Selecting Black Iron Oxide for Grey Hair Covering Balm
Question
Which type of black Iron Oxide is recommended for use in a grey hair covering balm formulation, considering ease of dispersion and suitability for oil/wax bases?
Answer
Black Iron Oxide for Grey Hair Balm
For creating a balm to cover grey hair, we recommend using a black Iron Oxide that disperses well in oil. Based on our product information, here are some suitable options:
- ReadyMix™ Iron Oxides Black (Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate Based): This is a liquid black Iron Oxide pre-dispersed in an oil base (ester). It is very easy to incorporate into balm formulas without needing grinding or a Homogenizer, providing consistent color immediately. It is suitable for formulas similar to lipstick or lip color, which are close in texture to a balm.
- ReadyMix™ Iron Oxides Black (Isononyl Isononanoate Based): This is also a liquid black Iron Oxide pre-dispersed in an oil base (ester). It is easy to use like the first option, but the Isononyl Isononanoate base provides a lighter, more easily blendable texture, suitable for lightweight makeup like liquid foundation.
- Black Iron Oxides EasyMix™: This is a black Iron Oxide powder coated with Methicone, making it soft, smooth, and exceptionally easy to disperse. It can be mixed in oil or silicone and is suitable for various makeup products, including BB Cream/Balm. If you prefer using a powder form, this is a good choice due to its easy dispersion, even with manual mixing.
- Iron Oxides Black (FoundationPro™): This is a black Iron Oxide powder specifically developed for liquid foundation / BB / CC formulas. It offers a good balance of softness, adhesion, and waterproofing, and disperses easily in oil, silicone, and powder.
For a grey hair covering balm, which is typically an oil-based or oil/wax-based formula, ReadyMix™ Iron Oxides Black (Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate Based) would be the easiest to use and provide excellent results. Being a liquid pre-dispersed in oil, it blends smoothly into the balm base for consistent color. If you prefer a powder form, Black Iron Oxides EasyMix™ is also a great option.
You can find links to all mentioned products below this answer.
Follow-up Replies
Question:
I am developing an oil-based hair covering balm using Iron Oxides to cover white hair. I have tried using a ReadyMix™ product, but the color does not adhere to the hair. My goal is to achieve a black color or significantly darken the white hair using natural-derived ingredients. How can I improve the adhesion of the pigment to the hair, and what specific ingredients should I use to achieve a black result?
Answer:
Recommendations for Improving Your Hair Covering Balm
For an oil-based hair covering balm, the main issue with color not "sticking" is usually the lack of a film-forming agent to hold the pigments on the hair shaft. Here are the recommendations to achieve a black result that adheres better:
1. Switch to Black Pigment
Since you want a black or darker result, you should switch from the Red version to the Black version.
- Recommended Product: ReadyMix™ Iron Oxides Black (Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate Based) (ID: 1297). This is pre-dispersed in an oil base (ester), making it very easy to mix into your balm without needing high-speed blending.
2. Add a Film Former for Adhesion
To solve the problem of the color not sticking to the hair, you need an oil-soluble film former. This will create a thin film that anchors the pigment to the hair fibers and prevents it from rubbing off easily.
- Recommended Product: Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene (C13-15 Alkane Base) (ID: 127477).
- Usage: Add this at 5-10% of your total formula. It will significantly improve the "staying power" of the iron oxides on the hair.
3. Natural Aspect and Expectations
- Iron Oxides: These are mineral pigments. While they are synthesized for purity and safety in cosmetics, they are considered mineral-derived and are the standard for "natural" makeup.
- Mechanism: Iron oxides work by physical coating. They do not dye the hair internally. This means the result is temporary and will wash out with shampoo.
- Color Blending: To get a natural-looking black, you can use mostly ReadyMix™ Black and add a small amount of the ReadyMix™ Red (ID: 1301) you already have to create a deep, natural-looking dark shade.
Suggested Formulation Approach:
- Oil/Wax Base: Use a combination of oils and waxes (like Beeswax or Candelilla Wax) to create the balm texture.
- Pigment: Add ReadyMix™ Iron Oxides Black (ID: 1297) until the desired darkness is achieved.
- Film Former: Incorporate Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene (ID: 127477) at 5-10% to ensure the color sticks to the hair.
- Mixing: Since you are using ReadyMix™ products, you can simply stir them into your melted oil/wax base at low speed.
