When hair color first started to appear on the market, the main active ingredient in them was ammonia, a very potent chemical that changed the fundamentals of the hair follicles - and when I say changed, I mean damaged permanently. Just in last few years, most hair color makers are now offering hair color without the ammonia in them, but does that mean it is all good now?

Not really. See, most of them took out ammonia, but replaced it with other chemicals like phenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical widely used in the newest type of hair dyes, even those that claim to be natural. It’s a popular ingredient because it helps the new color to look natural and to withstand numerous washings without fading.

There are some concerns with this ingredient, the main concern being that it is an allergen and can create difficult skin reactions on the scalp, ears, or neck - wherever the hair dye comes into contact with your skin.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH):

• PPD is potentially capable of causing multiple toxic effects following skin contact.
• Data from studies of both humans and animals are sufficient to demonstrate that PPD has potent skin-sensitizing properties.
• Several cases of contact dermatitis have been reported following occupational exposure to dyes containing the chemical.
• Studies have also identified the chemical as the third most common ingredient, after fragrances and preservatives that can cause contact dermatitis from cosmetics (mainly skin-care products, hair preparations and colorants, and facial makeup products).

According to the American Cancer Society, "Many American women, as well as a small but increasing number of men, use hair dyes. You may have heard rumors about a link between using hair dye and getting cancer. Many studies have looked at hair dyes as a possible risk factor for various types of cancer."

Sounds scary enough? Well, it should. When I heard that, I realized I needed to do something about it, and I did. I started researching how to make all-natural, plant-based hair color. After a few months of trial and error, I figured it out, and I am happy to report my own creation is safer, better, and brings out the natural shine of the hair.

This audiobook is broken down into two parts. The first part is all about your own hair, the care it needs, the color charts you need to know about, and what and how to color your hair. In “Recipes and Options”, I discuss the ingredients and process of making all-natural hair color and how to enjoy your new found hobby.