These natural and vegan hair dye alternatives are readily available nowadays. Ammonia-free hair colors cause less damage to your hair even after coloring. Though ammonia-based colors are still widely used, the popularity of ammonia-free hair colors has also risen over the years. They are less  harmful on your hair than ordinary hair color. In this post, we will go through some of the best ammonia-free hair dyes that are a better and healthier option for your hair. Let’s take a look at the list!

What Is Ammonia-free Hair Dye

Ammonia-free hair colors are hair dyes that do not use ammonia. Instead of ammonia, they incorporate other chemicals and natural ingredients. These hair dyes are less harmful to the hair. Ammonia-free hair dyes do not cause the hair follicles to lose moisture and protein. Furthermore, they are also gentle on the hair and skin. If you want to color your hair without worrying about your hair getting damaged, no-ammonia hair color is what you should use. Here’s our guide for the best ammonia-free hair dyes of 2021 in the market.

Top 11 Best Ammonia-free Hair Dyes – Reviews And Guide Of 2021

1. Best Gray Coverage:Revlon Colorsilk Ammonia-free Hair Color

This hair color by Revlon is one of the best when it comes to ammonia-free hair dyes. The box contains the cream color developer, ammonia-free colorant, and an after-color conditioner. The company’s 3D Color Gel Technology not only ensures complete coverage but also natural-looking hair. This Colorsilk hair dye enriches your hair while making it look fabulously attractive. This hair color is available in shades of black, brown, red, and blonde. To get a better understanding of the product, you can check out this video on YouTube. Pros

Long-lasting 100% gray coverage Available in many colors Enriched with keratin and silk amino acid

Cons

The Para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) may cause allergic reactions.

2. Best For Shiny Hair:Garnier Olia Ammonia-free Brilliant Color

This Garnier Olia hair color incorporates a 60% oil blend to give your hair the nourishment and radiance it needs. This long-lasting ammonia-free color is easy to apply and makes hair silky and up to 3 times shinier. So, how has Garnier managed to accomplish this? Well, a new formula with flower oils is the secret behind its success. The kit includes a cream developer, colorant, after-color conditioner, gloves, and an insert. You will certainly not run out of color options as there are 34 shades to choose from. Check out the review of this product for more information. Pros

Has a pleasant fragrance Makes hair silky and 3x shinier Uses natural flower oils Moisturizes tough and dull hair

Cons

May not be long-lasting

3. Best Long-Lasting Results:Naturtint Ammonia-free 3N Permanent Hair Color Gel

This vegan and no-ammonia hair color is enriched with natural plant and seed oils. It is a blend of olive oleic acid, meadowfoam seed oil, quinoa, organic shea butter, and baobab proteins. The culmination of these ingredients results in better moisturized, shiny, and damage-free hair. Naturtint claims that its hair color has been dermatologically tested to provide the best results. This product is bundled with a natural colorant, color developer, multi-care mask, protective gloves, and an instructional leaflet. This hair dye is available for purchase in 32 different color shades. If healthy, strong, and well-colored hair is what you want, this is the best ammonia free hair dye for you. Pros

Long-lasting Completely vegan 100% gray coverage Available in numerous colors Enriched with 99% natural ingredients

Cons

May cause skin irritation for some

4. Best For All Hair Types:Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-permanent Color

The absence of ammonia and parabens makes this hair color a healthy choice for your hair. This hair dye contains coconut oil and aloe vera that form a perfect blend for rich and thick hair. Like most other hair dye kits, this too does not come with an applicator or gloves. Inside the kit are the bare bone essentials, consisting of the color enhancing cream, color activator, and after-color conditioner. Pros

Makes hair radiant and shiny Can be used for all hair types Made from 80% naturally derived ingredients Gentle hair color reduces the chances of allergies

Cons

May not be long-lasting

5. Best Silicone-Free:Schwarzkopf Simply Color No-ammonia Hair Dye

This Schwarzkopf product is truly a color without compromise. Not only is the mixture free of ammonia, but it is also made without the use of ethanol alcohol. Included in the box are the color cream, conditioner, applicator bottle, gloves, and an instructional leaflet. This formula has been tested and proven to be gentle on the scalp. This Simply Color concoction includes botanical oat milk, soy protein, and argan oil to ensure rich and healthy hair. If you want to know more about the benefits of this product, check out this quick review on YouTube. Pros

Long-lasting Does not irritate the skin Does not contain silicone or ethanol alcohol Sustainable packaging

Cons

It contains PPD and may cause allergic reactions.

6. Best For Quick Results:Just 5 Permanent Hair Color

Why only color your hair when you can moisturize it at the same time? Thanks to this Just 5 Permanent Hair Color, you can now add color to your hair without having to sacrifice hair quality. This formula is specially crafted to enrich and revitalize your hair, making it strong and fabulous. The kit includes the color, developer lotion, and enriched conditioner to give your hair the gloss and beauty it deserves. Pros

100% gray coverage Protects hair from dryness Quick process of 5 minutes 5 super-rich after-conditioners

Cons

Contains ingredients that may cause skin irritation

7. Best Organic:ONC NaturalColors Organic Hair Dye

If natural beauty and color are what you’re looking for, look no further. This ammonia free professional hair color is perfect for you and has earned its position on our list of the best ammonia-free hair dyes. The absence of harsh chemicals allows your hair to breathe, grow, and become softer. The organic ingredients, coupled together with an easy and revolutionary application, make it one of the best ammonia-free hair colors. The company has included everything you need in the box. Its contents include the color gel, colorfix, shampoo, conditioner, plastic gloves, bonnet, and an instruction leaflet. Pros

Organic Cruelty-free A vegan product Provides 100% coverage Long-lasting color

Cons

May cause skin irritation

8. Best Odorless:Herb Speedy PPD And Ammonia-free Color Cream

Have you ever been afraid of having an allergic reaction to hair color? If your answer is yes, then this Herb Speedy hair color is certainly for you. This anti-allergy hair color does not use PPD, a chemical known for causing allergic reactions. The herb extracts used in this naturally made coloring agent help prevent hair loss and promote rich and lustrous hair. The kit consists of the hair color, cream, and a brush-like applicator. Pros

Odorless Allergy-free hair dye Short coloring time Made from natural ingredients Protects hair from discoloration

Cons

May not be concentrated enough

9. Best For A Natural Look:L’Oreal Inoa No-ammonia Hair Color

This 1+1 mix may appear to be quite underwhelming when looking at it for the first time. However, looks are known to be deceiving. Don’t deny your hair the natural brown color it deserves. This Loreal no ammonia hair color formula designed to condition hair and give it a brilliant shine. The two tubes, coupled together, will work its magic on your hair and transform it into something you can feel proud of. Pros

Long-lasting Good gray hair coverage Even color from root to tip It seems to have a natural color.

Cons

Does not come with an applicator

10. Best With Herbal Ingredients:Nisha Herbal Quick Color

This product boasts of natural ingredients that are used to protect and condition your hair. This ammonia-free hair color can reveal the natural beauty of your hair in just 5 minutes. Since it is henna-based, it also nourishes your hair and makes it shine like never before. The sheer brilliance of it lies in its ability to be used for coloring your full hair as well as quick root touch-ups. This 60 g pack consists of 6 pieces, each of which is 10 g. Pros

Herbal ingredients Makes hair shine 100% gray coverage Quick coloring process

Cons

May lead to allergic reactions

11. Best Peroxide-Free:CoSaMo Love Your Color No-peroxide Hair Color

The uniqueness of this hair color no ammonia no peroxide, and PPD, unlike most other hair colors in the market. Thus, CoSaMo Love Your Color hair dye is highly unlikely to cause any damage to your hair. This no ammonia hair dye kit of 3 includes a conditioner that has been specially designed to nourish and revitalize your hair. Pros

No PPD No peroxide Made with natural ingredients Uses a revitalizer conditioner for stronger hair

Cons

The color may not last for very long.

When it comes to hair dyes, there are a lot of different options on the market. But if you’re looking for an ammonia-free option, you might be wondering where to start. We have listed some important points to keep in mind when shopping for ammonia-free hair dyes.

Things To Look For In An Ammonia-Free Hair Dye

Ingredients: Pay attention to the ingredients list. Ammonia-free hair dyes will typically use plant-based ingredients, such as botanical extracts or organic oils. These ingredients are gentler on the scalp and skin, and they can actually condition your hair as they color it.

It is also important to choose a product that is specifically labeled as being ammonia-free. Many products claim to be gentle or natural, but only a truly ammonia-free hair dye will be completely free of this harsh chemical.

Preference: Consider your own needs and preferences when choosing an ammonia-free hair dye. If you have very sensitive skin or scalp, look for a product that is designed for sensitive types. Otherwise, any good quality ammonia-free hair dye should work well for you. Also, some people prefer liquid formulas, while others find gels or creams to be more user-friendly. Longevity:Finally, it is worth considering whether you want a permanent or semi-permanent solution. Permanent ammonia-free hair dyes will offer the longest-lasting results, but they can be more expensive than semi-permanent options. Take into account the level of pigment you want in your hair. If you are looking for a subtle change, choose a semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye.

For a more dramatic change, go with a permanent dye. Semi-permanent dyes will typically last around 6 weeks before needing to be reapplied, making them a more budget-friendly choice. Using ammonia-free hair color just because someone told you to do so, isn’t reason enough. Here are some of the benefits and reasons to choose no-ammonia hair color products over ammonia-based ones.

Benefits Of Choosing Ammonia-free Hair Dye

1. It’s gentle on the scalp

One of the most common effects of using ammonia in hair color is itching or scratching sensation on the scalp. If you’ve felt this before, you’ve been using an ammonia-based hair dye. Technology has truly revolutionized this process and replaced the ammonia with other chemicals, resulting in ammonia-free hair dyes. Fortunately, ammonia-free hair colors are less harmful and are gentle on the hair and scalp. Nonetheless scalp irritation can occur on sensitive skin. Always do a test patch before using any chemicals that you haven’t use before.

2. Healthier hair

One of the main reasons to use ammonia-free hair colors is to eliminate the harmful effects that ammonia has on the hair. Ammonia hair dyes make your hair dry and rough. The loss of protein due to increased hair pH levels by ammonia is also commonly seen. You can safely bid farewell to this with ammonia-free hair colors. They make your hair healthier by revitalizing and nourishing it. To top it off, they also make your hair look shinier.

3. Does not cause sinus problems

The good thing about ammonia-free hair dyes is that they do not cause sinus issues during application. The smell released as a result of chemical reactions in ammonia-based hair dyes causes severe irritation to the nasal cavity. Thankfully, using an ammonia-free hair color doesn’t result in any such irritation.

4. Natural ingredients

Since no-ammonia hair colors do not resort to using ammonia, they adopt natural options as an alternative. Most use a blend of numerous oils and conditioning elements to replace ammonia. Together, this results in a safer and healthier hair coloring experience at home.

How To Best Apply Ammonia-free Hair Dye

Step 1: Perform a skin test at least 48 hours before applying the color to ensure that your skin is not allergic to it. Step 2: Squeeze out the colorant from the bottle into the developer bottle. Step 3: Make sure to shake the developer bottle well. Step 4: Use gloves and an applicator brush to apply the mixture evenly. To ensure the best results, apply the dye to dry and washed hair. Step 5: Keep the colorant on as per the instructions given on the box. Step 6: Last but not least, rinse your hair and use the conditioner provided with the hair dye.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a hair care enthusiast who loves to experiment with different hair colors. As coloring your hair frequently might be damaging, she prefers using ammonia-free hair color options, which are a safer alternative. Some of the products mentioned in the list are her top picks, and she has gone through thousands of reviews and recommended the best products to help her readers make the best choice. Sergio Cardona, a certified Trichologist says, “From a trichologist perspective, any alteration to the hair structure, like hair coloring, can make the hair weaker, susceptible to damage thus prone to breakage. But, today’s technological advances gives us the ability to reduce that chance by offering us the opportunity to create beautiful hair with minimum risks. And with the right combination of hair care products keeping it healthy has never been easier” If hair coloring is part of your life, make sure you consider all proper hair care rituals to keep your hair’s integrity and always consider the opinion of a licensed hair stylist to avoid common pitfalls and disappointing outcomes.” Is ammonia-free hair dye safe? Simply put, ammonia-free hair dyes are a safer alternative to ammonia hair dyes. They are safer and less damaging. However, it is worth noting that not all ammonia-free hair dyes are completely free of chemicals. How long does ammonia-free hair dye last? Most ammonia-free hair dyes last for a month or two. They are temporary solutions and alternatives to hair color that utilizes ammonia. However, this also largely depends upon the manufacturer. While some last for a couple of months, others do not last for more than a few weeks. Can I use ammonia-free hair dye when pregnant? Yes, you can use an ammonia-free hair dye when pregnant. They are not dangerous or toxic and will not have adverse effects on your baby. However, when it comes to something as important as the health of your baby, it’s best to clarify this with your physician. Does ammonia-free hair dye damage hair? No, it does not damage hair and is the safest type of hair color to use. In fact, most ammonia-free formulas are a mixture of various natural oils that nourish and revitalize hair. Does ammonia-free hair dye cover gray? Yes, ammonia-free hair dye can help you cover your grays without damaging your hair. Can ammonia-free hair dye lighten your hair? No, ammonia-free hair dye does not lighten your hair as it is devoid of ammonia, peroxide, and other harsh chemicals.

10 Best Organic Hair Colors To Try In 2021 10 Best Hair Dyes For Natural Hair 10 Best Vegan Hair Dyes Of 2021 Best PPD-Free Hair Dyes For Bold And Bright Hair Best Blue-Black Hair Dyes