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To be an effective permanent color, one must open the cuticle and allow the permanent color through to the inner part of the hair. The only way to do this is to temporarily raise the pH of the hair. The resulting color will be seen through the transparent cuticle and, if the hair is properly cared for, should last until it grows out.

Raising the pH of the hair:

• pH is a measure of acidity and alkalinity
• It ranges from 0 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly alkaline)
• 7 is neutral – pure water
• The ideal balanced pH level for our hair is between 4.5 and 5.5 and is known as its isometric point.
• Above 5.5, the hair cuticle starts to open, and below 4.5, it starts to contract.
• For a permanent hair color to work, we need to open the hair cuticle by raising the pH of the hair above its isometric point.
• After coloring, to maintain condition of the hair, we need to close the hair cuticle by lowering the pH of the hair back down to its isometric point.

There are 2 ways to open the cuticle:

• The first is to suspend the hair in a harsh and highly alkaline substance like ammonia. This quickly raises the pH of the hair well beyond it’s normal value to about 11 or higher and causes it to swell considerably. It is effective for coloring purposes, but has many side effects including damage to the hair, and difficulty in returning it to its ideal pH level.
  
• The second and more natural method, as used by Tints of Nature, is to suspend the hair in a substance called Ethanolamine which is derived from Coconut and acts as a gentle pH adjuster and moisturizer. It softens the cuticle and, because it only raises the pH of the hair to about 9.5, causes it to open slowly rather than to rapidly swell up. Once coloring is completed the cuticle can be closed down again and the hair returned to its normal pH level by using the shampoo and conditioner supplied with the color. No damage is done to the hair.

• No harsh ammonia or ammonia substitutes and no resorcinol or nonoxynol: Helps to ensure damage free results; Maintains the hair's natural moisture and protein balance; Leaves little or no staining on skin; This means no ammonia gas to inhale - smells pleasant to use.
  
• Contains certified organic ingredients: Results in an overall purer product; Ingredients are more active; Reinforces our commitment to products that are as natural as possible.
  
• Does not take the hair as far from its isometric point as a chemical color: Makes it possible, by use of the supplied shampoo and conditioner, to close down the cuticle and return the hair to its ideal pH level.
  
• Uses pharmaceutical grade peroxide: Most stable peroxide available; Gives the hair a natural feel & shine; Minimizes possibility of irritating skin; Minimizes the possibility of damage to the hair.
  
• Uses a naturally derived soy base: Is a cleaner, less harmful alternative than the more highly chemical bases. Actually adds protein to the hair shaft during coloring.

Each of the available 24 permanent Tints of Nature colors is designated by a number followed by a letter. This number is called an ICC number and signifies depth of color - it ranges from 1- the darkest, to 10-the lightest. With Tints of Nature, because of its more natural method, hair color can usually only be lightened by one shade. The chosen desired color has to be compared to the natural depth of color of the hair to ensure it is no more than one shade lighter. On the other hand, if darkening of the hair is desired, Tints of Nature can usually achieve this over a range of five to six colors or shades. See chart below.

Sorry, we cannot accept returns on hair colors.