There are several reasons why people want to dye their hair. One of the most popular is to cover up grey hairs.
Our hair color comes from melanin, a natural pigment that determines hair color. Hair turns grey when the production of melanin decreases or stops. That’s when a lot of people reach for the dye or make an appointment at the salon.
Whether you’re looking to cover up a few gray hairs or want to completely change your look, it can be an empowering experience that puts the control back in your hands.
From concealing signs of aging to simply wanting a new look, celebrating hair color is all about personal preference and confidence.
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Today, my review is of Organic Color Systems, or Organic Colour Systems, or OCS (however you may know them). In my effort to achieve full-disclosure, I purchase ALL items that I review with my own money. I do not own a color line and am not paid by any color company, work for any color company, or get compensated in any way. That goes for this week’s review as well. I do, personally, use Organic Color Systems in my salon, the Raw Hair Organic Salon in Naples, Florida. I was one of the first people to take on Organic Color Systems when they opened their distribution facility in Clearwater, Florida many years ago, and I personally know the former owner of that facility, Mr. Hilton Bell. Under the new & current ownership, I did complete training to become and educator for OCS about 2 years ago, however I have not done any work for them and thus I have not been compensated by them. Per my request, I asked to not be listed on their website as an educator so I can remain independent. I have a good relationship with OCS, current and former employess, educators, and it’s owner, Mr. Scott Mitchell. HOWEVER, my professional integrity is very important to me, thus my statement of full-disclosure. I will never, ever show any bias in a review that I write, regardless of who owns or works for that said company. I will never put myself in a position of damaging my professional integrity that I’ve spent an entire career building. Period. If you read any of my reviews, you will clearly see that I am FAIR, ACCURATE, UNBIASED, and HONEST in my evaluations. I sincerely hope that the people who own, run, and work for the color companies that I review would use the information to create better products for all of us, and not take those critiques personally. So far, that has been the case (as it should be).
I am not only a ranking member of The American Board of Certified master Haircolorists, I’m also an exam evaluator and educator for the organization as well, and have been for a number of years. I am one of only 19 examiners nation-wide for the ABCH organization, and the only educator that teaches about non-toxic and ammonia-free hair coloring. In addition to graduating from cosmotology school, I also have college degrees in Business Management and Accounting. I am internationally trained, was part of Inter Coiffure, a Broadway stylist on the hit show “42nd Street”, and certified by many companies way too numerous to mention here, but the likes of Deva, Curlisto, and OCS. I teach nation-wide, including at shows like Premiere Orlando in 2013, and The ABCH Energizing Summit in 2011 & 2012. I’m also teaching several classes, including hands-on workshops, at the upcoming ISSE show in Long Beach, California, this coming January 2014. In addition to all of that, I still spend about 50-60 hours a week, every week, behind-the-chair doing hair color in my salon in Naples, Florida. I have worked with many, many hair color lines on the market, both ammonia and non-ammonia based. That is my simplified, basic bio. I would highly encourage you to follow me on Twitter, as I post there quite frequently and post a lot of things that I don’t post here…things that happen in my normal day of hair coloring. My Twitter handle is @RawHairOrganics (Melanie Nickels). I DO NOT SELL HAIR COLOR.
I do NOT work for, nor do I own or represent a hair color company. I am NOT compensated in ANY way by ANY hair color company. When I review a hair color line, I purchase the product WITH MY OWN MONEY. I do not receive free product from manufacturers, as I feel this creates an inherent bias right from the start.
The company was founded by Dean Christal. Olaplex, in it’s current form, was created almost by accident. According to Mr. Christal, “I was working with a group of chemists for three years trying to develop a UV activated silicone that would stay in the hair for up to 25 washes”. They couldn’t quite get it to work right. One of the chemists that was working on the project referred Dean to Dr. Craig Hawker, who introduced him to Dr. Eric Pressly. These two Phd’s were working on ways to stop organs in human transplants from being rejected by the body. They had nothing to do with the hair industry whatsoever. Together, over the course of only about 24 hours, they created the first batch of Olaplex. It was just that quick.
Speaking of high lift blonds, if there is one area that this color line is a bit weak, it is this. Because there is no ammonia and it does not contain double the MEA for these, you will only get 3 levels of lift. You can add 1/2 scoop to your formula to give extra boost and/or Concentrates for toning, but I personally don’t care to do that.
Quick List of Non-toxic Hair Dyes Made with Natural & Organic Ingredients
If you’re looking for a quick shopping list of less toxic dyes to cover up your grey hairs, here you go! If you’d like to further your knowledge on ingredients and learn more in depth about why we’re recommending these brands, read on!
Some may feel that dyeing their gray hair is a way to look younger, while others want to avoid the hassle of regularly touching up their roots.
Whatever your reasons for wanting to dye your grey hair, there are both natural and conventional dyes available.
It’s important to find out which option works best for you and understand the risks associated with each. With the right information, you can make an informed decision about the best way to dye your hair.
If you’ve ever dyed your hair, you’re likely familiar with the noxious smell that accompanies the process – whether you’re doing it alone or having a professional do it for you. It doesn’t take much guesswork to realize that those fumes indicate the presence of chemicals.
This sustainable shopping guide will help you learn about the potentially toxic ingredients in traditional hair dyes, further your knowledge on reading hair dye labels, and introduce you to some cleaner hair dye brands focused on botanical ingredients for covering up those gray hairs.
Is “BOX DYE” hair color as terrible as hairstylists make out?! (hairstylist shop up)
FAQ
What is the healthiest brand of hair dye?
Which hair dye is best?
L’Oréal makes some of the most affordable hair dyes in both the professional and drugstore categories. Available in an impressive 60 shades, the brand’s Majirel line promises true-to-tone color, high-lift lightening, and long-lasting coverage.
Where can I get a professional hair color?
For professional grade solutions, look to L’Oreal’s Color and Co: the brand offers personalized color services including instructional hair color videos. Alternatively, should you know your hair hue, dpHue’s root kit is a seamless option. The sulfate-free product comes in seven colors and can cover up to one inch of gray hair.
What is the Best Drugstore hair dye?
Overall, our favorite drugstore hair dye is Clairol Natural Instincts. We love how the gentle, ammonia-free formula works in just 10 minutes and lasts up to 28 shampoos. Prefer a permanent color? You can’t go wrong with Garnier Olia Brilliant Color .
Are organic hair dyes safe?
While truly “organic” hair dyes don’t exist, you can buy safer, non-toxic hair color that lasts. We’ve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.