If you’re looking to color your hair but want to avoid harsh chemicals, Madison Reed and Naturtint are two great natural hair dye options to consider. Both brands offer ammonia-free formulas made with natural ingredients.
But there are some key differences between the two that are worth examining.
A Brief Comparison Table
Here is a comparison table summarizing the key differences between Madison Reed and Naturtint:
| Feature | Madison Reed | Naturtint |
| Ingredients | Keratin, argan oil, ginseng extract | Plant extracts like meadowfoam seed oil |
| Ammonia-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Shades | 45+ shades | 16 shades |
| Application | Pre-mixed, no developer needed | Requires mixing with developer |
| Conditioning | Nourishes and conditions hair | Can be drying, needs extra conditioning |
| Cost | $25-$30 per box | $13-$15 per box |
| Lasting Results | 4-6 weeks | Up to 6 weeks |
| Gray Coverage | Multi-dimensional for even coverage | Can be spotty in grays |
| Lightening Power | Needs pre-lightening for drastic lightening | Needs pre-lightening for drastic lightening |
Overview Of Madison Reed
Madison Reed was founded in 2013 with the goal of creating professional quality hair color you can easily use at home. Their ammonia-free hair dyes are made with ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and ginseng root extract. Here are some of the key benefits of Madison Reed:
- Uses natural ingredients like keratin and oils to condition hair while coloring.
- Free of ammonia, paraphenylenediamine (PPD), and other harsh chemicals.
- Available in 45+ natural looking shades.
- Multi-dimensional dye for natural grey coverage.
- Cruelty free and vegan formulas.
- Delivered ready-to-use so no developer needed.
- Easy at-home application in under an hour.
However, there are also some downsides:
- More expensive than typical box dyes.
- Limited lighter color options without pre-lightening.
- Some complaints of hair damage with long-term use.
Overview Of Naturtint
Naturtint is a natural hair color brand that originated in Spain in 1993. Their ammonia-free permanent hair dyes use natural plant extracts and nutrients. Here are the main pros of Naturtint:
- Uses natural plant extracts like meadowfoam seed oil.
- Free of ammonia, resorcinol, parabens, and gluten.
- Available in 16 natural shades.
- Conditions hair while coloring.
- Cruelty free and vegan.
- Lasts up to 6 weeks.
Potential cons to consider:
- Limited lighter color choices. Pre-lightening required.
- Can have strong chemical smell.
- More drying than some dyes. Needs additional conditioning.
- Package instructions only in Spanish.
Key Comparisons Between Madison Reed And Naturtint
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each brand, let’s directly compare some key factors:
Ingredients
While both are natural hair dyes, Madison Reed uses keratin, argan oil, and ginseng root extract while Naturtint relies on plant extracts like meadowfoam seed oil. Madison Reed is the gentler formula while Naturtint offers more botanical ingredients.
Ammonia-Free
Both Madison Reed and Naturtint are completely ammonia-free. This makes them less irritating and damaging than traditional ammonia-based dyes.
Shades Available
Madison Reed has a much wider range of color choices with 45 natural shades. Naturtint only comes in 16 shades, mostly in the medium to dark range.
Application
Madison Reed is premixed and ready to apply. Naturtint requires mixing with a developer. This gives Madison Reed the upper hand for easy at-home use.
Conditioning
The oils in Madison Reed help condition hair during coloring. Naturtint is more drying and requires additional conditioning treatment after.
Cost
Madison Reed is the more expensive option, at $25-$30 per box. Naturtint costs $13-$15 per box.
Results Longevity
Both dyes last 4-6 weeks with Madison Reed on the lower end of 4 weeks and Naturtint lasting up to 6 weeks.
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Detailed Review of Madison Reed And Naturtint
Madison Reed Hair Dye Reviews
Madison Reed earns consistently positive reviews for its natural ingredient formulas that deliver shiny, multi-dimensional color results. Most users say it leaves hair soft and manageable.
The main complaints relate to the higher cost and occasionally spotty grey coverage.
Here are examples of positive Madison Reed reviews:
“It leaves my hair so incredibly soft and shiny! The color is perfect and natural-looking.”
“Gives me a rich brunette color and never any irritation. So easy to do myself at home.”
“Love that this hair color has no nasty chemicals. My hair feels healthy and happy!”
And some of the more negative comments:
“The grey coverage is pretty uneven. I have to really thoroughly apply it.”
“It’s too pricey for me to keep buying regularly.”
“The color fades faster than I’d like for how much it costs.”
Naturtint Hair Dye Reviews
Naturtint earns praise for its botanical ingredients and how smoothly it conditions hair while coloring. Complaints are mainly about the strong smell, messiness when mixing, and dryness it can cause.
Here are some of the favorable Naturtint reviews:
“This leaves my curls feeling soft and nourished instead of dry like other dyes.”
“The color looks so glossy and natural. Gets compliments all the time.”
“Love that Naturtint uses natural plant-based ingredients. My hair feels healthy after.”
And some of the critical feedback:
“The fumes smell so toxic! I have to open all my windows.”
“It’s tricky to mix it correctly and not make a mess.”
“My hair felt dried out and brittle after regular use.”
“The color faded after only 3 weeks which is disappointing.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When it comes to healthier hair dye options, Madison Reed is a top choice for its use of nourishing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and ginseng extract. Other healthy brands include Overtone, O&M, and Saach Organics.
Some of the safest natural hair color brands include Madison Reed, Naturigin, Saach Organics, Overtone, and Color&Co. They avoid using harsh chemicals like ammonia, PPD, and parabens.
Good safe options for color treated and natural hair include Madison Reed, Overtone, Saach Organics, and Naturtint. They use gentle ingredients that won’t overly dry out or damage hair.
Madison Reed does not contain harsh chemicals that cause major hair loss. However some users have experienced hair shedding and thinning after long-term use likely due to the alcohol content drying out hair over time. Reducing use can help prevent hair loss.
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The Bottom Line
When comparing Madison Reed and Naturtint, Madison Reed takes the lead as the healthier hair color brand overall. From its use of nourishing ingredients to providing reliable grey coverage, Madison Reed comes out on top for its glossy, multi-dimensional and natural-looking results.
Naturtint does offer a more budget-friendly option focused on botanical ingredients, but may not condition hair as well in the coloring process.
Ultimately it comes down to your individual hair needs and preferences. But both are much healthier than traditional chemical dyes thanks to being ammonia and PPD-free.
For the best results, do a patch test before coloring hair with either brand. With the right prep and expectations, Madison Reed and Naturtint can help you achieve beautiful, natural-looking hair color at home.