Whether you’re a DIY dye enthusiast or a salon devotee, hair coloring has become a must-have in beauty routines worldwide. In fact, an impressive 50-80% of women in the U.S., Europe, and Asia report using hair dye. The buzz around “organic” and “clean” is taking over, but can you really get an organic hair color?
The Truth About Organic Hair Color: Does It Even Exist? 🧐
Let’s clear this up first: chemically speaking, organic hair color doesn’t exist (except for henna). Most dyes, whether you grab them off a shelf or a stylist applies them, rely on chemical ingredients to make magic happen. Standard hair dyes need four basics: oxidative dyes to create color, antioxidants to keep the color fresh, an alkalizer (like ammonia) to open up hair strands, and hydrogen peroxide. It’s all part of the process, and unfortunately, none of these are "organic."
That said, there are cleaner alternatives. The term "organic hair dye" in the salon world usually means formulas that maximize natural ingredients and minimize synthetic chemicals. Still, these options do contain some necessary, albeit gentler, chemicals.
Top Hair Color Alternatives We Love 💖
If you’re looking for cleaner hair color choices, here’s a quick roundup of some superstar options you can find in our salons:
Elumen by Goldwell:
Get intense, vibrant color with no peroxide, ammonia, or PPDs. Expect 37% more shine and color intensity that lasts longer. It’s even recommended by the Canadian Cancer Care Foundation as a safer color choice. It’s ideal for those with sensitive or damaged hair since it actually strengthens hair while coloring. Available at Takashimaya flagship salon.
iNOA by L’Oréal Professionnel:
Say goodbye to ammonia and hello to lush, oil-based color. With a unique oil delivery system, iNOA offers shiny, rich color that hydrates for up to 6 weeks, and it’s water-permeable—making it wudhu-friendly. Perfect for those looking to avoid harsh chemicals while still achieving gorgeous color. This is our most popular grey coverage service at all Shunji Matsuo outlets.
Color.Me by Kevin Murphy:
This line is made without PPDs and ammonia, using naturally derived ingredients like aloe vera, honey, shea butter, and pomegranate. It’s gentle yet effective, giving a luxurious, multi-tonal result with fewer skin irritations. This color option is available at our Ion Orchard outlet.
Henna Organita:
Henna is the only truly organic hair color, derived from the Lawsonia inermis plant. Our Takashimaya flagship salon offers high-quality, pesticide-free henna imported from Japan, certified by Ecocert Greenlife. Ecocert Greenlife is the world’s largest certification body of organic products based in France. This plant-based dye smooths, strengthens, and covers greys while giving hair a boost in resilience and luster. Awarded “Best Coloring for Grey Hair Coverage” at Daily Vanity Beauty Treatment Awards in 2023 and 2024, it’s perfect for those seeking a completely natural, chemical-free option. Just remember, henna is hard to lift, so you’ll need to commit to going darker rather than lighter.
Why Go Clean? The Perks of Cleaner Hair Color ✨
So why bother with “clean” color? It’s gentler on your scalp, less likely to cause irritation, and may help keep hair stronger and healthier. Plus, it gives peace of mind if you're sensitive to ingredients like ammonia or PPD, which can be harsh on some hair types.
The Bottom Line: What Works for You
There’s no “right” answer on whether clean or conventional dye is better; it all depends on your needs and goals. Different brands promise different results, and sometimes they replace one chemical with another, equally potent one. Going to a professional colorist who knows the ins and outs of hair color can help you achieve the look you want. They can guide you on which formula works best for your hair type—saving you from potential mishaps and the need for costly color corrections.
Ready for a cleaner color experience? Drop by our salon for a consultation and explore these vibrant, healthier color options for hair that looks as good as it feels!
