Is organic the way forward for hair colour?

Former London hairdresser of the year, Karine Jackson, appeared on BBC's The One Show last week to discuss the recent concern over adverse reactions to hair dye, and the natural safer alternatives clients are turning to.

A House of Lords committee has found that adverse reactions to PPD’s, the chemical used in hair dyes that ensures colour holds onto the hair, has significantly increased over the past ten years.

Currently, EU legislation allows PPD’s to comprise up to six per cent of the constituents of hair dyes on the consumer market. Karine uses Organic Colour Systems from Herb UK that contains an average across the range of just 0.6%.

Researchers writing in the British Medical Journal last year called for more research on the safety and composition of hair dyes following a doubling of allergic reactions in testing in the last few years. The reactions trigger skin rashes on the face and in severe cases can cause facial swelling - something that Organic Colour Systems was set up to avoid.

Their strict guidelines also include always recommending skin testing before a colour application. Organic Colour Systems was developed by a hairdresser who himself suffered horrific allergic reactions to traditional colour; the company is now the largest independent manufacturer of hair products in the UK.

Herb UK are extremely careful about what goes in, using natural alternatives where possible, including aloe vera, comfrey, orange and grapefruit. The colour doesn’t contain ammonia, allowing the hair to retain its natural moisture and protein balance. And they use the absolute lowest level of PPD's possible, minimising the likelihood of harmful reactions. Because of its natural base, it closes the cuticle down when shampooing and applying conditioner giving it a natural feel and shine.

Where natural ingredients cannot match the effectiveness of chemical alternatives, manufacturer Herb UK utilises precise minimum quantities of only the finest grade chemical additives.

Pharmaceutical grade peroxide, meanwhile, further reduces any chance of skin irritation or burning on the hair.

Says Karine: “Client happiness is of paramount importance to our business. Having trialled the range, we’ve found that clients love the non-drip gel and the fact that the treatment nourishes their hair. Organic Colour Systems does not cost any more than conventional hair colour and the feedback we’ve received has been fantastic - people are raving about how glossy and soft their hair is after colouring. Also, it’s infinitely safer to colour hair in the salon than at home”.

The colour is so gentle; Trevor Sorbie's My New Hair charity for patients recovering from cancer and wanting to colour their hair as it re-grows are recommending that clients can consider using OCS, yet it's as effective as any other colour on the market acros the full spectrum of colours, from blondes and and highlights to darks, reds, and even blues! Some of the nurses at St Guys and Thomas Hospitals have also passed on patients' recommendation of Karine as an expert in post treatment hair colouring.

Karine Jackson Hair & Beauty is at 24 Litchfield Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9NJ – see karinejackson.co.uk.

Organic Colour Systems from Herb UK is available at selected salons nationwide: see organiccoloursystems.com for local stockists.