If your hair color looks totally natural, the credit probably goes to PPD or Paraphenylenediamine. Until recently, it was the go-to ingredient for many manufacturers. But then came a wave of PPD-free at-home hair dye. Why so?
PPD is great at mimicking the natural hair texture, look, and shine. It is the ingredients that make darker hair colors like violet, brown, burgundy stay for a long time. But it may not be the best for your skin. It may cause skin sensitivity, itchiness, redness, trigger allergies, etc. In excessive quantities, it may even cause blisters. And today’s woke generation is rightfully looking for alternatives. You ask, StyleCraze delivers! Our team of hair color experts has put together a list of the 11 best PPD-free hair colors that are safe on your sensitive skin and long-lasting! Take a look!
In This Article
What Is A PPD-Free Hair Dye?
PPD or paraphenylenediamine is an oxidative material used in dyes that make hair color pigments long-lasting. It is used in very minute quantities but may still cause allergies. In contrast to this, the PPD-free hair dyes come with natural hair coloring pigments extracted from nourishing ingredients like coffee, beetroot, walnut, powdered henna, and indica; they safely color the hair and protect the skin.
11 Best PPD-Free Hair Dyes Of 2024 For Bold And Bright Hair
1. Best For Shine:Punky Colour Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Color – Cotton Candy
Color your hair in the shade of sweet and fluffy cotton candy to make heads turn wherever you go! This dazzling shade by Punky Colour is a great choice for blondes or those with bleached hair. The affordable PPD-free hair dyeis infused with vegan keratin complexes that nourish each strand of your hair and enhance its shine. It takes only 15-30 minutes for your hair to get the cottony pink shade. Color your hair with this conditioning PPD-free hair dye and it lasts up to 35 shampoo washes. If you are still unsure about purchasing, you can check out a review of this product on YouTube and learn about this tester’s experience.
Color: Cotton Candy | Product Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 4 inches | Weight: 3.53 Ounces
Pros
- Shine-enhancing complex
- Dazzling pink color
- 15-30 minutes application time
- Vegan hair dye
- Free of parabens, sulfates, PPD, and ammonia
Cons
- This color is not recommended for medium brown-dark hair.
Pro Tip
For the best results apply it on your wet hair starting from the roots.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 25,664 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
2. Best Nourishing Formula:Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color – 5.65 Truffle Brown
Get gleaming luscious truffle brown hair from root to tip with the Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color. Infused with hair-nourishing extracts of oatmeal, soy protein, and argan oil, this no PPD hair dye offers visibly healthy and bouncy hair. The color goes well on medium blond to dark color hair and offers 100% grey coverage. The hair color box has 1 tube of color cream, 1 applicator bottle with hair dye developer lotion, and 1 tube of nourishing conditioner. For a thorough review of the product, have a look at this YouTuber’s reaction video and learn about the reviewer’s experience.
Color: 5.65 Truffle Brown | Product Dimensions: 2.4 x 3.7 x 6.7 inches | Weight: 8.47 Ounces.
Pros
- Nourishing formula
- Free of parabens, PPD, ammonia, and alcohol
- Vegan
- Dermatologist-tested to be gentle on scalp
- 100% cruelty-free
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Pro Tip
Wash your hair with a mild shampoo, towel dry, and comb thoroughly to remove tangles before application.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 5,543 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
3. Best Cruelty-Free:Manic Panic High Voltage Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream – Cotton Candy Pink
Get high-voltage peppy and bright cotton candy pink hair using the Manic Panic High Voltage PPD-free Semi-Permanent Hair Dye. This no PPD hair color is so vibrant that it’s visible even in a dark room and is formulated for bleached and light blonde hair. You can have this pink color on your hair for a good 4-6 weeks as the dye settles on the hair shaft and not on the cortex to maintain hair health. Apply it evenly on your hair and have super-conditioned soft and shiny hair in no time. If you are willing to find out more about this conditioning hair dye option and its usage, make sure to check this review out on YouTube.
Marian, a mother of two, writes in her blog, “To my surprise, this dye works great and I did not dilute it to make it pastel. I used it straight from the little tub it came in, saturated my whole head and the color took instantly, even most of my white hair in the front which was cool because that part is not bleached (i).”
Color: Cotton Candy Pink | Hair Type: All | Product Dimensions: 4.69 x 2.91 x 2.83 inches | Weight: 9.88 Ounces.
Pros
- Glows in the dark
- Free of PPD and parabens
- Conditioning formula
- Lasts for 4-6 weeks
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- The color is not visible on medium blonde-dark hair.
Pro Tip
Use a hairdryer before applying the color to ensure that hair follicles are well primed for better absorption.
| Punky Colour Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Color - Cotton Candy Best For Shine | Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color - 5.65 Truffle Brown Best Nourishing Formula | Manic Panic High Voltage Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream - Cotton Candy Pink Best Cruelty-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Cotton Candy | 5.65 Truffle Brown | Cotton Candy Pink |
| Dimensions | 6 x 4 x 4 inches | 2.4 x 3.7 x 6.7 inches | 4.69 x 2.91 x 2.83 inches |
| Weight | 3.53 Ounces | 8.47 Ounces. | 9.88 Ounces. |
| Hair Type | - | - | All |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 25,664 | 5,543 | 31,381 |
| Price | $8.8 | $10.97 | $19.24 |
4. Best Glow-In-The-Dark Formula:RAW Demi-Permanent Hair Color – Lavender Cloud
Get ultra-shiny lavender hair using the RAW Demi-Permanent Hair Color to let your hair do the talking. This non-PPD hair dye is a veggie-based color that needs no developer or peroxide. You need to apply this color on your hair strands 1/4 inches away from the scalp. Let it stay for 15 minutes and wash it off for hair that glows in the dark. It is recommended that you bleach your dark hair before painting it purple to get the high-definition color. Also, this formula was applauded by reviewers on Amazon for its ability to impart intense shine to the mane.
Color: Flame | Product Dimensions : 4.76 x 1.65 x 1.61 inches | Weight : 0.63 Ounces
Pros
- Easy to use
- Color in 15 minutes
- Glows in dark
- Vegetable-based color formula
- No animal testing involved
Cons
- The 100% grey coverage lasts only for a week.
Quick Tip
Shake the container well and apply it on your clean, dry hair.
5. Best Vegan Formula:Tint Of Nature Simply Healthier Hair Color – 4N Natural Medium Brown
Want brown hair that shines naturally and grows better naturally? With the Tint Of Nature Simply Healthier Hair Color you can color your hair and make it stronger and healthier. This hair color without PPD is composed of 95% natural ingredients, including sunflower seed and chamomile extract to enhance the shine, green tea, black oat seed, and marigold extract to hydrate and strengthen the hair from root to tip. The color kit comes with a cleansing shampoo, color gel with applicator bottle holding the developer, and hydrating shampoo for natural hair coloring. It takes only 30 minutes to get the desired color and 40 minutes to cover your grays.
Color: Medium Brown (4N) | Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.25 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 3.5 Ounces
Pros
- Natural coloration
- Free of harmful chemical substances
- 95% natural composition
- Easy to apply
- Quick coloration
- No animal testing
Cons
- The color goes well only on dark-colored hair
6. Best Anti-Breakage Formula:Smart Beauty Color Plex
The Smart Beauty Color Plex is a beautiful plum hair color perfect for light brown hair. The color is permanent, so it stays on indefinitely. Its non-drip formula coats each hair strand and does not make a mess on your space. The potent formula offers a natural option to strengthen and maintain the micro-bond fiber structure of your hair, adding shine and a polishing effect. The dye itself is non-greasy and leaves your hair looking sleek and tangle-free.
Color: Rich Plum Purple Hair Dye | Product Dimensions: 3.54 x 2.36 x 6.69 inches | Weight: 7.34 Ounces.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Reduces hair breakage
- 100% grey coverage
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Creamy texture
Cons
- Contains alcohol
7. Best Conditioning Formula Splat Naturals Conditioning Semi-Permanent Hair Color – Navy Blue
Take on the navy blue shade of the ultra-conditioning Splat Naturals Conditioning semi-permanent hair color and get all eyes on you. This PPD-free semi-permanent hair color has essential natural ingredients to nurture your hair and boost its growth. Quinoa extracts in the hair color are rich in vitamin E and minerals to prevent hair breakage, while the baobab seed oil offers UV protection when you flaunt it in the sun. The intense nourished look and shine are brought forth by provitamin B5 in this natural formula.
Color: Navy Blue | Product Dimensions: 1.45 x 3.5 x 6.75 inches | Weight: 6.07 Ounces
Pros
- 95% naturally formulated
- Ultra conditioning ingredients
- UV protection
- Intense shine
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- The color can stain clothes and sink.
8. Best Moisturizing Formula: Surya Brasil Henna Cream With Plant Extracts – Black
Ditch the usual hair color sprays and enrich the health and texture of your hair with the Surya Brasil Henna Cream that is filled with natural ingredients formulated specifically for hair. This PPD-free henna hair dye comes with the infusion of achillea, carrot, and aloe vera extracts that hydrate and moisturize the hair without drying up the sensitive scalp. Brazil nut extracts revitalize the scalp and acai comes with vitamins A, B, C, and E, and omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids make the hair grow healthy and strong. Henna — the main ingredient in this black PPD-free herbal hair dye is responsible for the natural color. This natural option for hair coloring also prevents hair breakage and nourishes each strand of your hair from root to tip.
Marysa, a mother of two from upstate NY, says in her blog, “The convenience of the cream was a winner for me. The mixture is thick, but it is smooth and goes on smooth (no lumps of henna or gritty bits in the mixture). I love that this is a natural product and I don’t have to worry about chemicals, and it is also a great way to try out a color. I never dyed my hair before, so it is nice to take a color for a test drive without committing to it (ii).”
Color: Black | Product Dimensions: 6.3 x 2.6 x 6.3 inches | Weight: 2.4 Ounces
Pros
- Anti-oxidant properties
- Hydrates scalp and hair
- Reduces hair breakage
- 100% grey coverage
Cons
- Some may dislike the smell
9. Best Grey Coverage: Phytocolor Blonde Clair 8
The Phytocolor Blonde Clair 8 is a permanent dye perfect for those who love to try new hair colors. It is formulated with a combination of botanical ingredients like alder buckthorn, madder root, plains coreopsis, and dryer’s broom that helps in easy coloration, and two essential oils, jojoba and monoi, which nourish the hair fiber effectively. This ammonia-free pack of clean hair dye works wonders in covering your gray hair as well.
Color: 8 Light Blonde | Product Dimensions: 3.25 x 2.25 x 6.69 inches | Weight: 3.53 Ounces
Pros
- Ammonia-free
- Natural coloration
- Plant-based hair dyes
- Easy to use
- Shiny finish
Cons
None
10. Best Natural Formula: Davis Finest Henna Powder
Have a chemical-free hair coloring experience with the all-natural non-damaging hair dye—Davis Finest Henna Powder. The best henna leaves are handpicked, dried, and churned into henna powder. You get orange-red hair if you apply the paste to your hair. For darker shades, you can mix the indigo powder with it. Henna offers anti-dandruff properties that keep the scalp free of dandruff. Along with colored hair, you will see noticeable growth and an increase in the thickness of your hair.
Color : Natural Copper/Reddish Brown | Number of Items: 1 | Hair Type: All
Pros
- 100% pure and natural
- Better hair growth
- Reduces hair thinning
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- The greys look golden orange as the color fades.
11. Best Long-Lasting Coverage: Naturtint Root Retouch Creme – Light Blonde
Are you experimenting with dark and vibrant color shades? For once, try the light shade now! Naturtint Root Retouch Creme has a colorant formulated with meadowfoam seed oil to give a long-lasting PPD-free hair dye color, vitamin E-rich argan oil to strengthen the hair, and abyssinian kale to enhance the shine. Along with the hair dye colorant comes the color protection cream infused with sunflower extracts for damage control, hydrolyzed wheat protein for better volume, and flaxseeds with lemon fruit water extract to refresh the scalp and tame the splits.
Color: Light Blonde | Product Dimensions: 1.5 x 3.38 x 6 inches | Weight: 2.08 Ounces.
Pros
- Vibrant shine
- Creamy texture
- Complete nourishment
- Dermatologically tested
- PPD-free permanent hair dye
Cons
- The color works on bleached hair and not dark hair.
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.
These are the 11 best PPD-free hair colors of 2022. “Have in mind that when a dye comes with more natural and fewer chemicals, the results on your hair will be significantly better,” reminds Alexandro Vasquez, a hair dresser who has served across the globe. You can choose the best one that suits you by following the buying guide below.
How To Choose A PPD-Free Hair Color?
- Skin tone
Keep your skin tone and undertone as the primary priority while choosing any shade of hair color. Bright and peppy colors like pink, purple and bright red go well on white skin tone. For the darker tones, you can try deep maroon, burgundy, or simply natural black.
If you have a cool undertone, choose shades of blue or purple. For warm undertones, choose different color shades of dark brown, red, and even yellow.
- Composition
Since the hair dye is PPD-free, the color pigments usually are naturally-cultivated. For brown, there are indigo leaves, henna leaves for red, and walnut for blonde, and other nourishing components are also included that add color and improve hair health.
- Longevity
Some of the long-lasting PPD-free hair dyes are developed to last on your hair for 4-6 weeks. The others fade away soon as they only color the shaft and not the cortex region. If you love experimenting with hair colors, go for a temporary or a semi-permanent
Benefits Of PPD-Free Hair Dyes
- Natural hair dye: Create your natural hair dye without PPD using beetroot for maroon and coffee for brown color. The red is from freshly-dried henna (organic hair dyes without PPD) and black from indica. The coloring pigment used in most of the PPD-free hair dyes is natural, made with nourishing ingredients, and very safe on the hair shaft and skin.
- Skin damage prevention: The PPD hair colors bring forth blisters, welts, burns, and itching sensations on sensitive skin. You can use dermatologist-tested or PPD-free hair coloring options to minimize these allergic reactions. Since not all are hypoallergenic hair dye without PPD, always do a patch test on your skin before you start coloring your hair.
- Hair nourishment: To protect the color of the hair shaft, a lot of natural oils extracted from sunflower, meadowfoam seeds, and more are used. These extracts play a pivotal role in keeping the hair cuticles and follicles naturally nourished and shiny.
Infographic: Tips To Apply A PPD-Free Hair Color
PPD is one of the top toxic ingredients found in permanent hair dyes. Although it is used to make your hair color last longer, it is unsafe for your skin. Check out the infographic below to learn about some useful tips on how you can safely apply a PPD-free hair color at home. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
PPD oxidative ingredients used in hair dyes make the hair color long-lasting, but they contain harsh and toxic chemicals that may cause blisters, irritation, redness, and allergies. If you love experimenting with new hair colors, PPD-free hair colors are the safest option. They can be temporary or semi-permanent and are safe for the scalp and skin. Remember to choose a hair color based on your skin tone or seek advice from your hair stylist for the best results. Because of its colorful and conditioning nature, the Punky Color Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Color is a good choice to achieve a long-lasting cotton candy shade. The Tint of Nature Simply Healthier Hair Color offers a gorgeous medium brown tone without any harsh chemicals. And the Surya Brazil Henna Cream With Plant Extracts offers a rich black hue with the hair care benefits of henna. These products from popular hair color brands are free of parabens and easy to use. Also, always make sure to use safe hair dyes without PPD to keep your looking healthy just all the time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a PPD-free hair dye safe?
Yes, the PPD-free plant dyes have natural color pigmentation that keeps the skin and hair safe.
How do you remove PPD from hair?
You can remove PPD from hair and skin using potassium permanganate.
What kind of hair dye does not contain PPD?
Plant-based hair colors having natural color pigmentation are free of PPD.
What does PPD-free mean?
PPD is the acronym for paraphenylenediamine. It is an oxidative material that makes the hair pigments last longer. A dye that is free from PPD is extracted from natural ingredients that are completely safe for your skin and hair.
How common is PPD allergy?
PPD allergy is pretty common. Around 6.2% of people in North America, 4% in Europe, and 4.3% in Asia have had adverse reactions from PPD in their hair dyes.
Does PPD allergy go away?
Yes. If you have an immediate, mild reaction to the dye, rinse it off with warm water and gentle shampoo. Apply potassium permanganate to the affected area of the scalp to fully oxidize the PPD. You can also apply hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic, to calm irritation.
What hair dye mistakes should you avoid?
Never wash your hair the day after coloring it to allow the color to absorb better. Avoid applying color to the scalp and don’t leave color dye on your hair for too long. These are some hair dye mistakes to avoid.
What are some hair dye aftercare tips to remember?
It is recommended that you wait at least two days before shampooing your hair after using a hair dye. Ensure to wash your hair less often to keep the color on your locks for a longer time. Also, use color conditioners or purple shampoo to maintain your hair’s vibrancy, if you have chosen high-maintenance colors for your locks.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Skin and hair care enthusiast Krati Darak enjoys reviewing and writing about beauty products. She has spent hours scouring numerous user reviews and hair expert recommendations to create this list of the PPD-free hair dyes for you. Sneha has picked products that are easy to apply and safe for the skin. These products are made with natural ingredients that give your hair color that lasts multiple washes. She has also provided a buying guide to help you make the right choice.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
i. The Color Wheel Gallery
https://www.thecolorwheelgallery.com/2017/01/manic-panic-cotton-candy-pink.html
ii. A Nation Of Moms
https://anationofmoms.com/2018/04/surya-brasil-henna-cream.html
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Alexandro VasquezHairdresser
Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja.
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Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
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Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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