Rating of the best hair dyes without ammonia for 2024

Hair coloring has become a part of the life of almost every woman. Someone does this to change the image and add variety to their appearance. For some, this is an inevitable necessity, dictated by the appearance of gray hair. But both for the first and for the second, the most important rule for coloring is not only maintaining color, but maintaining the health of the curls. It is for this purpose that ammonia-free coloring compositions have been developed. They have a more gentle effect on the hair structure, do not damage them and even help to improve their appearance.

Features of ammonia-free products

The most important feature of ammonia-free paint is the absence of ammonium hydroxide in its composition. He is responsible for the opening of the scales, for penetration into the pigment. It is thanks to him that ordinary dyes have a pungent odor that hits the nose. It is also he who stings the scalp, and can also cause its redness and, in the worst case scenario, its burn.

In ammonia-free coloring products, ammonium hydroxide is replaced by ethanolamine. It has a less pungent odor and is less aggressive. But at the same time, it is a product of ammonia synthesis. Therefore, ammonia-free products still contain ammonia to some extent, or rather, its least aggressive version. Indeed, without an alkaline effect, the pigment cannot penetrate inside.

However, it should be understood that the absence of ammonia will affect the color fastness. It usually varies around 4-6 weeks. However, users often notice a faster decrease in intensity. In addition, ammonia-free paints may not cope with gray hair and are not suitable for a radical change in tone.

Comparison of conventional and professional ammonia-free paints

Not only manufacturers of professional lines, but also mass market products, began to remove ammonia from the composition. Therefore, a logical question arose, maybe the difference between them was erased and salon coloring became available at home? Let's compare these 2 categories of funds according to the following plan:

1. Composition.

Professional products are distinguished by a high content of natural ingredients that not only color, but also take care of, make the curls more elastic, and thicken the structure. But their composition is not always perfect.

Mass market paints have a more simplified composition. Although some plant ingredients can be found in some, more often than not, this is just a marketing ploy.

2. Oxidizing agent.

When using professional products in each specific case, which takes into account the condition of the hair, the presence of gray hair, the presence of previous stains, etc., an oxidizing agent of the required percentage from 1.5 to 12% is selected. Moreover, the lower the percentage of hydrogen peroxide, the softer the effect. The downside in the case of professional paints is the need to buy an oxidizer separately, and this is an additional cost. In addition, only a specialist can select the required percentage of peroxide, and this is a trip to the salon and also costs.

We do not know the percentage of peroxide in the paints of the mass market, but most likely it is as high as possible, because one product should work for both normal hair and gray hair. However, it is included in the package and cost, which is definitely a plus.

3. Palette.

Professional line products have palettes containing 100 or more shades. This makes it possible to combine them, creating unique shades for each user.

Household paints have a much poorer palette.

4. Persistence.

Ammonia-free products of both categories have low durability due to their composition, namely the low content of ammonia derivatives. Most often manufacturers declare durability for 4 weeks, but in life it is less. This may be due to follow-up care. It must be remembered that colored hair requires more attention to maintain its condition.

However, we note that conventional formulations are still more persistent. On the one hand, this is a plus, but on the other hand, in case of an unsuccessful result, it will be extremely difficult to get rid of it.

5. Availability.

Professional products are sold only in specialized stores or online platforms. Ordinary - in almost every supermarket.

6. Price.

It may seem that professional-grade products are very expensive and not everyone can afford them. But if you take into account the condition of the hair after using it and the absence of the need to constantly paint over the entire length (economical consumption), then it turns out not so scary.

Consider the best ammonia-free paints of the mass market category, as well as products for professional use.

Ammonia-free paints of the massmarket category

L'Oreal Paris Casting Creme Gloss

Without exaggeration, the most popular ammonia-free paint among users. Its palette includes 38 natural shades. Users love it for the ease of application with an applicator bottle, a pleasant smell, rich color and shiny lively curls as a result. Although there are also disadvantages in it. Most often, rapid flushing is noted, especially from gray hair. But this drawback is inherent in almost all ammonia-free products, regardless of their cost. Manufacturers say the following about their product: the use of their product is equivalent to salon care procedures. Thanks to the unique composition, the curls become stronger, elasticity and silkiness return.

The complete set is as follows: coloring cream 48 ml, developing milk 72 ml, balm 60 ml, gloves.

Cost: from 300 rubles.

• nice smell;
• ease of use and ease of application;
• does not violate the structure;
• copes with gray hair almost completely;
• the result is a bright and noble color;
• contains vegetable oils, extracts, acids;
• a large amount of balm.

• difficult to wash off;
• unpleasant odor from the air conditioner;
• expensive for the mass market;
• quickly washed out from gray hair.

Syoss Oleo Intense

Oleo Intense is a line of coloring products from Syoss, in which oil acts as an activator. The manufacturer promises not only a lasting result and almost one hundred percent shading of gray hair, but also a concomitant improvement in the condition. The gentle composition is replete with natural and useful components: fruit acids, vitamin B3, amino acids, plant extracts and oils, as well as a keratin complex. All this in total promises not only long-lasting (up to 1.5 months) and intense color, but silky and strong curls. The palette is presented in 22 shades: 8 light, 9 dark, 5 red.

Includes a 50 ml tube with coloring cream, a 50 ml developer bottle, 15 ml conditioner, gloves.

Price: from 225 rubles.

• bright and juicy colors as a result;
• smooth and shiny curls;
• plant elements among the components;
• unobtrusive smell;
• lasting result up to 4 weeks on gray hair;
• no need for a separate bowl for mixing the components;
• acceptable cost.

• poor palette;
• individual cases of missing color with the declared one;
• may pinch the skin.

GARNIER Color & Shine

Color & Shine is a cream paint from the famous brand GARNIER.After using it, as the manufacturer assures, the curls will acquire an incredible glossy shine and smoothness. At the same time, the coloring product does not have a negative effect on the scalp and hair, because does not contain ammonia. And the herbal components included in the composition (argan oil, cranberry extract) have an additional caring effect. It is worth noting that the manufacturer emphasizes that this product is not intended for painting gray hair (although, according to user reviews, it copes with this). This paint is used to enhance the natural shade.

Price: from 165 rubles.

• does not have an aggressive effect;
• no pungent ammonia odor;
• spreads easily and does not flow;
• paints over gray hair;
• shiny, soft and manageable curls as a result;
• low cost.

• the palette includes only 17 shades;
• there is no resistance declared by the manufacturer;
• often the shade does not match the palette (it turns out darker);
• not rich in "usefulness" composition;
• need mixing utensils.

Professional products without ammonia

L'Oreal Professionnel Dia Richesse

Semi-permanent color for natural hair. Thanks to the tone-on-tone technology, it is perfect for painting over the first gray hair and maintaining a natural tone. Eliminates the difference between the color of regrown roots and the main length. The coloring formula does not contain ammonia, but uses alkaline ingredients. They give softness and intense shine without damaging the structure. This tool allows you to lighten your main color by one and a half tones, or make it darker by 4 tones. To obtain a rich and deep result, it is enough to keep the paint for 15-20 minutes. The durability declared by the manufacturer is up to 4 weeks.

Volume: 50 ml.

Price: from 465 rubles.

• in a palette of 69 natural shades;
• there is no sharp ammonia smell;
• spreads easily and does not flow;
• there is a conditioning effect after painting;
• gives curls shine, softness, rich color;
• careful impact;
• gray coverage up to 70%.

• users note a quick washout of the main color (before the stated period of 4 weeks), especially from gray hair;
• it is difficult to choose a tone, because in the palette, the shades look much darker;
• small volume.

L'Oreal Professionnel Inoa ODS2

Inoa ODS2 from L'Oreal is a hair coloring agent with an innovative way of dye penetration - it gets inside with the help of the oil included in the composition. Penetrating deep into the dye provides the most intense and lasting result. In addition, the technology helps to improve the condition of the curls with each subsequent procedure. Each time they become softer and silky. It is also worth noting that this product is the safest for the scalp. It does not irritate her and does not cause a burning sensation.

Volume: 60 ml.

Price: from 595 rubles.

• 120 shades, among which, in addition to basic and brown, there is a large selection of pearlescent and red;
• maximum gray coverage;
• there is no sharp ammonia smell;
• gorgeous hair condition for a long time;
• lasting result even on gray hair;
• economical consumption: only the roots need to be tinted, because the tone on the main length is not washed out.

• requires certain skills, otherwise you can get unexpected results;
• subsequent care to maintain the color intensity requires only products of the same brand (washing with a sulfate-free shampoo is especially important).

Kapous Professional "Magic Keratin"

Ammonia-free cream paint with a permanent coloring system. Ammonium in it is replaced by ethanolamine and plant amino acids. They have a gentle effect on the curls, while guaranteeing a lasting result. As a result, the curls get a rich color, acquire a healthy shine, and thanks to the keratin included in the composition, a denser structure. The manufacturer promises that the result will last up to 6 weeks, but this is not always the case, especially on gray hair.

Volume: 100 ml.

Price: from 110 rubles.

• the palette includes 100 natural shades;
• large tube volume;
• there is no pungent smell;
• does not burn or color the scalp;
• creamy consistency is easy to apply;
• makes the structure more dense, gives a noticeable shine;
• hydrolyzed keratin is present among the components;
• low cost.

• the final result may differ from the shade of the palette;
• long staining time (35-50 minutes);
• quickly washed out.

Estel Professional Sense De Luxe

Estel Professional Sense De Luxe is a semi-permanent hair dyeing product. It not only paints them with high quality, but also takes care of their health. Included in the composition are avocado oil, olive fruit extract, and provitamin B5 transform the coloring procedure into a spa treatment. The listed components strengthen and moisturize the curls, making them less brittle, thereby eliminating split ends. The rich palette is distinguished by a large number of shades of blond, red and red. With this tool, you can tint natural hair, previously dyed, to align the tone of the roots with the rest of the length.

Volume: 60 ml.

Price: from 245 rubles.

• 76 shades including 8 mixtons and 11 Extra Red tones;
• a large selection of red and red shades;
• in the composition of vegetable oils and extracts that have a caring effect;
• there is a keratin complex that returns elasticity and natural radiance to the strands;
• careful impact.

• there is a discrepancy between the shade in the palette and in reality;
• some users note dry strands after using the product;
• washes out quickly leaving a warm tone.

Matrix Color Sync

Matrix Color Sync refers to tinting agents. The essence of toning is the settling of the coloring pigment on the surface of the hair without affecting its internal structure. Due to this, the effect is more gentle and gentle. Color Sync can be used to tint pre-lightened or gray hair, to add an additional shade or, conversely, to correct unnecessary ones, to level the tone of the main length and root part. In addition, this cream paint is used for color design and highlighting. However, in order to make the most of the capabilities of this tool, you need to have certain skills in mixing and working with shades. It is worth noting that the composition contains natural ingredients and ceramides, which, as a result, make the curls silky, elastic, with a noticeable shine.

Volume: 90 ml.

Price: from 310 rubles.

• uniform coloring;
• deep and rich result;
• careful impact and related care;
• perfect condition of curls after the procedure;
• complex of ceramides in the composition;
• large volume;
• affordable price.

• poorer palette (less than 50 colors) in comparison with other “professional participants in the rating;
• to be used only with a 2.7% native oxidizer;
• short-lived result;
• weakly stains gray hair.

Organic hair dyes

BioKap Nutricolor

BioKap Nutricolor, according to the manufacturer, is an innovative coloring product. Among the ammonia-free paints, it stands out for a large number of herbal ingredients and, most importantly, the absence of such harmful components as resorcinol, hydroquinone, parabens. Natural ingredients (fruit acids, vegetable oils and extracts) care for the scalp and curls, restoring them vitality. The paint is perfect for reviving the natural tone, painting over gray hair. Due to its mild action, it is not quite suitable for drastic changes, more for maintaining color.

The set includes a coloring cream with a volume of 50 ml, an activator emulsion of 75 ml, a cream for protecting the scalp from paint 8 ml, a shampoo-conditioner 15 ml, gloves and a gown.

Cost: from 900 rubles.

• does not contain ammonia, parabens;
• completely paints over gray hair;
• deep and voluminous color even after 2-3 weeks;
• the hair is alive, soft with a healthy sheen;
• many components of plant origin (extracts of wheat, oats, rice, argan oil, fruit acids);
• a bottle with an activator applicator acts as a container for mixing components.

• the palette includes a little more than 40 natural shades;
• the result may be darker than the declared one;
• poorly washed off the skin;
• still contains synthetic dyes and is not completely natural, as the manufacturer claims;
• expensive.

BioKap Nutricolor Delicato

BioKap Nutricolor Delicato is an even more gentle line based on cereal proteins and fatty fruit acids. Like the previous version, this one guarantees long-lasting results even on gray hair. The palette contains all the same natural shades. The package is the same.

Price: from 990 rubles.

• rich plant composition;
• well-groomed hair after applying the product.

• some users report dry ends after staining;
• expensive.

As a conclusion, we will give some more useful tips regarding the choice of paint and its use:

• be sure to consider the condition of your hair before dyeing (gray, whether dyed or not, bleached or natural). After all, the color indicated in the palette is 100% obtained only if your hair has never been exposed to coloring or lightening agents;
• ideally, first consult with a specialist, and only then experiment with appearance. This is especially true for professional products and the selection of the required percentage of oxidant;
• conduct an allergy test, because even the most benign products contain potentially allergenic substances;
• follow the instructions: strictly follow the staining procedure and its duration;
• do not neglect follow-up care. Give preference to sulfate-free shampoos and nourishing balms;
• be beautiful.