Giving your hair a dose of fresh colour might sound intimidating, but it’s easier than you think! To help you get started we’re sharing the basics to natural permanent hair colour.

No Permanent Dye is 100% Natural

We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but 100% natural permanent hair dye doesn’t exist. Our hair is naturally acidic so an alkaline pH adjuster must be applied during the colouring process. This opens the cuticle and deposits the dye to achieve long-lasting, permanent color. There are no alternatives to synthetic pH adjusters, so this chemical component is included in all permanent hair dyes.

Why Peroxide?  

All hair dyes, even the most natural ones, contain peroxide because it’s necessary to activate hair colour. The amount used ranges from three to nine percent. A high amount of peroxide will strip your colour to provide a neutral staring point, but it can also damage your cuticle, causing breakage, split ends, and frizz. Skin irritation or allergic reactions can also occur so it’s always best to do a spot test on your arm. A product with a low peroxide level and vegetal extracts will give you long lasting hair color without the harsh effects.

Why Ammonia?

Ammonia is used in permanent hair colour to help open the cuticle layer of the hair and allow the colour molecules to penetrate. However, this ingredient has been linked with several side effects like loss of moisture, causing dryness and dull, lifeless hair. More severely, ammonia can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems. The upside is that there are ammonia-free alternatives that cause little or no penetration of the epidermis, thus reducing the potential for allergic reactions.

The Colour Hue Potential of Natural Permanent Hair Colour

While going natural reduces the damage we inflict on our hair; it does restrict the colour spectrum that we can play with. Natural Permanent hair colour can only achieve one to two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair colour so it’s important to be realistic and keep expectations in check when choosing your shade.

What Should You Look for When Choosing a Natural Permanent Hair Colour?

Choose a product that has a low peroxide percentage. As with anything, the fewer the harsh ingredients, the better. Try to avoid products with ammonia, resorcinol, alcohol, parabens, and added fragrances that can be potential sensitizers.

Luckily, we’ve got your hair needs covered. Available in thirty-six rich shades, Herbatint has one of the lowest levels of peroxide and no ammonia. It’s odourless and easy to apply, it goes on evenly, and it’s non-drying. Whether you’re looking for 100% grey coverage or for a subtle change, Herbatint can provide intense colour and healthy shine. We’ve even added eight organic herbal extracts that will leave your hair silky soft and strong. The best part is it’s 100% vegan and cruelty free