Why Organic Hair Color?
It's estimated that 70% of women in America today dye their hair. Whether it's to highlight their natural color, cover grays, or have a whole new look, using hair dye has become the norm. Everyone has been warned about the dangers of hair dye at some point; even though those warnings are to encourage safety, it's still enough to make anyone a bit hesitant. You're left with only one option; dying your hair organically. With fewer chemicals and more natural ingredients, it gives users peace of mind—and maybe even healthier hair.
With Hair by Christy Meekins, I have chosen O&M hair color based on the superb results and lack of the harmful chemicals found in traditional hair color. O&M is ammonia, resorcinol and PPD-free. Ammonia is the ingredient that conventional dye formulas use to penetrate the hair cuticle and deposit color. It has the potential to severely damage and weaken the hair, which is why people with sensitive strands might find organic hair dye to be a better, healthier option.
Resorcinol is a chemical that is often used in cosmetic products including permanent hair color, skin peels, and acne treatments. In hair dye, resorcinol reacts with a developer (often peroxide) to bond the dye permanently to the hair. It is typically used with a combination of other chemicals to get a specific dye color. Its use in most permanent hair colors is due to its efficacy in coloring hair, and because it is an inexpensive ingredient. Resorcinal is considered a toxic ingredient. Resorcinol has been formally classified as an irritant by the European Union, and it has been prohibited or significantly restricted in cosmetic products in several countries including Canada and Japan. Resorcinol is a skin irritant, and is frequently the ingredient that users are allergic to in hair dye. Beyond skin and eye irritation, resorcinol is also a potential endocrine disruptor. Endocrine disruption causes hormone imbalances and can cause fertility complications.
Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), is another ingredient found within most traditional hair coloring products. Most cases of allergic contact dermatitis stemming from exposure to hair dye are caused by PPD. PPD is a chemical that’s also found in temporary tattoo ink, printer ink, and gasoline. In boxed hair dye, PPD usually comes in its own bottle, accompanied by an oxidizer. When both are mixed together, PPD becomes partially oxidized. This is when it’s likely to cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to it.
So what's the best plan of action, then? It's to choose the healthiest option, not only for our hair but for bodies too. After all, hair dye can come in direct contact with our skin, and we're all about erring on the side of caution. Conventional hair dyes are fine unless a clients has damaged or weakened hair. In my professional opinion, organic hair dye is less harsh on your hair and should be used if there are any concerns for your hair and skin health.