Hairprint Updates – A Nontoxic Hair Color

June 21, 2016 (updated January 31, 2023) — Written by

the hairprint product unboxed on a table

The last time I used a conventional hair dye was December 2015 which is crazy for me considering I lived and died by my standing 4 week appointment. I don’t mess around. My grays come in fast and furious and I have a low tolerance for any strand left untreated. At 38 years old I have been going gray for almost 20 years and at this point in time I would probably consider myself to have at least 50% gray hair. But you would never know because I am always on top of it.

This year however, the tables have turned. So long toxic hair dye. Hello Hairprint. Since January (2016) I have been exclusively using Hairprint to color my grays.  “Organic” hair dyes which claim to be organic or “healthy” all employ some form of PTD, PPD, P-Aminophenol or Resorcinol which are all highly toxic. Don’t believe the claims – there is no “better” or “healthy” hair dyes out there. If your hair dye is working, it is using a combination of these chemicals. If you want to know more about the dangers of exposing yourself to these toxins you can follow-up here – it’s not pretty.

Hairprint is a revolutionary technology. It uses 8 food-grade ingredients and an inert thickener to bring color back to gray hair. It is the cleanest hair color on the block and if you want to learn more about what’s up with Hairprint you can check out my full review here.

This post is a summery of my experience with Hairprint over the last few months. I tried using one box of product at home in January and got about 75% coverage so I took a trip out to San Fran to meet the owner and have the product applied professionally at the Hairprint salon in Sausalito, CA. I’m excited to say using two boxes of product we got near 100% coverage. Check it out!

I came home so excited about these results. This is amazing coverage. In terms of overall look, tone, consistency and shine these initial results seriously rival conventional hair dye coverage. Now here is how it wore for the month.

This is one week later:

Super happy with how this looks. Very little fading – color remains uniform and bold. I was also using True Botanicals nontoxic shampoo and conditioner. Using a gentle shampoo and avoiding HOT water will definitely help to retain pigment.

Two weeks later:

You can see a little bit of fading happening here – some inconsistency in the shades of brown but no gray bleed through. The color definitely lightened as the weeks went by. It didn’t wash out but some strands/area lightened more than others. The average man on the street would probably not even notice but for the purpose of illustrating how it wore, this is what was happening at two weeks. You can see what I mean best in the middle picture above.

This is 4 weeks and 9 washes. You can see how subtle the color fade is when shown in contrast to the gray line growing in at 4 weeks. I’m sure fading and wear will depend on how often you shampoo, temp of the water, type of shampoo used but this is a good gage for anyone who is interested in what to expect for an average 30 day wear. Four weeks is when I would typically be ready to apply again so I did!

I signed up for Hairprint’s monthly subscription which is 35.10/mo and is delivered every 4 weeks. Typically a box is 39.00 – ordering a monthly subscription will save you 10%. In San Fran we used two boxes of product but I wanted to see if I could get away with using one and not having to spend 88.00 and 3 hours of my life every month. Here are the results at home with one box:

Okay, less than desirable results here. I would call this maybe 80-85% coverage. Honestly, it’s not horrible but knowing that the product can perform better than this left me disappointed. But guys, I’m not a quitter so I consulted the company again and they suggested trying 1.5 boxes. So I did. I waited another 3-4 weeks and then reapplied again last week. This is what I got for results:

As my friend Suzi says, “CAN I GET AN AMEN?!” I was so happy with these results! I think mostly because I had tried to apply at home twice before with less than successful results so when I took the towel off and saw solid coverage – I was doing a Cabbage Patch/Running Man Mashup in silent celebration at 10pm in my kitchen – silently of course – I mean, don’t mess with sleeping kids. Anyways…

I would consider this 95% coverage. It looks pretty uniform here but there were a few stragglers and strands that still shine silver or are just way lighter compared to the rest of the coverage.  Don’t get me wrong – If this is Hairprint’s max performance I will take it but I know it can do better so I am pushing it. I talked to the owners again and I got some suggestions and tweaks for next month to try and bump this up closer to 100%.

So what exactly do I mean by 1.5 boxes? And what exactly did I do? Here’s the nitty gritty:

  • I pre-washed with Hairprint’s prewash for 20 minutes.  I split the prewash into thirds so I probably shampooed three times but washed consistently for 20 mins.
  • The last five minutes of the prewash I added some baking soda along my hairline to up the pH a bit which was suggested by Hairprint.
  • I applied 2 #1 solutions and set the timer for 15 mins then rinsed.
  • Then I applied 1 #2 solution – set the timer for 15 mins and rinsed.
  • Then I applied 2 #3 solutions – set the timer for 15 mins and rinsed.
  • Lastly shampoo and condition with my own products.

The success of Hairprint depends of several hair and environmental variables including hair texture, density, thickness, hair history, previous product used and soap scum residue. Environmental factors include things like hard or soft water. That’s why this product does not apply as a one size fits all product.  If you are willing to invest the time and commit to it – you will reap the rewards. Listen, no one ever said green beauty or committing to a nontoxic lifestyle was easy. I’m not saying applying Hairprint is hard but finding the right application method for me is definitely a work in progress. BUT look what dedication and commitment can get you (see most recent application pics). MMMhmmm, that’s what I’m talkin’ bout!

Next month I am modifying my application process again so I will keep you posted on the results. I also have more application tips from my experience with 100% coverage in San Fran here.

Let me just say it again – eight FOOD-GRADE ingredients and an inert thickener – I am so EXCITED about this product – so long toxins, so long grays! Have you tried Hairprint? What’s been your experience?

xo, lisa in cursive

*All pictures are raw and have not been edited or undergone any post processing.

By Lisa Fennessy

Lisa is the founder of The New Knew. Passionate about clean beauty, organic eats and nontoxic lifestyle, Lisa writes to create awareness. Conscious consumerism and informed decisions will impact the marketplace, our health and THE WORLD!

36 Comments

  1. Reply

    Suzi

    I love this so much! I told my mom she has to let me do it on her. She dyed her hair two weeks ago because she didn’t think we would have time. I think it’s just amazing-like you said-7 food grade ingredients! Great review!! XO

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Thanks Suzi! If it does not work the first time – try two boxes the next time and you will be WOWED! xo!

  2. Reply

    C. Evans

    Oh, I am going to try this! Thanks for sharing your honest results and pics.

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Of course!!! That is what this journey is all about girl – thanks for reading!

  3. Reply

    Boston Mama

    Very exciting! I’ve been tempted to try this & hoping my colorist would be open to learning how to apply it for me. Have you found any local Boston area salons who are looking to offer this? Thanks so much for the update!

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      I haven’t so if you find anyone – let me know! The sticking point is the application is hands on for about 2 hours – unlike conventional die where the hairdresser can apply and have you sit under the dryer while squeezing in another client. Because of this, the San Fran the Hairprint stylist charged an average of 200.00/application. Just wanted to mention this in case it gives you motivation to try at home. That being said, Hairprint is looking to train people here locally so if you find someone keep in touch!

      1. Boston Mana

        Wow!!! Thanks so much for your reply. I need to get in touch with Hairprint to understand how I can attempt to keep my blond highlights. With dark brown hair, I have always gone 5-6 weeks before re-coloring my dark roots because my blond highlights help “camo” the gray growth (or at least that’s what I tell myself). I think you & I have similar natural color & % of gray. Looking forward to trying Hairprint (hopefully) sooner rather than later. My biggest worries are the 2 hour hands on commitment (I have a toddler) & potential staining of my bathroom. About to share the Hairprint details with my colorist. I’ll be in touch!

  4. Reply

    Sara Gordon

    When you use two boxes do you just double up each step or do you do each step twice?

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Good question. So I just end up using double the product. So for application I mix #1 and apply. Mix #1 again and apply over the first #1. Sit for 12-15 mins then rinse. Repeat with #2 and #3. I am currently playing with adding some additional wait time in between layers…which does not seem necessary but it may be giving me more coverage. The verdict is still out.

  5. Reply

    Sara Gordon

    Is it best to start with hair that was washed that day … a day before … etc?

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      It does not matter the last time hair was washed because there is a prewash included with the product so you will use that first to strip hair of any oils, product, soap scum etc before applying the color.

      1. joanne

        I wish it was that easy! The current revised application instructions from Hairprint (July 22, 2016) says “two or three days before applying Hairprint – discontinue use of hair care products except gentle and mild shampoos.” It would be nice if they had a list of those shampoos.. I was told that I also needed to use a clarifying shampoo just prior to using the Pretreatment to further remove any accumulations on my hair.

      2. Lisa Fennessy

        Thanks for your comment and email. I will respond here so others can see my answers. Before treatment I have used Innersense,True Botanicals or Flourish Body Care shampoos and conditioners. All three of these have worked fine for me. I only use the pretreatment included. I do not do a clarifying shampoo prior. However I split the pretreatment into three to four washes and wash my hair with the pretreatment in the sink for at least 20 minutes. The last 5 mins I add in some baking soda to raise the pH. This has been my approach the past two times applying and I have seen good results. I also have close to 100% coverage when I use two boxes and only 75-80% when I use one. Color does fade a bit around 3 weeks or 5 to 6 washes but I color my hair every four weeks so it has not bothered me too much. I hope this helps!

      3. Jill Rossics

        I ordered this product – I have an hombre look gong on and I am very nervous and excited to try this on my roots – I did read to wash with the chelated shampoo and not use any products for 2 days up to a week before. Not sure if I should wait the week? I do have to say that I am impressed with the chelated shampoo!

      4. Lisa Fennessy

        AWESOME! The most important thing is to wash your hair with the chelating shampoo that day so you go into the process with CLEAN hair! Let us know how it goes!

  6. Reply

    Debbie

    Hi Lisa,
    Thank you for Pippa’s email address. I wrote but haven’t yet received a response. Does it usually take quite some time to hear from her? Do you have a phone number for the salon. I can provide an email address so you can send it to me…or my own phone number if you’d rather call or text me.
    Many thanks,
    Debbie

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Thanks for your comment! That is the contact info she is making public so she should reply soon! Hairprint is her part-time job and she is only at the studio a couple of days a week so she may not check that address daily. Thank you!

  7. Reply

    Emanuelle

    Hi there, great review, thank you!

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Thanks for reading!

  8. Reply

    Janiece

    Thanks so much for your review! I’ve just received the two boxes I’d ordered and can’t wait to try it. I was hoping to get away with only using one box divided into 2 applications. I only have 1/2″ growth of more than 50% gray roots to color so I thought I would have plenty of product to use in two applications. But from your experience it sounds as if I won’t get 100% coverage that way. Is that correct? Thanks again.

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Well between everyones unique hair structure and various environmental factors (like hard water or product buildup) – it’s truly a different experience for each person. Either way you can try one tactic this time and then next month try a different one and see what works best for you. The best part is knowing that it works, the hard part is finding your way there – but know that it can be done. Best of luck!!!!

  9. Reply

    Julie

    Hi there,
    This sounds super amazing and I really can’t wait to try! I have been getting white hairs here and there for the past 8/9 yrs and have honestly just been surviving by plucking them out. but this yr I feel like I am beginning to turn a corner where there r just too many! And now all the ones I have been pulling r growing back and multiplying and it’s just beginning to look weird! I just decided this week I need to probably start coloring. So as u did, I began the search for a healthy option, only to come up dry and realize what u have, that there r no good/true natural options! Until, I found your blog and saw that u found hairprint! Curious what u would recommend for me. I have a lot of long, thick, dark brown hair. I am 33 and haven’t done any dying to my hair for over 10yrs. So I don’t have “roots” persay, but white hairs here and there and throughout. Most i notice are towards the front of my hair line and where i part. Is this something I should try? Does a person need to have more white/gray hair for it to work? If u think it’s worth trying, do u think trying 1 box is enough since I don’t have alot yet? Also from what u know, if I am a good candidate, and if I don’t have alot, how often do u think I would need to do it? Thx!
    Julie

    Ps so, so thankful to have found your blog. And so thankful I didn’t just run out and buy Nutratint, and instead started to do some of my own researching! I have slowly over the last 5 yrs been trying to replace everything in our lives and online blogs can be so helpful!

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Oh my gosh, HI! Thanks so much for your questions and comments! Okay so having naturally dark hair is key. I totally think your are a good candidate.Because you have a lot of hair you may need two boxes but I would start with one and see how that goes for you because even though you have a lot of hair you don’t have that many grays. The best thing to do is jump right in and try. Make sure you do a good prewash – like 20 minutes – it sounds crazy but it makes all the difference in the world. I do mine every four weeks – the same as I would color it. You can search my blog for “hariprint application tips” for more. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!

  10. Reply

    Colleen

    I have highlights in my hair now and would be some time before they grow out entirely. Do I need to wait until then or will Hairprint work with current highlights?

    1. Reply

      Lisa

      Hi Colleen! Hairprint is best for single-process hair only. It’s not for hair with highlights. It will end up covering your highlights too. I applied my to my top 3-4″ of hair only so if your highlights are past that, you could probably make it work! Hope this helps! xo, Lisa

  11. Reply

    Michelle

    I just used Hairprint for the first time and I loved it!

    (well, not the application process, but I loved the result…)

    It’s truly a game changer. I previously used henna+indigo but I got less and less coverage as I got more and more gray, and it’s even more messy to apply. Then I tried an oil based, supposedly better for you chemical color at a salon but it left my fine hair damaged and super frizzy. After Hairprint, my hair is healthy and even a tiny bit fuller.

    FYI I found this blog post because I was concerned about seeing hydrogen peroxide on the ingredient list – thank you for explaining its role in the Hairprint formula and putting my mind at ease.

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Hi Michelle! I’m so happy you had a successful experience with Hairprint! Thanks for sharing! xo, Lisa

  12. Reply

    Staci Wilson

    Hi Lisa, I have many allergies….I believe which were triggered from me coloring my hair. I am allergic to parabens, nickel, chrome, gold, dust mites, thimerosal, and fragrance. When I get my hair colored it does seem to burn a bit. Please tell me I would be a good candidate for this amazing product. I am praying so hard that this will help me cover my grays. I am 41 years old and have dark brown hair with some grays. I had my son late in life and he just started kindergarten and I am so scared of becoming allergic to my hair dye and looking like his grandmother instead of his mother. All best, Staci

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Hi Staci! This would definitely be an option for you. I love recommending it because it’s actually a healthy option and a huge advance in hair dye technology. But there is still a lot of room for user error…it’s just not that easy to use. If you are used to dying your hair on your own, it will probably be easier for you to figure out. It was not easy for me to use but I became a pro over time and a lot of practice. Hope this helps. xo, Lisa

  13. Reply

    Sam

    Is Madison Reed a reasonably healthy hair dye?

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Last time I checked they were still using the same active ingredients as all the other hair dyes. Fun fact: there has been no new hair color technology that has been developed / discovered outside of these ingredients so the reality is, (besides henna and hairprint), all hair dyes (regardless of their marketing tactics) are still using these ingredients or a version of these ingredients.

  14. Reply

    Lisa

    Hi, Lisa! Thanks for this informative review! I have used Hairprint in the past but was inspired to take a break and see how my natural hair really looks. I think your dye free hair looks beautiful! I’m thinking of trying Hairprint again. I’m 40 and not sure I’m ready to go dye free just yet. I was wondering if you ever used the Chelating Shampoo or you just throughly shampooed with the Pre-Wash? My Chelating shampoo is about 3 years old so I’m wondering if I could skip this step and still get successful results from my kit. Thanks for your advice 🙂

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      Hi Lisa! For a pre-wash I went with regular shampoo and then the baking soda method. That’s what ended up working best for me!

  15. Reply

    Lisa

    Also, did you ever feel like Hairprint damaged your hair? I always wonder if leaving baking soda on your hair for that long every month can be harmful? Thank you! 🙂

    1. Reply

      Lisa Fennessy

      I never felt like it damaged my hair BUT it doesn’t give that shiny finish that conventional hair dye does. In fact it finishes a bit matte / flat and I didn’t like that.

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