Is organic hair colour less damaging?

Organic hair care products are made to be free from harmful chemicals. There are no sulphates or parabens, nor ammonia, that can be easily found in traditional hair dyes. Where these are typically made from synthetic substances, organic dyes originate from plants. Although they can be more expensive, in the long run they can save your hair from a lot of potential damage from using harsher products. Ultimately, natural hair colourants are marketed as a safer and less damaging alternative. 

Is organic hair colour less damaging?

Traditional hair dyes contain a variety of chemicals, ammonia resorcinol and peroxide  that can seriously damage hair and cause irritations and reactions. Whereas the ingredients used in natural, non-toxic hair dye, are kinder to the hair and scalp.

Some natural ingredients in colourants are: 

  • Henna: plant extract, gives hair a reddish-brown colour.

  • Indigo: plant extract, provides a bluish-black colour. 

  • Cassia: plant extract, creates golden tones. 

  • Beetroot: vegetable extract, red colouring. 

  • Chamomile: a natural herb, lightens the hair. 

  • Aloe Vera: plant extract, conditions and moisturises. 

  • Coconut Oil: a natural oil that can help nourish and protect the hair and scalp. 

Organic dyes work by coating hair strands with layers of colour, rather than passing through the strands like the synthetic dyes. This helps to keep the hair hydrated and healthy as opposed to being dried out, increasing the risk of damage and breakage. Sustainably sourced materials in plant-based dyes are not only better for your hair, but better for the environment. 

Here are some of the benefits of using organic hair dye: 

  1. Fewer harsh chemicals: typical hair dying chemicals have been replaced by naturally occurring nourishing extracts that achieve the same effect. 

  2. Reduced risk of scalp irritation: natural oils in organic products moisturise the scalp instead of harm. 

  3. Lower risk of hair damage: natural hair care ingredients help to protect and nourish hair. 

  4. More sustainable and environmentally friendly: synthetic chemicals can be hazardous to produce, natural hair dye creates a more sustainable production option. 

If you frequently colour your hair and have noticed some damage, it may be a good idea to look into organic hair care and even make the switch to organic hair dye. But first, have a look below at the possible downsides. 

Drawbacks of Using Organic Hair Colour

Organic dyes have many potential benefits, however, lets take a look at some of the drawbacks:

  1. Limited colour options: If you’re looking for  very vibrant colours it may be hard to find. Plant-based hair dye offers a more limited range to synthetic colourants if you want bright luminescent tones. 

  2. Shorter lifespan of the colour: Non-toxic dyes do not contain the same harsh chemicals that bond traditional dyes to the hair. They’ve been developed to work slowly and have a longer process time.

  3. Higher cost: Higher quality ingredients mean higher prices. Though they’re more expensive, they’re much more ethical and sustainable. 

  4. Potential for uneven/inconsistent results: Organic dyes can be harder to work with. The colour intensity can vary, and you need a more experienced colour expert to get the best results as with traditional dyes. 

It’s important to keep these in mind when considering using natural hair dyes. These dyes can be really key to creating hair colours you want whilst keeping your hair healthy and in tact. Many believe the benefits of organic hair colour to outweigh the cons, and it’s easy to see why! 

Organic hair dye does not contain toxic chemicals, and it reduces the risk of damage to your hair and scalp. Although the colours are limited and it may be higher in cost and upkeep, it’s an environmentally friendly alternative that could save your hair in the long run. 

If you're looking for a more natural and less damaging way to colour your hair, consider switching to organic hair dye. Natural Colour Works is a reputable organic hair salon that specialises in providing natural, non-toxic hair colour solutions. Book an appointment today and experience the benefits of organic hair colour for yourself!

Scott Carey