“The Box”. That’s what salon people call the hair dye products that people like me use at home. I’m a bit embarrassed to admit to my hair stylist that I use “The Box” instead of getting my hair colored at the salon. But for completely unglamorous reasons like money and time (those salon appointments take hours!), that’s typically what I do.
Messy dye, smelly fumes and the knowledge that conventional hair dye is a cocktail of toxic chemicals makes me wish I could skip the whole process completely but given my vanity (I’ve still got a kid in elementary school – I can’t go grey!), I’m stuck going through the process every couple of months or so.
Thankfully, Tints of Nature makes a permanent home hair color that is much safer than conventional boxed hair dye. Somehow they found a way to make an effective hair color using a high percentage of natural and organic ingredients, while leaving out most of the nasty chemicals.
Eco Strengths
- Free from known toxins like resorcinol, nonoxynol, ammonia and parabens.
- Uses the lowest level of PPDs (phenylenediamines) that still penetrate the hair cuticle to permanently color the hair.
- Contains up to 60% organic ingredients certified by ECOCERT and the Soil Association.
- Includes natural ingredients like chamomile, comfrey and aloe vera help soothe and moisturize hair and scalp.
- Package comes with pre-treatment clairifying shampoo to prep hair and after treatment shampoo and conditioner to prevent color fade (and make your color last longer!)
Second Thoughts
PPD or phenylenediamine is rated as a high hazard on the Skin Deep cosmetics database, due to immune system and skin toxicity and a potential link to cancer. Most hair dye products contain PPDs because it is the only way to get color to permanently penetrate the hair shaft.
Recommendations
When I use Tints of Nature, I know that I’m getting one of the safest, permanent hair colors available that still does the job. It’s one of those areas where I am willing to make a trade-off. Knowing that the majority of my beauty routine is chemical-free helps me to feel OK about making this choice.
If you would prefer to skip “The Box” and let someone else do the dirty work, look for salons that use Organic Color Systems – it’s from the same company that makes Tints of Nature.
If you would rather avoid PPD altogether, take note that later this Fall Tints of Nature is coming out with a line of semi-permanent hair color that is PPD-free. I am looking forward to trying it!
Another option is henna, a natural, plant-based hair color. I’ve tried it and personally, I’m not a fan of the mess or the barnyard scent. However, Lori from Groovy Green Livin is a henna fan and did a great review of a few popular henna brands.
Are you concerned about chemicals in your hair dye? Do you have a hangup about using “The Box” instead of going to the salon?
(Full Disclosure: I was sent a free sample of Tints of Nature in exchange for my honest opinion.)
Mauri says
I just bought my first box of Henna….now I am a little scared to try it, lol! Good to know there are other options available.
Micaela says
Mauri – let me know what you think of the henna. It takes some getting used to but some people swear by it!
[email protected] eco friendly homemaking says
I am so glad to know about this company. I am excited to go to Whole Foods and give it a try!
Lori Popkewitz Alper says
You really summed up henna-very messy and smelly! I have been using it for a while and I still laugh each time. My bathroom looks like a war zone after I’m done. I’m still a fan. There’s NOTHING harmful or toxic in henna if you are careful and buy the pure stuff. My only concern: I don’t think it’s covering the gray as well as it used to. I don’t have a lot, but I want it covered. I might have to take it up a notch and try Tints of Nature.
Micaela says
Lori – I'm glad you're laughing instead of crying! If only there was an easier way to cover our stubborn grey hair. 🙂
Kevin Adams says
I also have tried henna to cover my grey hair and I found out that it only lasts in 2-3 weeks. So, I still need to buy a new henna after the said effectivity. My son used to personally put the henna to my head. One thing I also don’t like about it is because of its smell. Maybe sometime soon I will try Tints of Nature, for me to compare its effectiveness to henna.
Kevin Adams says
I also have tried henna to cover my grey hair and I found out that it only lasts in 2-3 weeks. So, I still need to buy a new henna after the said effectivity. My son used to personally put the henna to my head. One thing I also don’t like about it is because of its smell. Maybe sometime soon I will try Tints of Nature, for me to compare its effectiveness to henna.
Kevin Adams says
I also have tried henna to cover my grey hair and I found out that it only lasts in 2-3 weeks. So, I still need to buy a new henna after the said effectivity. My son used to personally put the henna to my head. One thing I also don’t like about it is because of its smell. Maybe sometime soon I will try Tints of Nature, for me to compare its effectiveness to henna.
Kevin Adams says
I also have tried henna to cover my grey hair and I found out that it only lasts in 2-3 weeks. So, I still need to buy a new henna after the said effectivity. My son used to personally put the henna to my head. One thing I also don’t like about it is because of its smell. Maybe sometime soon I will try Tints of Nature, for me to compare its effectiveness to henna.
Kevin Adams says
I also have tried henna to cover my grey hair and I found out that it only lasts in 2-3 weeks. So, I still need to buy a new henna after the said effectivity. My son used to personally put the henna to my head. One thing I also don’t like about it is because of its smell. Maybe sometime soon I will try Tints of Nature, for me to compare its effectiveness to henna.
Kevin Adams says
I also have tried henna to cover my grey hair and I found out that it only lasts in 2-3 weeks. So, I still need to buy a new henna after the said effectivity. My son used to personally put the henna to my head. One thing I also don’t like about it is because of its smell. Maybe sometime soon I will try Tints of Nature, for me to compare its effectiveness to henna.
Kevin Adams says
I also have tried henna to cover my grey hair and I found out that it only lasts in 2-3 weeks. So, I still need to buy a new henna after the said effectivity. My son used to personally put the henna to my head. One thing I also don’t like about it is because of its smell. Maybe sometime soon I will try Tints of Nature, for me to compare its effectiveness to henna.
Kevin Adams says
I also have tried henna to cover my grey hair and I found out that it only lasts in 2-3 weeks. So, I still need to buy a new henna after the said effectivity. My son used to personally put the henna to my head. One thing I also don’t like about it is because of its smell. Maybe sometime soon I will try Tints of Nature, for me to compare its effectiveness to henna.
N.Sorensen says
Tints of Nature is a very good Product for my hair, but there is one thing I dont like about it – the bottle is made of hard plastic and I have to use all my strength to press the dye out of the bottle.