I went to my usual Supercuts the other day and for the first time they had me sign some release. I soon found out why. Usually every other time they pull the color through to the ends the last 15 minutes because even though it is permanent it can fade. Instead without any warning the stylist started spraying ammonia on my ends, stating it was a better way to open up the hair shaft. I asked isn't ammonia like bleach, a lightener when I am trying to get my hair darker? She said it's not bleach, but it smelled pretty bad. I said note my card that I don't want this again, but I don't know that I even want to go back there. My hair does not look as dark as I would like. She said she would redo the color if I wanted but I did not have another 2 hours to spare.
It's better for her to just spray something than to take the time to mix up and paint on the color, but it's not better for me.
So I started reading up on hair color at home, and pretty much all dyes have ammonia in them. There is only one reputable ammonia and MEA free permanent color product, INOA by L'Oreal. It does not roughen and damage the hair either.
Has anyone tried this? Did you notice a difference?
I would pay the higher price to avoid the chemical exposure but all the salons offering it in my state are an hour plus drive into the big city, at least some if not all without complimentary parking, whereas Supercuts is less than 10 minutes from my house.