Almost every chemical hair dye today advertises itself as ammonia-free. But none talk about the harmful effects of their bleach content—particularly their hydrogen peroxide (bleach) content.
Did you know that hydrogen peroxide (bleach) in chemical hair dyes turn hair grey faster on repeated application? No? Well! Here it is. The truth laid out all bare in front of you. So, the next time you go to buy your favourite branded hair dye, make sure to check out their peroxide content. You will find it particularly in their developer. And, if you are able to spot any peroxides, stay miles away from it. Just discard it for good.
Organically natural hair color is the new hunk in town that could give you your much desired respite from hydrogen peroxide (bleach). Let’s discuss this in greater detail.
What is the function of hydrogen peroxide (bleach) in hair colours?
Hydrogen peroxide (bleach) is used in hair colours to remove the original colour of hair to allow the new artificial hair colour to settle in permanently inside the hair shafts, i.e. inside the body of the hair strands. This change in colouration is permanent, meaning that your natural hair colour will return only with new hair growth.
But, there is another, more dramatic, fallout of this chemical!
Hydrogen peroxide (bleach) is not really as harmless as it has been made out to be.
Repeated usage of hydrogen peroxide can permanently shut down the enzyme Tyrosinase, which is primarily responsible for triggering melanin (normal hair and skin colour) production, resulting in permanent whitening, or greying, of hair.
Isn’t that scary?
So, the more you use chemical hair colours to hide your greys, the more they turn your hair grey, making you more and more dependent on the very same colours you use to hide your greys.
Read More : Do You Want to Colour Hair Without Surface Greying?
Which hair colour won’t damage your hair?
Any hair colour free from chemicals won’t damage your hair. Generic and conventional hair dyes usually contain many potentially harmful chemicals like Hydrogen Peroxide (Bleach) and Ammonia, which cause severe damages to hair. While Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) causes severe and potentially deadly allergies.
Ammonia, in chemical-laden hair dyes, turns hair dry, brittle and more prone to breakage. It, along with other chemicals, may also cause other side effects like hair loss, skin irritation and increased blood toxicity. Many of these chemicals also cause skin cancer. They may also lead to complications during pregnancy and lactation. That’s why doctors recommend not using chemical hair dyes during such delicate conditions.
How do chemicals in hair dyes cause harm?
Ammonia pulls apart the layers of the hair’s proteins to open up its pores, allowing the new artificial color pigment to enter the hair shafts so that the hair catches the new color well. This process also draws out the hair’s natural moisturizing oil called sebum, making them dry, rough and brittle, causing hair thinning and breakage. Ammonia also comes with a foul smell.
Hydrogen Peroxide (Bleach), in chemical hair colors, enters the hair shaft and neutralises the original hair colour, turning the hair strands colourless to help the new artificial color settle in. Then, it chemically reacts with the PPD to colour hair in the new shade. Bleach is also a skin and lung irritant.
Which hair dye has no peroxides in it?
A few reputed hair colour brands have started offering their own range of damage-free hair dyes, which are also hydrogen peroxide (bleach)-free hair colours. These hair colors offer a natural alternative to the harmful chemical-laden hair dyes. Unlike chemical hair colors, these organically natural hair colours work with the power of oxygen and herbs. Apart from imparting a natural colour to hair, they also untangle hair while making them thicker, more manageable and shinier.
Which herbal hair color is best?
The best herbal hair color is the one with organic herbs and hair-friendly natural ingredients. Indus Valley New Damage-Free Gel Colour is one such option which has been available for purchase online for quite some time now. It works with the goodness of amla, aloe vera, jojoba, henna, basil, orange, sunflower and wheat germ making it a superior hair colour and one of the best demi-permanent hair colours.
Amla: Darkens the natural colour of hair, adds volume and shine.
Aloe Vera: Hydrates and nourishes, adds lustre.
Jojoba: Nourishes and prevents split ends, repairs hair damage.
Henna: Revitalizes and conditions.
Basil: Nourishes.
Orange: Turns hair stronger, bouncier and shinier.
Sunflower: Counters dandruff, frizz and hair breakage.
Wheat Germ: Nourishes and protects from harmful UV rays of the sun.
Indus Valley only uses organically grown herbs to ensure best quality and superior results. Their packaging is also eco-friendly and done in a way ensuring purity is not lost.
Final words
Not just ammonia, you must also look out for hydrogen peroxide (bleach) in hair colours. Try to switch over to an organically natural hair colour.
One such safe hair colour is Indus Valley New Damage-Free Gel Colour. It is available in 6 shades. This organically natural hair color is safe and falls gently on hair. It’s a Hydrogen Peroxide (Bleach)-free hair color that is not just eco-friendly and cruelty-free, but also vegan.
User reviews indicate that this hair colour gives quick and vibrant results, which will help you to cover your greys perfectly. Only, make sure to do a 48-hour patch test before applying it.
For more queries leave your comments below. Till then, stay handsome, stay beautiful, naturally!