Do you know what really goes into your hair colour?

Posted on 26 October, 2018

Having healthy hair is about so much more than how often you wash or cut it. 

Chemicals like ammonia, resorcinol and PPD are commonly used in hair colour products, and have the potential to not only damage your hair but also cause irritation or even an allergic reaction.

Susie Dimov, Founding Director of Kundalini Hair, is passionate about providing a more natural alternative. Over her long career as a hair stylist, she has thoroughly researched the options on the market and pushed her suppliers to step up their game.

“When I was in my twenties I started to look at hair colour and chemicals and to wonder whether it was possible to find a brand that was more naturally derived,” says Susie.

“Back then it was fairly hard, but now there are actually a lot of competitive brands out there. We can achieve longevity in the colour, we can get 100% grey coverage, without the nasty stuff.”

Kundalini Hair Salon recently celebrated its tenth birthday, and the team has noticed a steady increase in customers’ interest in the chemicals that go onto their hair over the past decade.

“We see a lot of people come to us as soon as they get pregnant, or they’re exploring their health and wellbeing through food,” explains Susie.

“People want to know if what they’re consuming is ethical, if it’s tested on animals. There are also mums who want their teenagers to use safe colour if they’re going to dye their hair.”

Supermarket brands that use fruity smells or words like botanicals and plant extracts in their marketing, while also containing harsh chemicals or sulphates, aren’t helping the situation.

“We’ve always done a lot of education because it is so confusing—even for me, I’m always learning! We want to make these products as accessible and as natural as we can get it, because they’re coming in direct contact with your head.”

At Kundalini, Susie and the team use Original&Mineral’s permanent hair colour which is ammonia, resorcinol and PPD free. Instead, it incorporates native Australian ingredients like lilly pilly, banksia flower, quandong, Tasmanian kelp and Kakadu plum, as well as essential oils.

“We love the smell of the colour, because traditional colours smell so strong. Original&Mineral colour smells like what it’s made of, and that’s good.”

Original&Mineral was founded by Jose Bryce Smith, who opened Australia’s first ammonia-free salon two decades ago, and the products are also vegan and gluten-free (as some gluten allergies can be triggered by skin contact). Plus, there’s the fact that traditional hair colour can leave your hair damaged and lacklustre.

“I think people are quite taken aback when they realise what’s in the colour they’re using. People come into my salon thinking they can’t colour their hair and they’re shocked when we tell them that there is an option available that aligns with their values.”

Susie’s holistic approach to hair care extends to the shampoo, conditioner, treatment and styling products used and sold in the salon, as well as the customer experience when they step into the salon.

“When I started the business, hairdressing was just starting to change. People are busier than ever, that’s we’ve got the pre-service massage and the basin room, which is a quiet area, to give people five minutes to themselves. We want to make it a relaxing experience right up to the tiny details of the playlists and our signature comforting tea.”

If you’re keen to try Original&Mineral colour for yourself, Kundalini offers three price points which reflect the stylist’s level of training, practical experience and time within the industry. Colouring services start from $115 with an emerging stylist.

HerCanberra readers can receive a complimentary Original and Mineral Hydrating treatment valued at $30 when they mention this article.

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