Which hair color is safe

Human skin, eyes and hair get their color naturally from melanin, a compound derived from the amino acid tyrosine. In a nutshell, the amount of melanin you have determines your hair, skin and eye color.

When talking about natural hair color, for example, blondes have fewer melanin molecules than brunettes. Hair dyes, on the other hand, use a veritable cocktail of chemicals to alter hair color. They often contain ammonia, lead acetates Note: The FDA recently repealed approval of this ingredient, but it is pending , hydrogen peroxide and paraphenylenediamine PPDA — a common allergen.

Although researchers have studied the long-term effects — including possible cancer risks — of hair dyes, many of the findings have been inconsistent or inconclusive. Permanent hair dyes use the harshest chemicals to alter hair color, but semi-permanent dyes often used to cover graying hair may still contain worrisome chemicals, including PPDA or a similar compound.

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Lime Crime. Unicorn Hair Dye. Lime Crime amazon. Some of the ingredients used in hair dyes including certain aromatic amines have been shown to cause cancer in lab animals, usually when the animals were fed large amounts of the dyes over a long period of time. Most of the studies looking at whether hair dye products increase the risk of cancer have focused on certain cancers such as bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, and breast cancer.

These studies have looked at 2 groups of people:. Bladder cancer: Most studies of people exposed to hair dyes at work, such as hairdressers and barbers, have found a small but fairly consistent increased risk of bladder cancer.

However, studies looking at people who have their hair dyed have not found a consistent increase in bladder cancer risk. Leukemias and lymphomas: Studies looking at a possible link between personal hair dye use and the risk of blood-related cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma have had mixed results. The same types of results have been found in some studies of leukemia risk. However, other studies have not found an increased risk. If there is an effect of hair dye use on blood-related cancers, it is likely to be small.

Breast cancer: Results of studies looking at a possible link between personal hair dye use and breast cancer have been mixed. Many studies have not found an increase in risk, although some more recent studies have.

Other cancers: For other types of cancer, too few studies have been done to be able to draw any firm conclusions. Many people use hair dyes, so it is important that more studies are done to get a better idea if these dyes affect cancer risk. Several national and international agencies study substances in the environment to determine if they can cause cancer.

The American Cancer Society looks to these organizations to evaluate the risks based on evidence from laboratory, animal, and human research studies. Some of these expert agencies have classified hair dyes or their ingredients as to whether they can cause cancer. The fumy substance can make your eyes, nose, and throat burn, and if that's not bad enough, it can also fry your hair.

Ammonia helps the hair accept permanent color and can support the lightening process —but is it really necessary? Maybe not. According to Kate Reid , Design Director and Education Manager at Color Me by Kevin Murphy, there have been exciting improvements in the hair color industry over the last decade, including some standout ammonia-free formulas.

Not only does it work just as well as the harsher variety, "but generally, ammonia-free brands consider the quality of ingredients and their impact on the environment," she tells Byrdie. Find a rundown of the best ammonia-free hair dyes below. For at-home color , you can count on Revlon Colorsilk to get the job done without damaging your hair.

This permanent ammonia-free hair dye comes in myriad shades, from stark blue-black and rich brown to vibrant red and ultra-light platinum blonde. Developed by salon experts, it does more than offer stunning pigment and multi-dimensional color.

The nourishing formula is infused with silk amino acids and keratin to create long-lasting shine and a healthy-looking finish. On a budget? No sweat. A Garnier Olia kit will only run you a few dollars, but after dyeing your hair, you'll feel like a million bucks.

Since its launch, Clairol Natural Instincts has been a drugstore mainstay for ammonia-free hair dye. Formulated to last for roughly 24 shampoos, the pro-level formula is great for people who like to switch things up. We're also loving Madison Reed's Radiant Hair Color Kit, which is formulated with nourishing ingredients like keratin, ginseng root extract, and argan oil.

Best of all, it comes in a whopping 37 shades. If you're hoping to camouflage some grays or just want a natural-looking finish, reach for a tube of Matrix ColorInsider. This permanent hair dye comes in an impressive palette inspired by God-given hair colors, including everything from black ash to medium golden-brown to neutral blonde.

With a tube of this semi-permanent hair dye, you can go mermaid teal, electric blue , neon yellow, or villain green for a month. This little tub by Manic Panic contains a cult-favorite creme that conditions your hair and leaves a striking hue in its wake. Not sure if a vibrant color is your thing? No problem—it'll be gone in four to six weeks. Creme of Nature is, by far, the best ammonia-free dye for natural hair.

Containing shea butter , cocoa butter, and avocado oil, the moisture-rich formula hydrates and softens while depositing long-lasting color that shines. Short on time? Go with Just 5. This ammonia-free permanent hair dye blends with your existing hair color and delivers a fade-free finish in—you guessed it—just five minutes. If you're eyeing one of those trendy cool-toned shades, like ashy lavender , blush pink, gray-blue, or silver, we recommend eZn Pudding Hair Color.

As its name suggests, this Korean hair dye is thick and bouncy, not unlike custard. More to the point, it doesn't drip and offers a supremely pretty finish.

Grappling with grays?