Naturtint vs Desert Shadow vs Tints of Nature: Which Natural Hair Colour Is Best for You?
Natural hair colour has moved beyond harsh salon formulas—but “natural” means different things depending on the brand. Naturtint, Desert Shadow, and Tints of Nature all promise gentler colour with fewer irritants, yet their philosophies diverge—plant-enriched oxidative chemistry, certified-organic botanicals only, or low-PPD salon-grade systems. This guide translates those philosophies into outcomes you care about: scalp comfort, predictable grey coverage, shade realism, processing time, and upkeep. If you’re replacing strong salon dye, you’ll want reliable grey coverage in under an hour with minimal odour and sting—where Naturtint and Tints of Nature excel. If your first priority is 100% plant-based purity and a calmer scalp even at the cost of speed or uniformity, Desert Shadow’s organic ritual shines. Read on for clear choose-this-if guidance, an apples-to-apples table, editor picks, and a practical FAQ that removes guesswork so you can shop our plant-based hair dyes with confidence.
What: This guide compares Naturtint, Desert Shadow and Tints of Nature so you can choose a gentler hair dye that fits your scalp, shade and lifestyle.
Why it matters: Ingredients, processing time and grey coverage vary a lot between “natural” brands. The right match can reduce irritation, improve shine and make root maintenance less stressful.
How to act: Decide whether you need fast permanent coverage or plant-only purity, patch-test 48 hours before colouring, then follow our brand-by-brand tips and product picks below.
References & sources: All research, ingredient data and brand information cited in this guide are listed in the Sources box below the article or on each product page.
How to compare “natural” hair dyes the smart way
“Clean” colour balances two realities: you need molecules that deliver lasting tone, and you need comfort for skin and scalp. Where brands differ is the how. Permanent systems like Naturtint and Tints of Nature use oxidative dyes—without ammonia—to lock in coverage fast; Desert Shadow uses only organic plants to coat and enrich the fibre surface. Both paths can look beautiful, but they behave differently on greys, at the root line, and over time.
Decide by mapping your non-negotiables to five levers: ingredient philosophy (synthetic-free vs low-irritant synthetics), grey coverage (single-session vs gradual build), processing time (≈ 35–40 min vs ≈ 1–3 h), shade availability (ultra-wide, mixable vs curated botanical tones), and ethics (vegan, cruelty-free, certified-organic). Leaving traditional dye and want predictable roots with minimal smell? Go permanent. Recovering from sensitivity and prioritising scalp health above speed? Go certified-organic botanicals. You’ll find brand-by-brand guidance below plus maintenance tips that extend wear, protect tone, and reduce irritation potential.
Naturtint — the gentle-science pioneer of ammonia-free permanent colour
Pioneering the pharmacy shift to softer chemistry in the late ’90s, Naturtint remains the go-to for users who want salon-style permanence without the salon sting. Its “gentle science” approach pairs oxidative dyes (for staying power) with a conditioning complex— olive-derived oleic acid, meadowfoam seed oil, and plant proteins—to buffer the fibre during the alkaline phase. Formulas are vegan and cruelty-free, and exclude ammonia, parabens, and resorcinol. The net effect is coverage you can plan around: consistent, full grey coverage with tones that read natural rather than flat.
Who it suits: switchers who dislike fumes or scalp zap but still need a tidy root line for work, and anyone who values fast, familiar timing (≈ 35–40 minutes). Coverage strategy: choose N-series neutrals for stubborn greys; blend with warm/ash for tone control. Routine: patch-test 48 hours prior; apply to dry, unwashed hair; process the roots first for resistant areas; rinse cool and follow with sulfate-free care. Expect 6–8 weeks of wear depending on wash frequency and UV exposure. If you’re moving from very dark to much lighter, step gradually or consult a professional for lift—then maintain at home with Naturtint for comfort. Shop Naturtint.
Desert Shadow — certified-organic, 100% plant-based colour (zero synthetics)
If ingredient purity and scalp health outrank speed for you, Desert Shadow is the cleanest path available. Born in Alice Springs and certified organic, every blend is 100% plant-based—finely milled henna, indigo, cassia, amla, aloe, and related botanicals. There’s no ammonia, no peroxide, no PPD, and no synthetic dyes. Instead of chemical penetration into the cortex, Desert Shadow uses a scalp-kind coating action: plant pigments bind to the cuticle, creating glossy depth, enhancing light reflection, and leaving hair feeling stronger.
Trade-offs and wins: processing takes longer—typically ≈ 1–3 hours—and grey coverage builds progressively, producing multi-tonal, believable results without harsh regrowth lines. Sensitive users often report a calmer experience with less itch or tightness post-rinse. Best practices: mix to a yogurt-like texture; apply generously; keep warm during development; avoid metal bowls; and rinse thoroughly before a light, silicone-free conditioner. Re-gloss every few weeks to refresh copper/gold and boost shine. If you’re moving from oxidative colour, allow a couple of applications for plant pigments to reach full depth. Shop Desert Shadow.
Tints of Nature — low-PPD, salon-grade permanent with an ultra-wide range
Tints of Nature aims gentleness squarely at professional reliability. Each formula is low-PPD, ammonia-free, and 95% naturally derived, with certified-organic aloe, coconut, and wheat proteins to support hair structure through the developer phase. The system is built for even, repeatable outcomes: consistent viscosity for smooth application, predictable processing, and an ultra-wide, inter-mixable shade map from 1N to 10N plus warms and reds. For former salon clients, that breadth and control feel immediately familiar—without the heavy fumes.
Use cases: tough greys at the hairline, multi-zone application (roots first, mids/ends later), or shade-matching across seasons. Timing remains ≈ 35–40 minutes. Results are known for their consistent, full coverage and durable tone when maintained with sulfate-free care and UV caution. If you want low irritants and high performance, this is the confident “best of both worlds” choice. Pro tip: anchor with an N-series at the roots for coverage, then glaze mids/ends with tonal nuance. Shop Tints of Nature.
Naturtint vs Desert Shadow vs Tints of Nature — key differences
| Feature | Naturtint | Desert Shadow | Tints of Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Spain | Australia | UK |
| Type | Ammonia-free permanent | 100% organic, henna (semi-perm.) | Low-PPD permanent |
| Ingredient approach | Plant-enriched oxidative | Henna + indigo + aloe (no synthetics) | Aloe + wheat proteins; oxidative |
| Grey coverage | Up to 100% | Moderate; builds gradually | Up to 100% |
| Processing time | ≈ 35–40 min | ≈ 1–3 h | ≈ 35–40 min |
| Certifications | Vegan & cruelty-free | Certified organic (AUS) | Vegan & cruelty-free |
| Ideal for | Fast, gentle permanent coverage | Purity + scalp comfort | Salon-grade reliability & range |
How we chose these natural hair colours
Our recommendations are based on a consistent review framework that evaluates ingredient safety, grey-coverage performance, scalp comfort, user experience and long-term results. We assess every brand using publicly available ingredient data, certification standards, dermatological principles and verified customer feedback drawn from real usage in Australian conditions. This includes looking closely at irritant load (ammonia, resorcinol, PPD levels), natural-origin percentages, botanical concentrations and whether each formula is supported by transparent manufacturing practices.
Permanent systems like Naturtint and Tints of Nature are assessed for their ability to deliver predictable grey coverage in realistic timing, how evenly the colour deposits from roots to ends, and how the formulas behave on sensitive scalps when compared with conventional salon and supermarket dyes. For Desert Shadow, we apply a separate set of criteria tailored to plant-only colour: purity of raw botanicals, certified-organic status, pigment stability, processing requirements, and how many applications are typically needed to reach full depth and tonality.
This selection process ensures our picks represent the three strongest pathways in natural colour today—fast, gentle permanent colour; certified-organic, plant-only gloss; and low-PPD salon-grade reliability—so shoppers can confidently choose a system that matches their scalp, schedule and shade goals.
Editor’s picks: natural hair colours we trust
These three shades show how Naturtint, Desert Shadow and Tints of Nature behave in real life — from fast full coverage to slow-build, plant-only gloss.
Naturtint 5N Light Chestnut Brown
Fast, ammonia-free permanent colour with reliable grey coverage and a soft, natural finish.
- Up to 100% grey coverage in ≈ 35–40 minutes.
- Plant-enriched formula to help reduce dryness and scalp sting.
- Great “first switch” shade for medium brown hair.
Desert Shadow Copper Shadow
Certified-organic, 100% plant-based blend that builds luminous copper with exceptional shine.
- Zero synthetics: no ammonia, peroxide, PPD or preservatives.
- Scalp-kind coating action with gradual, multi-tonal coverage.
- Ideal for sensitive users who value ingredient purity first.
Tints of Nature 4N Natural Medium Brown
Low-PPD, ammonia-free permanent colour that feels like a salon result at home.
- Up to 100% grey coverage with predictable 35–40 minute timing.
- 95% naturally derived formula with aloe and wheat proteins.
- Great anchor shade for tidy, professional-looking root coverage.
Frequently asked questions
These are the most common questions shoppers ask when comparing Tints of Nature, Naturtint and Desert Shadow across ingredients, grey coverage and scalp comfort.
Which brand gives the best grey coverage?
Tints of Nature and Naturtint offer up to 100% grey coverage in familiar timing (≈ 35–40 min). Desert Shadow builds gradually for a natural, dimensional look.
What’s the gentlest hair dye for sensitive scalps?
Desert Shadow is the only 100% plant-based, certified-organic option with zero peroxide or ammonia—the gold standard for minimal irritation. For permanent results, choose low-PPD formulas like Tints of Nature or Naturtint and always patch-test.
Does Desert Shadow contain any synthetic ingredients?
No. It uses organic botanicals such as henna, indigo, cassia, amla, and aloe vera—no synthetic dyes, PPD, parabens, or preservatives.
Is Naturtint PPD-free?
No permanent oxidative colour is entirely PPD-free. Naturtint uses reduced levels to deliver lasting colour while staying ammonia- and resorcinol-free.
Is Tints of Nature ammonia-free?
Yes. It’s ammonia-, resorcinol-, and paraben-free, yet provides permanent, even coverage. Always patch-test first.
How long do results last?
Naturtint and Tints of Nature typically last 6–8 weeks. Desert Shadow softens gradually and refreshes easily without harsh regrowth lines.
How do I choose a shade?
Match your natural level and undertone: neutrals (N) for grey coverage, golds/coppers for warmth, ash to counter brass. For certified-organic purity, choose the closest Desert Shadow blend.
How long should colour process?
Naturtint / Tints of Nature: ≈ 35–40 min · Desert Shadow: ≈ 1–3 h.
Bottom line: pick the philosophy that fits your scalp, schedule, and shade goals
You can have comfort and results—just decide which lever matters most today. Naturtint is the gentle-science pioneer for fast, familiar, full-coverage colour without harsh odour. Desert Shadow is the purity benchmark: 100% plant-based, certified-organic, scalp-first colour that rewards patience with dimensional shine. Tints of Nature delivers the best of both worlds for many users: low irritants, salon-grade reliability, and a wide, mixable palette that makes root maintenance and seasonal tweaks straightforward.
Wherever you land, lock in success with three habits: patch-test 48 hours prior, process roots methodically (resistant greys first), and maintain with sulfate-free care plus UV caution. Ready to choose? Explore our plant-based hair-dye collection and pick the formula that fits your biology, schedule, and style.
About this article
No citations provided.
-
Notes:Article published