Ever since I changed my hair color from blonde to brunette…I’ve missed being blonde. I think the old saying may be true. “Blondes have more fun!” (No offense to you beautiful brunettes out there!) So I decided to go back to my trusted hairstylist, Christine, at Richard’s Galt Mile Salon who uses safe, organic hair color. Before I decided to go back to Christine, I spent a good 2 to 3 hours researching organic hair color. I found that although many hair colors claim to be safe, there are still unsavory ingredients in them. Most hair colors, including those found in the drugstore, contain harmful chemicals which absorb into your body. I used to dye my mother’s hair (way before I knew how bad it was.) I wish I knew then what I know now!

Christine uses Sylk hair color. Sylk is ammonia free and uses amino acids (similar to those found in the body) to lighten hair. She showed me the hair color after she mixed it and it was a light greenish shade similar to avocado….and it smelled awesome (minty!) Most commercial hair colors have a toxic smell which can be quite unpleasant. I got a full head of blonde highlights in my chestnut brown hair. It came out looking beautiful and I don’t have to worry about any bad reactions to the dye! Picture coming soon!

If you live in the South Florida area and would like to find out more about Christine and the organic hair color she uses (and is an expert at applying, by the way), please send me a message through the Contact Page and I will be happy to give you her information. If you have a horror story about using commercial hair dye or you already go to a stylist who uses organic hair color, please share your story by leaving a comment.

Until next time stay natural….stay beautiful….go green (with your hair color!)

Robin

   Most commercial hair dyes contain coal tar, a derivative of coal. Hair professionals and people who dye their hair often are the most at risk for the effects of coal tar. Studies show that people who are exposed to coal tar dyes on a regular basis (at least once a month) are more at risk for developing bladder cancer than others. Check your hair dye box and look for the following ingredients:

4-methoxy-m-phenylenediamin

2,4-diaminoanisole

4-chloro-m-phenylenediamine
2,4-toluenediamine
2-nitro-p-phenylenediamine
4-amino-2-nitrophenol

If you see any of these, better safe then sorry…toss that box! Alternatives include henna hair color, which is a natural plant derived colorant. Although henna is great for darker hair, it cannot lighten hair. I have gone to the salon to get highlights with organic hair color. Now that I have actually dyed my hair with all over color, I would be more likely to go to the health food store and buy a box of organic hair color too. As you can see, plenty of options exist. You do not have to put up with that grey! So say no to coal tar dyes…and yes to organic beauty and health!

Before

   Many women like to treat themselves to an occasional day at the salon. Even in today’s struggling economy, we deserve to treat ourselves every so often. My motto is, if you look good, you feel good. As a birthday gift to myself, I made an appointment with my hairstylist. I was ready for a change! After years of being blonde, I dyed my hair a rich dark brown with a few highlights.

   Now you might be wondering, I thought she was organic and she dyes her hair?? Well I am organic and that goes for my hair color too. Although rare, you can probably find a salon that uses organic hair color near you. I found my stylist 3 years ago and never looked back. When she was applying the dye to my hair, there was no smell! If you’ve ever used a box of dye before, then you have experienced the horrible odor. I used to dye my mother’s hair and cringe at the smell. What makes dye smell so “chemical?” I think you can probably guess… If the smell is this bad, what is it doing to your body? Stay tuned for more on the dangers of hair dye next time…And let me know what you think of my new do’! )

After