We all pay attention to what goes into our bodies – from fat free food, glucose free, lactose free, and also to our skin and hair – Is it sulphate free? Organic? Vegan friendly?
What beauty products contain and some of the buzzword ingredients that we look for can be good or bad depending on how we look at it. Ammonia is getting a lot of attention in the beauty industry, which has seen the increase of ‘Ammonia free’ alternatives on the market. Should it ring alarm bells when you see it on a list of ingredients? Is it scary as it sounds?
Ammonia is an alkali used to increase the PH levels in your hair when it’s coloured. It basically acts a swelling agent that opens up the hair cuticles so that it can absorb the colour better and makes the colour last longer.
The fact is, ALL hair colour products contains chemicals to help achieve perfect long lasting colour.
There are hair colour products on the market that are ‘ammonia free’ but much like with ‘sugar free’ that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the better alternative or super healthy, as another chemical will have to be added to replace it which does something similar and can come with its own issues. Ammonia free doesn’t mean natural or organic as it will have to contain another alkali for it to work.
MEA can be typically used as an alternative to ammonia. The main difference between the two is ammonia is light as it’s a gas and MEA is dense as it is in liquid form and once applied must be removed from the hair with care. It also doesn’t open up the hair cuticle as much, so more has to be applied, so it’s more involved.
Many ammonia alternatives can be harder on the scalp so can cause more damage, itchiness and irritation to the skin.
Like ammonia, any chemical can cause sensitivity particularly those of us who have sensitive skin and can cause damage if used incorrectly. So don’t be mislead by the marketing of a product as ‘free from’ into thinking it’s better for you, as something else will have to be added to it to make the process work.
After any chemical treatment ALWAYS use a PH balanced shampoo and conditioner. This makes sure your hair is restored to a stable condition and will keep your hair looking lovelier for longer.
If you do have any doubts then it’s always best to speak to your colourist for the best advice and to put your mind at rest, do a patch test before applying any hair products to your hair.
