ZenSummerIssue

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK BOX COLOR
by Angela Alba, Master Certified Organic Hair Colorist
10
THE BAD & THE UGLY
Corrosive Ammonia
Most permanent hair color from a
box works through the use of
ammonia. The corrosive nature of
ammonia irreversibly changes the
hair’s pH to an undesirable level.
Not to mention that ammonia
damages the hair’s natural
Tyrosine levels; Tyrosine is a
naturally occurring amino acid that
makes up the protein in your hair
and is responsible for the natural
pigment. Ammonia damages your
scalp’s sebaceous oil glands,
inhibiting its ability to create the
hair’s natural oils that contribute to
your hair’s much needed moisture.
Remember this formula for healthy
hair: Protein + Moisture + Proper
pH.
High Levels Of PPD’s
Box colors contain superfluous
amounts of pigment and
developer. What does that mean
for you? Well, the pigment we are
referring to is the pigment
necessary for all PERMANENT hair
color, p- phenylenediamine., also
known as PPD. Unfortunately, box
color has an excessive amount of
PPDs, causing an increase in
allergies worldwide, as more and
more individuals are dying their
hair. Hair dye allergies are on the
rise, causing unsightly reactions
and in some cases, fatality. What’s
worse? You may not be allergic to
PPD this time, but with continued
high exposure to this chemical you
can become sensitive at any time!
It is advised to seek out a
permanent hair color line with low
PPD and no derivatives, so that
likelihood for an allergic reaction is
significantly decreased.
ZEN LIVING MAGAZINE
Let’s face it, most of you box color users out there did not attend
cosmetology school, and are lacking what we in the business call the “laws
of color.” You probably aren’t sure exactly what color your hair is when the
color is processing or when to take off the color to achieve your most
desired result. You probably don’t know what colors to mix to cancel out
undesired tones in your hair, and we don’t expect you to. But, because of
these reasons box color is more like a box of chocolates, you never know
what you’re gonna get. Here are some important things to know!
!
1. One Size Does Not Fit All
So, let’s think about this logically. Box color is formulated so that everyone and anyone can use it,
but not everyone’s hair type, condition or color is even remotely the same. In fact, most box dyes
are formulated with maximum amounts of pigment and developer, so that it is able to work on most
people. The chances are if you have already dyed your hair previously, your processed hair isn’t
going to need that strong of a developer; don’t damage it more by getting one size fits all, box
color. You do not want this ‘one size fits all’ mentality when choosing your hair color, give yourself
customization and expert knowledge, and seek a hair professional who will be able to accurately
create a color for you and only YOU!
2. Regrowth Trouble
Again, you probably thought your regrowth would look like the rest of your head because that’s
what the pretty lady on the box looks like, right? WRONG! I know this may seem repetitive, but it’s
all about the ability to customize. Your regrowth is virgin hair, and the remainder of your head is
more than likely already processed, or has seen some damage due to UV exposure or styling. Think
you can pair up a good box color for your regrowth and pair it with the right box color for the rest of
your hair without look like two different colors? Didn’t think so, leave it to the professionals.
3. Box Color is Only One Color
This idea ties in both Number 2 and Number 3. We already know that your regrowth will need a
different color formulation than the rest of your head, but how about when you want some actual
dimension? Or how about if you want a hair color that takes a little more skill than an all over color
application, like the much sought after, ombre look? You will not be able to achieve that with the
one color present in a box. Note: Most hairdressers never use less than 2 different colors to mix your
desired color – customization!
So, you decided not to listen to the other 5 reasons because you still think you know best. Well,
orange you the hair expert? We say orange, because that is often the color your hair will turn when
attempting to color (especially lighten) with box color. Do your hair and wallet a favor, don’t spend
$10 on box color, and then $300 on a color correction. Great color only accents what you wear
everyday single day - your hair!
Consumers interested in healthy, innovative, organic hair care products and color
performed by Certified Organic Colorists can call The B Hive Salon at 201-470-HIVE to
make an appointment. Salon professionals can inquire as well for info on certifications and
employment opportunities.
!
The B Hive Salon is Bergen County’s first
organic, eco friendly and clean air salon
using no sulfates, parabens or ammonia.
All of their products are infused with
organic ingredients and are never tested
on animals. www.thebhivesalon.com
!
!