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ABCH, Ammonia, cancer, Difference between MEA and Ammonia, disease, fumes, hair color, hair color expert, hair color professional, Hair Color Review, MEA, Melanie Nickels, natural, non-toxic, Organic, Raw Hair, Raw Hair Organics, toxic
Thanks for visiting my Hair Color Review Website!
For those of you who are new, I’m Melanie Nickels, a ranking member / educator / evaluator of The American Board of Certified Hair Colorists. I am the only organic / non-toxic educator in the ABCH organization. I am the founder / creator of Raw Hair Organics, a line of organic / natural professional quality hair products that WORK just like traditional chemical-based ones. You can read more about it at www.rawhairorganics.com . I am the founder of the first organic / non-toxic salon in South Florida, the Raw Hair Organic Salon in Naples, Florida. I was internationally trained, as well as part of Inter-Coiffure, a Broadway stylist on the hit show “42nd Street”, and have many certifications and training much to numerous to list here. I spend no less than 60 hours a week, every week, behind the chair, hands-on in my salon, the Raw Hair Organic Salon in Naples, Florida. I have two college degrees: One in Business, and One in Accounting. My hair color reviews are read in and reach no less than 50 Countries World-Wide every single day of the year by industry professionals of all ranks, as well as salon clients, etc. If you would like to know more about me, you can find a more detailed bio on the homepage of this site (which I will be updating). I DO NOT SELL HAIR COLOR.
I do NOT work for, nor do I own or represent a hair color company. I am NOT compensated in ANY way by ANY hair color company. When I review a hair color line, I purchase the product WITH MY OWN MONEY. I do not receive free product from manufacturers, as I feel this creates an inherent bias right from the start.
Ok, I should have started with this discussion to talk about MEA vs. Ammonia (or the difference between MEA and Ammonia, if you will) a long time ago. So lets go back to the basics and get into what is used in haircolor and why:
Let me begin by saying I am not a chemist, so I am giving you the facts as a professional, working haircolorist with a lot of experience in haircolor and ingredient knowledge from working with chemists on a regular basis for the last several years. I, like most people in the industry, had been taught over the years that MEA is bad….that it doesn’t rinse from the hair and it dries it out over time. Boy, was shocked to find out the hair color I’ve been using contains MEA because my experience was quite the contrary! I have used MEA and Ammonia BOTH, for MANY years. I find that there is a lot of misinformation out there being shared by people who either a) have an agenda either for or against MEA or Ammonia, and b) people who don’t have a vast background using BOTH for an extended period of time (or don’t work behind the chair AT ALL) thus, in my professional opinion, their opinions are worthless to you and me as working professionals. Frankly, this is why I started http://www.organichaircolorreview.com in the first place.
Hair has a natural ph of 4.5-5.5. So in order to color the hair, there needs to be an alkaline agent to raise or adjust the ph so the color can penetrate the cuticle and get to the cortex.
Ammonia has been the ingredient of choice in hair color for many years because it is good at doing that….typically raising the ph to 10-10.5. However, the problem is that ammonia is aggressive on the hair, it is a strong irritating gas that gives off fumes, and when it disolves in water it forms ammonium hydroxide which is highly corrosive. There are several reports on the possible health risks on this topic from sources like the Dept. of Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health, and Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety.
Another problem that arises from using ammonia as the ph adjuster in hair color is that because it is more aggressive on the hair which causes loss of protein and moisture, it damages the cuticle. This leads to the problem of higher porosity, which means the cuticle is not closing down properly and you have increased difficulties with color fadage.
So what is MEA? The official terminology is Monoethanolamine. It is in the family of Ethanolamines. It is an organic chemical compound that is a primary amine and primary alcohol. It can be toxic, flammable, and corrosive at high amounts. However, the International Agency for Research on Cancer have decided that ethanolamines do NOT pose a cancer risk to humans. According to the European Chemical Industry Council, it is a clear viscous, liquid derived from reacted ethylene oxide and …aqueous ammonia. There is also a Cocomide MEA which is fatty acids in coconut oil reacted with MEA. Confused? So basically, it is used as a replacement ph adjuster in haircolor that is considered ammonia-free and used at lower percentages and coupled with emollient oils, making it less volatile and less corrosive than ammonia. That being said, just like any other ingredient, there can be different amounts of MEA used and/or it can be used in conjunction with other ingredients like alcohol in order to perform. The same rule applies to any ingredient that is replacing ammonia or that is used to raise the ph. The more that is used, the higher the ph, the more damage. Other ingredients being used in a similar way are AMEA (Aminomethylpropanol & Monoethanolamine), and AMP (Amino Methyl Propanol).
It’s interesting that the people (meaning manufacturers) who have been or are supportive / defensive about ammonia as used in hair coloring have been lowering the amount of ammonia in their hair color lines, or are now creating products that are ammonia free, but have been trying to find or use an alternative ingredient to MEA since they have been bashing it for all these years and know now they will look like hypocrites if they do use MEA. I also find it interesting the amount of people (stylists & colorists) that have been putting products like Sweet & Low in their haircolor in order to reduce the amount of irritation on their clients scalps and thinking this is OK. (REALLY??) I have had MANY well respected haircolorists tell me the ammonia doesn’t bother them. I always respond, “well, how about your clients?” We all have had them asking for a comb or something to scratch their heads while color was processing! What does THAT tell you??!!
Ph levels are compounding, meaning each little increment it goes up is exponential. So the difference between 9 and 10 is huge! The magic number for working ph for color seems to be 9. It is enough to open and penetrate through the cuticle without causing damage
Now that I’ve laid the groundwork, let’s get to the big theory that has been floating around the hair industry forever about MEA. It is claimed that MEA does not rinse from the hair, and that it dries the hair out. This is yet to be proven to me, in theory or in the salon, as I have had many debates with very well respected colleagues within the ABCH (The American Board of Certified Hair Colorists) as well as others, on this topic. Speaking from MY experience behind the chair using a hair color with MEA in it for over 7 years, every day, I have seen nothing but the opposite in my clients hair! I have not had any problems rinsing and shampooing the color, and therefore the MEA, from the hair. All of my salon hair color clients can visibly see the difference in their hair of how much healthier and shinier their hair is after they stopped using ammonia hair color on it. ALL of them. Literally hundreds of clients.
Also, while we are on the topic of MEA, another little fact I like to point out is that hairstylists favorite demi, non-ammonia hair color of all time: (Redken Shades EQ) that has been used to freshen/tone/glaze the ends of the hair because it is less damaging and gentler has…….guess what…….MEA in it!!! Hmmm…
Let me make that clear: Redken Shades EQ has MEA in it
So there you have it. In a nutshell, there needs to be some kind of alkaline agent in hair color to raise the ph in order to be able to color hair. Different sources can be used to achieve this function. As I like to say, are any of them perfect? No. But some seem better for me to work with than others. You take your pick. But now, you can finally make an educated choice.
Please feel free to leave a comment. I will respond.
Check out my other review websites: http://www.organichairproductreview.wordpress.com , www.organicskincarereview.wordpress.com and also check out my NEW blog area with great professional info http://www.rawhairorganics.com
Until next time, here’s to great, healthy hair and great, healthy hairstylists.
Melanie
The Hair Color Review by Melanie Nickels 
Are you using Organic Color Systems in your salon at Raw Organics?
Yes, The Raw Hair Organic Salon in Naples, Florida does.
Glad to have found your site. We have been using ammonia free hair colour in our salon for over a year and we totally agree with your comments. We have known for a long time that there is hypocrisy with the big colour manufactures . It’s big business and they spend millions educating hairstylists. It’s good to find people who tell it like it is.
Thank you!
I appreciate your kind words.
I’m so glad a client of mine found your blog! She knows I am into healthy products for my clients and have been looking for a color line that is less toxic. she sent me your link today!
I am wondering if you have done any research on the Daviness Color line?
I am also a wordpress blogger!Mine is nscurls… I have rated hair shampoos in a similar way as you have hair color. I think it is great you are sharing your information. I will check in again!-Nicole
Thank you for your kind words!
No, I have not heard of Daviness. I will look into it in the next month or two.
On an unrelated note, I see you specialize in curly hair. I have a new product that I have created in my hair product line that is groundbreaking for people with frizz issues. It’s nothing short of amazing. It will launch the first week of March 2013 at the Natural Products Expo West. Go to my website http://www.rawhairorganics.com and stay in touch by email.
What about Mastey?
Yes, I’ve used Mastey.
I think it’s a good company and a decent line.
I’ll be reviewing it in the very near future.
Melanie
Hi I’m really struggling with innoa loreal I’ve never used this before and reluctant to put this thru the ends of clients hair with it still been with 20 vol can u help wud u put 20 vol thru the ends even if its ammonia free
Thank you for the question, Becky.
The answer is YES
Melanie
.You can also use dialight or diarichesse with 3, 6, or 9 vol both are ammonia free and will give you better shine and fading between colours. Also you should know inoa post shampoo has ammonia in it to help removed the MEA. You may also have noticed that you really have to pack it on to get coverage, the new formulation is better as it has twice the amount of MEA.
Thanks for the feedback, Graeme.
Subscribe to this blog for updates, etc.
Melanie
Hi Graeme, Inoa has also a 10% volume developer. And according to l’Oreal, there is no ammonia in it. I believe this, as it has no smell whatsoever. I am in no way connected to the hair business, but I got interested in Inoa, because I am allergic to all the hair colorants on the market. However, my sister, who is also very allergic, told me about it after her Geneva, Switzerland, hairdresser, used it on her. So, trust me, she and I have used the 20% developer, it’s brilliant.
It is rarely necessary to pull permanent color onto the midshaft and ends of the hair. Only when you are doing a slight color adjust and are using a 20 or 30 volume (depending on hair coarseness) to control deposit and clear away a little more NCP is it practical to re-apply permanent oxidative dye to formerly processed hair regardless of the alkalizing ingredients used. Using a Demi-permanent alkaline color to refresh mids and ends does not mean it will fade faster. In fact, when properly formulated, demi’s can actually hang around longer. ONLY REPLACE THE TONES THAT ARE MISSING OTHERWISE YOU END UP WITH MUD AFTER 6 MONTHS. Remember, artificial dye attracts artificial dye like a magnet and a 2-5 minute emulsification right over the top of your demi at the bowl will “veil” your clients hair without creating opacity. Both MEA and Ammonia are miscible in water (every salon needs a softener and/or ionizer) so add plenty of water. The comparatively Acid water begins stealing away ions therefor reducing ph. The most important difference between MEA and Ammonia is that if an ammonia haircolor is shampooed out and trace amounts are left over, It almost immediately disperses into the atmosphere since its boiling point is like 30 below 0. MEA, however, does not turn into a gas until 38 degrees centigrade or about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, if even trace amounts are left in the hair, it continues to corrode the protenous structures of the hair until ionization takes place. RINSE THE HAIR VERY VERY WELL, AND ALWAYS USE THE DESIGNATED POST COLOR CLEANSER. They have additional buffer ingredients such as salycylic, tartaric, and citric acids. I even let my second wash stay in for a couple minutes. MEA is much more stable than Ammonia and tends to linger. This was the major con that some of the big players like Minardi (who is a hair God btw) brought to the forefront of the discussion. What they didnt tell you is that Monoethenolamine while facilitating the oxidative process has a less corrosive effect on the cysteine due to its lipid nature. All it takes is a deliberate and thorough (and relaxing) cleanse at the back bar. NO EXPRESS WASHES. MEA and Ammonia are both effective alkali, they just speak different languages. LOL
Hi Melanie, thanks for your blog. Can you tell me if ‘Organic Color Systems is better than Chi demi permanent or permanent color ? I have FRAGILE black hair with 50% resistant grays and want to dye my hair black with a purple sheen. I’m thinking black permanent dye then Chi or Pravana semi permanent purple dye? Peroxide leaves my hair very damaged.
Thank you for the question, Melodie!
You could use either one of those lines, and use a 1-N with a violet additive and 10 volume.
Good luck to you, and let us all know how it worked out.
Melanie
Thanks Melanie!! May I also ask if I can get away with using semi permanents only?
Renbow black plus, Pravana violet plus Pravana wild orchid and reapplying when they fade,
Or should I stick to CHI coverage with naturals permanent color 1N, plus 10vol developer and CHI violet additive?
The reason I chose CHI permanent color is that it seems less damaging than Pravana permanent color yet is highly pigmented.
That should be fine. I have no problem getting complete coverage using demi color and processing for 45 minutes.
Great !
Finally what will be better for the condition of my hair; CHI 50-1N permanent color (double pigment for 50% gray hair) or demi permanent Pravana violet mixed with Renbow black ( pravana and chi don’t have black Demi permanent).
If I mix extra aloe juice and coconut oil into the hair dye will dilute the intensity of the final result?
Thank you so much. It’s difficult to find expert advice and you’re helping me save a bunch of money.
Hi. I’ve been suffering from vertigo for 10 months. Since then I’ve been trying to find products that are more organic, less toxic and just overall healthier for me. I also am atleast 50% gray. My local beauty supply carries Vivitone Prisma. What do you think of this product? If you’re not familiar with it or don’t like it, what would you suggest I use.
Thank you,
Jackie
Thank you for the question.
I think that is an OK non-ammonia color line. However, it has a heavy dye load, but if you are not having a problem with it.
As far as shampoo, conditioner, styling products, take a look at http://www.rawhairorganics.com and make sure you compare them against anything else you are using and see how well it measures up.
Good luck to you!
Melanie
Either color is fine.
Adding oil to it is not a problem.
Good luck,
Melanie
Hello. I have been doing hair for 30 years now, and have developed a tremendous sensitivity to Mea. Inoa has LESS MEA than Dia Richesse, but I have gotten to the point where I cannot color my own hair without suffering severe asthma. I have read a lot of research that declares MEA an irritant to skin and eyes, especially with over exposure.
Does Ammonia bother you?
Typically, the amount of MEA that you’d have to be exposed to to be harmful is about 50 times your body weight (per my formulator), but if you are severely sensitive to MEA, then don’t use it. I recommend using something else.
Good luck to you,
Melanie
It is really interesting going through your write about ammonia vs mea. It is very clear that you as a specialist prefer using mea than ammonia. However, as you mentioned, using mea in a lower percentages, does it mean the percentage of ammonia in mea or the strength of oxydant that should be used with mea. As I happen to read a column saying that, using mea based color with lower strenght of oxydant is not harmful for the hair however if you use mea based color with higher strength of oxydant might be harmful for the hair. I would be really grateful if you as a specialist could help me out on this. Waiting for your usefull thought and facts on this. Thank you.
Yes, the lower the percentage of any chemical, the better. Hope this helps!
Melanie
I am a hair stylist using Davines, but are not happy with the hair color. No good coverage and bad hair quality compare to Joico as I used before.
Aveda says they use 1 – 3 % Ammonia in their color only and guarantee up to 99% naturally derived ingredients. I know that the percentage of MEA needs to be from 3 – 10.
So a low percentage (only 1-3%) of Ammonia should be better for the hair than 3-10% Right?
I have seen other tests that shows MEA is impossible to rinse out 100% and is working in the hair for another 24 h.
I believe in this because my clients get bad hair…..
What do you think?
Thank you for your comments, Bockal,
Ammonia is more corrosive than MEA, and it also gasses off fumes that can be damaging to your lungs.
Go back and read my MEA vs Ammonia review. It is a lengthy review, but it goes over all of this.
I personally have chosen to work with a low MEA hair color line, and have for the last 7 years. I have never experienced the issues you are describing.
If I can be of any more help, or have any more questions, please let me know!
Melanie
Melanie,I think you gave a class on organic hair coloring at the 2011 Certified Master Haircolorist convention in LA that I attended. I believe you mentioned your husband that was sick from smelling chemicals at work prompted you to get into it. Was that you? If so ,I was the one in the audience that asked the panel about the effects of ammonia and how it effects the stylist that is exposed to it for years.They cut me off quick and said “ammonia has not been proven to be a toxic in any way and MEA was bad!” I was not that sure about the way that was answered.
I have been experimenting with OCSystems for about 2 years now and would love to chat with you on the subject of mea vs. ammonia.Thank you and hope to hear from you.
Susan meeker
Organichaircolorist.com
Susan,
Yes, that was me!
I thought I might be the only person who remembered that!
I taught that class three different times at the 2011 Energizing Summit in Los Angeles. I remember certain attendees being disruptive who obviously attended that class because they had an agenda, NOT because they were actually interested in learning something.
I remember that specific situation during the Group Forum segment of that weekend. Yes, I remember the moderator and the members of the panel cutting you off, and I specifically remember them cutting ME off and talking over me as well, in the attempt to discredit what I was sharing as personal professional experience. Yes, I remember it very well. I also remember that everyone on the panel that day who attempted to discredit me where either a) an owner or sales rep for an ammonia-based hair color company, or b) someone who was not a hair colorist or one that spends any significant time “behind the chair” currently on a regular basis working. Thus, as with anything in life, you have to CONSIDER THE SOURCE and FOLLOW THE MONEY when trying to figure out what the TRUTH is in a situation such as that one. I hoped many in that audience of 700 or so that day could see through “fog”, as it were. The inherent bias of the detractors was clearly obvious to anyone who spent 15 seconds to do some critical thinking in that situation. Right?!
The GOOD news is that we’ve made tremendous strides since them, not only industry-wide, but nation-wide & world-wide. Now, almost 3 years later, virtually EVERY major hair color company is creating a cleaner, non-ammonia hair color line! More and more stylists are understanding the concept! This hair color review site alone reaches over 100 countries worldwide EVERY week, and it’s almost a full-time job just answering questions and comments from this site every day! Yet, the detractors are still hanging their proverbial hats on the word “Organic”, because, well, that’s all they have left. If it makes them feel better, eliminate the word “organic” and just say “non-ammonia”, right? (eye roll). The proof is in the pudding if you use an MEA based hair color for any significant length of time. Any competent stylist / colorist will see the difference in the health of the hair. It’s impossible to deny.
This year, I was invited to teach THREE general knowledge and HANDS-ON non-ammonia hair color classes at the largest hair & beauty show in the country, Premiere Orlando 2013. I’ve been invited now to teach the same classes at the second largest show in the country at Long Beach, California in January 2014. You can only suppress good, solid information for so long, regardless of your inherent bias.
Susan, if you message me your phone number, I will be glad to speak with you personally.
Thanks for the support.
Melanie Nickels
Editor-in-Chief
The Organic Hair Color Review
Melanie,
I am excited you remember that day! I loved your class! .Every since about that time,I have been doing more and more work with OGSystems and I attended their advanced class recently in Seattle. Although, I still have tons to learn about Organic coloring!
I just yesterday purchased an Aerovex chemical capture system for the room I rent here in Fort Worth. I have felt like somewhat of a hypochondriac about the subject of ‘What chemical vapors could do long term to the stylist’. (The same question that I asked in the seminar)
I have been a stylist for over 32 years now and have specialized in color the last 25 of those years.I love,love,love the business and could not imagine doing anything else! But have had concerns about the occupational hazards of breathing the fumes.I bet some days, I do 2 colors at a time all day long, in a rather small room.
The last couple years I have felt more sensitive ( respiratory wise) to odors amongst a few other ( minor so far) complications. I even ,at times,get somewhat of a reaction to the organic colors mild initial smell.
So for now,I will keep on trucking,building organic business,consistently educating myself , and using my new Aerovex chemical capture system for safety measures,and loving this terrific field of work that we are in! 🙂
Would love to chat.
Susan
That all sounds great!
Lets’s chat when we each get a moment.
ps We are having an Ambassador Certification Training Class here in Naples, Florida for Raw Hair Organics and the NEW launch of Rod’z Organic Grooming For Men lines on October 6th. If you would like to attend and get certified in those lines, as well as discuss different ways you could work with us in stylist training and hair & beauty shows across the country, let me know and we’ll get you signed up! We are looking for at least 40 people of like mind for our team. As a bonus, it’s a Great time of year to visit beautiful Southwest Florida, and the Raw Hair Organic Salon is practically right across the street from The Gulf Of Mexico!
Oh , I would love to attend your class in Long Beach! I will be looking into that .
what organic color do you use at your salon in Naples? I use organic color systems. I love it.
Sorry didn’t see all the comments I will read those!
Ok great.
Thank you Melanie for the samples. Can’t wait to try them out.
You are very welcome 😉
Hi Melanie, Ive only been a stylist for 4 years and need some professional advice… I developed some health issues after a year and a half of working at my first salon, and my natropath told me that my body was basically toxic up to the eyeballs (from the salon, but also stress, diet,lifestyle). I left my job to focus on my health but still really wanted to style hair, ive never loved a job so much… so I started my own biz using organic salon systems from the UK, nontoxic/organic/vegan… i like it but with my limited knowledge i had a hard time learning a colour line on my own. I have recently moved the salon downtown and am continueing to cruisade on the non-toxic beauty path but i need a closer distribtor and some support while i grow my business.
I am trying to decide on a new colour line… I am torn between Daviness ‘A New colour’ and Essencity by Swartzkopf. Do you have any experience or advice on this decision…. and do you know which would be the lesser of the 2 evils in regards to toxicity?
I’m sorry to hear that, but I am glad to hear that you are working diligently to promote the non-toxic beauty path.
I have not used Davines, but I am going to do a review of it soon. However, I have been getting a lot of negative feedback from other colorists that are already using it. As I said, I will do a review in the near future.
As far as Schwarzkopf, I’ve worked with it and it seems pretty decent and it is pretty “clean”.
If you have any more questions, let me know.
Good luck to you,
Melanie
My hairdresser salon decided to change from a known amonia based colour range to this new one. I have tried a MEA colour for first time (I won’t name the brand). Not a pleasant experience. I experience sore scalp even more than 24 hours after the colouring. Hair is dry, corse, thinned and dull looking. Huge dissapointment. Doing some research today I came across a study showing that combination of MEA and peroxide is causative of hair loss and dermatitis.
I have to say I have never had such a bad experience with the amonia based colours
I am sorry to hear that.
I, personally, have been using MEA for over 7 years and thousands of hair colorings. I have not had that experience.
However, as I state in the review I wrote, PERCENTAGES are what matter. If I were you, I would look at the percentages. It’s also hard to help you if you don’t name the color line that you are using that you are having problems with. I can’t help you if I don’t know the brand.
I looked at the study that you referenced. I (almost) don’t find any validity in that study, due to the fact that 1)It’s from a foreign entity that I couldn’t find any other valid studies, and 2) They never discussed PERCENTAGES of either MEA or Peroxide, so the study may or may not even be realistic to the discussion of hair coloring.
Thank you for following my reviews, and let me know if I can help you in the future.
Melanie
I would love to walk into an actual beauty supply store to buy it instead of on-line. not one sells it that I have found. I called all over and I live in a high in area. So weird.
no one even heard of it. I just liked the oranges. I do a light red blonde and I have strawberry natural hair color but now with some white in the temples. mann, I wanted so badly to walk in and ask questions ect and get it on the spot not order it on amazon or another site online. any clues or answers to my questions/
Leah
Leah Green,
I’m not quite sure what you are trying to buy.
Melanie
hope this reply goes through. my answer was you didn’t know what I was referring to. the chi ionic permanent shine hair color.
I see. The Chi Permanent Shine hair color is a professional line and is not available for retail purchase (to the best of my knowledge).
Melanie
hope this reply goes through. my answer was you didn’t know what I was referring to. the chi ionic permanent shine hair color.
I have been going to a salon that uses a non-amonnia color called Vitality. It is an Italian brand. Have you tested or reviewed this product? If not, can you plan to do that and compare it with the other non ammonia colors you have liked the best.
Thank you! Alison
I have not heard of it.
I will look into it and put it on my list of color lines to review.
Thank you very much for the suggestions!
Melanie
I have so enjoyed reading through your expertise and knowledge! I have been working with Davines A New Colour for a few months now and have thoroughly enjoyed the outcome, explaining to my clients how important it is to my health as well as theirs (and of course the condition and quality of their hair) has been difficult to put into words- until now! thank you for spreading the knowledge and i am excited to share this blog with my staff!
Thank you soo much for your encouragement!
I new hair color review is coming up soon.
Melanie
I have a couple question have worked with a color line Lakme from Barcelona Spain it has 3 lines Ammonia and Non Ammonia lines I’m curios to see how would the rate in your reviews
As an experience haircolorist as you are? Have you worked on textured non chemically treated African American hair … Or African American chemically processed hair in using hair
Ammonia vs MEA which provides better results on darker natural levels of 1,2 and 3
Thanks for the questions, James.
I have not heard of that line, but I will research it out and possibly do a review. I have about 3 reviews in line right now waiting to get finished and posted.
As for your other question, I’ve had experience with other dark, curly hair, but not “black” or “ethnic” hair such as African hair that you speak of. However, that’s the easiest because pretty much every line is comparable at that level because it’s so dark.
Hope that answers your questions.
Melanie.
Hi Melanie
Could you also review a low ammonia hair color called “Greenlight Luxury” from Italy that I bought after extensive research as it’s meant to use high quality ingredients. There are other lines in the Greenlight range but the low ammonia permanent hair color is the “luxury ” line.
Melodie
Also I’m interested in dying black hair that has gone gray back to its original black color
I had stopped coloring my hair for nearly a year (which was nearly black) because all the hair dyes sold in pharmacies, supermarkets, etc, caused intense itching and irritation. I had to put up with my hair going gray and making me look 10 years older. And then, my sister who lives in Switzerland (she had the same problem) had her hair colored in a salon with a professional range called Inoa, which contains no amonia, but monoethanolamine. She said it did not cause her any irritation. So I bought the stuff online at Sally’s (Salon Services) and tried it. I got the 20% developer (I believe it is sufficient, the 30% is very strong and could cause irritation). I will never use anything else from now on. Please note that I had to buy large bottles, as it is for salons, they don’t do individual sizes. And in case you ask, I do not work for Inoa, nor Sally’s.
Hi
What do you think about goldwell nectaya product. Does it contain MEA? Have you used it or tested it?
Thank you
Doli
Thank you for the question.
No, I have not tested Goldwell Nectaya. I have not heard of it, but I will look into and post results here on the site. Please sign up for notices.
Melanie
Hello, do you know what line of Redken color (and whether it is ammonia free) that the Mia & Maxx Hair studio chains use? Thank you
No, sorry, I have no idea.
I’d call them and ask.
Melanie
Have you heard of Davines color line called A New Colour? Also Davines Mask CPS? They are supposed to be PPD free and ammonia free but do use MEA. Do you know if these products are effective at grey coverage and relatively safe from a chemical standpoint?
I have heard of them but have not tested them yet.
But I have heard from other people that I respect that they are pretty decent.
Subscribe to this site and you will get an email when my review is posted.
Thank you for the question!
Melanie
Hello I wanted to know what is your opinion on goldwell colorance soft color foam? Im looking for a semi color that has great or good grey coverage on natural hair that does not dry the hair out. I know it does contain alcohol in it but I just wanted another opinion before trying it
That product is nice.
Melanie
Ok thank you so much for your reply and will do
That’s a great product.
Melanie
Melanie! Where have you been all of my life!!! I am SO grateful for all of the time and work you’ve put in to helping others. Your site is amazing and will be a great asset to me and my clients! Thank you again and again!!!
Thank you soo much for the kind words!
Melanie
Can you send me your Davines review?
I have not done a Davines review because they have not returned my phone calls.
thank you for the edcation !
You’re welcome
Hello, I too am researching low toxicity color as I react to fumes. I have been using Goldwell Nectaya, which is very good (mea instead of ammonia) but am looking into trying Nautilque, which is “supposed to be” the cleanest color around and apparentlay works well.
Have you any opinions on how these two compare, both in results and toxicity?
Thanks so much.
Jay
I am not familiar with Nautilque.
New ones are coming out all the time. Things are getting better.
I will look into that line as soon as I get caught up on the next 2-3 reviews that I’m doing now.
Thanks for following my site!
Melanie
Would LOVE to see reviews for Keune So Pure and Davines A New Color soon. Also, was wondering what your opinion on Redken Shades is from a chemical standpoint?
I’m working on the Davines review as we speak. Shades is OK, but from a chemical standpoint it’s not “clean” but it’s a typical deposit only non ammonia hair color.
Thanks for following my site!
Melanie
Thanks for the info. I am currently in the process of switching to Davines A New Colour from Schwarzkopf. I am very excited to be using a cleaner product. What are your thoughts so far? I have been using it a bit in the salon and have really liked it but I also used the Keune So Pure and was pretty impressed. Love your site and am looking forward to the full review.
I’m happy I stumbled upon this! So helpful! I’m wondering what your thoughts on Goldwells Nectaya are? Also, I’m trying to find out more about Goldwells New Kerasilk smoothing system. I want to know how safe you think it is? I’ve looked into most of the Brazilian type smoothing systems and it seems like they are just changing the names around hiding the formaldehyde in some way or another. Can you shed some light on Goldwells system or point me in the right direction?
I haven’t done a review on Goldwell Nectaya yet.
Goldwell has always had a great color line, and I hope their non-ammonia line is great as well.
I don’t spend time on the keratin treatments for exactly the reasons that you stated.
Thanks for the questions,
Melanie
HI Melanie! Thank you for your articles,they are very helpful for those of us in the industry who want cleaner products.
Davines Mask and Davines Anew color are very good color lines from a sustainable R& company, Anew offers a 3 part system that effectively covers gray while leaving the hair in awesome condition. The MSDS sheets and ingredients are visible to all on their website:)
Thank you for the comment.
I’m working on a review of Davines as we speak.
Please subscribe to the blog and you will be alerted whenever a new review is posted.
Melanie 🙂
Great write up on the various types of Haircolor. I’m intrested in your opinion of Wella’s Innosense.
Thank you for the question, Renee.
I have not had a chance to test it yet. I will, though.
Melanie
Hello Melanie,
Have you any knowledge of O&M color from Austrailia? It is an ammonia free line with a botanical and oil base.
Would appreciate your feedback.
Linda,
I’ve had several requests for that line.
I’m hoping to review it next.
Melanie
Hi,
Can you please do a review on Goldwell Nectaya please?
Yes, I will do one in he future.
Melanie
Hi there…
Have you ever tested Eufora hair products? They are supposed to be natural…i think aloe based and they’re coming out with a new line that has MEA even in shampoos and conditioners.
No, I have not.
Melanie
Hi Melanie. I’m also interested in Davines’ A New Colour. I have started my own experiments with their line on myself and natural color swatches. Im impressed with their ingredients, and with the scent. I haven’t had any irritation myself, but i haven’t used this on any of my other clients, and I haven’t had enough time to see how well the color lasts. I’ve used several color lines, one being Essensity by Schwarzkopf, which I found, as your article on Essensity states, that the color doesn’t seem to last as long, and that the color does seem to have a more somewhat transparent finish. My biggest concern was that my underlying pigment overtime was being removed. I used their most gentle deposit only developer. I eventually saw the same effect happening in my clients, even with deposit only color, and their grey coverage was awful because their golds and coppers weren’t intense enough to fill the hair properly. Ive been using Innosense by Wella, and and am extremely happy with the line, but am still wanting a more natural and healthy approach to color. I would love to hear your thoughts on Davines’ A New Colour, and maybe even their products.
I have not posted my review on that line, but I didn’t care for it when I tested it on myself. It gave me a massive headache. I also found that it comes out a couple levels darker than you would expect.
But there are people that like it.
Melanie
Hi Melanie,
I have been struggling these last few years with dying my hair, as my scalp always ends up “burned” 😦 I end up with scabs on my head a couple of days after coloring my hair. I found a salon that used Organics Care and everything was wonderful. My hair began to recover greatly. The stylist also recommended StamiKer systems by Dikson. I used the Newgen mask and shampoo. I thought I was dreaming, for once my scalp had no reaction, no irritation, no “swelling” and finally the process of dying my dark hair into a blond color was enjoyable and provided me with a painless, wonderful results. Recently however, I had to switch salons 😦 The new salon uses Davines. Yesterday, I had my first coloring and the scabs are back 😦 The pain was there, then the “fluid” like substance on my scalp that night, and this morning… scabs 😦 The stylist says Davines and Organic Care are almost the same product. So why would my hair react like this? Not to mention, the hair doesn’t feel soft, it feels like straw…. Please help. What is the main difference between these two products? I have been trying to determine what has been causing this for a long time. Whatever it was, the Organics line didnt have it…or had very low quantities of it compared to Davines.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I don’t know.
When it comes to allergies, I would refer you to your doctor.
There can be different amounts of certain ingredients from line to line.
From my experience, Davines has more pigment or dye in their color.
hello! I stumbled upon your web site when I as researching MEA vs Ammonia. I am thinking of switching brands and moving to a non-ammonia line but I have read in various articles that the molecular weight of MEA is 3 X larger than ammonia and therefore the color does not penetrate the hair shaft as well. Gray coverage is not as effective and colors like red do not hold up either. What are your thoughts and is there nre research about MEA that I am not finding?
That’s not true.
I’ve used non-ammonia hair color for over 8 years and get beautiful results covering gray, reds, etc etc.
I’m sure you’ll be happy.
Melanie
I am having trouble with grey coverage lasting- Which non-ammonia product would be best?
Either Organic Color Systems or Matrix Colorinsider are probably your best choices.
Melanie