The Ultimate Guide to Naturtint Hair Colour: Natural & Safe Dye for Men & Women

Why clean colour matters more than ever

For years, colouring your hair meant enduring pungent ammonia, scalp burn, and dry, porous strands. Traditional oxidative dyes lift pigment aggressively, opening the cuticle with high alkalinity. The payoff—lasting colour—came at the cost of the hair’s protective barrier and scalp comfort. Naturtint rewrote that equation in the 1990s by proving you could have permanent, reliable results without harsh chemistry. The formula still uses oxidation for penetration, but it does so gently, replacing ammonia with ethanolamine and supporting the process with plant oils and proteins.

Modern shoppers no longer see “natural” as optional—they expect it. Whether motivated by scalp sensitivity, environmental awareness, or ingredient transparency, the new generation of colour users want performance without compromise. That’s where Naturtint excels. It occupies the sweet spot between clinical performance and botanical care.

In this complete colour and care guide, we’ll cover how Naturtint works, expert-approved application techniques, aftercare science, and how it compares to other natural dye systems such as Desert Shadow or Tints of Nature. We’ll also dive into nutrition, scalp health, and habits that sustain shine long after you rinse. Think of this as your professional, science-backed roadmap to colouring beautifully—without leaving your bathroom.

Understanding how Naturtint works

Naturtint belongs to the “oxidative permanent” category—but its difference lies in balance. It still uses hydrogen peroxide to gently lift the cuticle and deposit colour pigments, but the supporting ingredients cushion this process. Meadowfoam seed oil prevents moisture loss; oleic acid from olives adds emollient slip; and hydrolysed wheat protein repairs keratin gaps. The formula’s pH is moderated to protect scalp microbiota, reducing the inflammation often triggered by ammonia.

During processing, oxidative pigments polymerise inside the cortex, forming large, stable colour molecules. These molecules resist washing out, which is why Naturtint maintains tone for up to eight weeks. The conditioning mask that follows deposits lipids and antioxidants to reseal the cuticle—essential for lasting shine and colour-fastness.

The result is a colour system that behaves like a professional salon dye, yet feels closer to a nourishing treatment. If your scalp normally tingles or flakes after colouring, Naturtint’s low-odor, balanced formula is a refreshing change.

How to colour at home like a professional

At-home colouring has evolved beyond the messy, uncertain routines of old. Naturtint’s kits are designed for clarity—measured developer, cream base, gloves, and post-colour mask. Still, success depends on method. Here’s how to reproduce a salon-grade result safely at home.

Preparation and setup

Start with dry, unwashed hair. Natural oils on the scalp form a protective barrier against peroxide. Wear an old shirt and apply petroleum jelly or a barrier balm around your hairline and ears. Lay out your tools and ensure good lighting—precision prevents patchy results.

Strand test first

Always test both for colour accuracy and sensitivity 48 hours in advance. Naturtint is low-irritant, not irritation-proof. A patch on the inner elbow or behind the ear verifies comfort; a strand preview helps you adjust processing time for your hair’s porosity.

Mix and apply

Combine the colourant and developer in the supplied applicator bottle. Shake until uniform. Section your hair into four quadrants, clip each, and start at the roots—where greys concentrate and heat aids development. Massage through to mid-lengths and ends.

Processing and timing

Leave on for approximately 35–40 minutes. The first 15 minutes open the cuticle; the next 20 polymerise colour. Extending time beyond 45 minutes won’t deepen tone—it only risks dryness. Cover hair with a loose cap if your environment is cool; warmth accelerates dye uptake.

Rinse and treat

Rinse until water runs clear. Apply Naturtint’s Quinoa Multi-Care Mask to rebalance pH and smooth the cuticle. Avoid shampoo for 48 hours to allow pigment oxidation to stabilise. Expect immediate shine, but depth continues to mature over 24 hours.

Maintaining Naturtint colour and hair health

Healthy hair sustains colour longer. Naturtint users often notice that tone longevity correlates directly with moisture and pH balance. Below are maintenance principles grounded in cosmetic chemistry.

Use gentle, colour-safe cleansers

Traditional shampoos with sulfates create high-foam but also strip the anionic dye molecules responsible for colour. Opt for sulfate-free, low-pH shampoos fortified with plant oils. These keep cuticles closed and pigments intact.

Hydration and conditioning

Weekly deep conditioning with argan or coconut oil treatments replenishes lipids lost during oxidation. Naturtint’s mask uses quinoa extract for protein-moisture balance—essential to avoid brittle ends. Remember, hydrated hair reflects light better, appearing glossier and more vibrant.

Minimise heat and UV exposure

UV radiation breaks down chromophores in hair dye, fading colour. Protect hair from direct sun or use UV-blocking sprays. Limit heat styling; if needed, apply thermal protectant to prevent cuticle micro-cracking.

Wash less, rinse cool

Two to three washes per week suffice. Hot water swells the cuticle; cool rinses contract it, sealing pigments inside. Small detail, big payoff.

Common mistakes when colouring at home

Even gentle colourants can misfire without proper technique. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Skipping the strand test: shade results vary by base tone and porosity.
• Overlapping applications: colouring the same section repeatedly can cause uneven porosity and dullness.
• Overprocessing: leaving colour on “a bit longer” rarely intensifies results—it risks dryness.
• Washing immediately after colouring: pigments continue to oxidise post-rinse.
• Neglecting scalp protection: barrier creams prevent staining and irritation.

Take your time, work methodically, and remember: clean colour is a ritual, not a rush job.

Naturtint vs Traditional Salon Colour

Most salon dyes rely on ammonia for rapid cuticle lift. This works fast but destabilises scalp pH and weakens hair integrity. Naturtint replaces ammonia with ethanolamine, a gentler alkaliser that opens the cuticle more slowly, resulting in less swelling and irritation. While both methods rely on hydrogen peroxide, Naturtint’s lower concentration (around 3%) limits oxidative stress.

The difference is perceptible. Users report less odour, smoother texture, and healthier regrowth. And because Naturtint is vegan, cruelty-free, and made in Europe under strict cosmetic standards, it suits conscious consumers seeking sustainability alongside performance.

For a full comparison between Naturtint, Desert Shadow, and Tints of Nature—including grey coverage, processing times, and ingredient purity—see our dedicated brand comparison guide.

Nutrition, lifestyle, and the science of stronger hair

Vibrant colour depends on the health of the fibre it coats. Keratin is 90% protein; deficiencies in amino acids, iron, zinc, and B-vitamins compromise strand strength. Pair your colour care with a diet rich in eggs, leafy greens, legumes, and nuts. Omega-3s from algae or flaxseed oil nourish follicles from within.

Stress is another stealth saboteur. Cortisol spikes shorten the growth phase of the hair cycle. Meditation, breathwork, or simply outdoor walks can stabilise hormones and improve scalp circulation. The same blood flow that feeds follicles also helps distribute natural oils for shine.

Finally, hydration: drink water. Colour-treated hair loses moisture faster through porous cuticles; internal hydration supports elasticity and bounce.

Sustainability and ethics behind Naturtint

Naturtint operates with sustainability embedded in its manufacturing ethos. The company’s laboratory in Madrid sources renewable plant-based ingredients, uses recyclable packaging, and avoids animal testing. Bottles and boxes are fully recyclable, and formulas meet EU environmental standards for biodegradability.

Cruelty-free certification and vegan approval ensure every step aligns with conscious beauty values. By choosing Naturtint, you reduce ammonia and micro-pollutant runoff into waterways while supporting ethical production chains. Small choices at the bathroom mirror scale up to collective impact.

Final thoughts: colour confidently, live naturally

Naturtint proves that modern hair colour can respect both science and nature. Its ammonia-free system restores faith in at-home colouring—giving you reliable coverage, shine, and healthier hair after each use. The secret isn’t in stripping the hair fibre but in supporting it: pH-balanced chemistry, replenishing oils, and plant proteins that strengthen rather than stress.

For many, the first application is a revelation: no sting, no harsh smell, no dryness—just vibrant tone that feels like you’ve stepped out of a professional salon. Over time, Naturtint helps rebuild hair quality, especially when paired with gentle cleansers and balanced nutrition.

If you’ve ever wondered whether clean colour can truly perform, this guide answers with confidence. Explore our full Plant-Based Hair Dyes Collection or dive deeper into brand comparisons through our Naturtint vs Desert Shadow vs Tints of Nature post. Whichever path you take, you’re choosing colour that honours your health, your values, and your beauty.