About Ammonia-Free Hair Dye

1. "Ammonia-Free" Doesn't Actually Mean "Chemical-Free"

A permanent hair dye requires a chemical reaction to work. In this process, an alkaline agent like ammonia "opens the door" by swelling the outer layer of the hair. This allows color pigments to penetrate the hair shaft and permanently change the color. Formulas labeled "ammonia-free" don't change this basic chemical rule; they simply use a different alkaline chemical to do the same job as ammonia.

2. The Hidden Advantage of Ammonia: Its Volatility

Ammonia is known for its pungent smell, which is often seen as a disadvantage. However, a chemical property behind this smell is actually one of ammonia's greatest advantages: volatility. During the dyeing process, ammonia slowly evaporates. This evaporation keeps the chemical process under control and completely disappears without leaving any residue on the hair when the process is complete. 3. The Persistent Residue Left Behind by "Ammonia-Free" Dyes

The most common alternative to ammonia in "ammonia-free" formulas is Monoethanolamine, or MEA for short. The biggest marketing advantage of MEA is that it is odorless. However, the most important difference is that it does not evaporate like ammonia and tends to remain in the hair.

Why is this residue a problem? This alkalinity remaining in the hair disrupts the hair's natural pH balance. To correct this and restore the hair to its former balance, hair treated with MEA-based dyes usually needs to be washed with special "acid-regulating" shampoos. "So, 'ammonia-free' doesn't always mean... 'residue-free'."

About Ammonia-Free Hair Dye