It has become more important than ever to care for the quality of the products we use. All around us are beauty products with ingredients that we don’t even know what they mean. We need to learn to read the ingredient list and avoid potentially dangerous chemicals, and not just go for the cheapest product. This, of course, doesn’t mean that cheap is never good but knowing what we’re using is essential for a life with fewer unnecessary toxins.

Hair dyes are commonly used products but we don’t really know what’s in them and we purchase them over and over again as long as they serve their purpose. But for stronger hair and overall health, we need to be more careful with the products we put on our hair. It’s important, of course, that we get the perfect hair colour but what kind of dye we use should be thought of first.

What Is Organic Hair Color?

Since we all know or have been warned of the dangers of hair dye, although it’s not like we have an option, we should look for a safer alternative and that’s why, in recent years, organic hair colors are becoming more and more popular. But what are organic dyes? They are colours made from organically grown botanicals, which means no pesticides are used in the process of growing and contain fewer chemicals than conventional dyes.

Also, they usually don’t contain ammonia, which is the ingredient used in dyes for a stronger colour. Ammonia penetrates the hair cuticles and enables the colour to be deposited into the inner part of the hair that’s actually protected by the cuticle. This is why many experience damaged and weak hair after using hair dyes. You should look for quality organic hair colors that will help you towards achieving healthier hair.

As mentioned, organic colours still use chemicals, they aren’t chemicals-free but they’re not as present as in conventional dyes. There’s no 100% natural dye, except for henna, but henna is also not recommended because it can leave your hair dry and it’s often tainted with metallic salts so you can’t know how natural it is.

Who Should Use Organic Dye?

Although everyone can benefit from using organic and natural hair dye, how well they work will also depend on your hair colour and the state of your hair. Those with weak and damaged hair would find organic colours useful because they aren’t as harsh as the other dyes. This makes them a healthier option for that kind of hair because it won’t contribute to further weakening and possible hair loss. Also, they’re better for people with sensitive skin and scalp that can’t tolerate the harshness of conventional dyes. When it comes to the colour, these dyes work well for blondes but some claim that they don’t have the same effect on darker shades. Depending on your natural colour, you could try and see if organic and natural hair color products would be a good fit for you or you can ask for advice from hair professionals who would give you some guidelines on which dye to choose and how to use it for better results.

In order to choose the right dye for your hair, you should opt for safer options that enable you to colour your hair in a more eco and health-conscious manner. Here are several tips that you can follow.

Avoid Dyes that Contain Harsh Chemicals

Since everything contains chemicals, you can’t avoid them but you CAN avoid those that are unnecessarily harsh. This means that most dyes contain potentially toxic chemicals that don’t have to be there for the dye to work. That’s why more and more manufacturers are opting for products with more consciously chosen ingredients. Some of the ingredients that you don’t want in your hair colour are ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, phthalates, gluten, and PPD. Many companies are producing dyes without the presence of these, so there are much fewer chemicals used.

So, to choose your natural hair colour, look for as natural ingredients as possible. These include naturally sourced ingredients that will help your hair shine. Check the percentage of the natural ingredients and go for as high number as possible.

Go for Cruelty-Free Brands and Eco Packaging

Cruelty-free brands are those that are most likely to use natural ingredients in their hair colour products. In this way, by taking care of your health you’re also making a decision to fight against animal cruelty. These companies don’t test on animals and mostly opt for ingredients that aren’t ruining your hair.

If you want to make sure that you’re not contributing to destroying the planet, choose dyes that come in environmentally friendly packaging. Once again, brands that care for the earth are probably those that will put extra thought into the ingredients they use for your hair as well.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy and Strong Hair

Besides using natural hair colours, there are several other things that you can practice for healthier and stronger hair.

Always brush your hair before showering – This will help detangle it and you’ll be able to wash it easily. Plus, wet hair is more prone to damage so you should always brush it when it’s dry.

Eat food that’s rich in protein – Since hair is primarily made of it, eating a balanced diet with a lot of protein in it can help for shinier and healthier-looking hair.

Don’t shower with hot water – This can be irritating for your skin and weaken your hair. Some people even tend to finish the shower by rinsing their hair with cold water so the cuticles can shut and you’ll be left with shiny hair.

Use food rich in zinc and omega – Eat food that contains zinc because zinc deficiency can be the reason why your hair sheds. Also, omega-3 fatty acids improve the health of your scalp so make sure that you incorporate food like cold-water fish, flax seeds, yogurt, and salads.