With or without ammonia: which hair dye to choose to avoid damaging your hair and get the desired result

How to choose a hair dye so as not to disappoint yourself later? Almost every owner of colored hair has thought about this question. There are two types of base: ammonia and monoethanolamine (ammonia-free). Most people will choose the latter, but you shouldn't rush, because it can also cause significant damage to your hair.

What is the difference between ammonia and ammonia-free dyes, hair care specialist Marina Vasilenko told OBOZ.UA. After all, it's not just about the flavor, but also about the duration of the coloring and the effect you want to achieve.

Before you run out to buy a dye, you should understand the chemical properties of each of them. After all, your hair will say "thank you" after a perfectly selected product.

Ammonia (NH₃) and monoethanolamine (MEA) are two completely different chemicals used in cosmetics, including hair dyes.

Ammonia is characterized by the ability to open the outer layer, the cuticle, so that the color can penetrate. Such properties of the component make it possible to change the natural hair color to a more saturated and long-lasting one, the expert notes.

"If you are planning to change the color dramatically, ammonia dye is the best assistant. It has the ability to completely lighten the hair so that the transformation experiments are successful. A significant disadvantage of ammonia is its characteristic pungent odor, which many people find unpleasant," Marina said.

Monoethanolamine, unlike ammonia, can gently open the cuticle. That is, it is not as aggressive, and thus less harmful to hair. In particular, MEA has a less unpleasant odor compared to ammonia.

"Yes, ammonia-free dyes with MEA are a milder option for hair coloring, but it can be less effective in shading and lightening compared to ammonia," Marina Vasilenko said.

The choice between the above two components depends on individual preferences, hair needs and sensitivity to chemicals.

"As a hair care expert and a colorist who is constantly studying, I can say that ammonia-free dye does not always have a gentler effect on hair. It all depends on what it contains. Even ammonia-free dye can be harmful if you ignore the instructions," says the expert.

According to Marina, while giving preference to MEA, one should not forget that it is not always the best option. It all depends on the result you want, and you should choose a paint based on that.

Ammonia paint is not a toothy crocodile to be afraid of. There is nothing wrong with it if you use it correctly according to the instructions. Ammonia paints provide more opportunities for colorists, so you shouldn't be surprised if a master chooses it, the expert says.

Marina shares an alternative coloring option: "If you plan to maintain the quality of your hair and there is no need to change the color, or if you want to add a tint or mask some gray hair, you should try an acidic dye or a mask with direct pigments. These colors work on the surface and do not harm the hair, so they can cover your coloring needs."

As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, Marina Vasilenko shared her tips on how to choose the paint color that will suit you best.

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