The benefits of using natural an organic hair colour

What are the benefits of using natural an organic hair colour?

By using natural ingredients in colours it minimisies the client's exposure to potentially harmful toxins that can be present in a salon environment. Clients can also be assured that they have not been tested on animals. Our colour is made in Britain so also has a low carbon footprint. It contains the lowest levels of ppd (the chemical responsible for most allergic reactions to colour but essential to make the colour permanent and cover greys) possible for a permanent hair colour. For years I had a persistent cough that I attributed to living in London - within 3 weeks of switching to the organic colour brand it had disappeared, that in itself told me a lot about the health benefits.

Why should clients switch from normal hair colour to organic?

I would recommend making the change from normal hair colour to organic, as you will absolutely achieve the same results yet you'll be safe in the knowledge that the products used to dye your hair contain much fewer nasty chemicals.

Is natural organic hair colour better for people with skin disorders and pregnant ladies?

As organic colours don't contain ammonia (and contains the lowest level of pdd's possible) it's less likely to irritate someone with a skin disorder. I also have a lot of pregnant clients who like to keep their colour looking glossy during their pregnancy. The official line is that there is not evidence that colouring hair during pregnancy is harmful, but some clients like to wait until they've passed their first trimester. For these two groups of people, I would always advise a skin test as if you are more susceptible to allergic reactions it's best to always be safe.

Can natural organic hair colour work as well as normal hair colour?

Yes of course! Organic colour not only gives the client the peace of mind that their colour is safe and natural; it also won't compromise on fabulous colour. Banish any thoughts of henna, this is a proper colour with excellent results comparable to any normal hair colour, but I find leaves hair even shinier and in better condition.

Can natural hair colour last as long and stay as vibrant?

Yes, especially if you use the right aftercare products. Organic Colour Systems products don't contain salt (a bulking agent widely used in shampoos) as it strips the colour quickly. OCS use wheat protein instead.

What is your favourite brand of natural hair colour and why?

Organic Colour Systems definitely. They've created high-performance products that are gentle, nourishing and only contain natural ingredients - even the bottles are produced ethically using recycled plastic bottles!

Are more people switching to the organic option?

Absolutely- 98% of my clients have switched to the organic option. With all the great benefits for the client, the salon and the environment- why wouldn't you?!

Do you offer normal and organic service in your salons?

We do offer both services, however we've found that its becoming increasingly rare that we do anything other than organic. My clients have been converted!

What organic hair products do you recommend to maintain natural hair colour and general hair health?

I recommend using the Organic Colour Systems range - the shampoos and conditioners are fabulous at caring for your colour and boosting the hair's natural health. The styling range such as the serum is great as it will give you long lasting shine without the usual dry damaged and crunchy feeling of some styling products. They're free from sles, parabens, plastics etc. Other ranges I like are Unite and Phyto. I would also recommend visiting the salon for a regular treatment as it will keep your hair feeling glossy and give you that fresh coloured feeling.

What is next for Organic hair colour?

With more and more people finding they are allergic to certain ingredients, and greater stress levels which also cause sensitive scalps; there will be a much greater need to provide a gentler colour. This alternative to regular colours is definitely on the rise; it does everything that a regular colour would with the added benefits of being completely natural.

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Author: Karine Jackson

Karine Jackson was born to be a star hairdresser. From starting her career in her parents salon in the small Australian town of Wollongong, to excelling at Charles Worthington, to setting up her own Covent Garden salon, to winning London Hairdresser of the Year in the 2007 British Hairdressing Awards and becoming a finalist for Men’s Hairdresser of the Year in 2009, to winning the Fellowship Consumer Image of the year Award in 2011, Karine’s huge talent and enthusiasm has always shone through.