Whether you are interested to go vegan for health, animal welfare or environmental reasons, you may have a few questions about how the change will impact your life.
The one that I had was whether the vegan hair dye has chemicals.
Does vegan hair dye have chemicals?
Yes, all hair dye contains chemicals (even if it’s just hydrogen peroxide and ammonia), but vegan hair dye typically contains fewer chemicals than non-vegan dyes.
Look for semi-permanent vegan hair dyes that contain natural ingredients like henna, indigo, or plant-based pigments to give your locks a rich, red hue without harsh chemicals.
And when it comes time to refresh your color, opt for a plant-based permanent dye like Manic Panic or Pravana’s Extreme Color.
How long does vegan hair dye take to work?
Vegan hair dyes typically take about 20 minutes to work but the results can vary based on your hair color, the brand of dye you use, and your own personal physiology. Some people’s skin and hair absorb the color faster than others.
What if you want to try out a new vegan hair dye or take your hair from black to red?
You might think your best bet is to head to the nearest salon and pick one of those preselected color packages.
But when it comes to vegan hair dyes, that’s not necessarily the best option. Here are some suggestions for determining how long it will take for the color to show up in your locks:
Buy online
If you’d prefer not to head down to the salon and strike up a conversation with your stylist about cruelty-free hair dye products, you can always order online.
Look for Web sites that offer samples of different colors and say they are suitable for vegans.
Test with henna
The next time you’re dying your hair with henna, try using a small bit of it as an accent color.
That way, if you don’t like the result, it won’t be as drastic as if you had used all-over dye.
Test with vegetable dyes
Vegetable dyes are typically more expensive than other types of dyes, but if you’re looking for something specific that is 100 percent plant-based, vegetable dyes may be your best bet.
Try out some small bits of color first.
Is Manic Panic chemical-free?
Yes, Manic Panic is free of all the chemicals that are so harmful to your hair.
Titanium dioxide, also known as titania, is a naturally occurring mineral that is used as a pigment in many cosmetics products like Manic Panic.
It’s found naturally in mineral deposits and comes in a range of colors.
The white color you see in most cosmetics is actually titanium dioxide.
Titanium dioxide has been tested by the FDA and found to be safe when used within the terms of its labeling.
The FDA, however, has not conducted any studies looking at the safety of using this ingredient on hair.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has made claims that there are different types of titanium dioxide and that some of them are unsafe to use in cosmetics.
They claim that one type can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, where it can cause serious damage to cells.
However, this claim has not been proven and no studies have been carried out to show whether or not titania can be harmful when applied to hair or not.
For these reasons, you can use Manic Panic without worrying about any harmful effects.
The chemicals in vegan hair dye
Vegan hair dye is actually easier to find than you might think. If you are searching for vegan hair dye, you will want to look at the ingredients.
Sometimes people use animal byproducts in products that can be harsh on your hair and scalp.
Here is a list of chemicals that are used in vegan hair dye that you might want to check out before applying it:
Ammonia
An alkaline chemical is used to balance the acidity of the peroxide, thus allowing the bleach to work as intended.
Titanium Dioxide
This ingredient is a pigment that gives many cosmetic items their white color.
Hydrochloric Acid
This ingredient is added to bleach out the hair and gives it that silvery sheen.
Resorcinol
This chemical can irritate the skin and cause an allergic reaction when you come into contact with it. It is often used in conjunction with hydrogen peroxide.
Phenylenediamines or PPDs
These ingredients are highly carcinogenic, according to studies done on lab animals.
These ingredients have been banned in many countries all over the world for use on animals, but are still allowed on humans!
Methylene Glycol/Formaldehyde Resins
This chemical is irritating to the skin and can cause cancer, according to studies done by the National Institute of Health.
Why should you avoid ammonia-based hair dye?
Ammonia-based hair dyes are those that contain ammonia or other harsh chemicals. Harsh chemicals can damage your hair and scalp, and the smell can be overpowering.
Ammonia is an alkaline chemical that breaks down into ammonia gas when dissolved in water.
If you have ever cleaned your windows with ammonia-based window cleaner, you may have noticed a very strong, distinctive smell.
If you’re a woman and use hair dye, you’ve probably used ammonia-based products at some point in time.
Ammonia-based hair dyes are the older type of hair dye that is still widely available, but many women are starting to avoid this type of hair dye due to its harsh chemicals.
1. It stains your skin and scalp
2. It causes chemical burns
3. It contains carcinogenic ingredients
4. It can cause allergic reactions
5. It can damage your hair follicles
6. It contains ingredients that are known to cause cancer
7. You can’t wash it out quickly enough after dying your hair, leaving you at risk for burns on your scalp and neck.
How to keep your hair healthy and colored when using vegan hair dye
Nowadays, there are so many ways to color your hair — from dyes to henna to extensions.
But if you’re a vegan, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to dye your hair without using animal-based products.
For the most part, the answer is yes. There are plenty of plant-based ingredients that can color your hair and even give it extra shine and strength.
All you have to do is ask your stylist for them.
Here are 7 tips on how to keep your hair healthy and colored when using vegan hair dye:
1. Wear a hat while outside.
2. Use a good conditioner after every wash, including before applying the dye.
3. Apply an oil three times a week, before washing your hair.
4. For a super shiny look use a leave-in conditioner or serum.
5. Instead of washing your hair every day try washing it every two days or once a week.
6. Don’t use too much of the product (or just take a little bit) because it will not only help you save money but will also reduce damage to the hair caused by excess chemicals.
7. Avoid being in direct sunlight for long periods of time as this can increase dryness and damage the hair.
Final Thoughts
Should you be concerned about using vegan hair dye?
For the most part, you should definitely be aware of the possible dangers of using synthetic dyes.
However, you should also be aware that some companies have worked hard to create a dye that is better for your hair and your health.
Hopefully, this article has given you a better idea of what companies to trust and what chemicals may be worth avoiding.
