You may have heard brands bragging about their hair color being ammonia-free. But what does that mean? Is ammonia an ingredient that you should avoid at all costs? Before answering those concerns, we’re starting by explaining exactly what ammonia is and why you may find it in some hair dyes. Equally important, we’re recommending our favorite ammonia-free hair dye formulas. Join us to understand if ammonia-free hair dye is the best option for your hair.
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What is ammonia?
Ammonia is a colourless, water-soluble gas that is lighter than air and has a distinctive pungent smell. Made up of one part nitrogen and three parts hydrogen (NH3), solutions of ammonia are alkaline and come from both natural and fabricated sources. Uses for ammonia include the production of plastics, synthetic fibres, pharmaceuticals, and (you guessed right) hair dyes, to name a few.
Why is ammonia used in hair dye?
Ammonia is responsible for changing the pH level of your hair. Naturally acidic, your hair cuticle needs the help of an alkaline agent to open up and allow dye to be deposited into the cortex, and ammonia happens to be one of the chemicals that make this possible, allowing the hair color to change. Even though safe, ammonia is not the softest of ingredients. Luckily, there are other options that perform similarly, allowing those with sensitive scalps or allergic to the ingredient to have ammonia-free hair dye.
Is ammonia-free hair color better?
Ammonia-free hair color is not necessarily better, but it has a few benefits that may make it a favored choice for many. Firstly, ammonia-free hair dyes are usually gentler on the scalp when compared to their ammonia-based counterparts; that alone is a solid reason why so many go for this option. Then, the matter of the odor. As we stated above, ammonia-based hair dyes have a strong ammonia smell, which most would describe as unpleasant. Removing the undesirable scent, you may actually get an enjoyable moment while dying the hair.
In short, with the information we have, we would not demonize ammonia-based hair color. It may even be the better choice for you if you need a greater degree of lift, with lift meaning the action of “lifting” your natural hair color by removing your natural pigment and making the hair a lighter shade, which is important when you’re going for a lighter shade than your natural hair color. In addition, it may even grant greater longevity and gray coverage. We’ll see more about that in a second.
Can ammonia-free color cover gray hair?
Most ammonia-free hair dyes can perfectly cover gray hair. All you have to do when choosing your next dye is to read carefully the description and make sure you’re going for a formula that allows gray coverage. Being able to do as much as to cover gray hair is a massive bragging point, so you shouldn’t need much time until you find the confirmation you’re looking for on the box.
What are the best ammonia-free hair dye formulas?
After all the Q&A, you may have learned that all you need right now is ammonia-free hair dye. If that’s the case, check the following formulas and get your hair ready for some color fun.
Phytocolor Permanent Color
Technology meets botanical knowledge
Phytocolor Permanent Color
On this formula, Phyto combines high-performance technology with botanical ingredients to offer a plant-based dye that respects even the most sensitive scalps. Free from resorcinol, PPD, parabens, and ammonia, the formulas deliver rich and long-lasting color, granting 100% of gray coverage. The blend of jojoba and monoi oils, along with an elixir of 10 botanical ingredients, grants vibrant and naturally radiant tones, with your hair feeling and looking soft and shiny.
APIVITA My Color Elixir Permanent Hair Color
Featuring hyaluronic acid & 3 precious oils
APIVITA My Color Elixir 5.35 Permanent Hair Color
This permanent hair color offers professional performance, with long-lasting results. Enriched with a powerful combination of argan, avocado, and olive oils, it helps to nourish and restore your hair, all the while shielding it from everyday aggressors. The addition of organic olive oil further strengthens your hair, helping minimize breakage and split ends. Equally important, it grants full coverage of gray hair, and you’ll get the hair color you’ve been dreaming about for longer.
Garnier Good Permanent Hair Dye
Hair mask-like application
Garnier Good Permanent Hair Dye
You’ll get an effortless coloring experience with this ammonia-free hair dye, thanks to its innovative mask-like texture that stays on your hair without dripping. The formula ensures full gray coverage and delivers a radiant, long-lasting tone. The scent is a blend of sandalwood, goji berry, and orchid, which elevates the experience while coloring the hair. Formulated without ammonia and also without any ingredients of animal origin, this vegan formula with 90% natural-origin ingredients offers natural and luminous results that last.
L’Oréal Paris Casting Creme Gloss Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
Ultra glossy finish
L’Oréal Paris Casting Creme Gloss Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
This semi-permanent hair dye offers a gentle way to refresh your hair color at home while enhancing natural tones. Designed to deliver luminous shine and great gray coverage, it subtly coats the hair fiber, granting an even finish and a natural-looking regrowth. As the formula works by enriching your existing shade, you’ll get the best results if you opt for a color close to your natural hair. The vibrant effect lasts up to 28 washes, maintaining a healthy and glossy look.
Garnier Olia Permanent Hair Dye
Flower oil rich color
Garnier Olia Permanent Hair Dye
This hair dye stands out for its oil-rich composition, with 60% of the formula powered by a selected blend of nourishing oils. The high concentration of oils enhances light reflection, leaving the hair visibly more radiant. The smooth texture of the formula ensures an easy application, while the nourishing oils help maintain hair softness and vitality throughout the process. It covers 100% of gray hair, offering long-lasting color with an exceptionally glossy finish.
Syoss Oleo Intense Permanent Oil Color Permanent Hair Dye
Nourishing oil-based formula
Syoss Oleo Intense Permanent Oil Color Permanent Hair Dye
Syoss offers a sophisticated color range specially suited for those looking for professional performance at home. Its oil-based technology enhances color vibrancy while boosting natural shine, ensuring a luminous result that lasts. This ammonia-free hair dye also nourishes the hair, promoting a healthier and stronger appearance. Enriched with Fair Trade argan oil, this hair color delivers not only high coverage pigment but also a smooth, radiant finish.
Lazartigue La Couleur Absolue
Botanical ingredients & vegan formulation
Lazartigue La Couleur Absolue
This ammonia-free professional-level dye delivers color enriched with botanical care. The formula blends rice milk, meadowsweet oil, and professional pigments, helping protect the hair fiber while delivering essential nourishing care throughout the process. With an at-home application, you’ll achieve rich, multidimensional color with complete coverage of gray hairs. The vegan composition is not only free of ammonia but also excludes mineral oil, silicones, PPD, and resorcinol, granting a gentle approach to hair color without compromising performance.
After making your hair look its best with a new color, all that’s left to do is to take good care of it. Learn our tips to make your hair color last longer!
