Hair dye ingredients are positively hair raising. Some of them, especially those that go into making dyes for dark hair, can be very harmful. I frequently am asked to recommend safe hair dyes and so when my colleague, Maura, was at the office with a new, rich mocha-colored coif, I was immediately curious — especially when she said the brand, Madison Reed, made a big deal about safe ingredients.
I’ve heard that before. For example, a few years ago, when a friend asked me to look at Naturtint, a hair dye brand that implies it lives up to its name. It does not. Naturtint had many dubious ingredients, with p-phenylenediamine being a particularly egregious offender. This is a common active in dyes for dark hair and its effects can run the gamut from tearing to coma. So I went to check out Madison Reed with caution.
Since dark dyes are typically amongst the worst offenders, I looked up “Positano Black”. Thankfully, there was no p-phenylenediamine and, I was delighted to see many good things. Nonetheless, this hair dye isn’t completely free of nasties. For a start there’s ethanolamine is also known as acetamide MEA and the European Union classifies it as corrosive and harmful if in contact with the skin. However, the industry body, Cosmetic Ingredient Review, proclaims it is safe in concentrations up to 7.5%.
Although Madison Reed claims to be free of resorcinol (a known irritant), there are a couple of variations such as 4-chlororesorcinol. However, this has been determined to be safe in normal use in hair dyes (source). P-aminophenol can be toxic and an irritant, according to many animal studies, but has been deemed safe at the concentrations used in hair dyes (source).
Other ingredients, such as 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine have been deemed safe, even by those picky scientists over in the EU (source). Furthermore, Madison Reed have included some good things such as argan oil, panax ginseng and vitamin C
Overall, Madison Reed has avoided the worst offenders and can be recommended to all but those who want a completely natural, safe product. But pure veggie dyes don’t really do the job of a permanent dye. And this is the perfect segue for Maura to tell us how Madison Reed has performed for her.
by Maura Guyote
I’m only mildly embarrassed to admit that I discovered Madison Reed by clicking on a Facebook ad; but it lead me to a gentle, low-toxicity hair color system that’s a pleasure to use so I can’t complain too much. They caught my eye with the phrase “ammonia-free.” I had recently read in an article (so sorry I can’t source this) that salon hair color has 2% ammonia while most drugstore box color has something like 99%, a frightening number that curbed my penchant for grabbing a box of Garnier Chocolate Cherry on a whim to add some pizazz to my naturally mid-toned, nondescript brown hair. (Editor's Note: According to this article, the percentage of ammonia in drugstore hair color is much less than 99%.)
A bit of my hair history: my hair has never given me much trouble, but I’ve also never been thrilled by it. Hairdressers comment that it’s “fine, but you have a lot of it” and it grows in a casual wave that’s prone to frizz in humid weather. I’m lucky that it holds a style well and aside from a few cowlicks at the crown of my head, I don’t struggle too much to make it look the way I like when I put in the effort. Growing up in the suburbs of Boston in the early 2000’s, all of the cool kids at my school got blonde highlights, à la Jennifer Aniston in the final seasons of Friends. In retrospect, I’m glad my mother didn’t give into my pleas that I be allowed to participate in this trend, but the result of our arguments was a pressing sense of the expense and commitment of a visit to the salon for hair color. So, when as an art student in New York City a friend asked me to help her dye her hair from a box, it was an “aha” moment: “Oh that’s right! People actually do this themselves in their own bathrooms, and for $10!”
In the handful of times I used drugstore hair color, the major adverse effects were a strong chemical smell that could last until my next hair wash and a stiff, crunchy feel that could last through a few shampoo sessions. But once I learned how packed with nasty stuff they were, I took a break from dying until seeing the fateful Facebook ad. I missed the polish a richer hair color gave to my style and ordered a box of Madison Reed’s auburn-hued Portofino Red - 6NRR.
I still remember receiving my first box from Madison Reed and feeling so impressed and pampered by the thoughtful packaging. With your order, you receive everything you could need to dye: the color & activator, with a pointy-tipped spout for easy application of the color; 2 pairs of gloves, one for application and one for rinsing; a barrier cream to apply to your hairline and ears to avoid telltale “I just dyed by my hair” stains; a gentle wet wipe in case you get color on your neck or hands anyway; sample bottles of their shampoo and conditioner (which I also love); and a cap to wear as the color sinks in.
The first thing I noticed when dying my hair was how pleasant and non-chemical the smell was. It’s a gentle botanical aroma that made the experience of dying my hair so much more pleasant. Of course, since this is still an at-home dye kit, there's still the somewhat annoying process of slowly and deliberately ensuring that the color reaches each and every strand, but at less than $30 per order (even less if you choose the auto-delivery option), it's worth the extra effort. After rinsing the hair color, using their shampoo and standout conditioner, there’s no crunchy feel or chemically smell lingering for days. Just shiny, healthy color that lasts.
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January 26, 2022
by Kristin
I have been using Madison Reed for 3 years now dyeing my hair myself at home. I follow the directions and timing exactly. The Pescara Black covers my grey beautifully. And I don't have any problem with thinning or my hair falling out. In fact, my hair has grown from chin length to the middle of my back. I dye my hair about every 4-5 weeks. And I always use a deep conditioner after dyeing my hair. But I do think Madison reed should offer free shipping. $6 is a bit excessive to pay every time for shipping.
December 1, 2021
by Natalie
I’ve been using Madison Reed hair color for about a year, and my hair started falling out after the last die! Hair was everywhere, on the floor, pillow, shower, in my car - awful. Called a friend who recommended the product originally, and she was having the same problem! Something is seriously wrong with this product, or maybe they changed the formulation? My hair is so thin now it’s pathetic.
November 12, 2021
by Suzette
I began using this product a few months ago. My hair is falling out by the handful. I use to have thick hair, but now I have a bald spot on the crown of my head!! My fault for believing their advertisements..... With so many people having this issue, they need to be held accountable.
April 25, 2021
by Carole
First use of Madison Reed was fine. But with second use developed a red scaly rash on neck and face. That was three months ago and the rash is still breaking out even with treatment by dermatologist. The dr prescribed topical rx creams and ointments plus BIG doses of prednisone for a month. New spots of rash continue to appear, flake off and leave a dark spot on skin. Dr did a skin biopsy for close study of cells to determine if the hair color has caused me to develop psoriasis! Results next week.
March 11, 2021
by CM
After using Madison Reed 3 times, YES! my hair is falling too. I'm very concerned. My last application was Nov 2020, and my hair is still falling. I've being using Revita stimulating shampoo and I think it's helping. But the hair loss is awful, I had blood tests and they came back normal and I eat very healthy. I will not recommend anybody to use Madison Reed.
March 11, 2021
by Mary Ann Easley
MADISON REED CAUSING HAIR TO FALL OUT. Sadly, I just made the connection after using their products for a couple years. I had rounds of cortisone shots in my scalp. I gave the dye a rest and am seeing some regrowth. Wished I had figured this out sooner. I’ve been going there for a couple years. Now my hair is literally 1/3 of what it used to be. I hope it grows back. Also, their Walnut Creek, CA salon has the worst customer service I’ve ever experienced.
March 4, 2021
by Lora
I too have been using this for
A while and my hair is now falling out and thin and stringy! I’m hoping it grows back’
December 31, 2020
by deb
Madison read made excessive hair fall out when I washed it out. Very concerning.
December 15, 2020
by jt
yes! my hair is falling out after two times that i have used this product. I see i am not the only one! does anyone know how to stop this hair loss other that just not using their product again?
September 3, 2020
by Ellen
I've been mostly salon dye with occasional box brand root touch up for years. I wanted to just do a full dye during quarantine and tried Madison Reed after hearing it advertised on podcasts. I am 3 weeks in and losing a lot more hair than usual with each loss. I have pretty thick hair and was planning to go shorter anyway, so I'm not panicking, but I'm definitely cancelling the next order.
June 28, 2020
by karsen
I switched to Madison Reed after having an anaphylactic response (plus full body rashes) to hair salon dye at two different places, one claiming to have all natural dye. I was excited to discover Madison Reed, visited it 5 times and twice took home their (environmentally unfriendly over packaged) kit (which didn't work--too weak) On my third visit, while the dye (black) was in my hair, my scalp began to itch a little and but I figured it was just the dampness. The fourth visit, I paid more attention and noticed my scalp both itched and burned slightly, which were the exact same symptoms that preceded my anaphylaxis, but I figured that maybe it would never go beyond that. Or hoped and prayed because I didn't want to go gray, not quite yet. After my fifth visit, burning again, but worse,I got scared and stopped going. Since quarantine, I have let my hair go gray. Interestingly my hair is so much thicker now.! Gray ugh, but I have a really great head of hair.
June 23, 2020
by Liz
Used this product 2x. I used the Portofino Red and have to say, its the best red Ive ever found. I already have red in my hair and this brings out the color gorgeously.
However, my hair is now falling out. I used it a second time not realizing the hair loss was caused by the dye, and it's really falling out now. that was a month ago. Its still falling out, by the root. I used to have pretty, virgin light auburn hair that was curly. Now its a stringy thin mess. I hope the hair loss stops soon and grows back in. Im staring to get worried.
They sent me my money back without me even asking. its a known problem and they just refuse to change their ingredients.
June 22, 2020
by Angela
I’ve given this product several tries. I had waist-length, thick, healthy hair. Well, NOT ANY MORE!!! My hair fell out to the point that I had to buy a halo wig to thicken it up because it’s stringy and ugly. I’m furious because I just figured out that it’s their crappy products!!
June 12, 2020
by Lynn
During the pandemic and closure my salon, I first used the root cover product and then when that washed out and the lockdown continued, I needed to use their full coverage product. I noticed that more of my hair was falling out than usual after a week. My hair brush was full, tub was backing up and I needed to sweep the bathroom floor constantly. I purchased the products believing they were safe and natural. I have gray hair and usually get my color done by a professional stylist. My natural color is medium brown, so I went with that color. Turned out great, easy to use and hair was soft and shinny after the color. I have always had thick hair and a full ponytail...not anymore. At first, I thought it might be due to stress or a health issue like, hormones, thyroid or cancer? Had to endure several blood tests to confirmed with my doctor that it does not appear to be a medical issue. Since coloring my hair was the only new product I used on my hair and after reading the other comments, I am pretty sure it was an ingredient in the color that caused my hair loss! Hair color should not cause hair loss and we shouldn't have to find out the hard way. I am sure the company did well during the pandemic, when many with gray hair wanted a natural and safe do it yourself option. I hope they change their formulas and avoid any known ingredient that has the potential to cause hair loss to anyone. Thankful my stylist and salon are open again.
May 18, 2020
by Rupi
It resulted in hair loss, I tried it multiple times thinking it might not be Madison Reed, every time I restarted Madison Reed my bathroom floor was full of fallen hair. Stopping for good now.
May 14, 2020
by KP
My hair fell out using this product. I have been salon coloring my hair for decades, but 3 months of pandemic lead me to attempting at home color. Went with this product based on it being "safer" - DO NOT BE FOOLED - instead of ammonia it uses ethanolamine - which I should have done due diligence on researching because one of the leading knocks against it is that your hair will literally fall out for some people. And mine did - luckily I have thick hair to start with so I can camouflage the damage. Hoping it doesn't continue to fall out.... BUYER BEWARE.
April 23, 2020
by Madeleine
I’m concerned about the reviews that hair falls out after use. My hair is already thinning and I’m thinking of just going gray, skipping hair color altogether
March 28, 2020
by Calyn
I was eager to try Madison Reed because of the toxin-free reputation and was willing to pay the higher price for the better ingredients (from other box colors).
It was a lovely brand of dye. Pretty enough color, no offending odor, I had no issues with hair loss, etc., but sadly, the packaging is what has turned me away.
The needless, (non-elective) bells and whistles (individually packaged: gloves (2 pr.), cap, barrier cream, barrier cream remover, and non-recyclable bottle) just did not sit well with me :(
March 24, 2020
by Kim
I used Madison Reed for the first time. During my next hair wash clumps of hair were coming out in the shower! I was panicking. What the heck? I will contact the company.
March 23, 2020
by gabi
I was using WEN shampoo and conditioner, and my hair was thinning. Stopped when I stopped the shampoo.
February 16, 2020
by Stephanie Hellwege
I have been using Madison Reed for the past 2 years. I have never had a problem with hair loss till now. Ive used the same shampoo brand for years, so I didn’t believe that was the cause. So I googled Madison Reed hair loss and was shocked to see just how many people have this same issue.
February 8, 2020
by Tess
Is there hair colorant for sensitive scalp ?
February 6, 2020
by Ann
No comment on Toluene-2? yikes:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24124869/
February 1, 2020
by Aztin
I’ve been usingMadison Reed for about 7months and my hair is falling that I can see my scalp! I am so worried about that but after reading all of your comments, I feel better because I am not the only one. I will appreciate if any of you can tell me if your hair grows fast and what other hair coloring are you using now. Thanks
January 22, 2020
by Misti
I’ve been using Madison Reed for over a year now and my hair has been falling out by the handfuls. It dawned on me the other day to google “hair loss Madison Reed” and I was shocked at the results. I went through chemo for breast cancer back in 2011-2012 and my hair came back thicker and I was so happy with it. Now you can totally see my scalp. I am sickened by this!!
January 5, 2020
by Jen
I have been using Madison Reed for 1 year & am now suffering really thinning hair. Never noticed this before using the product. I’m stopping immediately & contacting the company.
October 5, 2019
by Jaime Young
After using Madison Reed my hair started falling out...This issue is not new to them. They reimbursed by last purchase and removed me from all communication.
My hair is still coming out.
September 10, 2019
by Kathleen
I have been using Madison Reed for a few years and I have been suffering from increasing hair loss for at least 2 years. I guess I never wanted to believe that it was the MR coloring, but after I had increasing handfuls of hair come out after the shampoo following the color process I couldn't deny it. I have always loved my hair, and now it is thin and more sparse. I had thick curly hair and now it is so thin. It's a terrible thing to have hair loss. It's very emotional and hard to deal with. My hair was probably the one thing I really always liked about myself. I also have more gray hair coming in and I don't like the way I look with gray hair. Some women can rock it, but not me. I am so depressed, as I don't know where to go from here.
August 18, 2019
by Marty
I wonder how many of the people complaining about this color really had the problems they state or are they just trolling? My only complaint about this product is that it does fade, but so much easier on the hair than store products and cheaper than going to a salon. I know people who use it and that's why I picked it up again. Outside of the lighter shades fading, no major problems. and, BTW, all colors fade, even when ou to to a salone
July 28, 2019
by by Adriana
I used Madison Reed for about 6 months, and ended up experiencing hair loss. After reading the ingredients (something I should've done before using it), I realized ethanolamine (an ingredient in Madison Reed hair dyes), causes hair loss up to 85% more then ammonia. For the ladies that mentioned this happening to them as well, did your hair grow back?? I definitely will not be using this product again.
July 3, 2019
by C.James
I used Madison Reed for about a year, trying different shades. As time passed, and I got more grey hair, I realized how poor the grey coverage really is. Also, every shade I tried seem to have a reddish background hue. I finally found a different PPD-free product at a beauty supply that's a quarter of the cost, has true colors, covers grey much better, and is PPD-free and gentle. No more overpriced, underperforming Madison Reed for me!
June 15, 2019
by Julie
I used Madison Reed for about 6 months. My hair also fell out in buckets. It’s brittle, dry and frizzy looking. I have never had problem hair - it’s fine but a lot of it. It’s horrible!!!!! I just went back to the salon and had about 4 inches cut off. I’m heartbroken and told all of my friends to stop using too!
May 20, 2019
by Beth fife
After the 2nd use, my hair was falling out!! I read up on Madison reed and found out the ingredient their replaces ammonia with is known to cause hair loss!! Don’t use it!! I have no idea if my hair will grow back!
May 10, 2019
by Tiffany
I've been using Madison Reed for about a year. I am sensitive to chemicals and this is one of the few hair dyes that does not irritate me. I color my hair red which tends to fade quickly and I still feel like MR is doing a great job on my hair. I have not noticed any increased hair fall out (I have thyroid and adrenal issues and my hair falls out from these). I really like this brand and will continue to use it as long as the ingredient remain safe for me.
May 8, 2019
by Eddie Rose
I started using Madison-Reed a year ago. During the first few months I was quite impressed with their products. Now that a full year has gone by however, my hair is breaking off, falling out and brittle. The color washes out with every shampoo and lasts no more than 2 weeks. I'm totally not satisfied anymore with their products.
January 1, 2019
by Shirley
I've been subscribed to Madison Reed for the past 12 - 15 months. I neither had the experience of my hair falling out, nor of the dye washing out. It consistently feels gentle to my scalp and I love all the accessories that accompany the color (2 pr gloves, cap, shampoo, conditioner and root cover powder). The color feels and looks so natural and is so much better than anything I can buy at the store.
Just adding my 2 cents.
s
August 30, 2018
by Eva
Eek! I should have read up on more reviews for Madison Reed hair color! The adverse reactions are making me regret ordering the product. Sad to say, it's too late to cancel. Hate wasting money, but I think it is best to throw it out when it arrives. Back to faithful Wella.
August 26, 2018
by nancy
Used Madison Reed and my hair just fell out in buckets!!. Anyone here who was damaged by this product please go to Madison Reed Damage on Facebook
book or follow up on Madison reed Damages on Twitter. We need enough women to stand together to voice the damages dones by this product.
You are not alone.
August 4, 2018
by peggy
Wow after reading many of these reviews think I will save my 19.99 and use the drugstore Garnier or Clariol for 8.99 Thanks!
July 19, 2018
by nancy
Made my hair fall out in buckets .. stay away!!
March 19, 2018
by diane
I used Madison Reed for the 1st time because this weekend. I have a sensitivity to the hair coloring when going to my salon. My head itched for a week.
I used this product and I'm so happy, no itching at all. Thank you!
March 13, 2018
by Kathleen
I switched to henna to cover gray ( I’m probably 60-70% gray) for two years. I absolutely love it. I’m a licensed cosmetologist and I no longer want to be exposed to hair color chemicals for health reasons. I found the website hennaforhair.com. Read all her info. She did a PhD on serious allergic reactions to hair color and she knows her stuff. It’s easy to use at home. The “Henna for Gray” kit I use actually colors gray better than the salon color I’ve used. It doesn’t wash out. It’s amazing and safe.
March 3, 2018
by Brenda
Although I love the way my hair felt after it was dyed plus did not irritate my scalp. But not happy after I washed it my roots are just as grey before I dyed my hair!!!
February 25, 2018
by Stephanie
I been dying my hair since I was 15. I'm now 62 years old. I have fine, thin, straight hair but had lots of it...until 3 years ago. Now it's terribly thin and scarce. Yuk! When I wash my hair and air dry it the results are wavy/curly and very thin and scarce. Oh did did I mention have a cowlick in the crown area with a mind of it's own. It's been hellish to say the least. Trendy short hair styles always looked amazing on me through out the years. I even sprouted a Jane Fonda/Klute and Bowie haircut sprouting the same color as his. People were stoked about this. I have had a Barbara Streisand curl perm that didn't look half bad. Long long long time ago. Moving forward a had Jennifer Aniston's hair cut too and then some. Mostly I wore a near shoulder length style up until recently. I have been to high end color salons, mixed my own product and I used boxed products. I have been very successful in coloring my own hair...and I did it well. Now thanks to dear old Dad (RIP) I'm really thinning. I have gray's around the hairline around the face. I also have severe Dermatitis of the scalp, but it's under control if I keep on it. I just couldn't use any harmful products on the market any longer. After researching the net for month's, I decided to give Madison Reed in Bologna Blonde a try. Amazing color, coverage, smell and all but the one tiny spot, my scalp wasn't offended by the use of this product. The samples came in handy too. Made me a believer. I'm going back and purchasing the entire kit n' kaboodle. To include the powder root touch up, which really stay's on the hair and looks natural. Amazingly, it doesn't irritate my scalp. The color was a shade lighter than what was on my hair and it still managed to raise the hue with gorgeous shine and coverage. I'm not affiliated with the company or employees. I do think they nailed it. Sorry to read others are having an allergic reaction. Everybody's skin is different doesn't mean it's not for you so It's worth trying. With my skin sensitivity (most recently) I am happy to say it worked well. I'm very pleased.
January 14, 2018
by Julie K
Madison Reed is a dangerous product that will harm your skin.
January 9, 2018
by Barb P.
Madison Reed products are Dangerous! They do not stand behind their products. My eyes swelled shut. I had welts, pain and and ungodly itch for months. I went to doctors, dermatologists and pharmacists. What else would you expect from: lye, carcinogens and petroleum based irritants.
January 8, 2018
by Toni
The Madison Reed hair dye caused a severe reaction on my skin. Luckily, I did a patch test on my forearm. Within hours there was: pain, welts, redness itching and swelling. I could not sleep without icing the sight. Madison Reed was completely silent. They would not help or respond to any of my requests for help. Unlike their marketing campaign, they are completely apathetic. They sell a dangerous product and refuse to be responsible. Never again. B warned!
May 6, 2017
by Carmen
Jaime, your comment was interesting, when you say L'Oreal crème - do you mean L'Oreal Excellence crème?? I know it's a long shot if you come back and comment, but thought I would ask.
April 23, 2017
by Jaime
I've tried every over the counter brand available, this one did not stand out. If you can't afford to blow at least $60 a month on a one process at the salon, you're stuck with nothing but less than healthy options. You will find most "healthy" options for hair dye won't cover gray very well or very long. If you don't mind non permanents that give muddy color and last 1 wash then more power to you. Best box job hands down is L'oreal creme, but new buyer beware of color grid. You always go lighter than your natural shade if you don't want black hair. A red scalp or muddy undertone doesn't make me real happy so I skip any ash or golden color. My hair was over 50% by age 40 so I use Medium Brown and it comes out light brown with highlights. It takes a good 45 minutes on to kill the gray at the scalp. This is the reality for women without bucks to burn so long as the salon industry has the power to restrict what hair color can be purchased over the counter.
February 22, 2017
by Mina
I love Madison Reed color, but the shampoo and conditioner smell like Comet cleanser. I HATE them and throw the sample sizes away when they come with my color.
December 9, 2016
by Donna Winton
I want Napoli Brown but alot of the reviews said it was too dark. Is there a color under it with GOLD tones? I would love to try this product knowing it is a healthier choice. Pleae respond, thank you.
April 22, 2016
by Maura
That sounds really fascinating, Erin! We'll definitely look into it. Though, I wonder if it would look alright on hair that's already been dyed and is still holding onto some of that old pigment? Thanks for letting us know about it!
April 21, 2016
by Erin
I've been reading about a product called Hairprint that is very intriguing. It's not a dye but, rather, a formula that literally forms the original melanin in brown and black hair by depositing melanin forming ingredients which bond with the geometry of the hair shaft, producing your original, unique color. It turns out differently on everyone (I keep seeing reviewers saying that it gave them the color they had in high school). It's supposed to reinforce the healthy structure of the hair, too, so it's not damaging like dye.
It's not for blonde or red hair, as those have additional pigments (they're working on formulas, though).
It's truly nontoxic- the ingredients are: sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, mucuna puriens, ferrous gluconate, mangagnese gluconate, diatomaceous earth, hydrogen peroxide, and carbomer. I think this would be a great product for TIA to test!
PS- there are some short videos on youtube with the green chemist/inventor John Warner explaining how it works and showing his own results.