11 Best Trichologist-Approved Ammonia-Free Hair Dyes To Try (2024)
Have fun dying your tresses to the color of your dreams without worrying about damage.
Sergio Cardona is a certified trichologist, a passionate professor, an international public speaker, and an advocate of the trichology profession, with 21 years of experience. Currently, he is an Advisory Board Member, Trichology Professor and Director of Communications for the World Trichology Society.
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Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
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Hair coloring has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Though dyeing your hair is a common practice, you would not want to damage your precious tresses in the process. You should, thus, opt for the best ammonia-free hair dye to prevent any potential harm. Ammonia is present in most hair dyes, and it is suspected to trigger allergic reactions. So, if you are health-conscious and looking for ammonia alternatives to be careful with the hair dye you use, we have a list to help you out. These alternatives will keep your hair shiny and render brilliant color to your mane, while without compromising your hair health.
These natural and vegan hair dye alternatives are readily available nowadays. Ammonia-free hair colors cause less damage to your hair even after coloring. Though ammonia-based colors are still widely used, the popularity of ammonia-free hair colors has also risen over the years. They are less harmful on your hair than ordinary hair color. In this post, we will go through some of the best ammonia-free hair dyes that are a better and healthier option for your hair. Let’s take a look at the list!
In This Article
What Is Ammonia-free Hair Dye
Ammonia-free hair colors are hair dyes that do not use ammonia. Instead of ammonia, they incorporate other chemicals and natural ingredients. These hair dyes are less harmful to the hair. Ammonia-free hair dyes do not cause the hair follicles to lose moisture and protein. Furthermore, they are also gentle on the hair and skin. If you want to color your hair without worrying about your hair getting damaged, no-ammonia hair color is what you should use. Here’s our guide for the best ammonia-free hair dyes of 2021 in the market.
Top 11 Best Ammonia-free Hair Dyes – Reviews And Guide Of 2021
1. Best Gray Coverage: Revlon Colorsilk Ammonia-free Hair Color
This hair color by Revlon is one of the best when it comes to ammonia-free hair dyes. The box contains the cream color developer, ammonia-free colorant, and an after-color conditioner. The company’s 3D Color Gel Technology not only ensures complete coverage but also natural-looking hair. This Colorsilk hair dye enriches your hair while making it look fabulously attractive. This hair color is available in shades of black, brown, red, and blonde. Achieve natural brown color with its no ammonia hair color formula. This hair dye is suitable for gray hair and gives it a shiny natural hair color look. To get a better understanding of the product, you can check out this video on YouTube.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- 100% gray coverage
- Available in many colors
- Enriched with keratin and silk amino acid
Cons
- The Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) may cause allergic reactions.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 35,708 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
2. Best For Shiny Hair: Garnier Olia Ammonia-free Brilliant Color
This Garnier Olia hair color incorporates a 60% oil blend to give your hair the nourishment and radiance it needs. This long-lasting ammonia-free color is easy to apply and makes hair silky and up to 3 times shinier. So, how has Garnier managed to accomplish this? Well, a new formula with flower oils is the secret behind its success. The hair color kit includes a 1+1 mix of a cream developer, colorant, after-color conditioner, gloves, and an insert. You can even achieve blonde hair without worrying about issues of damaged hair. You will certainly not run out of color options as there are 34 shades to choose from. Check out the video review of this product featuring a tester’s experience for more insights.
Pros
- Has a pleasant fragrance
- Makes hair silky and 3x shinier
- Uses natural flower oils
- Moisturizes tough and dull hair
Cons
- May not be long-lasting
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 12,672 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
3. Best Long-Lasting Results: Naturtint Ammonia-free 3N Permanent Hair Color Gel
This vegan and no-ammonia hair color is enriched with natural plant and seed oils and contains no harmful chemicals. It is a blend of olive oleic acid, meadowfoam seed oil, quinoa, organic shea butter, and baobab proteins. The culmination of these ingredients results in better moisturized, shiny, and damage-free hair. Naturtint claims that its hair color has been dermatologically tested to provide the best results. This at-home hair color kit is bundled with two tubes; a natural colorant, color developer, along with a multi-care, protective gloves, and an instructional leaflet. It helps keep the hair healthy and offers gray coverage. This permanent hair dye is available for purchase in 32 different color shades. This is an excellent choice considering the range of colors and shade selection. It is also the safest choice. If healthy, strong, and well-colored hair is what you want, this is the best ammonia-free hair dye for you.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Completely vegan
- Cruelty-free
- 100% gray coverage
- Available in numerous colors
- Enriched with 99% natural ingredients
Cons
- May cause skin irritation for some
"This hair color has the most ease of application. It has zero offensive smell. It offers a natural-looking color and my hair looks healthier everytime I use it. The addition of a quinoa mask is a nice touch."
| Revlon Colorsilk Ammonia-free Hair Color Best Gray Coverage | Garnier Olia Ammonia-free Brilliant Color Best For Shiny Hair | Naturtint Ammonia-free 3N Permanent Hair Color Gel Best Long-Lasting Results | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | 35 Vibrant Red | 1 | 3N Dark Chestnut |
| Dimensions | 3.54 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches | 2.75 x 3.5 x 6.5 inches | 3.4 x 2.3 x 6.9 inches |
| Weight | 4.4 Ounces | 8.01 Ounces | 3.5 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 35,708 | 12,672 | 7,062 |
| Price | $6.99 | $8.45 | $15.09 |
4. Best For All Hair Types:Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-permanent Color
The absence of ammonia and parabens makes this hair color a healthy choice for your hair. This semi-permanent hair dye may appear to be quite underwhelming however, looks are known to be deceiving. This semi-permanent dye contains coconut oil and aloe vera that form a perfect blend for rich and thick hair. Like most other hair dye kits, this too does not come with an applicator or gloves. Inside the kit are the bare-bone essentials, consisting of the color-enhancing cream, color activator, and after-color conditioner. So go ahead and test it out today!
Pros
- Makes hair radiant and shiny
- Can be used for all hair types
- Made from 80% naturally derived ingredients
- Gentle hair color reduces the chances of allergies
Cons
- May not be long-lasting
"This semi-permanent hair color has a lasting vibrancy. Unlike others that usually irritate or damage my hair, this one's a gentle alternative. It helps me maintain healthy hair and cover grays effectively. It is completely free of harsh chemicals and extremely easy to use as well."
Remember5. Best Silicone-Free:Schwarzkopf Simply Color No-ammonia Hair Dye
This Schwarzkopf product is truly a color without compromise. Not only is the mixture free of ammonia, but it is also made without the use of ethanol alcohol. Included in the box are the color cream, conditioner, applicator bottle, gloves, and an instructional leaflet. This formula has been tested and proven to be gentle on the scalp as you dye your hair for the first time. This Simply Color concoction includes botanical oat milk, soy protein, and argan oil to ensure rich and healthy hair. Use a deep conditioner after coloring, for shiny, soft hair. If you want to know more about the benefits of this dermatologist-tested product, check out this quick review on YouTube.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Does not irritate the skin
- Does not contain silicone or ethanol alcohol
- Sustainable packaging
Cons
- It contains PPD and may cause allergic reactions.
"I love this hair color's natural-looking dark brown hue. It does not have a strong odor and its lack of staining made for a cleaner coloring process. It has minimal chemical content and the color is long-lasting as well. I've noticed my hair feels healthy everytime I use it."
6. Best For Quick Results:Just 5 Permanent Hair Color
Why only color your hair when you can moisturize it at the same time? Thanks to this Just 5 Permanent Hair Color, you can now add color to your hair without having to sacrifice hair quality. This moisturizing hair dye formula is specially crafted to enrich and revitalize your hair, making it strong and fabulous. It may help condition your hair as well. The kit includes the color, developer lotion, and enriched conditioner to give your hair the gloss and beauty it deserves.
Pros
- 100% gray coverage
- Protects hair from dryness
- Quick process of 5 minutes
- 5 super-rich after-conditioners
Cons
- Contains ingredients that may cause skin irritation
"This hair color is very easy to use. It provides adequate coverage, especially for root touch-ups. It is long-lasting, but not for weeks. Though, I reach out to this one often for its five-minute processing time."
7. Best Organic:ONC NaturalColors Organic Hair Dye
If natural beauty and color are what you’re looking for, look no further. This ammonia free professional-grade hair color is perfect for you and has earned its position on our list of the best ammonia-free hair dyes. The absence of harsh chemicals allows your hair to breathe, grow, and become softer and imparts a brilliant shine. The organic ingredients, coupled together with an easy and revolutionary application, make this high quality dye as one of the best ammonia-free hair colors. The company has included everything you need in the box. Its contents include the color gel, colorfix, shampoo, conditioner, plastic gloves, bonnet, and an instruction leaflet.
Pros
- Organic
- Cruelty-free
- A vegan product
- Provides 100% coverage
- Long-lasting color
Cons
- May cause skin irritation
"I love usign this hair color for its natural-looking results and excellent gray coverage. It offers a flexibility to blend hues for a personalized shade that enhances its appeal. The all-organic ingredients and vegan formula is a huge plus for me."
8. Best Odorless:Herb Speedy PPD And Ammonia-free Color Cream
Have you ever been afraid of having an allergic reaction to hair color? If your answer is yes, then this Herb Speedy hair color is certainly for you. This anti-allergy hair color does not use PPD, a chemical known for causing allergic reactions. The herb extracts used in this naturally made coloring agent help transform your mane by preventing hair loss and promoting rich. The kit consists of the hair color, cream, and a brush-like applicator.
Pros
- Odorless
- Allergy-free hair dye
- Short coloring time
- Made from natural ingredients
- Protects hair from discoloration
Cons
- May not be concentrated enough
9. Best Alcohol-Free:Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel
The Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel is an easy-to-use and balanced hair dye that can give your hair rich and consistent color. This hair dye contains the goodness of 8 herbal extracts, including aloe vera, that works its magic by deeply nourishing your hair and giving 100% gray coverage. This hair dye has an odorless formula with a thick gel consistency that gives you beautiful colored hair in less than an hour. The formula is dermatologically tested and comes in recyclable packaging.
Pros
- Vegan
- Alcohol-free
- Eco friendly
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- GMO-free
- Rich tones
- Easy application
- Clinically tested
- Dermatologically tested
Cons
- May not be true to color
"This hair color is an excellent option for those with sensitive scalps. It effectively covers grays and retains the color, with minimal washing. It causes zero irritation, credit goes to its all natural ingredient list."
10. Best With Herbal Ingredients:Nisha Herbal Quick Color
This product boasts of natural ingredients that are used to protect and condition your hair. This ammonia-free hair color can reveal the natural beauty of your hair in just 5 minutes. Since it is henna-based, it is a nourishing and rejuvenating hair dye that is also shine-enhancing like never before. The sheer brilliance of it lies in its ability to be used for coloring your full hair that you feel proud of as well as quick root touch-ups. This 60 g pack consists of 6 pieces, each of which is 10 g.
Pros
- Herbal ingredients
- Makes hair shine
- 100% gray coverage
- Quick coloring process
Cons
- May lead to allergic reactions
"It is an natural hair dyes that did not disappoint me in terms of gray coverage and lasting color. Moreover, it helped me improve the softness and manageability of my curly hair. The product is generously packed, which makes it truly value for money."
11. Best Peroxide-Free:CoSaMo Love Your Color No-peroxide Hair Color
The uniqueness of this ammonia-free hair color is no peroxide and no PPD, unlike most other hair colors in the market. Thus, CoSaMo Love Your Color hair dye is highly unlikely to cause any damage to your hair. This no-ammonia hair dye kit of 3 includes a conditioner that has been specially designed to nourish and revitalize your hair.
Pros
- No PPD
- No peroxide
- Made with natural ingredients
- Uses a revitalizer conditioner for stronger hair
Cons
- The color may not last for very long.
"This one's a gentle hair dye that offers decent coverage for my mostly gray hair. It's refreshing to use this product as it does not include any harsh chemicals that often trigger my allergic reactions. A bonus is the simple application process. It also helps in maintaining the health of my scalp and hair."
When it comes to hair dyes, there are a lot of different options on the market. But if you’re looking for an ammonia-free option, you might be wondering where to start. We have listed some important points to keep in mind when shopping for ammonia-free hair dyes.
Things To Look For In An Ammonia-Free Hair Dye
- Ingredients: Pay attention to the ingredients list. Ammonia-free hair dyes will typically use plant-based ingredients, such as botanical extracts or organic oils. These nourishing ingredients are gentler on the scalp and skin, and they can actually condition your hair as they color it.
It is also important to choose a product that is specifically labeled as being ammonia-free. Many products claim to be gentle or natural, but only a truly ammonia-free hair dye will be completely free of this harsh chemical.
- Preference: Consider your own needs and preferences when choosing an ammonia-free hair dye. If you have very sensitive skin or scalp, look for a product that is designed for sensitive types. Otherwise, any good quality ammonia-free hair dye should work well for you. Also, some people prefer liquid formulas, while others find gels or creams to be more user-friendly.
- Longevity:Finally, it is worth considering whether you want a permanent or semi-permanent hair dye. Permanent ammonia-free hair dyes will offer the longest-lasting results, but they can be more expensive than semi-permanent options. Take into account the level of pigment you want in your hair. If you are looking for a subtle change, choose a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye.
For a more dramatic change, go with a permanent dye. Semi-permanent dyes will typically last around 6 weeks before needing to be reapplied, making them a more budget-friendly choice.
Using ammonia-free hair color just because someone told you to do so, isn’t reason enough. Here are some of the benefits and reasons to choose no-ammonia hair color products over ammonia-based ones.
Benefits Of Choosing Ammonia-free Hair Dye
1. It’s gentle on the scalp
One of the most common effects of color-treated hair using ammonia hair dye is itching or scratching sensation on the scalp. If you’ve felt this before, you’ve been using an ammonia-based hair dye. Technology has truly revolutionized this process and replaced the ammonia with other chemicals, resulting in ammonia-free hair dyes. Fortunately, ammonia-free hair colors are less harmful and are gentle on the hair and scalp. Nonetheless scalp irritation can occur on sensitive skin. Always do a test patch before using any chemicals that you haven’t use before.
2. Healthier hair
One of the main reasons to use ammonia-free hair colors is to eliminate the harmful effects that ammonia has on the hair. Ammonia hair dyes make your hair dry and rough. The loss of protein due to increased hair pH levels by ammonia is also commonly seen. You can safely bid farewell to this with ammonia-free hair colors. They make your hair healthier by revitalizing and nourishing it. To top it off, they also make your hair look shinier.
3. Does not cause sinus problems
The good thing about ammonia-free hair dyes is that they do not cause sinus issues during application. The smell released as a result of chemical reactions in ammonia-based hair dyes causes severe irritation to the nasal cavity. Thankfully, using an ammonia-free hair color doesn’t result in any such irritation.
4. Natural ingredients
Since no-ammonia hair colors do not resort to using ammonia, they adopt natural options as an alternative. Most use a blend of numerous oils and conditioning elements to replace ammonia. Together, this results in a safer and healthier hair coloring experience at home.
How To Best Apply Ammonia-free Hair Dye
Step 1:
Perform a skin test at least 48 hours before applying the color to ensure that your skin is not allergic to it.
Step 2: Squeeze out the colorant from the bottle into the developer bottle.
Step 3: Make sure to shake the developer bottle well.
Step 4: Use gloves and an applicator brush to apply the mixture evenly. To ensure the best results, apply the dye to dry and washed hair.
Step 5: Keep the colorant on as per the instructions given on the box.
Step 6: Last but not least, rinse your hair and use the conditioner provided with the hair dye.
Infographic: Tips To Dye Your Hair And Maintain The Color
Does the thought of damaging your precious locks prevent you from getting a dye job? If yes, put your worries to rest. Try ammonium-free hair dyes, as they do not disturb the pH balance of your hair. If you want to know how to dye your tresses the right way using ammonium-free hair dyes, take a look at the infographic below. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Coloring your hair with bright and bold colors can be fascinating and a way to look trendy. However, dying is not new, and people have been coloring their hair for ages. But, still, the process of dying might damage your hair if you use the incorrect hair dye. So, invest in ammonia-free hair dyes to prevent unwanted harm caused by the ingredients. Unlike regular dyes, these ammonia-free dyes can prevent moisture loss, keeping the hair conditioned. The Revlon Colorsilk Ammonia-free Hair Color is a great product to add to your cart as it helps prevent hair damage, while the Garnier Olia Ammonia-free Brilliant Color provides a smooth hair coloring experience. The Naturtint Ammonia-free 3N Permanent Hair Color Gel can also be chosen for it helps moisturize the tresses. Look for those formulae that last long and keep your hair hydrated and lively. And restrain the products that trigger allergic reactions or always ensure to do a patch test before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ammonia-free hair dye safe?
Simply put, ammonia-free hair dyes are a safer alternative to ammonia hair dyes. They are safer and less damaging. However, it is worth noting that not all ammonia-free hair dyes are completely free of chemicals.
How long does ammonia-free hair dye last?
Most ammonia-free hair dyes last for a month or two. They are temporary solutions and alternatives to hair color that utilizes ammonia. However, this also largely depends upon the manufacturer. While some last for a couple of months, others do not last for more than a few weeks.
Can I use ammonia-free hair dye when pregnant?
Yes, you can use an ammonia-free hair dye when pregnant. They are not dangerous or toxic and will not have adverse effects on your baby. However, when it comes to something as important as the health of your baby, it’s best to clarify this with your physician.
Does ammonia-free hair dye damage hair?
No, it does not damage hair and is the safest type of hair color to use. In fact, most ammonia-free formulas are a mixture of various natural oils that nourish and revitalize hair.
Does ammonia-free hair dye cover gray?
Yes, ammonia-free hair dye can help you cover your grays without damaging your hair.
Can ammonia-free hair dye lighten your hair?
No, ammonia-free hair dye does not lighten your hair as it is devoid of ammonia, peroxide, and other harsh chemicals.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a hair care enthusiast who loves to experiment with different hair colors. As coloring your hair frequently might be damaging, she prefers using ammonia-free hair color options, which are a safer alternative. Some of the products mentioned in the list are her top picks, and she has gone through thousands of reviews and recommended the best products to help her readers make the best choice.
Read full bio of Sergio R. Cardona Perez
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Swathi E
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