Many consumers prefer ammonia-free colour, whether for salon or at home colouring.

Ammonia has a pungent, harsh smell which can irritate the skin, eyes and nose, but there is little consumer awareness of the upside of PPD-free colour.

What is PPD?

Paraphenylenediamine is commonly known as PPD. It is an aromatic amine compound and is often used in hair dyes because it is effective in delivering and depositing colour, particularly darker colour.

Is PPD harmful?

PPD has been associated with mild skin irritations and more severe allergic contact dermatitis. PPD can be irritating to people who suffer from eczema or other skin conditions. Some people are allergic to PPD, and as a result they can experience severe reactions if they are exposed to PPD.

Prof. K. Mokbel, a leading London breast cancer surgeon led a 2017 study examining the link between permanent hair colouring and breast cancer. One of the authors of the study, Prof. Mokbel, advises that it is best to avoid hair colour products with more than 2% PPD.

Some people can develop a reaction to PPD as a result of repeated exposure to PPD, even after years of colouring previously without a reaction. Therefore anyone who is planning on colouring their hair should follow the instructions and complete a sensitivity patch test before colouring.

PPD-Free Alternatives

Scientists have developed alternative ingredients that effectively deposit colour without the same level of risk as PPD. Even if you don’t have a PPD allergy, the latest medical advice is to reduce exposure to PPD as a result of its unwanted health effects.

Healthier PPD Free Colour

At The Shade we have created a range of at-home PPD-free colour with salon grade colour performance. We are concerned about your health and wellbeing and we also want to make your life a little bit easier, so we home deliver your colour when you need it.

Our range of  PPD-free colour uses effective alternatives to leave you with salon gorgeous, healthier colour that you can feel good about.

I have issues with my immune system and have suffered from allergies for 12 years. I tried ‘natural’ hair dyes, but always had severe reaction. To my delight and surprise, I have no problems using this product! And the colour is natural and beautiful. Easy to use, pleasant smell PPD and cruelty free. So dangerous chemical free and no animals suffering. I will be sticking with The Shade and only wish I have found It years ago.

A. Lisson

I love the colour and accessories that come with this product. I love the fact it’s a low chemical formula and it’s the only hair dye that doesn’t make my scalp itch or burn when I use it. It also smells great and my hair looks healthy after use.

A. Hoyling

The most amazing product for my hair. I’m allergic to PPD. This colour is vibrant, left my hair feeling fresh and no horrible chemicals or odours. Absolutely love it.

L. Robinson

I love this! I am super paranoid about products and chemicals due to a serious illness in the family, and so I havent coloured my hair for a while because I want to avoid PPD adn I don’t want to use henna. So happy with this – love the colour, no itch or stink, and the accessories are super cool and handy too. Colour is gorgeous and my hair feels amazing!

Nola F.

Love that this product doesnt have ammonia and ppd, and that they provide everything for a full home salon. I have never been so organised (and tidy) for home colouring before! Colour is very natural looking, conditioner is amazing, no drips and no itch. Lovely!

Farzaneh H.

I am allergic to PPD so I am very happy to have found this product! The service and packaging is very nice. I asked for advice about colours, a colourist gave me some fresh ideas, and now I love my colour result! Thank you! The Shade is a keeper!!

J. Bateman