Honestly: Ammonia-Free Vs. Ammonia

This isn't a review.  It's an honest rant. :)

There is a new "Ammonia-free" trend in hair color.  I just wanted to take a moment to point out that Ammonia-free doesn't necessarily mean damage free.  Permanent hair color has to be able to penetrate the hair cuticle and in order to do that you need an alkaline substance.  The only FDA approved alkaline substances are Ammonia and Alkanolamine.  When hair color is "Ammonia-free" that means it has Alkanolamine in it and Alkanolamine is no less damaging than Ammonia.  Cutting your hair every time you get it colored will prevent it from becoming damaged.  However, if you are worried about Ammonia or Alkanolamine hair color damaging your hair then your options are to have your hairstylist use a temporary or demi hair color that is not permanent.  Keep in mind, you will have to color your hair more often and it may not camouflage all of your grey.  The up-side is that you won't have a strong line of demarkation at the root which makes it less noticeable when you have regrowth.

DO NOT use Henna.  It will simply coat your hair and make it feel sticky and waxy.