Science

The Best Organic Hair Color

Want your hair to be as natural as an artificial color can get? We got you. 

by Laura Osborne
Three products by Naturtint as the best organic hair color
Amazon

As someone who has dyed their hair every color in the rainbow (I’m not being flippant here, I legit have) I can 100% empathize with anyone hesitating to dye their hair. Dying your hair is a commitment in more ways than one. Off the bat, using traditional dying techniques on hair means damaging it. There is no way to mince words, people: Hair wasn’t meant to be messed with in a such a manner. There are a lot of chemicals and processes typically involved, all of which strip your hair, and place unnatural pigment into your hair. That isn’t to say it’s impossible to keep dyed hair healthy, but it definitely does take some extra work. Goodbye using warm water on your head, hello freezing fast hair washes

If you’re considering dying your hair but want to keep it as organic and as possible, you’re going to have to invest in a brand that specializes in such a unique dye. Luckily, there are a few options to choose from, but in the interest of transparency, there are a few things you need to come to term with: For one, if your goal is to dye your hair a totally unnatural color (i.e. rainbow hair) this may not be the best way to go. While there are dyes that are vegan, cruelty free, and low on excessively harsh chemicals (Hi @ Manic Panic), unless you are naturally platinum blonde, you’re going to have to bleach your hair to get the full effect. There are also options like oVertone which work as color deposit conditioners, meaning that it semi-permanently “dyes” natural hair, but shades will vary depending on the color you start with. However, for natural hair color lovers who are looking for a little switch or just cover up a few grays, there are two top-notch options out there for you that come most highly recommended.

ONC NATURALCOLORS

If you’re looking for a jet black hair color, a warm red, or anywhere in between, there are a range of options getting you to where to want to be. ONC is a gentle, protein-based formula that is proudly free of ammonia, resorcinol, parabens, silicone, and nonoxynol. Professionally developed in salons, ONC is low in pH and contains certified organic aloe vera, argan oil, and natural extracts, as well as vitamins.

Naturtint

This permanent hair color is totally free of ammonia, resorcinol, parabens, DEA, SLS, mineral oils, paraffin, and silicones. Hair is gently cared for and strengthened thanks to organic plant and seed extracts/oils all while delivering a long lasting color that doesn’t fade. The coolest thing about this brand, however, is that you can buy all-out hair kits, which include a color fixing shampoo and a protective conditioner, keeping hair healthy and color vibrant.

The Henna Guys Hair and Beard Dye

Looking to switch your hair to a dark brown, red, or autumnal color? The Henna Guys have zero chemical and 100% cruelty-free hair dye over 2,000 people recommend. Made exclusively from henna and indigo crops that are not treated with chemicals or pesticides, this organic hair dye can be applied on the head or beard. To apply, you mix the dye powder with brewed fresh black coffee, tea, or warm distilled water until it reached a “pudding-like” consistency. Let the mixture sit out for 8-10 hours to maximize the color and vibrancy and apply!