestion be made?.
I tried. It didn’t cover the grey even after they adjusted the formula. My scalp itches so i haven’t used it since. And I believe they are no better than any you can get from a local store.
I tried Naturcolor, it did better but it still has chemicals, not as many but if you want to gradually keep your hair in good condition and still do your research that what I would do, and I still do. If you would find a good replacement plz update here. I will also give a try to the best list brands from Mamavation. Hope they will cover my stubborn grey. Or maybe I will try walnut hulls as someone mentioned in comments. Good luck!
Have you tried Lanza or Framesi?
Maybe you can go lighter and work with the gray as opposed to covering it. It’s the darker colors that have most of the toxins.
Dark & Lovely has 0 harmful internets?!!! ??
I’m not sure how to trust this investigation website
Ingredients :
MOISTURE RICH CONDITIONER / BAUME SOIN: 43083 SS3 – AQUA / WATER / EAU, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, ELAEIS GUINEENSIS OIL / PALM OIL, BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, PARFUM FRAGRANCE, PYRUS MALUS FRUIT EXTRACT / APPLE FRUIT EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, STEARAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE, SODIUM BENZOATE, CITRIC ACID, NIACINAMIDE, PYRIDOXINE HCl, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII, BUTTER / SHEA BUTTER, OLEA EUROPAEA OIL / OLIVE FRUIT OIL, SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM EXTRACT /SUGAR CANE EXTRACT/ EXTRAIT DE CANNE A SUCRE, CHLORHEXIDINE, DIHYDROCHLORIDE, PERSEA GRATISSIMA OIL / AVOCADO OIL 2-OLEAMIDO-1,3-OCTADECANEDIOL, RIBES NIGRUM SEED OIL / BLACK CURRANT SEED OIL, PHENOXYETHANOL, CITRUS LIMON, PEEL EXTRACT / LEMON PEEL EXTRACT, CI 19140 / YELLOW 5, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CI 15985 / YELLOW 6, TOCOPHEROL, GLYCINE SOJA OIL / SOYBEAN OIL, F.I.L. D183770/1 ;
is that a statement or a question. I don’t see it on either list.
Where doesn’t it even mention Dark & Lovely?
I have grown more sensitive to hair colors but would like to cover my gray. Do you have an opinion about Keune So Pure Color? It is sold to salons or on ebay. A friend uses Keune Tinta (has ammonia) and likes it. So Pure is supposed to be gentler. Thanks.
I used it and i had a headache for days
also i had a salivary gland stone operation and this flushed out salivary gland stones and when i dye my hair and this included keune the stone comes up, immune system i wonder
also i had a salivary gland stone operation that gets rid of salivary gland stones, but when i use hair dyes and that includes keune not only do i get headaches, but the salivary gland stone comes up, i am wondering if this allergy is something to do with my immune system, warning i think i will embrace silver grey mousy hair.
Kevin Murphy unfortunately contains Resorcinol & Ethanolamine & Toluene to name but a few. My search for a non toxic hair dye that dyes grey hair continues. 🙁 If anyone can suggest a good colour brand please do.
Have you heard of Green Hare Mud?
Thankyou for your valuable research on Toxic Hair dyes.
You deserve a knighthood for publishing this.
So many women dont realise they have health issues because of their constant use of toxic hair colours. Most like me didnt realise the true cost to their health. Illness in the persuit of beauty is really not worth it.
I have an ingredients list for Kevin Murphy and Oway which I would like you to have so you can add to the list. I am happy to email them to you. Please do not stop adding to this valuable information . All the best. X
Was this ever added? I would love to see what they think of Oway, Kevin Murphy, and O&M.
『Yuka』 ( app ) shows ;
Oway :
• Oway H color / Bad
Kevin Murphy :
• Color Bug / Excellent
• Color me / Poor or bad
O&M : Poor or bad
Hi , I am just so glad that I found this website. I have been using Kevin Murphy dyes for 7 years now. I was told that KM products are free of all the bad chemicals that can have an negative effect on your health. I switched to KM products as I used to experience nausea and headaches when the hairdresser used different dyes on my hair. The headaches and nausea went away but I noticed the gradual loss of my hair and thinning of my hair . I would appreciate if you could share the list of the chemicals included in KM dyes so I can educate myself. Kind Regards, Grace Mckay
Hi , I am just so glad that I found this website. I have been using Kevin Murphy dyes for 7 years now. I was told that KM products are free of all the bad chemicals that can have an negative effect on your health. I switched to KM products as I used to experience nausea and headaches when the hairdresser used different dyes on my hair. The headaches and nausea went away but I noticed the gradual loss of my hair and thinning of my hair . I would appreciate if you could share the list of the chemicals included in KM dyes so I can educate myself. Kind Regards, Grace Mckay
A brand that has been coming up a lot that people really like and feel good about is Kevin Murphy.
Wondering if you had any info about that brand
Can you do an investigation on the nest professional color lines for hairstylists to use?
Hello have you researched Revlon NEW TOTAL COLOR 60 light natural brown? It’s supposed to be clean & vegan & no parabens or sulfates or silicones or mineral oil or phthalates or gluten & no ammonia; with that being said I don’t know about the ingredients that are listed … ?
I have used Revlon New Total Color dark brown for years and have only just now discovered the toxicity in it. I used to bring the box of coloring to my hairdresser, thinking that it would be “safer” than hers. Only when she said that could no longer let me supply my own did I really look at the ingredients. Toulenediamine is very questionable as an ingredient. EWG rated this coloring as a #9 with #10 being the worse possible rating. When I contacted Revlon.com, the rep said that she’d get back with me. Never heard from her. My next call to Revlon was also bad. The SCCCP (Scientific Committee on Consumer Products” conclusion on Toulene-2.-5-diamine in Hair Coloring is UNSAFE. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) says however that the ingredient is safe but it represents the manufacturers of the ingredients. Who should you trust?
I have’nt dyed since jan15 2020 probably will not again ither I had a wierd reaction on my allergy test with Lo’real preference which I always used 4 hours after my allergy test I became very dizzy almost faint and trouble breathing I am done I will get a wig it is safer I have one from twc the wig company great wig cannot even tell looks and feels real
Curious to see what you think of Kevin Murphy hair color?
I use DpHue.
How is this ????
First, thank you very much for doing this research. Very much appreciated.
I don’t see Kevin Murphy on your list. Any ideas?
Thank you
How about Goldwell?
I agree with you they don’t mention any professional lines except Aveda
I’m not an expert by any stretch, but I am an Aveda Junkie! I own every product but the hair thickening Avati line, as I have plenty of my own thick, wavy, coarse, grey trying to creep in.
I have been going to Aveda salons for ~20 years. Initially I was going every 3 mo. I now go every 6 weeks for root touch ups.
So far, no issues. The chemicals don’t smell like chemicals.
More importantly, no one at my current salon 5 yrs) has gotten sick, and the manager has been with the company for over 10 years. Not cancers (thank God), and they are around by the chemicals daily.
Davines is a professional only line
I use age beautiful 1v plum black permanent liqui color along with gray magic drops can you please check into these?Also what other hair color would be good to get the same look more or less?
Paul Mitchell uses the first couple carcinogenic ingredients listed
What about Naturigin hair color & love your color by Cosamo ?
What about Matrix Logics Color DNA System Gelucent Color Creme and Matrix Logics Colorcremes 6B Dark Blonde Blue ? Do you know the toxicity levels?
Hi! I am a hairstylist and I use L’Oreal Professionel. The Majirel permanent line. Ha e you done any research on this particular line? Thanks!
I’m not sure what your “1 bad ingredient” listed on some of your “best” companies is, but I’ve found several for companies like “Overtone.”
Here are two cancer causing ingredients in Overtone:
Retinal A Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate)
Rosemary/Spearmint Fragrance
Why would Rosemary/Spearmint fragrance be toxic? I agree it could be if fake and not a pure essential oil. Which are you referring to? Thank you
Environmental Working Group lists ingredients in some of your “best list” products as being cancer causing. I’m not sure what your “1 bad ingredient” listed for products like “Overtone” is, but I found several…..
Here are two
have you tested Original and Mineral??
Could you comment on Framesi Eclectic salon hair color?
Which of the less toxic brands cover grays (just roots)?
Hi Gina !
On the chart is listed 0 bad ingredients for light mountain henna & 0 for rainbow henna.
But then you read on down to the bottom list in, where it show hair dyes in the square area.
listed light mountain hena & rainbow hena as 3 or less bad ingredients.
What are the three bad ingredients that they have listed in rainbow henna and light mountain henna ?
On back of box states by California proposition 65 warning
May contain chemicalsknown to cause cancer, birth defects
Not sure why ingredients are lawsonis Inemis ,Indigofera ,cassia obovata
This warning is on many products in California. In order to not have that warning, companies need to lab test the ingredients in their products to prove that they do not cause cancer. Many companies do not want to pay for this testing and put the label instead. It’s on things that you wouldn’t even think about (I had this warning on a stainless steel trash can I bought). So basically you should take that warning with a grain of salt and research the individual ingredients if worried.
Well a trash can is a far cry from something you eat or put on your body with that warning ????
Can you review redken hair dye please?
Just tried Esalon. Good results but is it healthy? I’ve been going to a salon for 40 years and they use Aveda. Thought it was healthy! Big surprise!! Can you fill me in on Esalon?
Can you get a picture of the ingredients for us? We can do it if we have that info!
Leah
On the chart it list that light mountain henna & rainbow henna has 0 bad ingredients.
Then when you read down the list in a square box it shows that light mountain & rainbow henna has 3 or less bad ingredients.
Hi! I am a hairstylist and I use L’Oreal Professionel. The Majirel permanent line. Have you done any research on this particular line? Thanks!
I noticed Paul Mitchell didn’t make the list. Any insight you can share?
I used to have headaches and felt nausea after using Paul Mitchell’s hair dyes that is why I switched to Kevin Murphy. However, now I experience substantial hair loss, I can see my hair is much thinner .I wonder if Kevin Murphy dyes are really free of harsh chemicals . As I didn’t see the list of the chemical ingredients in this product so I can’t comment.
txs, Grace
How do I ask you to review a hair coloring? Naturigin specifically. Thanks
have you checked O and M ? ( original and mineral)
What about Framesi hair color and
Swartzkopf hair color
It should be possible to Google thebingredients to them, don’t know why age beautiful isn’t on the list, they sure try and hide thebingredients list !
What about Vidal Sassoon? VS. My wife uses 6RR London Luxe Pro Series. Which list would you put it on?
Have you researched the ingredients in Redken Hair Color?
Hi! Thank you so much for your research and for this helpful helpful information! Thank you for the list of safer colors to choose from. I will research those ingredients as well.
Although henna has been around for 5000 years and is considered safe, the molecule responsible for color in henna is Lawsonia which is a quinone. It is some kind of estrogen and i’ve read studies that demonstrate that it causes a hormonal and balance because it is an estrogen. They injected it into pregnant mice and it caused miscarriages. I know we don’t inject lawsonia into ourselves when we use henna, but that stuff does need to sit on your head for three hours or so to effectively deposit its stain, and some people even leave it on overnight. It is an abortifacient due to the hormonal imbalance it causes; working in a similar way as the pill.
Just because something is herbal, does not mean it is not powerful or even toxic.
Most pharmaceutical drugs come from herbs or plants. They’re just processed and put into pill form.
What about Earth Dye. Have you researched that one? Thanks!
What about oway?
So what brands do you recommend for Salons? I see mostly ones that you would purchase through a store. Specifically, All-Nutrient, Goldwell, Schwartzkof and a few others that I can’t think of right now. Thank you.
Hello! What is the one bad ingredient in Overtone? Super interested in trying it. Thanks for the awesome article!
What about hair salon color
????
Which hair dye is safe to use?
I used ion hair dye today and it stunk and burned. It was so toxic and I have been sick all day from it. The lady at sallys said it was good and I told her I was sensitive. She said that was great and not as harmful. I use Revlon color silk and never had a reaction from it. Theres no amonia or hatch smells. I feel its way beeter than all the others ive tried. Even though its on your list. I saw that in 2014 they went paraben free plus they are ammonia free and its always made my hair feel better than before I dyed it. The Ion product damaged my hair so bad!
Harsh smells and better. Oops!
I ended up ordering dark and lovely because of this list and it really looks full of chemicals. I guess I’m not understanding how overtone would have one bad ingredient and dark and lovely has zero?? Or how natritint has five or something and dark and lovely has zero??
I just discovered this, Biokap Nutricolor Delicato which I purchase from Vitacost.com. It has no Ammonia, Resorcin, Parabens and para-Phenylenediamine(PPD). It has no fragrance whatsoever and is nickel free. It is the only hair color that my doesn’t make my hair fall out, color lasts a long time, and no scent at all. I also use their shampoo sometimes. What do you think of this product?
https://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/500/BioKap/Biokap-Nutricolor-Delicato-Permanent-Hair-Dye-1-0-Natural-Black-8030243010414.jpg
Hey can you link me to the ingredients?
Shhoooot…. i just saw this. So sorry…
https://www.biokapusa.com/nutricolor-products/nutricolor-delicato/permanent-hair-colors-delicato-1-00-natural-black-4-67-oz.html
AQUA/WATER, STEARIC ACID, LAURAMIDE MEA, ETHANOLAMINE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL,
TOLUENE-2,5-DIAMINE SULFATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PALMITIC ACID, GLYCERIN, ARGANIA
SPINOSA (KERNEL) OIL
But look what I found in the Biokap Italian Website….
.Organic Aloe Vera bio for a protective action on the scalp.
Red Vine, Rosemary, Nettle, Olax dissitiflora, Saw Palmetto for a purifying effect and a specific and proven reinforcing action.
Cactus, Agave, Burdock, Helichrysum, Melaleuca Alternifolia, Willow, Jojoba Oil, Avocado and sweet almonds for a regulating and restructuring activity on the different types of hair (dry, brittle, coloured, greasy , with dandruff).
Vegetable proteins (soya, rice and oats), Willow extract, Lipophilic acids from fruits and Argan Oil so to make the hair dyeing a restructuring treatment.
Vegetable “Fytokeratin” from rice and ceramides from olive oil to restructure the hair.
Very different from the Biokap USA website!!!
I’m a stylist with Surface Hair Health. I recommend those to find a salon near you using those products and color.
Checked out prices on those hair dyes which are said to contain no bad ingredients, way too high for my budget. Also how come they are only offered on Amazon? Have you any idea what Bezo’s does to his employees? Who wants to make that creep even richer?
schwarzkopf?
Just so you know, Quats is not an ingredient that is in any hair color.
Do you have any info on Kevin Murphy color?
There is no mention of Koleston — the last time I used it in February my scalp was dies dark brown and now my hair is starting to fall out. I have noticed lately that it is not available as it once was. I bought the last time in Mexico and can no longer find it here in Canada.
Hi Leah,
Can you please look into Oway? They are supposed to be organic and ammonia free.
https://www.oway.it/en/products/color-and-shape/
Organic doesn’t always mean non toxic
I use ESalon – online company, create your color. How safe ate their dyes?
Link me to their ingredients please!
I am curious about the surya brand henna powder because I use to use their haircolor always wondered, but I noticed there wasnt specifics after it in your ratings plus I thought if correct in my memory it was a premixed product. Thanks
I love it.
I canceled my Madison-Reed subscription and am trying a couple others mentioned to see how they work. Thanks for the info!
You’re welcome!
How about revlon i used revlon alone no other than. Needs info please
Hi how about salon brands like color fusion by redken?
You didn’t do salon/professional brands?
One more thing: as in the mattress listings ( thank you) you get confusing right before listing them, probably to avoid lawsuits, I get it- but make your list: WORST MATTRESS, WORST HAIR COLOR then list the products without any qualifiers, apologies, conditions or anything. Just WORST
1.
2.
3.
Because the message gets dumbed down when you add paragraphs about if they took out a few bad ingredients (hair color) etc. or didn’t engage in deliberately deceptive advertising (mattress). Okay?
Thank you very much for this critical info- I’ve often wondered what the effects were of hair color products on our water supply. Just imagine. Is it GMO corn or hair color that’s the cause of autism. I mean, really…. no one would even stop using it. And you don’t DARE mention hair color as a potential problem. It’s social suicide ( I know). You are brave!!! Thank you!!!
What about JKS?
I am a stylist and have used that for many years and also Alter Ego from Italy
Hi Tarashaun I also just cancelled my Madison Reed subscription after experiencing substantial hair loss. A new false advertising class action lawsuit alleges Madison Reed fails to warn consumers that its products may cause scalp irritation and hair loss. They tell you there is no ammonia or harsh chemicals, but the chemical they replaced the ammonia with…ethanolamine… is 85% more likely to cause hair loss.
Madison Reed caused me hair loss also. Did you find something else that hasn’t?
Are you planning to do salon dyes?
Curious, also. There are not very many salon quality/professional brands listed here.
.
This is a great question! Most of the brands that you see up there post their ingredients. Or we were able to get them somehow to rank them. Most of the salon dye brands do NOT post their ingredients online. So if you would like to help us get more brands ranked, just take a picture the next time you are at the salon and send to us and I’ll rank them for you!
Hello! Can you review Kevin Murphy hair dye? Thanks!!
Sure we can add this later today! Thanks for stopping by!
Was this ever added? I use Kevin Murphy and Oway and would LOVE to see your analysis!
Hi Ashley, I am waiting to hear back from them. They only have partial list of ingredients on their site!
Thank you for the update! I can’t wait to find out! The salon I go to uses them!
I used ion hair dye today and it stunk and burned. It was so toxic and I have been sick all day from it. The lady at sallys said it was good and I told her I was sensitive. She said that was great and not as harmful. I use Revlon color silk and never had a reaction from it. Theres no amonia or hatch smells. I feel its way beeter than all the others ive tried. Even though its on your list. I saw that in 2014 they went paraben free plus they are ammonia free and its always made my hair feel better than before I dyed it. The Ion product damaged my hair so bad!
Paul Mitchell not listed? Have any info on their brand or product The Color?
Next time you go to the salon, can you snap a picture of the ingredients for me? Then we can get it up here.
This is one I reached out to. Still waiting to hear.
what about Original And Mineral?
Hi Gina, so the good news is they don’t use the 3 BIG BAD chemicals (ammonia, resorcinol and PPD), nor several others on their list. I have to reach out for complete ingredient list, but I’m going to guess they’ll land at worst on better – don’t quote me yet though!
thank you!
Any news on the Original Mineral?
Why do you mention manic panic twice? First with 3 bad ingredients and then with one 1 bad ingredient. Is there any difference between the colours?
No that was a mistake, I’m so sorry. It’s on better, not best.
This is amazing! Thank you so much for this investigation! I’ve been getting gray hairs!
Our pleasure!
What about Pulp Riot?
Hi Melissa, I can check it out!
Thank you for this, Leah! Could you tell me how Framesi would rate?
Hi Claudine! Because Framesi is a spray, it doesn’t have any of THESE ingredients, but I don’t know if those are toxic elements particular to hairspray. We are including this in our hair spray / product investigation which is right after the next one Mamavation is doing.
FramesI Eclectic hair color
What about L’Oreal Excellence? You mention L’Oreal Preference but not Excellence. I have used both.