What is the safest way to color your hair?

The Organic Stylist is proud to provide a healthier salon experience for scent-sensitive and health-oriented people. I provide services and use products that are non-toxic, organic, and eco-friendly; and therefore healthier for you, me, and the planet. If you have had a reaction to haircolor in the past or a temporary black henna tattoo, it is imperative that you schedule a hair color predisposition test 48-hrs prior to your next hair color appointment. 

There are a growing number of hair color brands on the market today that claim to be organic and natural. But since the beauty industry is unregulated, these claims are only partially true. Permanent, oxidative, artificial hair color is composed of synthetic and chemical compounds that can create a toxic buildup in the body with over exposure. While oxidative hair color is convenient and fast, it isn’t the safest or healthiest way to color your hair.

Common hair dye chemicals may be problematic, and sensitization to para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is on the rise globally. Based on research compiled by Dr. Catherine Cartwright-Jones, in 2014, 16% of young adults in western industrialized nations (and even more in other parts of the world) are already sensitized to PPD. With repeated PPD exposure (found in artificial hair-color, and “black henna”), anyone can become sensitized to PPD chemicals at any point in their life. Please review the PhD work of Catherine Cartwright-Jones to learn more.

As of today, more than 45% of Cosmetologists are also sensitized to para-phenylenediamine (PPD); they have higher cancer risks than the general population; and many are leaving the industry to protect their health. Because the beauty industry is not regulated, manufacturers around the world can sell products to The United States that contain carcinogens, PPDs and other toxins without having to disclose any health risks.

Over the last year, I’ve done a lot of reading, research and experimentation on how to work with 100% natural plant pigments to create beautiful, translucent, permanent hair dyes that can transform gray hair into highlights and bring warmth and richness to dull and over processed hair. Schedule a consultation to learn more.

Take Back Your Power - Buy Healthier Beauty Products

Recently a number of clients have asked me if I’m aware of the Deva Curl Class Action Lawsuit alleging hair loss? The short answer is yes. However, I do not use Deva Curl products (owned by Henkel) because they have never met my personal standards for clean beauty products. Deva Curl has been acquired twice since it launched "No-Poo” in 2002. Every time a company goes through an acquisition the entire product line goes though a systematic and organized cost reduction process that affects ingredients, manufacturing, and distribution. This means that every ingredient is evaluated for its effectiveness against a less expensive alternative, without sacrificing performance. In the beauty world this means substituting cheaper, synthetic, and chemical ingredients (like parabens and silicones) to replace more natural ingredients. It is therefore no wonder that the cheapest beauty products, sold by the largest companies, are the least expensive and most harmful to our health.

Henkel Beauty Brands

Henkel also owns Deva Curl.

So what’s the big deal?
The short term cost savings you might find yourself attracted to in the drug store beauty aisle is most likely being offset by long term costs to your health. Please be aware that almost all drug store brands are masters of deception - they tell you a marketing story while finding every possible way to reduce their manufacturing costs and streamline their ingredients to the cheapest possible sources. Then they mask the stink of their synthetic and chemical ingredients with perfumes, hoping that your nose will override your critical thinking skills.

How can I do better?
Support small businesses who are trying to make the beauty world a safer place. Let me help you make better hair care choices by visiting my Recommended Products page, and use the Think Dirty App to scan your products and learn more about ingredients you don’t understand.

See image below for 7 big brands that own more than 182 global beauty brands.