With more people looking for natural and organic hair care products, there has been an influx of natural hair dye brands on the market. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming trying to determine which are truly the best quality and most effective. This article will break down the top natural hair dye brands, examining their ingredients, results, and reviews to help you decide which is right for you.
What to Look for in Natural Hair Dyes
When evaluating natural hair dyes, here are some key factors to consider:
- Ingredients – You want dyes made with natural, plant-based ingredients like herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid harmful chemicals like ammonia, peroxide, PPD, and phthalates.
- Gray coverage – If you’re looking to cover grays, pay attention to reviews on how well the dye actually conceals gray hair.
- Color options – Some brands offer more natural shade options than others.
- Longevity – Natural dyes tend to fade faster, so look for ones that offer the most long-lasting color.
- Damage – Make sure the dye doesn’t dry out or damage hair.
Top 6 Natural Hair Dye Brands
1. Madison Reed
Madison Reed is widely considered one of the top natural hair dye brands available today. Their dyes are made with ingredients like argan oil, keratin, and ginseng root extract to condition hair while coloring. They offer a wide range of multi-tonal, salon-quality shades from light blonde to black. The colors last between 4-6 weeks and provide excellent gray coverage. Madison Reed is free of ammonia, PPD, parabens, phthalates, and gluten.
Pros:
- Uses natural, nourishing ingredients
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Offers many high-quality color options
- Provides excellent gray coverage
- Long-lasting color
Cons:
- More expensive than some other natural brands
- Color selection leans warm
2. Naturtint
Naturtint uses natural and organic ingredients sourced from across the globe to create their hair dyes. Some key ingredients include meadowfoam seed oil, castor oil, and argan oil. They have a wide array of colors to choose from, ranging from light to darker shades. Their gray coverage is excellent and the colors last between 5-6 weeks. Naturtint is PPD, ammonia, resorcinol, paraben, phthalate and gluten free.
Pros:
- Uses organic, natural ingredients
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Provides great gray coverage
- Long-lasting color
- Broad range of colors
Cons:
- Can have strong odor
- More limited color selection for lighter blondes
3. Herbatint
Herbatint offers permanent hair dye made with natural botanicals and herbs. Some of their top ingredients include aloe vera, citrus peel, rhubarb root, and sage leaf extract. The colors have a sheer finish that looks subtle and natural. Herbatint covers gray hair efficiently and the colors typically last between 4-5 weeks. They are free of ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, phthalates, and gluten.
Pros:
- Uses natural herbs and botanicals
- Sheer, natural-looking colors
- Provides good gray coverage
- No harsh chemicals
Cons:
- Color selection is more limited
- Results vary for lighter shades
4. Logona Herbal Hair Color Cream
Logona is a natural hair dye made in Germany using certified organic ingredients and plant extracts. Some ingredients include walnut shells, rhubarb root, sea buckthorn, and henna. They offer permanent rich cream hair colors ranging from light to dark intensities. Logona provides complete gray coverage and colors last around 5 weeks. The dyes are vegan, gluten-free, and never tested on animals.
Pros:
- Uses organic, plant-based formula
- Covers all gray hair
- Long-lasting results
- Cruelty-free and vegan
Cons:
- Limited lighter shades
- Can have strong herbal smell
5. Light Mountain Natural Hair Color
Light Mountain offers permanent and semi-permanent natural hair dyes made from pure plant ingredients. Some of their main ingredients are henna, indigo, and cassia. Their dye kits come in a range of shades from reds and browns to dark blondes. Light Mountain also has an option just for covering grays. The semi-permanent colors last around 4-6 weeks. They are gluten-free and completely chemical free.
Pros:
- Pure plant-based formulas
- No chemicals whatsoever
- Organic henna dyes hair and conditions
- Color lasts 4-6 weeks
Cons:
- Messy to apply
- Doesn’t offer light blonde shades
- Longer development time
6. Saach Organics
Saach Organics hair dyes use nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and jojoba oil to condition hair as it colors. The formula is non-drip for easy application. They offer a wide range of permanent, long-lasting colors from natural black to light blonde. Saach Organics covers gray hair well and their products are always cruelty-free. They are free of PPD, toxins, ammonia, and pthalates.
Pros:
- Uses natural oils and botanicals
- Conditions hair
- Good gray coverage
- Long-lasting color
- No harsh chemicals
Cons:
- More limited blonde shade options
- Can have strong smell
How to Choose the Best Natural Hair Dye
When deciding which natural hair dye brand is right for you, start by considering your hair color. Knowing whether you want to go lighter, darker, or just enhance your natural shade will help narrow down the options.
Next, think about your hair goals – are you looking to fully cover grays or just blend them? Does damage from chemical dyes have you wanting a nourishing formula? These factors will influence what dye characteristics matter most to you.
Your hair type is important too. Curly, thick, or dry hair may benefit most from conditioning dyes. Read reviews to see what works best for locks like yours. Finally, reflect on your lifestyle. Frequent swimmers or exercisers may prefer longer-lasting semi-permanent dyes.
Here is a quick reference table summarizing some of the key differences between popular natural hair dye brands:
| Brand | Key Ingredients | Lasting Power | Color Selection | Gray Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison Reed | Argan oil, keratin, ginseng | 4-6 weeks | Wide range | Excellent |
| Naturtint | Meadowfoam, castor oil, argan oil | 5-6 weeks | Broad range | Excellent |
| Herbatint | Aloe vera, citrus, rhubarb root | 4-5 weeks | Limited | Good |
| Logona | Henna, walnut shells, sea buckthorn | About 5 weeks | Limited lighter shades | Excellent |
| Light Mountain | Henna, indigo, cassia | 4-6 weeks | Mainly reds/browns | Good |
| Saach Organics | Aloe, coconut oil, jojoba oil | Long-lasting | Limited blondes | Good |
Tips for Using Natural Hair Dye
When working with natural hair dyes, keep these tips in mind for best results:
- Do an allergy test. Apply a small amount of dye to your inner elbow area 1-2 days before full application.
- Protect surfaces and skin. Cover furniture, counters, and skin around hairline to avoid stains.
- Wear gloves. The dyes can stain your hands, so wear protective gloves during application.
- Section your hair. Work in manageable sections for the most even coverage.
- Use an applicator brush. This allows you to saturate every strand down to the roots.
- Rinse thoroughly. Follow the brand’s instructions for rinsing to remove excess dye.
- Gently wash. Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo to extend your color.
- Apply conditioner. Natural dyes can dry hair so use a hydrating conditioner.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a natural way to color your hair, there are many excellent brands to explore. Based on reputation, results, and reviews – Madison Reed, Naturtint, and Logona consistently rise to the top for providing professional quality, long-lasting colors made with nourishing plant ingredients. Ultimately the “best” natural dye comes down to your specific hair color goals, hair type, and lifestyle. With a bit of consideration for these factors and armed with the information above, you should have no trouble selecting a natural hair dye brand that will bring out your beautiful, healthy locks.