It has long been understood that females attract, and therefore our nature is to want to be attractive. One method many of us use to look more attractive is to color our hair and if you are like me, you are working diligently to cover grey hairs.  I see so many beautiful women out there with naturally white or grey hair and it looks beautiful on them... some day I may let it all go grey, but not today!  It is important to me that I use the most natural hair color that I can find and do my best to avoid toxic chemicals.  I would like to note that just because a product states that it is "Natural" or "Vegan" does not necessarily mean that it is void of toxic chemicals.  We have arrived in the day and age of toxic chemical laden products and we must do our due-diligence to find products that will lessen this load in our bodies.  

CHEMICALS TO WATCH FOR:

It's no secret that most commercial hair dyes in stores and salons are loaded with toxic chemicals. The most common and most toxic of the chemicals are PPD's (p-Phenylenediamine).  PPD is what helps the color stay even with repeated washings and styling. PPD's have been linked to bladder cancer, lung, kidney and nervous system disorders and severe allergic reactions.  PPD may also be found in dark cosmetics, printing inks, grease and gasoline. PPD is also known as: PPDA, Phenylenediamine Base, p-Phenylenediamine, 4-Penylenediamine, 1,4-Phenylenediamine, 4-Benzenediamine, 1,4-Benzenediamine, para-Diaminobenzene, para-Aminoaniline, Orsin, Rodol, Ursol.

Additional chemicals that I recommend avoiding: Resorcinol, Ammonia, Persulfates, Hydrogen Peroxide, Lead Acetate, PTD, and 4-ABP

Permanent "Dark" Color dyes will commonly have some % of PPD's or PTD's.  Even dark Henna Hair Color has been found with PPD's or PTD's. Beware!  In America the legal amount is 2% and some hair dye manufacturers use as little as 0.06%.  So if you are going to stick to a "permanent" solution then I recommend going with a company that uses the lowest percentage. Note:  The FDA still does not regulate hair dye ingredients even following a 1994 National Cancer Institute report stated that dark dyes used over long periods of time seem to increase the risk of cancers such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. 

Please keep in mind that some of these companies have multiple lines of products. Some are free of PPD's and other toxic chemicals and some have a very small % of PPD's.   Additionally, many companies will market that they are PPD free only to use PTD.  Please familiarize yourself with the toxic ingredient names, %'s, and read the ingredients prior to purchase. 

PRODUCTS TO CONSIDER:

Palette by Nature (Contains no PPD's or PTD's)

All natural hair dyes made from living plants. The 100% natural plant based permanent patented hair colorant that is free of: paraphenylene diamine (PPD), PTD, PPD derivatives, resorcinol, m-aminophenol, p-aminophenol, toluene- 2,5-diamine, azo-dyes, diazo-dyes, disperse dyes, ammonia, and parabens - all synthetic chemicals which are known allergens and suspected carcinogens.  Plant based ingredients include: Ginseng, Nettle, Lemon Balm, Rosehips, Honeysuckle, CalendulaChlorophyll, Hawthorne Fruit, Emblica, Green Tea, and Rooibos Leaf extracts and bioflavonoids like Quercetin.

Naturigin (PTD free but does contain low volume PPD)

An advanced naturally derived formula, with a special blend of certified organic lemon and mandarin essential oils, and 10 other pure and gentle organic extracts and natural oils, protects the hair during coloring and adds shine and nourishment to the hair. PTD-free, SLS-free, Ammonia-free, Resorcinol-free.

Natulique Organic Colours (contains low volume PPD)

One of the highest amount of organic and natural ingredients. Natulique's products contain probably the world’s lowest amount of PPD in a professional color and have several shades that are PPD free and reportedly have great grey coverage.  A blend of certified organic ingredients including natural sunflower seed extract and oils from jojoba, apricot and grape seed activates the color to fortify the hair for a healthy color boost.  This product also appears to be a "salon system" so talk to your hair color specialist.

Survana & Logona Herbal Hair Color Crème (Contains no PPD's or PTD's)

100% natural ingredients.  Free of parabens, phthatlates, petroleum or mineral based oils, synthetic fragrances, colors and preservatives. Dermatologicaly tested. No ammonia, peroxide or PPD, heavy metals or chemical colorants.  Color reportedly last about 4-6 weeks.  Since there is no PPD it may be difficult coloring grey hair. There website provides a page instructing how to get grey coverage with their products." 

Tints of Nature (Contains low volume PPD's)

Tints of Nature is an effective range of hair coloring and treatment products including permanent and semi-permanent colors.  The products are 100% FREE from Ammonia, Resorcinol and Parabens and the average percentage of PPD is a quite low .42%.  

Madison Reed (Contains no PPD's but does contain PTD's)

In Radiant Cream Color and Root Reboot, one key ingredient used to replace PPD is a Para Toluene Diamine (PTD) ingredient called Toluene 2,5-Diamine Sulfate (TDS). TDS is proven to have a lower incidence of provoking sensitivity but it's still toxic.  Their Color Reviving Gloss, formulated with semi-permanent color technology, does not contain PPD or PTD.  Root Reboot contains no ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, PPD, or gluten.

SAACH Organic Natural Hair Dye (Contains no PPD's or PTD's)

Saach Organics formulations are based on balanced Ayurvedic traditional recipes to create natural treatments for skin and hair. Saach Organics products are 100% natural, using organically grown or wildcrafted plants and herbs grown in India. Saach Organics products never contain – petrochemicals, harsh sulphates, parabens, urea, propylene glycol, animal ingredients, artificial colors or fragrance. Reportedly do not contain PPD, PTD or other toxic chemicals. 

O&M/Original and Mineral: (Contains low PPD's in some products)

This Australian brand product is very popular with top models and celebrities.  O&M was one of the first to produce professional grade ammonia, resorcinol and PPD free permanent hair color They claim this delivers clean, lustrous blondes, bright fashion shades and lasting, vibrant colors while completely covering grey.   The hair color products appear to be a "salon system" so talk to your hair color specialist about purchasing these products.

Organic Color Systems- (Contains low volume PPD's)

Combining the best of British know-how and natural ingredients the Tender Loving Color has absolutely no ammonia, resorcinol or parabens and chemical ingredients are kept at the lowest possible concentrations. For example, PPD (mentioned above) is only .06% for some shades, as opposed to over 5% in most Garnier or Clairol colorings.

Have you tried any of these products or found other non-toxic products?  We would love to hear from you.