Finding the safest and best products in the world of hair coloring options can be a chore. One substance that keeps us guessing is ammonia. Does ammonia damage hair? Is ammonia-free coloring better for hair?

Let’s find out the differences between ammonia and ammonia-free hair coloring products.

Why Ammonia?

To grasp the use of ammonia versus ammonia-free hair coloring products, it’s good to understand why companies use ammonia in the first place.

Ammonia molecules are incredibly tiny. They evaporate quickly.  This is what creates the powerful odor users are so familiar with. However, the fast evaporation means that you get a clean rinse.

Overall, ammonia-based coloring influences a chemical reaction. Ammonia is the agent utilized to make hair follicles swell. With the swelling, hair is absorbent and better soaks in dye. The process increases the possibility of deeper and lasting coloring.

The hair coloring process with ammonia influences lightening as well, working with natural hair colors and melanin to produce better results.

Ammonia-Free Hair Coloring Products

Though it has no ammonia molecules, the ammonia-free solution still contains an alkaline element. The compound closely relates to ammonia. But with the ammonia-free option, you are likely to get results less optimal than ammonia-based products.

A major reason why is that products free of ammonia deploy agents with larger molecules. The larger the molecule, the less saturation occurs, and the less infusion into your hair follicles. Bigger molecules generate less swelling of the hair.

The hair dye isn’t capable of the deep penetration of ammonia hair colors. The vibrant coloring most prefer may lessen and isn’t likely to last as long as your ammonia-based products. This only means ammonia-free hair treatment may require more treatments to maintain results.