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Ammonia-Free Colors - are they worth the hype?

Updated: Nov 28

let's explore the differences between ammonia and ammonia free colors – plus what makes ammonia colors perfect for the permanent, rich color for you : Everything You Need to Know.


Ammonia is perhaps one of the most misconceived elements within permanent hair colors. In the beauty community, there is often a great deal of discussion surrounding 'ammonia-free dyes,' which may lead one to believe that ammonia should be steered clear of. However, there exists a rather unexpected reality concerning ammonia in professional salon hair coloring that deserves everyone's attention: over the long run, ammonia-based products frequently prove to be more beneficial for the health of your hair than their alternatives.


Let's delve into the distinctions between ammonia and its substitutes, and discover why it is an ideal choice for achieving lasting, vibrant hair color..


Role of Ammonia & Ammonia-Free (MEA) in Hair Color.


Hair Color at September10 Salon
Hair color Shades

Every permanent hair dye requires an alkaline component, which serves to open up the hair cuticles and permit the safe penetration of oxidative colorants into the hair strands. Once these colorants reach the hair cortex, they combine to create a vibrant, glossy hue. Ammonia is the ideal alkaline ingredient for this task due to its composition of small molecules that quickly and effortlessly evaporate from the hair after altering the hair color.


This swift evaporation ensures that ammonia doesn't linger in the hair. The coloring process concludes as soon as the formula is rinsed out, leaving the hair beautifully conditioned.


And in case you were curious, the temporary smell associated with ammonia is actually a positive indicator, signifying that the desired shade has been achieved and the chemical has exited the hair shaft.


For achieving up to five levels of lightening, reliable coverage of gray hair, and obtaining pure, consistent color results, ammonia has been safely employed in permanent hair coloring practices worldwide for over five decades.


Hair Science at September10 Salon
Hair Cuticle during dying process.

 

Is Ammonia-Free hair color safe?


The mere presence of ammonia-free permanent hair dye products might lead you to believe that these formulas are gentler on your hair, but our tests, and studies (click to read) have uncovered that ammonia-based technology in permanent coloring actually ensures less damage over time.

The reality is that ammonia-free coloring does not equate to damage-free coloring. Scientific research demonstrates (click to read) that, for achieving permanent color performance (especially when aiming for a lift of three levels or more and complete coverage of gray hair), ammonia provides better protection for the hair structure compared to the alternative, known as MEA (Monoethanolamine).

Similar to ammonia, MEA serves as an alkalizing agent, with its primary advantage being the reduction of the strong chemical odor. This is due to its composition of larger molecules that do not evaporate once the dyeing process concludes. In the context of permanent hair color, achieving the desired outcome with MEA would necessitate high concentrations, and it might persist on the hair even after rinsing with shampoo and water, potentially leading to long-term damage to the hair structure.

This is precisely why we reserve the use of MEA for demi-permanent hair colors, where significant lightening isn't necessary, and only minimal concentrations are required. However, when it comes to achieving permanent hair color and the intensity it provides, ammonia stands out as the superior choice of alkalizing agent for maintaining the vitality of the hair.


Is Ammonia in Hair Color Harmful?


Numerous potent beauty ingredients carry the potential for allergic reactions, which is why we consistently advocate for a patch test before introducing any new hair color product into your routine. This precaution isn't limited to ammonia-based hair dyes; it applies universally to all types of coloring formulas, whether they are ammonia-free, composed of natural ingredients, or claim to be chemical-free.

In summary, hair color containing ammonia is not inherently more harmful than any other hair coloring product, provided that:

  • You entrust your hair color treatment to a professional brand employing genuine and high-quality products.

  • A prior allergy test is conducted as a standard part of the hair coloring procedure.

So, let's summarize: What are the key advantages of ammonia-based hair color?


PROVIDES EXCEPTIONAL COVERAGE AND IMPRESSIVE DIMENSION


At September10 Salon in Gurugram, we offer ammonia-based hair colors that provide unmatched gray hair coverage and stunning dimension. By opening up the hair cuticles, ammonia allows pigments to form deeply, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting hues. Whether you're looking to hide stubborn gray hairs with up to 100% coverage or achieve rich color results, our expert stylists in Gurugram are trained to deliver the best.


LESS DAMAGING COMPARED TO ALTERNATIVE INGREDIENTS

In contrast to ammonia substitutes, ammonia readily evaporates during the coloring process, owing to its small molecular size. This easy evaporation ensures that ammonia doesn't linger on the hair, resulting in reduced hair damage when compared to certain ammonia alternatives that can persist on the hair and continue to develop even after shampooing. At September10 Salon, we prioritize the health of your hair, using premium ammonia-based products that deliver excellent results while being gentle on your strands.


For clients in Gurugram and Delhi NCR, if you're searching for a sustainable salon that offers expert hair coloring services with the best technology and products, visit September10 Salon for personalized, professional care.








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Sep 18
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