Is "Au Naturale" really "ALL THAT?"
Take 2 and clear the confusion, propoganda, brainwash marketing.
Get the truth around "natural, organic and ammonia free color."
Read our most frequently asked questions and gain insight on what ingredients are safe and unsafe and why it truly does matter both for hair health and your inner beauty biology.
COMMON HAIR COLOR QUESTIONS
Unsure or confused by what hair color ingredients are safe and unsafe and how they damage your hair?
In TWO PARTS
1.
The most common questions and HOW our signature hair benefits you- for the better.
2.
Does "Organic Hair Color" exist?
Clear the confusion when it comes to organic greenwashing.
How does Beauty Ecology's hair color work?
When we apply the color mixture to your hair, the alkalinity in the color opens the cuticle layer on your hair surface, and the dye pigments enter into your hair cortex. The alkalinity is also a reactive agent for the oxidation of the dye molecules while the developer provides the oxygenation. Once the dye pigments are oxidized, they expand and fuse with your natural hair structure, and the bond formed is permanent.
How is your ammonia-free formula different from other brands?
While there may be more ammonia-free products, they may contain other harmful ingredients. Our formula uses the finest dye pigments in an ammonia-free and low alkalinity conditioning solution. Our goal is to keep your hair as healthy as possible. In addition to being ammonia-free, our formula is also free of PPD, resorcinol, gluten, phthalates, and chemical preservatives.
What is an alkaline agent and what does it do?
Alkalinity and acidity are measured by pH levels. A pH of 7 is neutral, and an alkaline agent has a pH balance above 7. In hair color formulas, alkaline agents are used to open your hair’s cuticle. Ammonia is the alkaline agent in color formulations.
Will I get complete coverage with your formula?
YES! 100% full coverage every time - including stubborn gray coverage!
Is bleach used? Can you do you do highlights without using bleach?
With our formula’s ability to lighten up to five levels, we can replace bleach in over 95% of cases. We can lighten the whole or partial head for highlights, and the enlightener system is fortified with keratin. We’ll use the Vivabond Complex to strengthen and hydrate your hair after high lift applications. Keep in mind that there are some desired results that only bleach can achieve, so we still use “bleach” in some situations.
Is your hair color safe for my allergies?
Fortunately, by removing the compound PPD and other harsh ingredients, our color formula is safe if you have chemical sensitivities or allergic reactions. If you are highly sensitive and still concerned, we can do a 48-hour patch test to ensure the color is safe for you to use.
What is an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction is your body’s response to either a harmful or harmless substance. If your body becomes sensitized to a substance, it can become an allergen. Always listen to your body and stop if something doesn’t feel right. You can become sensitized to substances over time, too.
Why are some people allergic to hair color?
Allergens can get into your body topically, like hair color. We’re not totally sure why some people react to things that other people don’t. Studies show that an abundance of internal stressors crosslink and cause an allergic response when a combination of toxins and chemicals get built up in your system.
Is this color formula Gluten Free?
Yes! In addition to being gluten-free, our formula is also free of dyes, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, neurotoxins, aluminum compounds, formaldehyde donors, propylene glycol, DEA, and carcinogens.
Will coloring my hair damage it?
It’s true that your hair can be damaged by using hair color products that are high in ammonia and MEA and contain few conditioning ingredients. Ammonia can weaken your hair and strip the outer layer of each shaft. Many color formulas are now “ammonia free”. Our color formula has conditioning and the proprietary reparative complex, VivaBond, added in so we ensure your hair is healthier after the service than it was before.
I’m just starting to go gray. Is there a way to blend the gray into my natural color?
Yes! We have many strategic ways of coloring and foiling to help you in the transition for blending away gray for beautiful and natural looking results.
You say you have plant enzyme developers versus peroxide? What does this mean?
We prefer plant enzyme developers because they are a gentler and safer alternative to regular peroxide products. Hydrogen peroxide has been used in hair color for a long time as the reactant agent that delivers the tones into your hair cuticle. Now, we can use plant enzyme developers to naturally accelerate chemical reactions to cut your hair color process time in half. The enzymes nourish, heal, and protect your scalp and hair, so you’ll leave us with soft, shiny, manageable, and luxurious hair.
Our mission at Beauty Ecology has always been to create formulations that are both gentle and effective—removing harsh chemicals and introducing natural elements that preserve the integrity of the hair and scalp. Anti-aging at it’s best!
I love my natural hair color. Can you make my natural hair color shinier?
If you’re looking to enhance your natural hair color, we can glaze your hair with a clear gloss to make your hair shinier. We also recommend our restorative hair mask by evoqbeauty to add health and moisture to your locks. We believe in getting to the “root” of the issue.
Is your hair color organic?
No, there is no such thing as organic permanent hair color on the market today. No professional hair color company currently has that certification, even if they put the word ORGANIC in the name of their company or the name of their brand, it is not considered *Organic.
Is your color safe for pregnant women?
YES (but we advise you speak with your Momma Doctor).
Many women are professionally referred to Beauty Ecology when they become pregnant, seeking to avoid the toxicity and fumes of commonly used chemicals.
Our toxin-free hair color has no hidden substitutes and our Evoq Professional line of products let you look naturally radiant during pregnancy and feel fully confident that you’ve chosen the safest path for you and your baby.
With that being said.... let's uncover the MOST COMMON "ORGANIC COLOR" CLAIMS.
Read on, darling.
Organic Hair Color Exposed
ORGANIC HAIR COLOR FAQ
USDA Standards on Organic Products
In the United States, organic products are certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), but they are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While the FDA regulates the products, they do not define or regulate the term “organic.”
Straight from the USDA ..
FDA does not define or regulate the term “organic,” as it applies to cosmetics, body care or personal care products.
USDA regulates the term “organic” as it applies to agricultural products.
As a hair stylist and formulator that focuses on the integrity of both health and performance, I get miffed when I see women buy into (get jipped) on deliberate misrepresentation and safety of beauty products.
Let’s spin the salon chair and clear the toxic fumes as we get the skinny on”organic” hair color.
First, we learn the industry terms.
100% Organic
THis is the highest standard when the USDA Organic Logo is displayed on the front label.
Organic
Product labels can say “Organic” on the front of the label if they meet the standard of having at least 95% organically produced ingredients (excluding salt and water). The other 5% of ingredients must be approved on a national level.
Made with Organic Ingredients
Contain at least 70% organic ingredients, and they must list three organic ingredients on the front label.
Less than 70 % of “organic ingredients” restricts the use of “organic” on the front of the label or bottle or claim to be organic.
ZERO! There’s NO hair color produced in the world to meet organic labeling standards.
Get the “tricks of the trade” (aka .. LOOPHOLES that dupe you!)
What to look for.
What color companies may claim and tactics to be aware of!
· Use of company name and “organic” with no trace of certification.
· The products been around longer than the organic standard regulations.
· Claims that they have stronger certifications from other countries that give them an “organic” status.
Next up?
The EU! Food but NOT beauty.
European Standards (They Are Actually Lower Than US Standards)
Yikes girl, Europe doesn’t have a governmental standard for what is considered an “organic” cosmetic product. EU companies claim “organic,” but through a private entities like The Soil Association.
Strict EU laws ensure food product labeled organic meets legal standards and is independently certified by a recognized body. BUT BUT BUT….there’s no EU regulations concerning the labeling of organic or natural beauty products.
All - Natural and Organic Flower Power (or a hot mess)
Henna, Indigo and Tea-based Hair Color
Natural, but messy and hard to get consistent results.
Henna can be too dark or pull too orange and can be hard to replicate for future touch ups.
Its NOT all about “ORGANIC.”
The rapid rise of Allergy Concerns … Let’s ponder.
Perfect Storm! Allergens caused by hair color components are increased with the overlap of modern day toxin overload and stress.
At BE, we take each element of applying color and micro-focus on your results AND for long term health.
Allergic? Itchy?
We add a scalp sensitivity concentrate to assure scalp comfort if sensitive and we suggest a patch test to make sure they don’t have a reaction.
If you'd like to see studies about prolonged exposure, check out this hair color research done by the National Cancer Center.
You’re all set - informed and more BRILLIANT!
Here’s a couple cliff notes.
There is no such thing as organic hair color.
Look for the toxic trio: PPD/Ammonia/Resorcinol Free - but beware of their silent toxic substitutes.
Look at all the information in its entirety.
Consider the source and any bias that they may have.
Unsure about what the best type of hair color is for you?
Confused by what ingredients are safe and unsafe?
Make an informed decision by reading through these frequently asked color questions.
How does the color work?
The alkalinity in the color opens the cuticle layer on your hair surface, and the dye pigments enter into your hair cortex.
The alkalinity is also a reactive agent for the oxidation of the dye molecules while the developer provides the oxygenation.
Once the dye pigments are oxidized, they expand and fuse with your natural hair structure, and the bond formed is permanent.
How’s your ammonia-free formula different from other brands?
The color industry’s gotten smarter and “Ammonia-free color” is not unique anymore.
Our formula uses the finest dye pigments in an ammonia free gentle alkalinity conditioning solution.
Our goal is to keep your hair as healthy as possible. In addition to being ammonia-free, our formula is also free of PPD, resorcinol, gluten, phthalates, and chemical preservatives.
Will I get complete grey coverage with your formula?
YES! The reparative ingredients also begin to restore the texture and health of the hair (shiney shiney).
Can you do you do highlights without using bleach?
YES YES.
We can safely lighten up to five levels, and can replace bleach in over 95% of cases.
Do you use Bleach?
NO. We have a better alternative for that!
We can lighten and brighten in a healthier, controlled way with our CLAY BASED ENLIGHTENER - versus bleach.
Does the “clay alternative to bleach” turn brassy?
We actually LOVE the clay due to its beige and none brassy effect which is contrary to bleach.
Is the color or clay less damaging?
YES + A SIGNATURE BONUS!
I’ve deployed our Forces of Nature signature Vivabond Complex to strengthen and protect your hair during your coloring process to mitigate the processing damage.
Does the color last?
YES! And … longer!
The integrity of the hair cuticle is nourished through the processing time, leaving your color with longer lasting dimension, shine and manageability.
Is your hair color safe for my allergies?
Fortunately, by removing the compound PPD and other harsh ingredients, our color formula is safe if you have chemical sensitivities or allergic reactions.
Is your color Gluten Free?
YOU BET! And no hiding substitutes!
Are you Sensitive?
If you are highly sensitive and still concerned, we can do a 48-hour patch test to ensure the color is safe for you to use.
What about an allergic reaction?
If your body becomes sensitized to a substance, it can become an allergen.This is common for women coloring often, or have a ‘perfect internal storm’ of stressors that causes a sudden symptom to hair color.
Studies show that an abundance of internal stressors crosslink and cause an allergic response when a combination of toxins and chemicals get built up in your system.
Is this color formula Gluten Free?
YES! In addition to being gluten-free, our formula is also free of dyes, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, neurotoxins, aluminum compounds, formaldehyde donors, propylene glycol, DEA, and carcinogens.
Will coloring my hair damage it?
Yup. Especially color that bursts the cuticle through high levels of ammonia and MEA.
Ammonia weakens your hair and strips the outer layer of each shaft.
We address it by adding our conditioning and the proprietary reparative complex (VivaBond) to ensure your hair integrity is kept.
I’m just starting to go gray. Is there a way to blend the gray into my natural color?
Yes! We have many strategic ways of coloring and foiling to help you in the transition for blending away gray for beautiful and natural looking results.
You say you have plant enzyme developers versus peroxide? What does this mean?
Our Marine Enzyme Developers are gentler and safer than peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is the reactant agent that delivers the color into your hair cuticle.
Happy Hair! Feel the Difference over time!
Enzymes nourish, heal, and protect your scalp and hair, so you’ll leave us with soft, shiny, manageable, and luxurious hair.
What is in your “Clay” that makes it a better solution to lifing hair brighter?
Glad you asked! Here are a few components.
Mineral Rich Clay Complex
Seaweed: like a protein + mineral rich shake for your hair, it infuses hair with health, strength and vitality
Argan Oil: imparts softness with added moisture
Safflower Seed Oil: calms and soothes the scalp while strengthening hair follicles
Amino Acids: to protect, repair and re-strengthen cuticle
Guar: protects, calms, conditions and restructures the hair
Can you make my natural hair color shinier?
We recommend our EVOQ Beauty Restorative Mask to instantly repair and moisturize.
Is your hair color organic?
No, there is no such thing as organic permanent hair color on the market today.
Thanks for connecting on another Spin the Chair Hair-apy Session!
Our mission @BE is to create formulations that are both gentle and effective—removing harsh chemicals and introducing natural elements that preserve the integrity of the hair and scalp.
Anti-aging at it’s best!