Tints of Nature is a natural hair dye that uses plant-based ingredients to gradually color hair. It claims to condition hair while gently depositing color for a natural look. But does it really work?
What is Tints of Nature?
Tints of Nature is a brand of permanent hair dye made from 75% certified organic and naturally-derived ingredients. It contains no ammonia, parabens, gluten, propylene glycol, mineral oils, or PPD. According to the company, Tints of Nature uses a unique micro-pigment technology to gently color the hair for a natural result.
The key ingredients in Tints of Nature include:
- Aloe vera – Nourishes and conditions hair
- Chamomile – Calms and soothes the scalp
- Calendula – Natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Comfrey – Stimulates hair growth
- Grapefruit seed extract – Antibacterial and antifungal
- Jojoba oil – Softens and hydrates hair
The dyes come in 16 different shades ranging from natural black to light blonde. Tints of Nature offers permanent, semi-permanent, and root touch-up options. It’s formulated to work on all hair types including gray, highlighted, color-treated, and chemically straightened hair.
How does it work?
Tints of Nature uses an oxidative dyeing process but with gentler ingredients than typical permanent hair dye. It contains low levels of hydrogen peroxide to open the hair cuticles and allow the natural pigments to deposit inside the hair shaft.
The dye molecules are relatively small so they can penetrate into the cortex for long-lasting color. The hair cuticle then closes over the color molecules, sealing them inside for permanent results.
Here is a quick overview of how Tints of Nature colors hair:
- Mix the dye and activator together to create an emulsion.
- Apply the emulsion to shampooed, towel-dried hair.
- The hydrogen peroxide opens the cuticles to allow dye molecules inside.
- The natural pigments deposit inside the cortex.
- Rinse thoroughly after the development time.
- The cuticle closes trapping the color molecules.
- The result is permanent, natural-looking color.
Tints of Nature should achieve good color coverage in one application. For stubborn grays or to go lighter, a second application may be needed.
Tints of Nature ingredients
Here is a more detailed look at some of the key ingredients in Tints of Nature and their benefits:
| Ingredient | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Aloe Vera | Soothes and moisturizes hair, adds shine |
| Chamomile | Anti-inflammatory, calms and conditions scalp |
| Calendula | Natural antioxidant, protects hair |
| Comfrey root | Stimulates hair follicles, promotes growth |
| Grapefruit seed extract | Antibacterial and antifungal properties |
| Jojoba oil | Emulsifies dye, hydrates hair |
Does it damage hair?
Most permanent hair dyes use ammonia or ethanolamine to lift open the cuticles aggressively. They also contain chemical colorants like PPD that can irritate the scalp. This can cause damage to the hair and increased fading over time.
By using gentler ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and jojoba oil, Tints of Nature can color hair with less damage. The lower levels of hydrogen peroxide also help prevent excess cuticle lifting that can cause damage to the inner cortex.
In a 2018 study by the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, over 80% of women said Tints of Nature conditions hair while coloring. The study found significantly less hair damage compared to a leading ammonia-based dye.
However, there is still some mild oxidation required for permanent hair dye. So Tints of Nature will cause a low level of cuticle swelling and damage compared to no hair dye. But overall, it results in much less hair damage than conventional permanent dye.
How long does it last?
As a permanent hair dye, Tints of Nature should last 4-6 weeks before roots become visible. The color will start fading subtly from the first wash but still retains good color for up to 6 weeks.
The semi-permanent formula from Tints of Nature lasts through 6-12 shampoos. The root touch-up is designed to disguise new growth for 2-3 weeks.
The dye should fade gradually to a slightly lighter shade rather than go patchy. Using a sulfate-free shampoo and minimal washing helps maximize the longevity.
Here is an approximate overview of how long each Tints of Nature formula should last:
| Formula | Lasts |
|---|---|
| Permanent | 4-6 weeks |
| Semi-permanent | 6-12 washes |
| Root touch-up | 2-3 weeks |
Does it cover gray hair?
Tints of Nature offers good gray coverage for a natural hair dye. The permanent formulas contain low levels of hydrogen peroxide to help open the cuticle and allow dye molecules to effectively coat stubborn gray hairs.
In the 2018 study, over 74% of participants agreed that Tints of Nature covered their grays after two applications. For the best results, ensure hair is clean before dyeing and apply on dry, unwashed hair.
If using the semi-permanent or root touch-up on moderate to heavy graying, a second application may be needed. Allow 1 week between applications for the healthiest results.
Tints of Nature generally achieves better gray coverage than henna or other purely plant-based dyes. But for very resistant gray hairs, a second application or touch-up may be required.
Does it work on all hair types?
A key benefit of Tints of Nature is its versatile formula that works across different hair types and textures.
As it does not contain harsh chemicals like ammonia or PPD, it tends to cause less irritation on sensitive scalps. The organic ingredients make it suitable for all skin types.
The dye achieves good results on coarse, curly, and thick hair. The creamy emulsion formulation coats the hair effectively for even coverage.
It can also be used on color-treated, highlighted, balayaged and chemically straightened hair. Perform a strand test 24-48 hours before full application.
Tints of Nature generally works well across all hair types. But always do a patch test if you have sensitivities or allergies.
How to use Tints of Nature
Using Tints of Nature is similar to other permanent box dyes. Follow the instructions carefully for best results:
- Shampoo and towel dry hair 24 hours before coloring.
- Mix the colorant cream and activator in the tray.
- Divide hair into sections and apply the mixture from roots to ends.
- Massage emulsion into hair using the tinting brush.
- Leave on for the development time recommended.
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
- Apply the post-color conditioner and leave for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse out and style as desired.
Perform a strand test first if coloring treated or damaged hair. And always follow with the provided conditioner for optimal results.
Tints of Nature reviews
Tints of Nature scores an average of 4 out of 5 stars from over 1,000 customer reviews on Amazon. Positive reviews mention natural-looking color results and minimal hair damage.
Here are examples of positive Tints of Nature reviews:
- “This is the best box dye I’ve tried. Good coverage of grays and leaves hair soft.”
- “Gentle on my sensitive scalp and conditions while coloring. I’m very happy with the results.”
- “I love how natural this looks compared to chemical dyes. My hair feels healthier and less damaged.”
- “Easy to apply and leaves hair shiny and conditioned. Will definitely purchase this brand again.”
Some negative reviews mention the formula staining the scalp or an unpleasant chemical smell. Results can also fade faster compared to conventional dyes.
Based on mostly positive reviews, Tints of Nature seems effective for naturally coloring hair with minimal damage. Always do a patch test first to ensure your hair reacts well.
Conclusion
Tints of Nature offers a healthier way to color hair permanently using gentler, organic ingredients. The natural dye molecules can effectively penetrate and color hair with results lasting 4-6 weeks.
It covers grays well in most cases and achieves even, natural-looking color on all hair types. The formula conditions hair while coloring to minimize damage from oxidation.
While still a permanent dye, Tints of Nature results in less hair damage compared to ammonia-based chemical dyes. It’s free from harsh additives like PPD, parabens, and mineral oils.
If you’re looking to color hair but are worried about damage, Tints of Nature is a great natural option. Just be aware that results may fade faster than conventional dyes and require more frequent touch-ups.
