Among other options, coloring hair primarily depends upon the decision made regarding which dye to use. There are two types of hair colors: Ammonia hair colors and ammonia free hair colors. So what is the difference between them? Which one should you use? Let's break it down in simple words.

What Is Ammonia in Hair Color?

Ammonia is the chemical in old-fashioned dyes that forces open the hair cuticle and lets the color go as deep as it can into the hair, giving long-lasting results. Most of the time synthetic and permanent hair color use it. However, ammonia has a horrible smell, and it can irritate the scalp, eyes, or respiratory system. The inclusion of ammonia in hair color was considered the main ingredient to make it permanent. However, the facts and research tells that ammonia also does something else which will be mentioned later in the article.

What is Ammonia Free Hair Color?

Ammonia-free hair color, as its name speaks for itself, does not use any ammonia. However, alternative chemicals such as MEA, monoethanolamine, or TEA, which is triethanolamine are used to cut through the hair cuticle in other dyes. Alternatives are generally less harsh in nature and have gentler coloring experience in return.

Key differences between Ammonia and Ammonia free hair dyes

1. Chemical Formula

Ammonia-based hair colors contain ammonia, which is a strong and effective penetrator for color. Ammonia-free dyes typically rely on milder chemicals that often are much less pungent.

2. Odor

One of the most noticeable differences is that ammonia smells extremely sharp, while ammonia-free dyes tend to be far less offensive, even having a pleasant or neutral scent.

3. Scalp Sensitivity

Ammonia can be irritating to the scalp of some people. It triggers redness, itching, or sometimes a burning sensation. Products that are ammonia-free are much gentler and more suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies.

4. Color Results

Ammonia-based dyes are often said to produce rich, vibrant colors. They also last longer, so the ammonia-free colors could last less and possibly fade quicker. However, they sometimes do better for a more natural look or even for temporary changes.

5. Damage to Hair

Ammonia can be quite dehydrating and destructive to hair if used on a regular basis. Ammonia-free hair color is less damaging because ammonia-free hair colors are less harsh to the hair shaft.

6. Effect on Hair Texture

The aggressiveness with which ammonia opens the hair cuticle means that the treated hair may feel a bit more rough or porous after color application. By contrast, dyes that are ammonia-free usually deposit feel softer and more conditioned.

7. Coverage of Gray Hair

Ammonia-based dyes allow for a larger capacity coverage of gray hair. The chemical processing allows more penetration of the color, resulting in more full coverage for the dye. Ammonia-free dyes would still cover gray hair just not as well and their results might not last too long. 

8. Environment Impact

Ammonia is flammable. It can cause harm if inhaled or the environment is exposed to it. There are those who like ammonia-free dyes simply because they believe that dyes that do not contain ammonia are more environmentally friendly because there are fewer dangerous chemicals.

9. Time of Application

Ammonia-based dyes can be processed in less time than the ammonia-free products. This is because ammonia opens hair cuticles more effectively to allow the color process quickly. Ammonia-free dyes usually take a little longer to achieve the same results.

Advantages of Ammonia-Based Hair Color

Long-lasting results

Dyes made with ammonia seem to be longer-lasting. They penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, creating a very strong color that can take much more time to fade.

Gray coverage

Ammonia is also known as a product that would cover gray hair entirely. It's supposedly fit for the more opaque kind of coverage compared to formulas that are ammonia-free.

Brighter color

More intense color is possible through ammonia. If you want intense reds, blues, or blondes, this might be the better option for you.

Faster processing time

Because ammonia opens the cuticle more easily, color sets quicker, so you do not spend as much time in the saloon or at home.

Disadvantages of ammonia-based hair color

Dryness

Ammonia dries your hair. Over time, regular applications reveal damage to them, leaving your hair fragile and breaking easily.

Scalp irritation

The strong smell and chemical nature create redness, itching, or burning sensation on sensitive scalps.

Smell

Ammonia is a very potent gas and most detest the smell. Even when you color, the smell is always present, not forgetting when done.

Advantages of Ammonia-Free Hair Dye

Gentle on hair

Ammonia free hair color does not strip out moisture from the hair and leaves the hair softer and shinier.

Less Irritation

Ammonia free hair color avoids irritation and scalp itching. The less reactive ingredients of an ammonia free hair dye cause nothing but a delightful hair color result.

Less odor

If you are sensitive to smell, ammonia-free hair color is a good choice. It has a much milder scent, which can make the coloring process more comfortable.

A little more natural

For people looking for a more natural look, ammonia-free dyes can provide subtle color changes without being too harsh.

Cons of Ammonia-Free Hair Color

Less vibrant color

Even though ammonia-free hair color might be quite vibrant, it might not be as vibrant or as rich as its ammonia-based counterparts.

Less long-lasting color

Overall, ammonia-free dyes tend to fade faster. Perhaps the color will last you a few weeks, but more frequent touch-ups are needed.

Will not cover gray completely

Though ammonia-free hair colors cover gray hair, they may not give the most complete coverage as their ammonia-based alternatives.

It takes more time to process

As ammonia-free products do not open up the cuticle of hair as aggressively as products containing ammonia, these normally take a little bit longer to process.

Which one to choose?

You may either choose between ammonia hair color and ammonia-free hair color, depending on what you prefer. If you are looking for a rich, long-lasting color that covers gray totally, you might simply choose to go with ammonia-based hair dye. If you have sensitive skin, you are concerned about damage, or you just want it to be more natural, you will have to go for ammonia-free hair color.

The New Innovation

In the old school where people just have two options. The 1st option was linked to the desire whether a user wants to have a permanent hair color and does not have any problem with irritation, odor, or hair health issues, the user goes with the hair color with ammonia.

On the other hand, people love to go with ammonia free hair color if they have skin problems, concerned with hair problems. 

The question arises, what to choose if an individual wants to have permanent hair color, ammonia free hair color with a lot of hair care properties. In other words, a complete hair color package that does not require any further extensions.

The simple answer is Roxie hair color which is known as the best hair color in Pakistan.

The Permanent and ammonia free hair color

Roxie hair color sachet is an innovative hair color solution in the market with a creative and complete hair coloring package. It is a permanent and ammonia free hair color that breaks the myth that a hair color can't be permanent and ammonia free at the same time.

It also contains the hair care properties with the touch of Almond Oil and Olive Oil. It leaves hair with a permanent complexion and a shinier and softer look.

It is available in 7 natural and classy hair color shades and also available in the hair color box.

Here are some questions to ask when making a decision:

1. How sensitive is your scalp?

If irritation mainly upsets you, ammonia-free may be the best fit for you.

2. How long do you want the color to last?

If you believe much time would pass before needing to revive the color, you might want to check for an ammonia-based one; it might even better offer the longevity you are looking for.

3. Do you have gray hair?

Roxie hair color is the best solution for gray hair and ensures 100% grey hair coverage. 

4. How's your hair health?

You must have already damaged or dry hair, and ammonia-free dyes will prevent damage to this.

5. Are you looking for a real color change?

Ammonia dyes are useful if you want something bright and striking, whereas ammonia-free dyes will give you more of a natural color.

Color Aftercare

Regardless of the color you choose, colored hair care has to be maintained. Here are a few tips:

Use sulfate-free shampoos

No stripping of color and moisture by sulfates. Use shampoos specifically for color-treated hair.

Condition regularly

Coloring becomes very drying for the hair. Regular deep conditioning can keep it soft and shiny.

Heat-resistance

The colored hair is very sensitive to extreme heat. Utilize any kind of heat protector while using the flat iron or curling iron.

Minimum washings

Try to wash your hair as rarely as you can to avoid fading of the color and quick loss of pigment.

Final Thoughts

Whether to opt for ammonia or ammonia-free hair color is a matter of hair requirement and preference. Ammonia-based dyes do give intense colors and results for longer periods, yet ammonia-free dyes are gentler, causing irritation to lesser extents. Both have pros and cons, and really the decision should be made considering hair health, sensitivity to chemicals, and results desired.

Whichever product you choose, remember that proper hair care is what makes it healthy and vibrantly colored. Using the right product, with a little TLC, your hair is sure to come out beautiful and colored, no matter which form of dyeing you choose!