Five Nature-Friendly Hair Dyes for Summer Fun

Want to change your look this summer without hurting your body or the environment? Look no further! Here are five natural hair dye products you can rely on.

Manic Panic

Manic Panic has been around since the birth of punk, and its products have been used and recommended by the likes of Marilyn Manson, Dennis Rodman, and many other celebrities. Their hair dyes are 100% cruelty-free, "tested on celebrities, not animals." They are also vegan, as they're free from animal ingredients that are often found in dyes.

As you might have guessed by now, Manic Panic specializes in bright, bold colors rather than dyes that could pass for a real hair color. However, their colors and gorgeous and can be used in a variety of ways. If you want to bleach your hair beforehand, you can get a typical "punk" effect - but if you choose to dye your natural color, you'll end up with more an undertone (depending on your natural color). The dye also won't last as long if you wash your hair with shampoo regularly, but for those who endorse infrequent washings, the colors can last for weeks.

If you plan to bleach, remember that bleaching is not like a dye - it actually strips the natural color from your hair, so you are stuck with it until your natural hair color grows back in. If you're on the job hunt or suspect you might be soon, put off bleaching for now or be prepared to dye over it with a more natural color if need be. Also remember that repeated bleachings can be damaging to your hair.

(The picture you see is of me sporting a fresh Vampire Red on my natural hair. I'm a very dark blonde, so as you can see, their dyes are quite powerful!)

Advanced Cosmetic

If you're looking for realistic, permanent color, look no further! Advanced Cosmetic makes the only PPD-free, 100% plant-based permanent hair color. Healthy both for the environment and for your hair, these dyes come in a wide variety of colors. If you're a blonde looking for go red, a brunette looking to go black, or just trying to conceal a little gray, Advanced Cosmetic almost certainly has something for you.

Since their colors contain no bleach, you can't use Advanced Cosmetics to go lighter unless you bleach first. The same advice applies here: bleach with caution, and only if you are prepared to keep re-dyeing until your natural color grows back in.

Black Henna

"Natural hair dye" can mean a variety of things, but one of the only 100% natural hair dyes is black henna, which is made from - you guessed it - the henna plant. It doesn't need to contain any other ingredients in order to create the color, which separates it from so-called "henna dyes" that are really just henna mixed with chemicals to capitalize on the natural hair dye market.

Of course, it's only helpful if you're looking to dye your hair black. But for those who are committed to all-natural color and can't afford more expensive solutions, black henna is a great alternative.

Sanotint Vegetable-Based Dye

This cream-based hair color contains no ammonia and has an extremely low risk of causing an allergic reaction. It features natural-looking colors ranging from black to vibrant red, and is considered permanent. With each tube costing only about $20, it's a very cost-effective solution for those who want new color without putting their scalp at risk. It even contains nourishing ingredients to help your hair become a little healthier.

Again, you will need a lighter base color than the dye you choose. Bleach with caution if you do choose to go this route.

Logona Kosmetik

Logona Kosmetik has a more limited range of colors than some other natural options, because it's intended to be used only on your natural hair color. However, if you're blonde and want to go strawberry or brunette and want to go darker, Logona Kosmetik is only about $14 for a tube and is therefore an extremely cost-effective solution. Their subtle colors are a fantastic way to enhance your natural color and conceal any grays. They're not intended to be used with bleach.