The best ammonia-free hair coloring in the UK 2023

Whether you're looking to refresh your look, cover gray hair or just experiment with a fun shade, ammonia-free hair color is a great place to start. Ammonia-free colors aren't harsh, and they still have a vibrant hue. If you're looking to redo your color with ammonia-free hair color, this guide should interest you.

L'Oréal Paris - Casting Crème Gloss Tone-on-Tone Haircolor 1
8/10

Best value for your money

L'Oréal Paris - Casting Crème Gloss Tone-on-Tone Haircolor

The best ammonia-free hair color in 2021

A semi-permanent color for all shades of brown. Your hair turns auburn with a sublime shine. And on white hair, this product works up to 70% with an application time of less than 30 minutes.

16,62 £ on Amazon

Enjoy the new after-coloring care with this range from L'Oréal Paris. It comes in a 60 ml bottle and is enriched with honey. Besides this product, the developer milk conditions the effectiveness of the coloring. These two elements give your hair a much more silky and supple appearance.

Easy to apply, it comes in cream form and lasts up to 28 washes. Hide your gray hair with this ammonia-free hair color. You'll love the highlights, but you'll also love the pleasant smell of the dye.

Garnier Olia - Permanent hair color with natural flower oils 2
8/10

Best value for your money

Garnier Olia - Permanent hair color with natural flower oils

The best entry-level ammonia-free hair color

Want to change your look? This color will suit you perfectly. Intense, it is suitable for white hair as well as for other colors or natural colors. Those who have tried it love its uniformity.

6,10 £ on Amazon

Although composed mainly of soft substances, this coloring could cause allergies. It is therefore preferable to test it on the skin before applying it to the head. Also, the manufacturer does not recommend it for fragile and damaged hair. Nevertheless, the products provided with the dye reduce the risks and contribute to its durability.

Its cream form simplifies application and avoids stains on the ears, neck and face. With its oil-based composition, the result is very pronounced, but you must respect the 30-minute application time. Its very sweet floral scent alone attracts more than one.

Garnier - Movida hair color 3
9/10

Best value for your money

Garnier - Movida hair color

The best high-end ammonia-free hair color

The bottle in which this coloring comes is very practical. It is used like a bottle of liquid shampoo. A format much appreciated by the clumsiest of people who want to avoid dripping.

40 £ on Amazon

With a relatively short application time, this coloring also offers a fairly long durability, worthy of a semi-permanent dyeing whether on white hair or not. To be precise, its effect lasts up to 8 weeks. It is differentiated by its fruity scent that you can't help but enjoy during the application.

Composed in part of Pro-Vitamin A, it is ideal if you expect a coloring product that is gentle on the hair. Add to that the apricot milk contained in the cream. Your mane will be especially silky after coloring.

Khadi - Medium brown hair color 4
7/10

Safe

Khadi - Medium brown hair color

The best natural hair color

A powdered vegetable hair color for a chemical-free process. Get a beautiful brown color with a magnificent shine. Its composition deeply strengthens your hair fibers.

14,04 £ on Amazon

It is not only ammonia that is missing in this coloring. It is free of any aggressive substances such as silicates or parabens. It is a temporary dye that is suitable for all hair types. Choose this option for healthy hair. The roots are not damaged and the lengths benefit from a creamy hue and a warm shine.

For the life of the color, you'll have voluminous hair with a beautiful medium brown color. All you need is warm water to mix the powder into a fluid cream. The intensity of the color then varies according to the length of time it is applied in the sense that the longer it stays on the hair before rinsing, the darker the brown obtained. Therefore, wash your hair after 30 minutes for a lighter effect.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best ammonia-free hair coloring

Any specific needs?

The best ammonia-free hair color in 2021

The best entry-level ammonia-free hair color

The best high-end ammonia-free hair color

The best natural hair color

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best ammonia-free hair coloring

THE BEST CHEAP HIGH-END EXCELLENT
L'Oréal Paris - Casting Crème Gloss Tone-on-Tone Haircolor 5
8/10
Garnier Olia - Permanent hair color with natural flower oils 6
8/10
Garnier - Movida hair color 7
9/10
Khadi - Medium brown hair color 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
L'Oréal Paris - Casting Crème Gloss Tone-on-Tone Haircolor
Garnier Olia - Permanent hair color with natural flower oils
Garnier - Movida hair color
Khadi - Medium brown hair color
A semi-permanent color for all shades of brown. Your hair turns auburn with a sublime shine. And on white hair, this product works up to 70% with an application time of less than 30 minutes.
Want to change your look? This color will suit you perfectly. Intense, it is suitable for white hair as well as for other colors or natural colors. Those who have tried it love its uniformity.
The bottle in which this coloring comes is very practical. It is used like a bottle of liquid shampoo. A format much appreciated by the clumsiest of people who want to avoid dripping.
A powdered vegetable hair color for a chemical-free process. Get a beautiful brown color with a magnificent shine. Its composition deeply strengthens your hair fibers.
Durability
Format
Cream
Cream
Cream
Powder
Installation time
20 minutes
30 minutes
15 minutes
30 to 120 minutes
Kit contents
Coloring cream, revealing milk, royal jelly treatment, pair of gloves, instructions for use
Gloves, applicator, developer milk, coloring cream, care, instructions
Coloring cream, applicator, care, pair of gloves
Color
Amber honey
Absolute black
Dark blonde

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Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - ammonia-free hair coloring

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How to choose your ammonia-free hair coloring

To be sure to have an effective and reliable ammonia-free hair color, prioritize the criteria we develop in this section. Because as much as the health of the hair, the quality of the result counts a lot.

#1 - The composition

We choose a coloring without ammonia to spare the hair from chemicals. It is therefore only natural to check its composition first. It must contain 7 elements, including the base cream which is responsible for giving life to the color. It is therefore essential. As well as the color boosters that allow the product to enter deep into the hair. Then there are the dyes and handling agents that preserve the health of each hair fiber. Then there are the antioxidants that ensure the longevity of the color and also the fragrances. Finally, a coloring without ammonia contains complex agents, other chemical substances often undesirable. Obviously, it's best to avoid these elements as much as possible.

#2 - The shade

Next, we focus on the choice of color. There are as many possibilities as with ammonia coloring. To find your way around, your only guide is the color of your eyes. Brown, blonde center or copper are perfect for those with brown and green eyes. If yours are blue, go for classic brown or gold or try chocolate. Skin color is also key. Light blonde, mahogany, gold or light brown for a light shade. Copper or ash blonde or brown for the normal shade and those who have what is called olive skin look great with chocolate, black or gold colored hair.

#3 - Vegetal coloring

All vegetable hair color is ammonia-free. The downside is that the shades available are limited. However, it is the best option for those who are looking for an organic product because of its responsible composition. Its effectiveness is not to blame, as it provides a result just as satisfactory as a chemical coloring. But for that, it is necessary to put back to a longer time of pose. In addition, its durability is limited.

#4 - The quality of the product

The quality of the hair color depends on the brand, among other things. Renowned brands satisfy more than one in this area. The quality of the result is guaranteed although the price may be slightly more expensive. It is sure that you will want to try other dyes after discovering one. In addition, the long-term use is not dangerous due to the advanced know-how and careful selection of components. These brands help repair and protect your hair.

#5 - Natural coloring

As with vegetable hair dye, natural hair dye is healthier than chemical dye. The components are largely oils. If the vegetable coloring is mainly based on henna, this one includes coloring bases and stabilizers of natural origin ensuring long-lasting hold and pronounced color. Natural hair coloring is chosen to dye white hair on several occasions.

Ammonia VS ethanolamine: which is more dangerous?

Many products contain ethanolamine instead of ammonia and there are questions about the effects of this substitute. Both are chemical elements whose role is to open the scales of the hair to facilitate the absorption of the color. However, ethanolamine is a substance derived from ammonia and is not safer than ammonia, especially in certain cases.
Moreover, it is strictly forbidden to use it during pregnancy in order not to harm the development of the fetus. Also, nursing mothers should keep their hair away from this product. It could disrupt the hormonal balance.

Not all ammonia-free hair colors are put in the same batch. There are some that are free of ethanolamine and are therefore a good alternative. These are the products that should be prioritized, as they are safe for hair health. In this context, natural and vegetable dyes are brought to the forefront. The fact is that chemical hair coloring is always more harmful than these other variations.

The fact is that ethanolamine causes a lack of protein and thus weakens the hair. Most of the time, it is the permanent and chemical hair colors without ammonia that contain it, because they need that little something that boosts the integration of the pigments in the hair fibers. Don't be fooled. That's why the composition is the first criterion for choosing an ammonia-free hair color. There's really no point in avoiding one harmful substance in favor of an even more dangerous one.

The different types of ammonia-free hair coloring

On the market of hair coloring without ammonia are permanent, semi-permanent and temporary models. Your decision depends solely on your expectations in this regard. In any case, each of these categories exists in natural and chemical manufacturing.

Ammonia-free temporary hair color

Temporary hair coloring can be chemical or natural. The latter is the most affordable. Less aggressive than its counterpart, it works gently on the hair and is easy to apply on the surface. If, however, you are expecting a longer hold, the chemical option is more appropriate.

Temporary hair color lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. The intensity of the color fades with each wash. Nevertheless, it's not a bad thing if the goal is precisely to change the dye from time to time.

Ammonia-free permanent hair color

In contrast to temporary dye, this one lasts for months, even years. The coloring substances penetrate the hair fibers deeply. The possibilities are wide in the sense that there are colors that lighten or shade the natural hair color.

Also known as oxidative coloring, this type of product intensely modifies the original shade. Permanent hair colors without chemical components are rare. The latter ensure their effectiveness by opening the scales of each hair.

Ammonia-free semi-permanent hair color

The semi-permanent coloring, known as tone on tone, seduces quite a few users by the natural rendering that it promises. It is halfway between a temporary and permanent coloring and manages to dye up to 70% of the scalp without it being damaged.

It is truly the best compromise between durability and protection. The dye only leaves after about 30 washes. During this time, your hair will be shiny with a beautiful color. However, it is not the best solution for white hair.

Coloring without ammonia or with ammonia

Ammonia-free coloring

Ammonia-free hair color, while not very long lasting, does not compromise the health of the hair and can be temporary or semi-permanent. This does not mean that it is truly chemical-free. In any case, ammonia, which is the most aggressive, is absent and that's something. On the other hand, other variants are entirely organic, as is the case with natural and vegetable hair colors.

Coloring with ammonia

Hair coloring with ammonia is certainly more effective than its counterpart. The problem is that its use is not without danger because of this undesirable component. Paradoxically, the latter is also the guarantor of the quality of the result, especially if the coloring is for the whole head. It must be admitted that it is the only best choice if the objective is to get a permanent coloring, the real one. But first of all, you should know that apart from ammonia, it is composed of peroxide, resorcinol and PPD which are all harmful substances.

Verdict

While ammonia-based hair color is unsurpassed for its effect, it is not recommended for repeated use. For this reason, hair color without ammonia is safer, but less durable. Then, your satisfaction depends on the choice of the product used. In any case, you should always expect to do several dye changes over time without overdoing it at the risk of betraying your goal of preserving the health of your scalp. The benefit is that your hair is better treated, regardless of the lack of stench from regular hair coloring products. At least that's the case with organic hair coloring.

Why buy ammonia-free hair color?

To protect hair fibers

Ammonia-free hair coloring respects the sensitive nature of your hair. It is therefore more suitable for all hair types. Users who are sensitive to allergies are at an advantage, especially if it is a natural product. At the same time, the components nourish the hair to give it shine and softness. Goodbye to brittle and dry hair.

To dye white hair

If you have a good permanent hair color without ammonia, you will get rid of your gray hair. However, don't get your hopes up on the tougher ones either. Dye fades sooner than perm, but the effect on hair health is still worth it.

To keep your hair in tip-top shape

Without ammonia, hair color is more likely to conform to your hair's needs. Hair stays healthy even after repeated coloring. However, it is important to apply nourishing and moisturizing treatments to support this effect with natural protective elements throughout the life of the color. Even more so if you want to change colors, because in this case, the process is more complicated because of the bleaching stage.

To have soft hair

You will have soft, fortified, shiny hair with organic dyes. Their component is indeed more moisturizing, which is far from being the case of colorings with ammonia. It must be said that it helps a lot with detangling. In addition, your hair smells good with this type of coloring thanks to the essential oils and perfume extracts. Long-term use is not a problem.

For its great compatibility with straightening

A priori, colored hair breaks easily. As a result, it's hard to know how to style it. With ammonia-free hair coloring, this is no longer a problem. You can straighten or curl your hair as you wish.

The best brands of ammonia-free hair coloring

In our opinion, the best brands of ammonia-free hair coloring in 2022 are :

Revlon
INOA de L’Oréal
Garnier Olia
Schwarzkopf
Eugène Color
Edaïa

Revlon is a far cry from its early days when it only offered nail polish. Today, it is a name that cannot be ignored in the field of hair color. Offering on the one hand products with ammonia and on the other hand products without, it has a wide coverage of the market. Thus, the brand works in the promotion of female beauty.

It is an exclusive brand of L'Oreal, dedicated to hair coloring. It offers the best permanent products without ammonia and thus meets the needs of several target customers including those who want to conceal their white hair. With oil-based formulas, this brand aims to protect the hair in depth.

Like INOA, Garnier Olia is among the best manufacturers of ammonia-free permanent hair color. Several colors are available to the public. Soft, fragrant, easy to apply, they seduce women and men.

A brand that occupies a great place in the beauty market. In the midst of all its products, hair care and coloring are a must. Just one of its ranges features up to a hundred dyes. Schwarzkopf is keen to always advance diversity for its customers.

Eugene Color is the leader in hair coloring that is known to all women concerned about their beauty. Present in the UK for about 50 years, the brand is already at a very high level in terms of quality. Apart from the products, this brand invests in home care.

Not widespread enough like the other previous brands, this one nevertheless holds our attention for the quality of its products. Ammonia-free hair colors for a smooth application and a reliable result. Easy to use, they do not fail to attract the interest of the most demanding users.

What is the price ammonia-free hair coloring

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
5 £ to 11 £
Mid-range
11 £ to 20 £
High-end
more than 20 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Beware of allergy risks

Not all ammonia-free hair colors protect against allergies. Only purely natural products are 100% safe. The fact is that apart from ammonia, the coloring substances themselves can cause certain adverse reactions. To take no chances, leave the product on the skin of the hand for about ten minutes, if you can't stand it, redness should appear and in this case, it's better to pass your way.

Respect the application time to optimize the effectiveness of the hair color

Ammonia-free colorations are less durable. It is in their nature. Therefore, always respect the indicated application time, which varies between 10 minutes and half an hour for most products. This ensures that you get the right color.

Avoid having the hair color remain on your skin

You're not immune to stains that drip onto your facial skin. To prevent it from staying, protect yourself with moisturizer before applying the color. This will make it easier to remove. You can use cleansing milk if it persists. Then, don't forget to put on gloves.

Apply a good treatment after the hair coloring process

After applying the coloring, rinse thoroughly with warm water before applying shampoo. You can blow-dry right after, but it's best to wait a bit before using overpowering straightening irons.

Shampoo is after, not before

The coloring should be done on dirty hair. Make sure to divide your hair into several sections to ensure even better results. And apply the product from the roots to the ends. Only after the application time, wash with shampoo.

FAQ

How long do you have to wait between two ammonia-free hair colorings?

The biggest advantage of ammonia-free hair coloring is that you can re-dye your hair whenever you want. That is, as soon as the hair grows back or when you want to change your head. In the latter case, a discoloration may be necessary. In addition, you should know that a vegetable hair coloring cannot be followed by a chemical hair coloring without ammonia.

How long does an ammonia-free hair coloring last?

It is true that hair coloring without ammonia is not as long-lasting as dyes with ammonia, but it is no less effective. Semi-permanent ones last up to 7 months during which the health of the hair is not affected. On the other hand, the temporary ones go away after about 10 washes. The advantage is that you can always do it again afterwards.

How do you get rid of an ammonia-free hair coloring?

Is your hair color lasting too long for your taste? Wash hair with dandruff shampoo mixed with baking soda or a few drops of dishwashing liquid to tone down the dye until it's completely removed. Leave on for about 10-20 minutes and rinse. Repeat as many times until the color is completely gone.

How do you prevent hair loss after a hair coloring?

To limit brittle hair, avoid certain components. Choosing an ammonia-free hair color is a precaution in itself. If you can, prefer products without these substances: PPD, P-Aminophenol, 4-Amino-2-Hydroxytoluene, Phenylenediamine Sulfate, 2-Methyl-5-Hydroxyethylaminophenol, Ethanolamine. Just look at the list of components to check them. Then, wait a few days or weeks before doing any heating treatment.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. What is the difference between hair coloring with ammonia and without..., Gouiran-beaute.com
  2. Hair coloring - Franck Provost | Why choose ammonia-free hair coloring? Haircolor Tips, Franckprovost-expert.com
  3. Why Choose Ammonia-Free Haircolor on ..., Loreal-paris.fr
  4. COLORING WITH VS WITHOUT AMMONIA, Lecoloriste.com
  5. The 15 Best Ammonia-Free Hair Dyes of 2021, Subtil-colorexpert.com
  6. What is Ammonia-free Hair Colour and Why You Need It - The Urban ..., Byrdie.com
  7. What is the Difference Between Ammonia And Ammonia-free Hair ...., Urbancompany.com
  8. Grossiste coiffure et esthétique | Pro Duo, Shagginsalon.com
  9. La coloration Eugène Color | Eugène Color, Pro-Duo.fr
  10. The 5 Best Ammonia-Free Hair Colors - 2020 Comparison, Eugene-color.fr
  11. Ammonia-Free Hair Color: Everything You Need to Know ..., ecomparatif.fr
  12. Best Ammonia-Free Hair Color 2020: Our Top 5 ..., cosmopolitan.fr
  13. Professional Haircolors | Ammonia Free, lucette.com
  14. Ammonia Free Haircolor for a subtle scent ..., hairstore.fr
  15. Ammonia Free Haircolor what is it, loreal-paris.fr
  16. 40 Ammonia Free And Oxidant Free Haircolor Ideas, eugene-color.fr
  17. Ranking & Buyer's Guide : Top Ammonia Free Haircolors, redpill365.com
  18. Ammonia Free Haircolor - Easyparapharmacie ..., lajoliemaison.fr
  19. The top 7 ammonia-free hair colors for hair ..., easyparapharmacie.com
  20. Amazon.com : ammonia-free hair color, danamase.com
  21. Color hair without ammonia : 100% vegetable hair color, amazon.co.uk
  22. Color: with or without ammonia? | color-insitu, biocoiff.com
  23. All you need to know about ammonia-free hair coloring, color-insitu.fr
  24. Why choose ammonia-free hair coloring, franckprovost-expert.com
  25. Ammonia-free hair coloring | La Beauté Pro, franckprovost-expert.com
  26. What's the difference between hair coloring with ..., labeautepro.fr
  27. With or without ammonia what hair coloring ..., gouiran-beaute.com
  28. Natural ammonia-free hair coloring - Boutique bio, cheveux-longs.fr
  29. Ammonia-free hair coloring : what's the best in 2021, boutiquebio.fr
  30. Ammonia-free hair coloring - Ma Couleur de Cheveux, focus-beaute.com
  31. coloration cheveux sans ammoniaque, macouleurdecheveux.fr
  32. , coloration-cheveux.net
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
L'Oréal Paris - Casting Crème Gloss Tone-on-Tone Haircolor 9
L'Oréal Paris - Casting Crème Gloss Tone-on-Tone Haircolor
Garnier Olia - Permanent hair color with natural flower oils 10
Garnier Olia - Permanent hair color with natural flower oils
Garnier - Movida hair color 11
Garnier - Movida hair color
Khadi - Medium brown hair color 12
Khadi - Medium brown hair color

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