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How Toxic Is Your Hair Dye? Best & Worst Hair Color Brands

Mamavation » Blog » Beauty | Mamavation » How Toxic Is Your Hair Dye? Best & Worst Hair Color Brands
How Toxic Is Your Hair Dye? Best & Worst Hair Color Brands

April 23, 2019 //  by Leah Segedie

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Do you hate your gray hairs or just want a change? Hair dyes are one of the most amazing inventions of all time–it’s a product that makes us feel younger, more confident and exciting. Naturally, the best way to get rid of that unwanted silver hair is with hair color. But if you’re trying to live a clean and non-toxic lifestyle, hair color formulas, for the most part, have a pretty toxic mix of chemicals that are unsafe and, in some cases, may be extremely harmful with regular use. You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you topics like safest shampoos, safest cookware & safest deodorants, now join us as we tackle hair dye. And stick around for the end as we have ranked all the brands.

We know you don’t have the time needed to investigate the hair dye industry, so Mamavation has done it for you! Scroll down to the very bottom for our product recommendations and if you would like to say thank you, you can donate here. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon and was fact-checked by Rebecca Elizabeth Sherrick Harks, Registered Nurse. 

woman getting hair dyed

Table of Contents

  • I’m Just Going to Break it To You–Your Chances of Getting Cancer Increase with Regular Use of Hair Dye
    • Breast Cancer
    • Bladder Cancer
    • Other Cancers
  • 13 Basic Ingredients Inside Hair Dyes That Are Toxic and Should Be Minimized As Much as Possible
    • P-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
    • Resorcinol
    • Aminophenol
    • Ethanolamines (MEA, TEA, DEA)
    • 1-Naphthol
    • Toluene, Toluene-2,5-Diamine, and 4-Amino-2-Hydroxytoluene
    • Quats
    • Ammonia
    • Undisclosed Fragrance with Phthalates
    • SLS/SLES
    • Lead Acetate (in “progressive” hair dye)
    • Propylene Glycol
    • Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone
  • Important Notes About “Coal-Tar” Hair Dyes
  • Mamavation’s Investigation of Hair Dyes–The Brands
    • The WORST Brands
    • The BETTER Brands
    • The BEST Brands

I’m Just Going to Break it To You–Your Chances of Getting Cancer Increase with Regular Use of Hair Dye

Cancer sucks. There’s nothing happy about it. Most of us know someone who has cancer or knows someone who has lost their lives to cancer. But when it comes to women who regularly use hair dye, those numbers start to go up. Here’s a list of cancers that are linked to regular use of hair dyes. While many debate the overall risk of various cancers and whether they are caused by permanent dye and their ingredients, it seems clear that there is a risk.

It’s important to put this into perspective and understand that we are surrounded with carcinogens and hormone disruptors all the time. Hair dyes seem to be a bigger exposure to women, but if you improve other areas like cookware, the mattress you sleep on, and shampoo you use, it lessens the overall impact of your hair dye. In other words, if this is too much for you, start detoxing elsewhere.  

Breast Cancer

A recent study out of Finland surveyed over 6,500 breast cancer patients, ages 22-60, and discovered that the odds of breast cancer increased by 23% among women who used hair dyes when compared to those that did not.

Bladder Cancer

A 2004 study suggested that there might be an increased risk of bladder cancer for people who dye their hair: “Overall, odds ratios (of getting bladder cancer) were somewhat elevated among women who began using hair dye after 1975, used dyes for more than 31 years and who used hair dyes more than 282 times.” Additionally, women who started regularly using hair dye before the age of 37 were also more at risk. While studies like these remain controversial, other studies have shown an increased risk of bladder cancer among professionals who use hair dye in their work (hairdressers and barbers).

Other Cancers

At least one study suggested a possible link between glioma, a type of brain cancer, and hair dye use. It was easy to find several studies linking permanent hair dye and leukemia, as well as at least one linking it to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

girl in black gloves hairdresser mixes hair dye

13 Basic Ingredients Inside Hair Dyes That Are Toxic and Should Be Minimized As Much as Possible

P-Phenylenediamine (PPD)

Used in permanent color, especially darker shades. It may also be contaminated with 4-ABP, a human carcinogen. According to the FDA, this is a skin allergen and irritant. In fact, the FDA does not allow its use on the skin in the form of black henna temporary tattoos.

There is a lot of conflicting and missing data on this particular ingredient, including whether or not it’s banned in Europe, whether the FDA tried to ban it outright and more. It is banned in Canada. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics claims that it has long been suspected to be carcinogenic and may alter DNA when mixed with hydrogen peroxide but to date, the data is not rigorous enough to be conclusive. The EPA also lists it as a respiratory toxin.

Resorcinol

This is an endocrine disrupter that impacts thyroid function. Skin and eye irritant.

Aminophenol

This is a known endocrine disrupter and at least one study has linked it to thyroid tumors.

Process of dyeing hair at beauty salon

Ethanolamines (MEA, TEA, DEA)

Some products contained ethanolamines, which have been shown to cause cancer in animal lab studies. When in use with certain other chemicals, they can form nitrosamines, which are a possible human carcinogen. These chemicals can bioaccumulate, even hair dyes. They also may impact male reproductive health, pregnancies, and possibly damage the liver or kidney and cause neurotoxic effects.

Some products include Cocamide MEA, which is meant to be a safer form of ethanolamine. Unfortunately, it may contain traces of Cocamide DEA, which has the same effect of producing nitrosamines.

1-Naphthol

This is a possible endocrine disruptor. At least one study suggests it may be linked to sperm DNA damage.

Toluene, Toluene-2,5-Diamine, and 4-Amino-2-Hydroxytoluene

According to the CDC, toluene can impact your nervous system. Repeated exposure can lead to permanent problems and scientists are not sure if repeated low exposures will lead to permanent damage. Some studies have also suggested possible reproductive effects, such as spontaneous abortions, but it’s not clear. Toluene itself is the most harmful, but the other versions listed above are not completely safe either.

Quats

Short for ammonium quaternary sanitizers, quats have been linked to medical issues such as harming fertility, causing miscarriages, and severe birth defects in animal studies. Some are also endocrine disruptors. Certain quats can also release formaldehyde, even if the product does not contain any formaldehyde.

Ammonia

This chemical can harm eye, lungs, respiratory tract, and is very toxic for people with asthma or allergies.

Preparation of hair dye

Undisclosed Fragrance with Phthalates

Many hair colors employ undisclosed fragrances, likely to cover up the harsh chemical smell. These fragrances can come thousands of sources, so there is no way to tell what toxins are in them. There were few that did not have this ingredient. One problematic ingredient that could be hiding in “fragrance” is phthalate. Phthalates are an endocrine disruptor linked to cancers, weight gain, and infertility.

SLS/SLES

These surfactants can be an eye irritant. Some debate whether SLS is a carcinogen and other research states it may damage the immune system.

Lead Acetate (in “progressive” hair dye)

In October 2018, the FDA repealed approval for lead acetate as a color additive to hair dye. Progressive hair dyes may contain lead acetate but I did not find any thus far in the brands I checked.

toxic blonde hair dye

Propylene Glycol

This petroleum-based ingredient is often contaminated with carcinogenic compounds such as 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide which can also cause reproductive system toxicity, headache, and nausea.

Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone

These allergens/irritants were found in a few brands. They are potentially neurotoxic and demonstrate organ toxicity in lab studies.

Important Notes About “Coal-Tar” Hair Dyes

Historically, some hair dye ingredients were a by-product of the coal industry. Today, most dyes are synthetic and are petroleum-based, NOT coal-tar based. However, the FDA never changed the name.

chemical hair color dye onto hair roots

Mamavation’s Investigation of Hair Dyes–The Brands

As you can see, hair color is chockfull of harmful ingredients. Almost all brands had at least one or 2 of these chemicals. Others were a whole toxic soup of these plus many more.

Ready to see how your brand rated? Let’s take a look. Next to each brand is the number of toxins listed above their products contained.

The WORST Brands

These brands have 5 or more problematic ingredients inside their formulation. The number of problematic ingredients is listed next to the name. Some of these brands may advertise themselves as more natural, but in order for us to rank them higher, they would need to improve their formulations a bit.

  • Aveda (6 bad ingredients)
  • Calura (9 bad ingredients)
  • Clairol Nice’N Easy Color Crème (7 bad ingredients)
  • Clairol Nice & Easy Root Touch Up Semi-Permanent Colors AND Permanent Creme (7 bad ingredients)
  • Clairol Natural Instincts (6 bad ingredients)
  • Garnier Nutrisse (8 bad ingredients)
  • Garnier Olia (8 bad ingredients)
  • Ion (8 bad ingredients)
  • John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray (5 or more bad ingredients)
  • John Frieda Precision Foam Color (6-8 bad ingredients)
  • Loreal Preference (8 bad ingredients)
  • Madison Reed (8 or 9 bad ingredients)
  • Pulp Riot (6 bad ingredients)
  • Revlon Colorsilk (8 bad ingredients)
  • Shea Moisture (7 bad ingredients)
  • Wella Colour Charm Demi-Permanent (5 bad ingredients)

toxic hair dye application

The BETTER Brands

These brands have 3-5 problematic ingredients inside their formulation. The number of problematic ingredients is listed next to the name. This is the sweet spot where you will find a compromise between your health and effectiveness.

  • Arctic Fox (5 bad ingredients)
  • Ecocolors (2 or 3 bad ingredients)
  • Clairol Nice & Easy Root Touch Up Refreshing Spray (none listed above but does contain heavy metals)
  • Herbatint (4 or 5 bad ingredients)
  • John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss (2 or 3 bad ingredients)
  • John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Color Deepening Treatment
  • Just for Men Touch of Grey (4 bad ingredients)
  • Kristin Ess (3 bad ingredients)
  • Lime Crime (5 bad ingredients)
  • Loreal Feria (4 bad ingredients)
  • Manic Panic (3 bad ingredients)
  • Natratint (5 bad ingredients)
  • Natulique (5 bad ingredients)
  • Naturcolor (5 bad ingredients)
  • Organic Hair Colour (5 bad ingredients)
  • Sun-In, both products (4 bad ingredients)
  • Tints of Nature Henna (4 bad ingredients)
  • Tints of Nature Permanent Color (5 bad ingredients)

Beautiful young woman with red dyed hair

The BEST Brands

These brands have less than 3 problematic ingredients inside their formulation. The number of problematic ingredients is listed next to the name.

  • Beyond the Zone Color Jamz (2 bad ingredients, including undisclosed fragrance)
  • Davines (1 bad ingredient)
  • Desert Shadow (0 bad ingredients)
  • Hairprint (0 bad ingredient)
  • Henna Color Lab (0 bad ingredients)
  • John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss (2 bad ingredients, including undisclosed fragrance)
  • John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Color Deepening Treatment (2 bad ingredients, including undisclosed fragrance)
  • Light Mountain Henna (0 bad ingredients)
  • Lush Henna (1 bad ingredient–undisclosed fragrance, but likely essential oils)
  • Natulique Zero (1 bad ingredient)
  • Morocco Method Simply Pure Henna (0 bad ingredients) **use discount code “mamavation” for 15% off**
  • Overtone Coloring Conditioner (1 bad ingredient)
  • Palette by Nature (0 bad ingredients)
  • Prevana (1 bad ingredient)
  • Radico Color Me Organics (0 bad ingredients)
  • Rainbow Research Henna (0 bad ingredients)
  • Saach Organics (0 bad ingredients)
  • Sante Herbal Hair Color (0 bad ingredients – some colors had a fragrance but claim they are essential oils)
  • Surya Brazil Henna Powder
  • Tints of Nature Highlights (2 bad ingredients)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Yari

    December 23, 2022 at 10:54 pm

    O&M.
    https://originalmineral.com.au/pages/our-story

    Reply
  2. Mary

    October 30, 2022 at 12:31 pm

    The Surya Brazil henna brand doesn’t list number of bad ingredients after its name. Is it possible to post that information as well?

    Thank you for your work on this!

    Reply
  3. Yari

    October 9, 2022 at 11:06 pm

    How about organic color system?

    Reply
  4. Anonymous

    October 3, 2022 at 11:14 pm

    Hair print totally made me itchy the first time i used it. The second time notably more itch and the third time i used it it blistered my ears and my scalp. My ears where like a chemical burn and it lasted for about a month. I am horribly allergic to it. I think there are ingredients in there that are not listed. The way it foams up and covers the hair is just like a dye, i dont believe this product is what it says it is. Also their customer service was super rude to me when i called them about my reaction. They had zero interest in wanting to know any information from me to see what ingredient could possibly be causing this reaction. On a 1-10 i give them a negative 5.

    Reply
  5. jas

    May 30, 2022 at 7:03 am

    HI CAN you help me check is Originals and Minerals is safe for hair/ any bad toxic
    how about The Virgin hair colour by nook, which is better, O & M or The Virgin hair colour by Nook. Please investigate both for me and thanks

    Reply
  6. Dina

    April 14, 2022 at 1:46 pm

    How toxic are reskin products?

    Reply
  7. Daph

    March 2, 2022 at 9:51 am

    Does Wella Professionals hair dye have toxic ingredients?

    Reply
    • Megan

      April 6, 2022 at 2:55 pm

      Yes!! It has 5-6. I looked at it today at Sally’s! I can’t find anything safe to cover this gray hair of mine!

      Reply
      • Sue

        April 6, 2022 at 8:10 pm

        If Someone has used Madison Reed in the past is it safe to put Redken Chromatics on their roots? I need to know this soon. If they used Positano Black before and if it’s safe I would use 3nn.in Chromatics to blend . If this isn’t safe could another suggestion be made?.

        Reply
      • Rachel

        October 5, 2022 at 9:53 am

        Have you tried Lanza or Framesi?
        Maybe you can go lighter and work with the gray as opposed to covering it. It’s the darker colors that have most of the toxins.

        Reply
  8. Ana

    December 14, 2021 at 12:52 pm

    Dark & Lovely has 0 harmful internets?!!! ??
    I’m not sure how to trust this investigation website

    Ingredients :
    MOISTURE RICH CONDITIONER / BAUME SOIN: 43083 SS3 – AQUA / WATER / EAU, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, ELAEIS GUINEENSIS OIL / PALM OIL, BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, PARFUM FRAGRANCE, PYRUS MALUS FRUIT EXTRACT / APPLE FRUIT EXTRACT, GLYCERIN, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, STEARAMIDOPROPYL DIMETHYLAMINE, SODIUM BENZOATE, CITRIC ACID, NIACINAMIDE, PYRIDOXINE HCl, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII, BUTTER / SHEA BUTTER, OLEA EUROPAEA OIL / OLIVE FRUIT OIL, SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM EXTRACT /SUGAR CANE EXTRACT/ EXTRAIT DE CANNE A SUCRE, CHLORHEXIDINE, DIHYDROCHLORIDE, PERSEA GRATISSIMA OIL / AVOCADO OIL 2-OLEAMIDO-1,3-OCTADECANEDIOL, RIBES NIGRUM SEED OIL / BLACK CURRANT SEED OIL, PHENOXYETHANOL, CITRUS LIMON, PEEL EXTRACT / LEMON PEEL EXTRACT, CI 19140 / YELLOW 5, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CI 15985 / YELLOW 6, TOCOPHEROL, GLYCINE SOJA OIL / SOYBEAN OIL, F.I.L. D183770/1 ;

    Reply
    • dana

      August 1, 2022 at 4:19 pm

      is that a statement or a question. I don’t see it on either list.

      Reply
  9. Judy

    December 6, 2021 at 10:54 am

    I have grown more sensitive to hair colors but would like to cover my gray. Do you have an opinion about Keune So Pure Color? It is sold to salons or on ebay. A friend uses Keune Tinta (has ammonia) and likes it. So Pure is supposed to be gentler. Thanks.

    Reply
    • jill

      February 11, 2022 at 12:58 pm

      I used it and i had a headache for days

      Reply
      • jill

        February 11, 2022 at 1:00 pm

        also i had a salivary gland stone operation and this flushed out salivary gland stones and when i dye my hair and this included keune the stone comes up, immune system i wonder

        Reply
    • Jill

      February 11, 2022 at 1:07 pm

      also i had a salivary gland stone operation that gets rid of salivary gland stones, but when i use hair dyes and that includes keune not only do i get headaches, but the salivary gland stone comes up, i am wondering if this allergy is something to do with my immune system, warning i think i will embrace silver grey mousy hair.

      Reply
  10. Anglo

    September 13, 2021 at 8:28 am

    Kevin Murphy unfortunately contains Resorcinol & Ethanolamine & Toluene to name but a few. My search for a non toxic hair dye that dyes grey hair continues. 🙁 If anyone can suggest a good colour brand please do.

    Reply
  11. Anglo

    September 13, 2021 at 8:25 am

    Thankyou for your valuable research on Toxic Hair dyes.
    You deserve a knighthood for publishing this.
    So many women dont realise they have health issues because of their constant use of toxic hair colours. Most like me didnt realise the true cost to their health. Illness in the persuit of beauty is really not worth it.
    I have an ingredients list for Kevin Murphy and Oway which I would like you to have so you can add to the list. I am happy to email them to you. Please do not stop adding to this valuable information . All the best. X

    Reply
    • Sarah

      January 10, 2022 at 11:23 am

      Was this ever added? I would love to see what they think of Oway, Kevin Murphy, and O&M.

      Reply
  12. Francine

    August 26, 2021 at 7:07 am

    A brand that has been coming up a lot that people really like and feel good about is Kevin Murphy.
    Wondering if you had any info about that brand

    Reply
  13. Christina Littlejohn

    July 29, 2021 at 11:30 am

    Can you do an investigation on the nest professional color lines for hairstylists to use?

    Reply
  14. Ella

    July 28, 2021 at 10:04 am

    Hello have you researched Revlon NEW TOTAL COLOR 60 light natural brown? It’s supposed to be clean & vegan & no parabens or sulfates or silicones or mineral oil or phthalates or gluten & no ammonia; with that being said I don’t know about the ingredients that are listed … ?

    Reply
  15. felicia peterson

    April 29, 2021 at 12:32 pm

    I have’nt dyed since jan15 2020 probably will not again ither I had a wierd reaction on my allergy test with Lo’real preference which I always used 4 hours after my allergy test I became very dizzy almost faint and trouble breathing I am done I will get a wig it is safer I have one from twc the wig company great wig cannot even tell looks and feels real

    Reply
  16. Courtney

    April 8, 2021 at 12:44 pm

    Curious to see what you think of Kevin Murphy hair color?

    Reply
    • Mary

      August 9, 2021 at 5:43 am

      I use DpHue.
      How is this ????

      Reply
  17. Vivian Drewis

    March 31, 2021 at 10:18 pm

    First, thank you very much for doing this research. Very much appreciated.
    I don’t see Kevin Murphy on your list. Any ideas?
    Thank you

    Reply
  18. Paula

    February 13, 2021 at 7:19 pm

    How about Goldwell?

    Reply
    • Frank

      March 16, 2021 at 2:37 pm

      I agree with you they don’t mention any professional lines except Aveda

      Reply
      • Karen M

        August 7, 2021 at 7:31 am

        I’m not an expert by any stretch, but I am an Aveda Junkie! I own every product but the hair thickening Avati line, as I have plenty of my own thick, wavy, coarse, grey trying to creep in.

        I have been going to Aveda salons for ~20 years. Initially I was going every 3 mo. I now go every 6 weeks for root touch ups.

        So far, no issues. The chemicals don’t smell like chemicals.

        More importantly, no one at my current salon 5 yrs) has gotten sick, and the manager has been with the company for over 10 years. Not cancers (thank God), and they are around by the chemicals daily.

        Reply
      • Christina

        March 9, 2022 at 9:12 pm

        Davines is a professional only line

        Reply
  19. Christina

    January 23, 2021 at 11:24 am

    I use age beautiful 1v plum black permanent liqui color along with gray magic drops can you please check into these?Also what other hair color would be good to get the same look more or less?

    Reply
  20. Gw

    November 21, 2020 at 2:49 am

    Paul Mitchell uses the first couple carcinogenic ingredients listed

    Reply
  21. Evelyn

    June 11, 2020 at 6:06 am

    What about Naturigin hair color & love your color by Cosamo ?

    Reply
    • Darlene

      September 6, 2020 at 10:03 am

      What about Matrix Logics Color DNA System Gelucent Color Creme and Matrix Logics Colorcremes 6B Dark Blonde Blue ? Do you know the toxicity levels?

      Reply
    • Michelle

      September 25, 2020 at 3:47 pm

      Hi! I am a hairstylist and I use L’Oreal Professionel. The Majirel permanent line. Ha e you done any research on this particular line? Thanks!

      Reply
  22. Nicole

    May 20, 2020 at 10:41 pm

    I’m not sure what your “1 bad ingredient” listed on some of your “best” companies is, but I’ve found several for companies like “Overtone.”
    Here are two cancer causing ingredients in Overtone:
    Retinal A Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate)
    Rosemary/Spearmint Fragrance

    Reply
    • Victoria Goatcher

      June 26, 2022 at 11:54 am

      Why would Rosemary/Spearmint fragrance be toxic? I agree it could be if fake and not a pure essential oil. Which are you referring to? Thank you

      Reply
  23. Anonymous

    May 20, 2020 at 10:37 pm

    Environmental Working Group lists ingredients in some of your “best list” products as being cancer causing. I’m not sure what your “1 bad ingredient” listed for products like “Overtone” is, but I found several…..
    Here are two

    Reply
  24. gina

    April 29, 2020 at 12:51 pm

    have you tested Original and Mineral??

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      May 14, 2020 at 10:35 am

      Could you comment on Framesi Eclectic salon hair color?

      Reply
  25. Kerry

    April 29, 2020 at 11:28 am

    Which of the less toxic brands cover grays (just roots)?

    Reply
  26. Vee

    April 10, 2020 at 5:52 am

    Hi Gina !
    On the chart is listed 0 bad ingredients for light mountain henna & 0 for rainbow henna.
    But then you read on down to the bottom list in, where it show hair dyes in the square area.
    listed light mountain hena & rainbow hena as 3 or less bad ingredients.

    Reply
    • Vee

      April 10, 2020 at 6:36 am

      What are the three bad ingredients that they have listed in rainbow henna and light mountain henna ?

      Reply
      • Vee

        April 23, 2020 at 10:59 am

        On back of box states by California proposition 65 warning
        May contain chemicalsknown to cause cancer, birth defects
        Not sure why ingredients are lawsonis Inemis ,Indigofera ,cassia obovata

        Reply
        • Haili

          May 14, 2020 at 1:00 pm

          This warning is on many products in California. In order to not have that warning, companies need to lab test the ingredients in their products to prove that they do not cause cancer. Many companies do not want to pay for this testing and put the label instead. It’s on things that you wouldn’t even think about (I had this warning on a stainless steel trash can I bought). So basically you should take that warning with a grain of salt and research the individual ingredients if worried.

          Reply
          • Terri

            September 23, 2022 at 4:43 am

            Well a trash can is a far cry from something you eat or put on your body with that warning 😊

    • Lorraine

      April 20, 2020 at 12:35 pm

      Can you review redken hair dye please?

      Reply
  27. Patricia

    April 5, 2020 at 10:44 pm

    Just tried Esalon. Good results but is it healthy? I’ve been going to a salon for 40 years and they use Aveda. Thought it was healthy! Big surprise!! Can you fill me in on Esalon?

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      April 8, 2020 at 11:00 am

      Can you get a picture of the ingredients for us? We can do it if we have that info!

      Reply
      • Vee

        April 10, 2020 at 6:06 am

        Leah
        On the chart it list that light mountain henna & rainbow henna has 0 bad ingredients.
        Then when you read down the list in a square box it shows that light mountain & rainbow henna has 3 or less bad ingredients.

        Reply
        • Michelle

          September 25, 2020 at 3:48 pm

          Hi! I am a hairstylist and I use L’Oreal Professionel. The Majirel permanent line. Have you done any research on this particular line? Thanks!

          Reply
      • Nicole Hohenstein

        April 29, 2020 at 4:56 am

        I noticed Paul Mitchell didn’t make the list. Any insight you can share?

        Reply
  28. jgms

    December 7, 2019 at 2:38 pm

    have you checked O and M ? ( original and mineral)

    Reply
  29. Arlene Berry

    December 7, 2019 at 11:12 am

    What about Framesi hair color and

    Swartzkopf hair color

    Reply
  30. Gary Williams

    December 5, 2019 at 8:42 pm

    What about Vidal Sassoon? VS. My wife uses 6RR London Luxe Pro Series. Which list would you put it on?

    Reply
  31. Chris

    July 25, 2019 at 2:30 pm

    Have you researched the ingredients in Redken Hair Color?

    Reply
    • VeenessFly

      October 7, 2019 at 7:57 am

      Hi! Thank you so much for your research and for this helpful helpful information! Thank you for the list of safer colors to choose from. I will research those ingredients as well.
      Although henna has been around for 5000 years and is considered safe, the molecule responsible for color in henna is Lawsonia which is a quinone. It is some kind of estrogen and i’ve read studies that demonstrate that it causes a hormonal and balance because it is an estrogen. They injected it into pregnant mice and it caused miscarriages. I know we don’t inject lawsonia into ourselves when we use henna, but that stuff does need to sit on your head for three hours or so to effectively deposit its stain, and some people even leave it on overnight. It is an abortifacient due to the hormonal imbalance it causes; working in a similar way as the pill.

      Just because something is herbal, does not mean it is not powerful or even toxic.

      Most pharmaceutical drugs come from herbs or plants. They’re just processed and put into pill form.

      Reply
  32. Kimberly Klingaman

    July 17, 2019 at 1:34 pm

    What about Earth Dye. Have you researched that one? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Ne

      October 10, 2019 at 6:30 pm

      What about oway?

      Reply
  33. Sarah

    July 16, 2019 at 9:18 am

    So what brands do you recommend for Salons? I see mostly ones that you would purchase through a store. Specifically, All-Nutrient, Goldwell, Schwartzkof and a few others that I can’t think of right now. Thank you.

    Reply
  34. perry

    June 18, 2019 at 8:44 am

    Hello! What is the one bad ingredient in Overtone? Super interested in trying it. Thanks for the awesome article!

    Reply
    • Dorothea Pounds

      December 7, 2019 at 9:08 am

      What about hair salon color

      Reply
    • Anonymous

      March 13, 2020 at 8:26 pm

      😊

      Reply
    • Sharon

      August 24, 2020 at 3:15 am

      Which hair dye is safe to use?

      Reply
  35. Shawna Marie Rodriguez

    June 13, 2019 at 11:49 pm

    I used ion hair dye today and it stunk and burned. It was so toxic and I have been sick all day from it. The lady at sallys said it was good and I told her I was sensitive. She said that was great and not as harmful. I use Revlon color silk and never had a reaction from it. Theres no amonia or hatch smells. I feel its way beeter than all the others ive tried. Even though its on your list. I saw that in 2014 they went paraben free plus they are ammonia free and its always made my hair feel better than before I dyed it. The Ion product damaged my hair so bad!

    Reply
    • Shawna Marie Rodriguez

      June 13, 2019 at 11:51 pm

      Harsh smells and better. Oops!

      Reply
  36. Casey

    May 13, 2019 at 6:52 am

    I ended up ordering dark and lovely because of this list and it really looks full of chemicals. I guess I’m not understanding how overtone would have one bad ingredient and dark and lovely has zero?? Or how natritint has five or something and dark and lovely has zero??

    Reply
  37. Veronica Montelibano

    April 30, 2019 at 1:08 pm

    I just discovered this, Biokap Nutricolor Delicato which I purchase from Vitacost.com. It has no Ammonia, Resorcin, Parabens and para-Phenylenediamine(PPD). It has no fragrance whatsoever and is nickel free. It is the only hair color that my doesn’t make my hair fall out, color lasts a long time, and no scent at all. I also use their shampoo sometimes. What do you think of this product?

    https://www.vitacost.com/Images/Products/500/BioKap/Biokap-Nutricolor-Delicato-Permanent-Hair-Dye-1-0-Natural-Black-8030243010414.jpg

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      May 2, 2019 at 11:15 pm

      Hey can you link me to the ingredients?

      Reply
      • Veronica Montelibano

        July 2, 2019 at 3:45 pm

        Shhoooot…. i just saw this. So sorry…

        https://www.biokapusa.com/nutricolor-products/nutricolor-delicato/permanent-hair-colors-delicato-1-00-natural-black-4-67-oz.html

        AQUA/WATER, STEARIC ACID, LAURAMIDE MEA, ETHANOLAMINE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL,
        TOLUENE-2,5-DIAMINE SULFATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, PALMITIC ACID, GLYCERIN, ARGANIA
        SPINOSA (KERNEL) OIL

        Reply
        • Veronica Montelibano

          July 2, 2019 at 6:45 pm

          But look what I found in the Biokap Italian Website….

          .Organic Aloe Vera bio for a protective action on the scalp.
          Red Vine, Rosemary, Nettle, Olax dissitiflora, Saw Palmetto for a purifying effect and a specific and proven reinforcing action.
          Cactus, Agave, Burdock, Helichrysum, Melaleuca Alternifolia, Willow, Jojoba Oil, Avocado and sweet almonds for a regulating and restructuring activity on the different types of hair (dry, brittle, coloured, greasy , with dandruff).
          Vegetable proteins (soya, rice and oats), Willow extract, Lipophilic acids from fruits and Argan Oil so to make the hair dyeing a restructuring treatment.
          Vegetable “Fytokeratin” from rice and ceramides from olive oil to restructure the hair.

          Very different from the Biokap USA website!!!

          Reply
  38. Brittany Szlapka

    April 30, 2019 at 10:45 am

    I’m a stylist with Surface Hair Health. I recommend those to find a salon near you using those products and color.

    Reply
  39. C.H.

    April 30, 2019 at 9:39 am

    Checked out prices on those hair dyes which are said to contain no bad ingredients, way too high for my budget. Also how come they are only offered on Amazon? Have you any idea what Bezo’s does to his employees? Who wants to make that creep even richer?

    Reply
  40. Amanda

    April 28, 2019 at 9:24 pm

    schwarzkopf?

    Reply
  41. Lupita

    April 28, 2019 at 5:03 pm

    Just so you know, Quats is not an ingredient that is in any hair color.

    Reply
    • Davetta

      April 12, 2020 at 1:40 pm

      Do you have any info on Kevin Murphy color?

      Reply
  42. Sharon C.

    April 28, 2019 at 2:10 pm

    There is no mention of Koleston — the last time I used it in February my scalp was dies dark brown and now my hair is starting to fall out. I have noticed lately that it is not available as it once was. I bought the last time in Mexico and can no longer find it here in Canada.

    Reply
    • Mandie

      December 7, 2019 at 7:02 am

      Hi Leah,

      Can you please look into Oway? They are supposed to be organic and ammonia free.

      https://www.oway.it/en/products/color-and-shape/

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        April 7, 2020 at 9:21 pm

        Organic doesn’t always mean non toxic

        Reply
  43. Sharon Theis

    April 28, 2019 at 10:33 am

    I use ESalon – online company, create your color. How safe ate their dyes?

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      May 2, 2019 at 11:23 pm

      Link me to their ingredients please!

      Reply
  44. Peggy

    April 26, 2019 at 4:12 pm

    I am curious about the surya brand henna powder because I use to use their haircolor always wondered, but I noticed there wasnt specifics after it in your ratings plus I thought if correct in my memory it was a premixed product. Thanks

    Reply
    • Anonymous

      April 27, 2019 at 9:47 pm

      I love it.

      Reply
  45. Tarashaun Hausner

    April 25, 2019 at 10:34 am

    I canceled my Madison-Reed subscription and am trying a couple others mentioned to see how they work. Thanks for the info!

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      April 25, 2019 at 11:32 am

      You’re welcome!

      Reply
      • Amy

        April 25, 2019 at 2:46 pm

        How about revlon i used revlon alone no other than. Needs info please

        Reply
      • Cari

        April 25, 2019 at 6:53 pm

        Hi how about salon brands like color fusion by redken?
        You didn’t do salon/professional brands?
        One more thing: as in the mattress listings ( thank you) you get confusing right before listing them, probably to avoid lawsuits, I get it- but make your list: WORST MATTRESS, WORST HAIR COLOR then list the products without any qualifiers, apologies, conditions or anything. Just WORST
        1.
        2.
        3.
        Because the message gets dumbed down when you add paragraphs about if they took out a few bad ingredients (hair color) etc. or didn’t engage in deliberately deceptive advertising (mattress). Okay?
        Thank you very much for this critical info- I’ve often wondered what the effects were of hair color products on our water supply. Just imagine. Is it GMO corn or hair color that’s the cause of autism. I mean, really…. no one would even stop using it. And you don’t DARE mention hair color as a potential problem. It’s social suicide ( I know). You are brave!!! Thank you!!!

        Reply
  46. Christy

    April 25, 2019 at 7:42 am

    Are you planning to do salon dyes?

    Reply
    • Joan Hynes

      April 25, 2019 at 8:18 am

      Curious, also. There are not very many salon quality/professional brands listed here.

      Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      April 25, 2019 at 11:30 am

      This is a great question! Most of the brands that you see up there post their ingredients. Or we were able to get them somehow to rank them. Most of the salon dye brands do NOT post their ingredients online. So if you would like to help us get more brands ranked, just take a picture the next time you are at the salon and send to us and I’ll rank them for you!

      Reply
  47. Ashley Artman

    April 24, 2019 at 4:03 pm

    Hello! Can you review Kevin Murphy hair dye? Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      April 25, 2019 at 11:33 am

      Sure we can add this later today! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
      • Sarah

        January 10, 2022 at 11:25 am

        Was this ever added? I use Kevin Murphy and Oway and would LOVE to see your analysis!

        Reply
    • Gina Badalaty

      April 25, 2019 at 11:58 am

      Hi Ashley, I am waiting to hear back from them. They only have partial list of ingredients on their site!

      Reply
      • Ashley Artman

        April 27, 2019 at 9:52 am

        Thank you for the update! I can’t wait to find out! The salon I go to uses them!

        Reply
        • Shawna Marie Rodriguez

          June 13, 2019 at 11:47 pm

          I used ion hair dye today and it stunk and burned. It was so toxic and I have been sick all day from it. The lady at sallys said it was good and I told her I was sensitive. She said that was great and not as harmful. I use Revlon color silk and never had a reaction from it. Theres no amonia or hatch smells. I feel its way beeter than all the others ive tried. Even though its on your list. I saw that in 2014 they went paraben free plus they are ammonia free and its always made my hair feel better than before I dyed it. The Ion product damaged my hair so bad!

          Reply
  48. Anonymous

    April 24, 2019 at 3:32 pm

    Paul Mitchell not listed? Have any info on their brand or product The Color?

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      April 25, 2019 at 11:33 am

      Next time you go to the salon, can you snap a picture of the ingredients for me? Then we can get it up here.

      Reply
    • Gina Badalaty

      April 25, 2019 at 11:59 am

      This is one I reached out to. Still waiting to hear.

      Reply
  49. gina

    April 24, 2019 at 1:33 pm

    what about Original And Mineral?

    Reply
    • Gina Badalaty

      April 25, 2019 at 12:05 pm

      Hi Gina, so the good news is they don’t use the 3 BIG BAD chemicals (ammonia, resorcinol and PPD), nor several others on their list. I have to reach out for complete ingredient list, but I’m going to guess they’ll land at worst on better – don’t quote me yet though!

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        April 25, 2019 at 5:03 pm

        thank you!

        Reply
      • Kimberly Klingaman

        July 26, 2019 at 9:17 pm

        Any news on the Original Mineral?

        Reply
  50. Alexandra

    April 24, 2019 at 1:23 pm

    Why do you mention manic panic twice? First with 3 bad ingredients and then with one 1 bad ingredient. Is there any difference between the colours?

    Reply
    • Gina Badalaty

      April 25, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      No that was a mistake, I’m so sorry. It’s on better, not best.

      Reply
  51. Danielle

    April 23, 2019 at 11:14 pm

    This is amazing! Thank you so much for this investigation! I’ve been getting gray hairs!

    Reply
    • Leah Segedie

      April 25, 2019 at 7:17 pm

      Our pleasure!

      Reply
  52. Melissa Hawkes

    April 23, 2019 at 7:30 pm

    What about Pulp Riot?

    Reply
    • Gina Badalaty

      April 25, 2019 at 12:15 pm

      Hi Melissa, I can check it out!

      Reply
  53. Claudine

    April 23, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    Thank you for this, Leah! Could you tell me how Framesi would rate?

    Reply
    • Gina Badalaty

      April 25, 2019 at 12:17 pm

      Hi Claudine! Because Framesi is a spray, it doesn’t have any of THESE ingredients, but I don’t know if those are toxic elements particular to hairspray. We are including this in our hair spray / product investigation which is right after the next one Mamavation is doing.

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        May 14, 2020 at 9:35 am

        FramesI Eclectic hair color

        Reply

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