Act by Nature, LLC produces high quality all natural hair colorants. Our product line includes revolutionary patent pending natural permanent hair color, coloring tints, and color enhancing solutions made using 100% plant derived dyes. We use no para-phenylenediamine (PPD), no ammonia or other amines, no peroxide, no resorcinol, and no parabens.

Q: Why is Palette by Nature different from other hair colorants?
A: Palette by Nature is a very unique line of Patent Pending hair colorants. Our approach is very different and is a result of more than 30 years of cross industrial research combined. This type of hair colorants are completely paraphenylene diamine (PPD), resorcinol, m-aminophenol, p-aminophenol, toluene- 2,5-diamine, azo-dyes, diazo-dyes, disperse dyes, ammonia, and parabens free. Palette by Nature contains only all plant based Renewable, Botanical, Environmental (RBE) Colors. RBE Colors are carefully combined with color enhancing actives including antioxidants Chlorophyll, Pomegranate, Emblica, Green Tea, and White Tea extracts; bioflavonoids Quercetin, Rutin; and beneficial minerals zinc, potassium, magnesium. All ingredients are carefully checked against many toxicological data basis including Skin Deep. Palette by Nature is the only all natural 100% plant based colorant of its kind that benefits you while making your hair beautiful.

Q: How can I learn more about the safety and toxicity of different hair colorants on the market?
A: Before using any hair color, we suggest you do your own research. There are a number of on-line resources and some articles on the topic, including:

Q: How can I find information about the potential risks of chemical ingredients in hair colorants?
A: We recommend starting with Skin Deep and checking their hazardous hair color ratings. All hair coloring formulations are rated from 0- low hazard to 10- high hazard. We recommend using products with the lowest hazard rating you can find. We also recommend looking at the individual ingredients on the ingredient statement and checking the hazard ratings of suspicious ingredients.

Q: What is the difference between permanent, semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair colorants?
A: The basic difference is durability i.e. resistance of the dye to multiple shampooing and environmental conditions. Semi-permanent colorants last typically for few days and up to 5 shampoos. Demi- permanent colorants last anywhere from 10 to15 days and up to 15 shampoos. Permanent colorants should last at least three weeks and up to 20 shampoos. It is a common mistake to assume that a permanent dye must be an oxidative dye. An oxidative dye must have developer that contains Hydrogen Peroxide. However non-oxidative dyes (i.e. dyes without a developer) that are typically called semi-permanent can also impart a permanent color.

Q: What is PPD?
A: PPD is abbreviation for chemical compound paraphenylene diamine (p-Phenylenediamine). PPD is the main component in most oxidative hair colors. In other words, almost virtually every oxidative formula contains PPD or a derivative of PPD.

Q: What is the latest information on the toxicity of PPD (p-Phenylenediamine)?
A: According to Skin Deep p-Phenylenediamine has hazard score of 10. We also suggest that you look at following link, which lists p-Phenylenediamine as a sensitizer that can instigate immune system response that can include itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin. According to Skin Deep and the CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association) International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=704389, p-Phenylenediamine is a suspected carcinogen and mutagen.

Q: Are there any other components of permanent/oxidative hair color that can be hazardous?
A: Yes, there are. There are many components of permanent (oxidative) hair colorants that can be potential sensitizers and are suspected hazards. We suggest paying particular attention to developments regarding resorcinol, m-aminophenol, p-aminophenol, toluene- 2,5-diamine.There is a growing evidence that these ingredients or their combinations are also potential sensitizers. We would definitely suggest checking their hazard score in the Skin Deep database. In our opinion non-oxidative dyes are preferable.

Q: Are there non-oxidative Semi-permanent dyes that can be hazardous? If so, how can I identify them?
A: Yes. There are some non-oxidative dyes that may be of potential concern. We suggest checking the Skin Deep site regarding so-called Azo-Dyes, in particular Diazo-Dyes. It is hard to identify them just by looking at the ingredient statement. Most Azo-Dyes are red, orange, and black. Generally speaking it is prudent to run Skin Deep score on every red, orange, and black dye in the Semi-permanent formula before purchase and use. Disperse and Direct Dyes should also raise your attention. We would definitely suggest checking every Disperse and Direct Dye against Skin Deep database.

Q: Why can Ammonia be bad for my hair?
A: In addition to having a strong, unpleasant odor, Ammonia or Ammonium Hydroxide can generally irritate your skin during acute exposure. Ammonia is used with oxidative (permanent) dyes to open up hair cuticle and to allow p-Phenylenediamine-based dye to penetrate into the hair shaft. Significant hair damage can occur at high enough concentration.

Q: What is Resorcinol?
A: Resorcinol is a component of oxidative hair dye formulas. According to Skin Deep it is hazardous with a score of 8. Resorcinol classified as an irritant and suspected as a potential allergen and potential carcinogen. Many brands have phased Resorcinol out.

Q: What are parabens?
A: Parabens are preservatives that used to preserve personal care products. There are several different parabens. Methylparaben, the most commonly used, is an ester of methyl alcohol and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Other commonly used parabens are Propylparaben and Butylparaben. Propylparaben is the ester of n-propyl alcohol and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Butylparaben is the ester of butyl alcohol and p-hydroxybenzoic acid. There is some evidence of carcinogenicity of some parabens when added to food. There are no direct evidences of linking parabens use in personal care and cancer. However more and more brands are replacing parabens with other preservatives.

Q: What is the difference between classic Dry Henna and your product?
A: Classic Dry Henna is a product with high amount of plant matter which has nothing to do with hair dye. In order to dye your hair you may spent hours. Extraction of Lawson -main coloring component of Henna in hot water is also requires time and work. More over, Lawson is not a true dye but a pigment, therefore it can not penetrate into hair shaft. Our color is a real hybrid of Hi-Tech Development and Plant Sciences. We do use Henna Extract of very high purity but in conjunction with other super pure extracts and plant based CI dyes. For example, we developed our own technology of making dye Indigo Carmine CI 73015 from Indigofera Tinctoria. This represents main principal difference of our product from others. We use super pure plant based dyes and plant extracts and pure Henna Extract. Our products look like conventional products. They are free flowing gels, shampoos and conditioners that are all plant based. All our products are very easy to use and they perform well on any hair.

Q: I am currently using permanent or semi-permanent hair color. Is Palette by Nature compatible with other hair coloring treatments?
A: Yes. Palette by Nature is compatible with most permanent or semi-permanent hair colorants .It also had shown great compatibility with previously lifted, permed, straitened or bleached hair.

Q: I am currently using Henna. Can I switch to Palette by Nature hair color?
A: Yes, you can. We recommend 15 minutes extra processing time for first application. In some cases, as Henna pigment coats your hair shaft and prevents hair dye from penetrating, extra application may be needed to achieve desired color leveling.

Q: Does Grey Away Kit contain lead or lead acetate? Does Grey Away Kit work in the same manner as Grecian Formula which does contain lead?
A: No, Grey Away Kit does not contain any lead or lead containing compounds. Grecian Formula is primarily one step hair coloring product that based on oxidation of lead acetate (soluble salt of lead) to insoluble colored lead dye. Grey Away Kit does employ completely different technology and formulation. Our technology is based on RBE Colors, plant surfactants, and dietary supplements. Its application is also different from Grecian Formula. Grey Away Kit contains shampoo, conditioner, and spray, that can be easily applied.

Q: Do your products contain peroxide of any kind?
A: No, all Palette by Nature products are peroxide free.