WHERE DO I BEGIN IF I HAVE NEVER COLORED MY HAIR BEFORE?
First of all, whether you have a little gray or a lot, you will need to determine your "Natural" hair color. All hair colors are Internationally established tones. Tints of Nature 4N is the same as any other brand 4N (4N is 4N).  The N standards for your natural hair color, your 'born' shade. Once you determine this, you can then pick the appropriate N shade and follow as directed.  All other shades would be considered a Fashion shade.  These shades as well are Internationally established tones.

WHAT IF MY NATURAL SHADE IS DARKER THAN WHAT I'D LIKE TO USE?
Due to peroxide levels being lower than mass market hair colors, you can only choose a shade one to one and a half levels lighter than your natural born hair color.  So if you were a 1N "Natural Black" and wanted to go lighter, you'd want to most likely go with 2N "Natural Darkest Brown".  If you choose 4N "Natural Medium Brown" you would most likely end up with the look of 2N or possibly 3N.

WHAT IF i'D LIKE TO GET THE RESULTS FROM A FASHION COLOR?
Using the fashion shades can give your hair color a boost of vibrant color.  Please note that in TON testing, fashion shades did just as well covering the gray alone as they did being mixed with an 'N' shade. If your gray however is having difficulty being covered by using this fashion shade alone, you can do the following:

E.g. 35mls 4RR + 15mls 4N + 50mls of Colourfix (save the balance of colour for next application).

Using this method also can cut down the color making it less vibrant for those seeking the color but not the strength.

To increase the colour range you may intermix the fashion colours.

I HEARD THAT FASHION COLORS DO NOT COVER THE GRAY BETTER THAN 'N' SHADES, IS THIS TRUE?
Not really.  Chemically "N" and non "N" colors (which we call fashion colors) have the same formulas other than the blend of pigments which are tailored to give whatever the color is on the box. There's no additional ingredients in an "N" color that makes it cover grey better and so there shouldn't be any reason why a 10C can't cover grey as well as a 10N. If there was a special grey covering ingredient we'd add it to all the colors. BUT…people have been told for years that "N" colors cover grey better and so that is what they expect, it's a little bit of perception and self-fulfilling prophecy all rolled into one.

The colour did not work on my grey hair?
Grey hair that is resistant to colour will need to be shampooed first. Use Tints of Nature shampoo, towel dry well and apply the colour to damp hair. You can extend the development time up to fifty minutes. Medication can also be a problem; H R T and Thyroxin can block colour.

WHAT SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE TO COVER GRAY BETTER THEN?
1) One way to cover grey a bit better is to open the cuticle wider which allows the color to better penetrate into the hair's protein, a way of doing this with our product is to leave a touch of color gel in the bottle when mixing the product. By leaving a bit of color gel behind you throw off the 1:1 ratio of the formula which in effect makes the ethanolamine stronger as it's not as diluted and the pH on the hair is increased above 9 which opens the cuticle wider which helps the product cover the grey better.

2) Another method would be to use mild heat on the hair during the development process. A hair dryer 5 inches or so away from the hair would do the trick. The heat helps the product develop better which will give better grey coverage.

3) Another method would be to dampen the hair before coloring. Wetting the hair increases the pH on it to whatever the water being used is (let's say the pH is 7) which gives the product a better jumping off point for the ethanolamine to do its job and the resulting pH on the hair during the process should be above 9.

WHAT IF I ALREADY HAVE A HAIR COLOR ON MY HAIR? cAN I APPLY TINTS OF NATURE OVER IT AND WITH WHAT RESULT?
You can color all over the hair instead of the roots on already colored hair. You will need to understand that color compounding can result in a darker overall look.  So if you are using 5N over already colored hair instead of just doing the roots, you may end up with a look of 4N, the Natural Medium Brown.  With that in mind, you may want to go with one shade lighter if you want to keep the same color.  We recommend overall hair color for your first treatment on non-dyed hair, and then doing future coloring on the roots unless you want to change the overall look.

WHAT IF I CAN'T REMEMBER WHAT MY NATURAL HAIR COLOR IS AND I'VE BEEN BLEACHING MY HAIR BLONDE AND WANT TO KEEP THAT LOOK?
Using the permanent hair colors from Tints of Nature and getting a result that you want is our main goal.  You must keep in mind however, that your natural roots, if darker, can only be lightened one to one and a half levels using this product. The permanent hair colors may not be right for you.  It all depends on the natural hair color coming in at the roots. The darker they are, the more difficult it would be.  You may want to consider the highlighting kit.  The highlighting kit uses more peroxide and thus can lighten hair by 7 levels.  So if you are a 3N, you could lighten the roots up to a 10N, which is the lightest blonde.  This may not be healthy for your hair however.  But if you are already satisfied with the overall look, then doing your roots in this product may be right for you.  The lightening kit can lift up to 6 levels.

WHAT IF I AM MOSTLY GRAY? WHAT WOULD I NEED TO DO?
If your hair is white/gray, it doesn’t matter what your natural color is. You need to use a "N" shade to give a starting pigment. You will need to mix it with a fashion shade however.  Such as (for a red tone): 35mls 4RR (Dk Henna Red) + 15mls 4N (Natural Medium Brown) + 50mls of Colourfix.  The darker the "N" shade the darker the tone will become.  Another favorite for all gray hair, is mixing the 6C (Dk Ash Brown) with 6N (Natural Dark Blonde).

CAN YOU SAVE ANY PREPARED PORTION OF PRODUCT FOR A LATER USE?
If a customer would like to get more than one application out of a box or if they would like to blend 2 or more colors and save the rest for another application at a later date the steps are:

1.    Find a non metallic measuring cup in milliliters (a clear plastic cup would be ideal).

2.    For multiple applications of 1 single color: pour 25ml of the color gel bottle (that’s ½) and 25ml of the color fix bottle (also ½) into the measuring cup

3.    When mixing colors: make sure the color gel to color fix ration remains 1:1. For example a customer buys 4M and 4N and wants to blend these colors in equal parts. You could pour ½ the color gel bottle (25ml x 2) from both 4M and 4N into the mixing bowl and 1 full bottle of color fix (50ml) into the mixing bowl. Or you could use more 4M and less 4N or vice versa as long as the combined gel is no more than 50ml.

4.    Reseal the remaining amount of gel and fix in their respective bottles with the provided cap for a future use

As long as the product is not mixed it can be used for another application. Once its mixed the product is activated for 45 minutes, after 45minutes the product is unusable.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF THIS PRODUCT?
This product can only LIGHTEN your hair by one to one and a half shades. This is due to having LESS peroxide than the mass hair color produced in salons and thru take home kits.  The reason: Peroxide is used to lift color.  Due to guaranteeing a balanced pH level at the end of the coloring process, TON has opted to have less peroxide, and this decreases sensitivities and damage to the hair shaft and scalp.

CAN YOU DARKEN YOUR HAIR FROM A BLONDE TO A BRUNETTE?
Yes you can.  If you are a 10N and you want to go jet black, if you buy a 1N you will get 1N. So you can go darker with no troubles.

I TRIED USING HENNA ON MY HAIR WITH NO SUCCESS. NOW I'D LIKE TO TRY TON. WILL I HAVE ANY TROUBLE?
Semi Permanent products such as Hennas have a natural base that is red. It coats the cuticle, not the protein inside the cuticle. It’s like a system of mirrors that help you bring out your natural colors by bouncing light, making your natural hair look shiny and bright. Today makers are adding other pigments to henna to get different results. The henna builds a wax on the cuticle, so henna customers need to remove the henna wax first. It won’t allow permanent hair color to penetrate if you don't.  You could cover over with the darker shades of Ash, Browns and Mahogany shades, but eventually you will see the natural red base come thru.

How to remove Henna: A solution of strong alcohol (100 proof like gin or vodka). Hair salons can also strip it out or cut it out over time.

DO ALL PERMANENT HAIR COLORS WORK THE SAME WAY?
Whether you use the store kits or go to a salon, the process is nearly the same. You have to raise the pH to a certain level. 4.5 to 5.5 pH is best and at 9, the cuticle starts to open so that color will get in. Some of the other brands raise it to 11 and it’s to harsh. It damages the cuticle more in this process. It takes 30 to 40 minutes to do this.  Beware of brands that promote the process in 5 minutes. It may be quicker, but it really damages the hair. Once the damage is done you can not repair it.  Finally, you have to lower the pH back down at the end of the process to lock in the color. It’s a 4 step process. All are the same process. TON includes a shampoo packet to begin that process of reducing the pH from 9 to 7, and then the conditioner packet which brings the process to the end, by reducing the pH to 5.  Of course water quality is also an issue.  But for TON, you have locked in color and a healthier way of processing it, leaving you with shiny and vibrant hair.

DOES THIS PRODUCT SMELL LIKE THE OTHERS i'VE USED? IT CAN BE SO STRONG, AND THAT'S ONE REASON I DON'T GO TO THE SALON ANYMORE?
TON does not use ammonia.  That is one of three major differences with their line of hair color.  The others use it as their base ingredient and to change the pH of the hair. It typically can raise it to high and damages the hair right away; It leaves the hair dry and breakaway. The other side effect is that it is dangerous when you breath it. So salon customers experience it at much higher levels compared to someone at home. So I can see why you don't go to the salon.  TON found a different way to raise the pH without using ammonia.  They use Ethanolamine.  This is a  pH regulator. So you won’t find the same scent coming from these hair colors. In fact, it is sweet, as TON uses natural essential oils. It reminds me of bananas actually.

HOW DO YOU COMPARE TON TO OTHER BRANDS SELLING IN HEALTH STORES?
They are a professional hair salon company and market a at home color brand. It was created by someone who knows what getting sick is like. After this formulator got sick himself, he wanted to create something better and healthier for consumers. This product is selling in salons selling high name brand products. Competing with and doing quite well. So your only limitation is the limit to how much the product can lift as it is predetermined. So we have salon quality at an at home price.

The salon side of their business is their testing ground for these products. They offer highlighting and lightening kits, and a semi permanent line. The scalp Treatment is new, and it’s a gel that customers who have scalp irritation can use to soothe their scalp post treatment.  Their focus is on who is purchasing their product, and the majority are wanting a better product that covers gray, without the compromises they find in the mass market.  Better health, better color, better hair!

TON does their own manufacturing and they have quality control in place from the process of making the product to the packaging.  They stopped using parabens in 2006, and use 100% post consumer cardboard box which can be recycled again.  They use organic ingredients; the first brand and only brand that uses it in the natural permanent hair color market.  A shampoo and conditioner sample is included in every box to completely lock in color.  So you won't find your color on your pillow cases, towels and skin.

Their formula is protein based (a soy base) and it softens the cuticle during the color procedures. By doing this it helps it be more flexible during the color process and thereby avoid damage. And that’s the main goal. The soy base does this well. Mass market uses the ammonia and other natural companies use a water base. The water base is better than ammonia, but since we are protein base, it’s more superior. It’s a key feature.  While most mass brands use Recorcinol and some natural market brands, TON does not.  It uses an alternative, 4-Chloro Resorcinol and 2-Methyl Resorcinol which is not the same.
This is a different chemical compound from the Resorcinol linked to cancer and sensitivities, and is not toxic.  They work the same way, to help the color stick to the hair. So this is a safer alternative.

These are just a few ways that TON is set apart from the other natural market brands and even mass market brands.

CAN PREGNANT OR NURSING MOTHERS USE TON?
Not recommended. Consult your doctor.  Natural Solutions does not claim or imply that TON is an all natural hair color. TON uses chemicals to produce their hair color dyes.  It would be our strong opinion, that Pregnant or nursing mothers would not want to use this product because there is a risk of a portion of the PPD levels in this product reaching the blood system thru the scalp. PPD, otherwise known as Phenylendiamines (Petroleum base paints basically), are commonly found in permanent hair colors thru mass market and the natural market industries. However, the use of PPD in TON products have been significantly reduced (the source of their pigment).

WHY IS NATURAL SOLUTIONS OFFERING THIS PRODUCT WHEN IT CONTAINS SUCH CHEMICALS AS PPD?
We have been a large retailer for all natural hair colors since 2001.  It is one of our largest category of sales.  We have been very happy to offer such products along with our guidance.  We are not only retailers, but we use the product ourselves and have found it successful.  But during this time, we have also found women who would prefer not to use henna products.  For their own personal reasons, they have opted to go back and use mass market hair colors.  We simply feel obligated to offer them something better than what they are going back to.  If henna is not for you, at least there is something else we can offer you to help you REDUCE the amount of exposure you get from hair color dyes.  In time, there may be other choices on the market that will reduce exposure or amounts of these chemicals even further.  TON has offered us education into how to use the product, it's formula, and has continuing education to help us serve you better.  We certainly hope that we will not offend our customer base, but they will see that we are stretching to help even more find their way to healthier alternatives.

DOES TON USE PEANUTS IN ANY OF THEIR PRODUCTS OR MANUFACTURERING PLANT?
No.

ARE TON PRODUCTS VEGAN?
Yes they are.

What can I do about the brassy yellow tones in my grey hair?

Ash colours are perfect for this problem. You can use 6C or 10C, depending on the shade used.

WHAT ARE THE FULL INGREDIENTS AND DETAILS OF THE COLOR GEL?
Here are the ingredients:

PEG-2 Soyamine

Derived from soybean, this is used as the product’s moisturizing gel base

Aqua (Purified, De-ionized Water)

This is normal water that has been filtered and treated to remove metallic ions and other impurities. At the same time, this process kills any existing micro-organisms. Used at low levels in the gel base

Cocomide DEA

Derived from coconut, this is used as a gentle thickening surfactant and lathering agent

Denatured Alcohol

Derived from corn, this is used as a preservative and solvent

Oleic Acid

An organic acid derived from palm nut, this is an emollient and moisturizer

Propylene Glycol

Derived from plant sources, this acts as a conditioner and humectant.

For further information about this ingredient, please see separate sheet

Ethanolamine

Derived from coconut, this pH adjuster is far less corrosive that the ammonium hydroxide used in most ammonia based hair colors

Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

Naturally derived from wheat, this conditions and moisturizes the hair. It also aids reconstruction and helps to protect the hair during the coloring process

Natural Banana Fragrance

PEG-7 Coconut Glyceride

Derived from coconut, this acts as an anti-irritant

Certified Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Extract

A botanical extract of the Aloe plant. Acts here as a moisturizer, an anti-irritant and a skin protectant

Certified Organic Symphytum Officinale (Comfrey) Extract

A botanical extract of the Comfrey plant. Acts here as a skin soothing emollient and protectant, and also helps to stimulate the skin cells

Certified Organic Orange and Grapefruit Extract (Citrus Dulcis & Citrus Grandis)

These naturally derived extracts act both as moisturizers and skin protectants and also as anti-oxidants

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

A naturally derived anti-oxidant and preservative

Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate)

This works as an anti-oxidant to prevent free-radical damage

Disodium Salt

A mineral based anti-oxidant which acts as a stabilizer

Sodium Hydrosulfite

A mineral based anti-oxidant which acts as a stabilizer

Sodium EDTA

A food grade anti-oxidant which acts as a stabilizer

COLOR PIGMENTS:

4-Chloro Resorcinol

This is a different chemical compound from Resorcinol and is not toxic

For further information about this ingredient, please see separate sheet in box

2-Methyl Resorcinol

This is a different chemical compound from Resorcinol and is not toxic

For further information about this ingredient, please see separate sheet in box

2-Amino-4-Hydrozyethylaminoanisole

Phenylendiamines (or PPD’s)

M-Amino Phenol

P-Amino Phenol

The above pigments are available in a broad spectrum of colors and are all derived from minerals.

Color Pigment Levels:

The shade of each Tints of Nature Color Gel is determined by its mix of the above listed pigments.  Additionally, and in general, the more total pigment a shade contains, the darker it will tend to be.  Therefore, 1N, Natural Black, can be seen to have the largest percentage of pigment. However, this percentage is still very small when viewed as a proportion of the overall Color Gel makeup. As an example, across the entire range of 24 colors, the average total percentage by volume of pigment, including PPD’s, in each Tints of Nature Color Gel is approximately 1.3%. Excluding 1N, that percentage drops to approximately 1%.  As far as the PPD’s go, measured separately, and including 1N, their average total percentage by volume in each Tints of Nature Color Gel is approximately 0.62%. Excluding 1N, that percentage drops to approximately 0.4%. On a color by color basis, the maximum level of PPD’s is approximately 2% by volume in 1N (equivalent to approximately 1/50th of a bottle of Color Gel). The minimum is approximately 0.03% in 10XL (equivalent to approximately 1/3300th of a bottle of Color Gel). All of these percentages can be halved when diluted with the Color Fix and ready for use.

WHAT ARE THE FULL INGREDIENTS AND DETAILS OF THE COLOR FIX?
Here are the ingredients:

Aqua (Purified, De-ionized Water)

This is normal water that has been filtered and treated to remove metallic ions and other impurities. At the same time, this process kills any existing micro-organisms

Hydrogen Peroxide (pharmaceutical grade)

Derived from water & oxygen, this oxidizing agent activates the color pigments in the color gel

Certified Organic Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Extract

A botanical extract of the Chamomile plant. Used here to provide natural soothing and anti-inflammatory effects

Polyquarternium-10

Derived from plant cellulose, this is used as a conditioner

Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate & Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

This is a broad spectrum preservative system

Etidronic Acid

This is a mineral derived acidifier and pH adjuster

Peroxide Levels:

Undiluted: 6% by volume, except 10XL which is 9% by volume.  These percentages are halved (i.e. to 3% and 4.5% by volume) when diluted with the Color Gel and ready for use.

Grey Coverage:

Used correctly, Tints of Nature can achieve 100% grey coverage. However, results can vary depending on the overall pre-existing condition of the hair being treated.

WHAT DOES THE CREAM ACTIVATOR CONTAIN (12%) IN THE LIGHTENER KIT AND HIGHLIGHTER KIT:?
It contains:

Aqua (Purified, De-ionized Water)
This is normal water that has been filtered and treated to remove metallic ions and other impurities. At the same time, this process kills any existing micro-organisms
Hydrogen Peroxide (pharmaceutical grade)
Derived from water & oxygen, this oxidizing agent works here as a hair lightener, as well as allowing hair to hold color
Cetrimonium Chloride
An emulsifier and conditioner as well as a preservative
Cetyl Alcohol+
This is not an alcohol but an emulsifying wax derived from coconut oil
Ceteth-2
An emulsifying agent derived from coconut fatty acids
Cetearteth-25
A surfactant derived from coconut fatty acids
Oxyquinoline Sulfate
A stabilizer for the Hydrogen Peroxide

WHAT DOES THE AMMONIA FREE LIGHTENING POWDER CONTAIN?
It contains:

Potassium Persulfate

Acts as a booster in hair bleaching formulations

Silica

An anti-caking agent

Sodium Silicate

A stabilizer

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

A naturally derived polymer and product thickener

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Detergent

Tetrasodium EDTA

A stabilizer used to prevent ingredients from binding with trace elements

Hydrolysed Wheat Protein

Naturally derived from wheat, this conditions and moisturizes the hair. It also aids reconstruction and helps

to protect the hair during the highlighting process

Parfum

Product fragrance containing natural elements

PGnr 11 (Geraniol)

A perfume allergen

WHAT DOES THE PROTECTIVE OIL CONTAIN?
It contains:

Peg-2 Soyamine

A moisturizing emulsifier derived from soybean

Cocamide DEA

Derived from coconut, this is used as a gentle thickening surfactant and lathering agent

Denatured Alcohol

Derived from corn, this is used as a preservative and solvent

Oleic Acid

An organic acid derived from palm nut, this is an emollient and moisturizer

Propylene Glycol

Derived from mineral sources, this acts as a conditioner and humectant.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF PPD DOES THE PRODUCT USE?
It varies slightly depending on the color and there are other pigments in the product that are not PPD's but here's the breakdown of total pigments including the PPD's:

1N Natural Black: 1.85% of the formula
All other colors excluding 1N: 0.5% of the formula
Average for all colors: 0.65% of the formula

CAN YOUR HAIR COLOR BE AFFECTED BY SWIMMING POOL ADDITIVES?
Swimming outdoors in a pool creates two situations as pertaining to hair color…

- One is the heat of the sun causes the color molecules in your hair to expand and grow. When you go into the shade or indoors after sun exposure the color molecule retracts. This expanding and retracting of the color molecule causes color fade. To combat this we recommend that customers keep their hair covered with a hat when lounging pool side or swim cap when in the water. In addition to keeping the hair covered up we recommend the use of our conditioners which has a UVA sunscreen in it. For maximum UVA coverage reapplying our spray on conditioner (Seal & Shine) every two hours is best.

- Two is that the chlorine used in most pools can strip out color. To combat this we recommend the customer create a barrier between their hair and the pool water. What you do here is wet the hair in the showers before swimming, apply our regular conditioner to the hair but do not rinse it out, then put on a swim cap. The conditioner will insulate the hair in case any water gets in under the swim cap.