Hair colour formulas, for the most part, are a mix of chemicals that are unsafe for human health, and in some cases, may be dangerous with regular use. The best article with the most comprehensive list of safer hair dyes is Mamavation’s Best and Worst Hair Color Brands. This is a simplified version of her article, with a few recommendations for non-toxic hair dyes in-stock and available online.
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13 ingredients to avoid in hair dye
This list is made up of many known endocrine disrupting chemicals and irritants, and ingredients that are possibly harmful to human health (hormone disrupting or carcinogenic). It is important to read ingredient labels on the back or bottom of packaging.
P-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
Resorcinol
Aminophenol
Ethanolamines (MEA, TEA, DEA)
1-Naphthol
Quats
Ammonia
SLS / SLES
Lead acetate
Propylene Glycol
Toluene, Toluene-2,5-Diamine, and 4-Amino-2-Hydroxytoluene
Fragrance (undisclosed with phthalates)
Methylchloroisothiazolinone and Methylisothiazolinone
Safer brands
Most of these brands do contain a few (0 to 5) harmful or questionable ingredients in their formulations but are safer compared to the more toxic brands with up to 9 toxic ingredients. Do not be fooled by the brand name or front label, which almost always contain unregulated terms (i.e. natural, clean). You have to read the ingredient label to know what you are buying.
Naturtint (most recommended and available online or in-store)
John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss
Tints of Nature Permanent Hair Colour
All of the brands listed above are in-stock and available online the date this article was published. Several other safer brands exist but are currently out of stock.
Email danica@knowbetterlife.ca with questions or other non-toxic hair dyes to add to this list.