Which Is Better for the Environment: Henna or Professional Hair Color?

There are many environmentally damaging chemicals in professional hair dyes.

Professional Hair Dye

Professional hair color is made from oil, which isn't a renewable resource. It also contains other petroleum based chemicals including para-phenylenediamine, and diaminobenzene. These are carcinogenic and have been linked to birth defects and lymphoma. Hair coloring manufacturers claim that their products contain safe amounts of these chemicals, and that they are necessary for the dye to work properly.

Henna Used as Hair Dye

Henna comes from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis shrub, which is found in the desert. It has been used as a hair color for thousands of years. Henna alone is environmentally safe, but all products containing henna are not. Many types of hair dye that list henna as an ingredient might also contain para - phenylenediamine or diaminobenzene.

Bottom Line

Professional hair dye is not environmentally safe. If you want to be 100 percent environmentally friendly with your hair coloring, seek out products that contain henna or other plant-based ingredients. Natural beauty supply stores and earth-friendly salons have acceptable options for environmentally safe hair coloring.

References

• CW31: Do 'Natural' and 'Hair Color' Ever Go Together?
• Treehugger.com: Earth Talk, Why Die for Hair Dye?
• Eco Habits: Is Your Hair Dye Harmless?