7 Best Luscious Organic Hair Color Brands in 2024

Last Updated on September 26, 2024 by Shavy Jain

Our quest for bright, long-lasting hair dyes doesn’t have to meet its split end with an excessively chemically-loaded formula. After all who wants to put effort into dyeing their hair in mermaid fashion or a simple chestnut if all it results in is a haystack that reeks of ammonia?

We understand that the prospect of chemical and synthetic hair dyes can give you the heebie-jeebies and rightfully so. And thus, here are we- talking about largely organic hair colour that is environmentally safe and that makes you feel good from the roots to the ends.

However, it is quite important to know why you should consider going ‘organic’, or if at all the idea of a fully natural and safe hair dye is possible. (You can also check out BeZen’s list of the best vegan hair dyes, here.)

Keep reading, for you asked, and we answered all your worries related to safe hair dye. If you are interested enough, scroll down to find out the best natural and environmentally-safe hair dyes to use!

Is Organic Hair Color Even a Thing?

Despite claims that many products you see on store shelves or online are perfectly organic, there are questions that tend to confuse those who are going for a so-called 100% organic formula. We have explained it below.

Can Hair Hyes Be Fully Organic?

We need to burst that bubble of brands claiming that their line-up is fully organic.

Hair dyes are NOT fully organic. Any promotional hair dye feature that brags about being fully organic is clearly lying.

The reason is simple, except for henna and supplements, not a single hair dye out there uses ingredients that are fully natural.

Do Organic Hair Dyes Not Contain Chemicals At All?

Coming to this question, as we said, it is not possible- even for brands like Aveda and Manic Panic to be fully organic. (They’re also in our list of best vegan hair dyes, so make sure you check it out if you haven’t already.)

The reason is that pigments and some ingredients are synthetically derived. Dyes use chemical actives that result in bright pigments and they can be ethically sourced, but it doesn’t mean that it’s fresh from the farm organic.

Are Organic Hair Dyes Safe to Use?

Honestly, you might be feeling a little betrayed. But, here’s a little something for you to think about- even if a hair-dye is not cent per cent innocent, it can be safe. We know that our whole post might sound oxymoronic at best, but we are trying to give you a true picture of what goes into hair dyes.

Organic hair dyes contain some chemicals to increase the pH level of your hair to help them absorb the colour adequately. And since hair dyes are mostly used for their visual appeal, it’s pretty difficult not to use synthetic formulae.

Which Ingredients You Should Avoid While Buying a Hair Dye?

Dyes like the ones mentioned in this list are pretty up-front about their formulation and how they are trying to make a transition to organic ingredients. Also, they are a tad safer than standard hair colours, since they avoid unnecessarily harsh chemicals that can make your locks prone to damage.

People who are posting their horror stories with salon hair dyes are not lying, because, most of these available hair colours in salons and shopping marts tend to make your hair look like dry vermicelli noodles. None of that bouncy, shiny mane you see on the models.

And these are the ingredients you should watch out for, because they can be absorbed in your blood stream. You can actually have poison running in your veins and that isn’t a plain sardonic expression to explain your aversion to people in general.

Also, fatal fact of the day- hair dyes can be used to commit suicide because of the chemical bungle going on there. Fast, easy, effective. That’s what they promised for your hair too, isn’t it?

So-called organic hair color products do a little better in this department. They try to steer clear of parabens and phthalates as well as ammonia and PPDs (p-Phenylenediamine). You just need to do a little reading and research to know what these chemicals are, but we will tell you about these in brief-

Ammonia

Ammonia has been quite a classic ingredient in standard hair dyes. Apart from the disgusting smell (which often smells like bird poop because well, it has ammonia too), it causes hair fall and damages hair right from the cuticle. The fumes from ammonia can also cause irritation in nose and eyes, and can morph into a significant respiratory hazard.

Dr. Nirupama Parwanda, noted dermatologist and the founder of Zolie Skin Clinic confirms that ammonia-based hair colors are high maintenance (and hence, costly) and cause significant damage to your mane. So, beware if ammonia is right there!

PPD

A coal-tar derivative, this ingredient (also a hair-dye staple) is used for a permanence and long-lasting hair color. But it can also give you long-lasting damage.

Here’s how. Dr. Rajni Katta says that PPDs can trigger hair dermatitis- basically red and scaly patches on your scalp and elsewhere on the body AND stubborn dandruff that stays on your head like it’s free real estate.

Is ‘Organic’ Just a Tactic of Greenwashing by Hair Color Manufacturers?

Now, this terrain is a maybe-maybe not question, but yeah, those manufacturers that are not too honest about their ‘safe hair dye range’- DO GREENWASH their products to make them more appealing to unassuming consumers.

In fact, do not go at the face value of a label. Companies sell what they have to. Even if it involves dying the whole packaging green and slapping ‘organic’ labels on it, they will do so. If you want to know more about Greenwashing- you can read about it here!

The main culprit here is the fine print. I guess we just decoded it for you- manufacturers want to make a fine, ‘clean’ escape from being caught, so they use fine print and mention everything they did there.

It’s like that man on TV blabbering stuff about how mutual funds are subject to market risks, which we know about but it’s too fast that we change the channel out of annoyance.

Or like Joe Goldberg from You- only that they try to make hair danger look like a harmless kitty to earn money, and not love. Nobody is a saint, TBH.

Also, we need to add that even if a hair dye is free from ammonia or PPD, it can still have fairy dust ingredients. These are chemical additives that are used as alternatives to ammonia and PPD, but are just as dangerous. These are:

• ethanolamine
• triethanolamine
• para-toluene diamine)
• p-aminophenol

If There is No Distinction Between ‘Natural Hair Color Dye’ and Regular Hair Dyes, Why Even Bother?

It’s a good question, and like all good questions it is difficult to answer. But here it is- natural hair colors often use enriching oils and plant-based ingredients despite a minor amount of synthetic chemicals. It’s much better than regular salon or box dyes that are not cruelty-free either.

We wish the best for bunnies and you.

Even if you are skeptical about the sincerity of ‘organic’ hair dyes, we would encourage to look for the ones that don’t use the chemicals mentioned above.

Chances are that you still get to keep your colored roots in a safer way. And never forget to consult your dermatologist and hair stylist for your scalp health.

That will help you determine the exact needs of your scalp and what you shouldn’t be doing with it.

But if you feel repulsed enough to say no to hair colors- it is your choice. If you want to continue dyeing your hair, that is perfectly okay too. It’s all you- you can decide which way to go for after reading up on ethical consumerism and thinking about if you can afford it.

Enough of fad culture and Simon Says, because it is the 21st century and we know how to make a conscious choice! You can go grey or rainbow- it’s all up to you to chalk it down for yourself.

Can a Hair Dye be Safe Even if It is Not 100% Organic?

Yes, it is possible. Dyes that have an all vegan and cruelty-free formulation are absolutely safe to try. We already established how it is not possible to go fully organic. You can go for brands that are clear with what they use, and go over the 80-90 per cent threshold of plant-based derivates.

Make sure you’re looking out for dyes that are free of ammonia, PPD and the other chemicals listed above.

As an ethical consumer, ideally, you should do your research before buying a certain hair care product.

Although, a popping hair color can be a visual treat to look at, but ask yourself if it is worth all the damage. You can always go for better ones out there.

However, hair dyes are judged on the parameter of how long do they stay and the immediate results they show.

Team immediate gratification is pretty keen on getting results as soon as they can, while Team Slow and Steady is willing to wait- and this counts keeping dyes as long as overnight.

The latter are huge on natural henna- which is good but not as permanent and will not dye your hair cotton candy pink. Natural henna can be safe and organic, provided it doesn’t come with added chemicals, but it is after all a limited choice.

7 Eco-Friendly Hair Dye Brands That Will Nourish Your Tresses Like Never Before

Now that we have dismantled some myths related to organic hair color brands, it’s time to look at some genuine and sincere ones that have a plant-based formula and most importantly- they don’t greenwash the hogwash. Make sure you try these good and safe hair dyes at least once!

Manic Panic Amplified Semi-Permanent Hair Color

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Light Mountain

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Herbatint Permanent Hair Colour Gel

Saach Organics

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Lush Henna Hair Colour

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Schwarzkopf 100% Vegetale Vegan Hair Dye

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Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel

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Ecowiser‘s Final Word

As we hurtle towards the end of this eye-opener article, we conclude that like free lunch, there is no such thing as a 100% organic dye. But it can be plant-ingredient based, non-toxic and cruelty-free.

However, if you really want to go all-in with organic, nothing is better than embracing your roots the way they are. A little care won’t hurt really. Just remember that you always have the liberty to choose danger even after reading about it, but you shouldn’t and you know it.

We think that hair dyes and other personal care products should not be considered at par with addictions like cigarettes and alcohol- we can be conscious about what goes into them. Because, well, if they can hurt bunnies, they can hurt you as well. Want to know how, maybe look at this article on cruelty-free makeup right now.

Make sure that if you are trying to commit to a social media hashtag or something you found on the web, maybe adopt it practically. Look at the labels, read about the ingredients, consult your physicians and engage the community on products and sustainable lifestyle (without being snobbish about it).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is organic hair dye, and how is it different from regular hair dye?

Organic hair dye is made from natural ingredients, often plant-based, without synthetic chemicals like ammonia, parabens, and sulfates. Unlike regular hair dyes, which can contain harsh chemicals, organic dyes aim to provide a more gentle, eco-friendly alternative with less potential for irritation or allergic reactions.

Is organic hair dye safe for sensitive scalps?

Yes, organic hair dyes are generally safer for sensitive scalps because they are free from harsh chemicals. However, it’s still recommended to do a patch test before applying any dye, as even natural ingredients can sometimes cause allergic reactions in rare cases.

Does organic hair dye cover gray hair effectively?

Organic hair dyes can cover gray hair, but the results may vary depending on the brand and formulation. Some users report needing multiple applications to achieve full coverage, and the color may fade faster than with chemical-based dyes.

How long does organic hair dye last compared to synthetic hair dye?

The longevity of organic hair dye depends on the formulation, but generally, it may not last as long as synthetic dyes. Organic dyes are often semi-permanent or temporary, meaning they gradually fade over several weeks, especially with frequent washing or exposure to sunlight.

Can I use organic hair dye if I am pregnant?

Many organic hair dyes are considered safer for use during pregnancy because they contain fewer chemicals. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before using any hair dye during pregnancy, and follow the product’s instructions closely.