As an independent hair stylist, I started using Ammonia Free Color almost 4 years ago when the alternatives was just hitting the market. With a apprehensive doubt at that time from both industry and clientele, Ammonia Free Color is now becoming the "norm" on the shelf and in salons. I have spoken in many previous articles about the "green marketing" of hiding MEA, and other toxic substitutes, and how one always needs to be aware of what you are investing in, especially if you have allergies.
Regardless of whether you decide to dye your hair by yourself or have it done professionally at a salon, you may be doing your hair – and your health – more harm than good. A large amount of hair dyes contain toxic chemicals and ingredients that can break down your hair follicles, irritate the scalp, and even cause a slew of health problems including allergies or cancer. It’s important to learn about the extent of damage these ingredients can cause, especially if you color your hair on a regular basis.
Kasia stylists are experts in Ammonia Free Color, and are happy to create an alternative option. Consider the following facts before your next hair coloring session:
Potentially Harmful Ingredients in Hair Color
Some of the most commonly found ingredients in hair color that can be dangerous to your health or just damaging to your hair include:
Resorcinol: A toxic compound commonly found in many drugstore hair colors and products used in professional hair salons.
Para phenylene diamine (PPD): PPD is a potent allergen and highly suspected carcinogen that may be linked to several health problems, including cancer. Studies by COLIPHA, the European cosmetic regulatory body, have confirmed that PPD causes bladder cancer.
Ammonia: Commonly used to lift the color out of the hair, ammonia is very damaging to the hair and scalp, and over time, can make it difficult for your hair to retain any type of color. This alkaline compound is used as a catalyst when using hydrogen peroxide, but tends to separate the cuticle of the hair.
Any hair color without ammonia most commonly contains MEA ( mono-ethanolamine ). MEA is effective at performing the first step of a color application – it OPENS the cuticle. However, because the MEA molecule is 3.5 times larger than ammonia, it cannot penetrate the hair as effectively. When depositing the artificial hair color deep into the strand. 3.5 times bigger in a molecule is more than enough to render it not NEARLY as effective. Covering gray will not be nearly as long lasting, sufficient lightening {required to produce amazing blond and red shades} will just not be there. Having tried MEA in a few hair color, it does not fully rinse out of the hair, which can lead to progressive darkening and dulling.
Alternative Options to Harmful Ingredients in Hair Color
Take the extra step in protecting your hair and your health and consider making the switch to natural, plant-based dyes, essential fatty acid technology, and nourishing botanical ingredients and extracts so that your hair retains its essential compounds, looks and feels stronger, with longer lasting results.
What does Kasia Organic Salon use?
Mastey De Paris, a family business in Valencia, Calif., offers zero-ammonia permanent hair dye. It “gently opens” the hair shaft with a proprietary amino-acid based alkaline agent, so there’s no MEA, either, said Erick Calderon, the vice president for business development..........
“In time, women will go into a salon and ask, ‘What color do you use? Does it have ammonia?’ ”