In Britain we spend £800m a year on haircare products, £120m on dyes and £65m on extensions. Sun kissed highlights and glossy hair hair comes at a price, both environmental and health wise. The cocktail of synthetic chemicals included in most high street hair dyes is something that many are keen to avoid and luckily those choices are out there.

Which nasties are found in most high street hair dyes?

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) – found in more than two-thirds of hair dyes because it covers up grey.  PPD can trigger allergic reactions.  Half of British hairdressers are now suffering from a form of dermatitis, and salon chemical exposure is linked to bladder cancer, the smell alone should serve as a good warning.   PPD adds colour to hair but are also severe skin irritants and in rare cases can provoke extreme reactions.

Ammonia – is a bleaching agent used to de-colour hair, used even in small amounts can cause burns or skin rashes.  Ammonia requires a product warning.

Resorcinol - helps to fix colour in the hair.  It can cause ulcers, skin rashes & swelling.  It also requires a product warning.

Peroxide - is used to lighten hair by breaking down melanin in the hair shaft.  Peroxide can also cause severe allergic reactions.

Parabens - people are now increasingly aware of how and where they are exposed to parabens and their hormone affecting nature.  Many are now choosing to keep this exposure to a minimum.

Luckily there are now many eco alternative brands that promise shiny, healthy hair without the chemicals.   Look out for natural hair dyes which include some of the nourishing ingredients below:

Soy – a pulse rich in essential fatty acids, proteins and minerals, (zinc, iron and calcium).  The principle role when used in hair dyes is to form a protective film over the scalp and reduce irritation

Oats – cereals are known for their skin nourishing qualities, they are made up from proteins, fats, minerals, amino acids and vitamins.  The linoleic acts as a barrier on the skin.

Corn – provides rich nourishment in the form of vitamins, vegetable oil and minerals.  It helps with the healthy formation of hair and benefits the skin because of the anti oxidants it includes.

Wheat – contains essential amino acid, minerals and vitamins B & C.  Wheatgerm oil mosturises, stimulates and strengthens the hair and the vitamin E helps delay aging.

Coconut Oil - extract of coconut oil softens the hair it also contains minerals such as magnesium, potassium and calcium.

Here are the alternatives?

Aubrey – Aubreys Colour Me Natural Hair Dye range claims to be 100% natural.  It is a permanent hair colour that covers gray, enhances your own color and improves the condition of your hair every time you use it. Contains NO phenylenediamine, NO coal tar dyes, NO synthetic chemicals of any kind.

Daniel Field – Organic and Natural Colours contain no peroxide, no ammonia, no parabens and no fumes but will create long lasting rich colour but promises 100% grey coverage.

Naturtint - A great range of certified organic permanent hair dyes using vegetable ingredients.  They are leading alternative hair colour in the UK health market and fastest growing colorant in Spain.  With no ammonia, parabens or resorcinol and enriched with Soya, Corn, Coconut and Wheat Extracts.

To read about the ethics of hair extensions click here.