Madison Reed Hair Color: Reviews, Safety, and Buying Guide
Anyone who’s shopped for hair color recently has probably seen Madison Reed’s bright boxes promising “salon-quality” results without ammonia, but behind the sleek marketing lies a more complicated story involving a class action lawsuit, independent lab tests, and mixed user reviews. This guide separates the brand’s bold claims from the evidence.
Founded: 2013 · Ammonia-free: Yes · Gray coverage: 100% · Retail locations: Ulta, Walmart, Amazon, Target, Sally Beauty · Price per kit: $20–$30
Quick snapshot
- Ammonia-free formula with MEA (Madison Reed official site)
- Vegan and cruelty-free (Madison Reed official site)
- 100% gray coverage claim (Madison Reed official site)
- Available at major retailers (Madison Reed official site)
- Safety compared to traditional ammonia dyes (Consumer Reports)
- Severity of side effects reported by users (Reddit user reports)
- Status of class action lawsuit outcome (DWT legal analysis)
- September 2023: Court allowed false advertising claims to proceed (DWT legal analysis)
- Ongoing litigation could set precedent for “gentler” hair dye claims (DWT legal analysis)
- Consumer Reports testing may trigger regulatory review (Consumer Reports)
Key facts provide a quick reference for Madison Reed’s product profile.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Madison Reed |
| Type | Permanent hair color |
| Key Feature | Ammonia-free with MEA |
| Price Range | $20–$30 per kit |
| Availability | Ulta, Walmart, Amazon, Target, Sally Beauty, madison-reed.com |
Is Madison Reed hair color any good?
What do reviews say?
- On Amazon and Reddit, reviews are mixed: some users praise the color and convenience, while others report uneven results and scalp irritation. (Consumer Reports notes that independent testing found phthalates in the product.)
How does it perform on hair?
- The official site claims “salon-quality” results that cover gray completely. (Madison Reed official site)
- However, users on forums report that the color can be inconsistent on previously dyed hair.
What are the side effects of Madison Reed hair color?
Common side effects
- Scalp irritation and allergic reactions are the most frequently reported issues. The product contains PPD derivatives, which are common allergens in hair dye. (Consumer Reports)
Allergic reactions
- Reddit users describe experiences consistent with chemical burns, though these are anecdotal and not independently verified.
- The lawsuit alleges that the products caused hair loss and more damage than traditional dyes. (DWT legal analysis)
Madison Reed removes ammonia but introduces phthalates and other chemicals. For consumers with sensitive skin, the “gentler” promise may not hold true.
The implication: what is marketed as a safer alternative may still pose risks that users should weigh carefully.
What are the ingredients in Madison Reed hair dye?
Key ingredients
- Water, MEA (monoethanolamine), PPD derivatives, and pigments. The brand markets the absence of ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, and gluten. (Madison Reed official site)
Controversial chemicals
- Independent testing by Consumer Reports found that Madison Reed contained three phthalates: di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA), di(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT), and dimethyl phthalate. DEHA and DEHT were found at the highest levels among all tested brands. (Consumer Reports)
- All tested samples also contained dichloromethane (methylene chloride). (Consumer Reports)
The pattern is clear: removing ammonia doesn’t automatically make a hair dye “clean.”
Is Madison Reed better than L’Oréal hair color?
Four features, one difference: price vs. accessibility.
| Feature | Madison Reed | L’Oréal Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia-free option | All products | Some lines (e.g., Excellence Creme has ammonia; ColorSpa has ammonia-free) |
| Gray coverage | 100% claimed | Up to 100% claimed |
| Price per kit | $20–$30 | $6–$15 |
| Availability | Ulta, Walmart, Amazon, Target, Sally Beauty | Mass retailers, drugstores, grocery stores |
The trade-off: Madison Reed offers a consistent ammonia-free formula at a premium, while L’Oréal provides more options at a lower price point but with varying ammonia content.
L’Oréal’s ammonia-containing formulas may be more traditional, but they also lack the phthalates that turned up in Madison Reed’s Consumer Reports test. Cheaper isn’t always riskier.
The catch: a lower price does not automatically equate to lower safety.
Where can I buy Madison Reed hair color?
Online retailers
Physical stores
- Ulta Beauty, Sally Beauty, and select drugstores.
- Direct from madison-reed.com
What this means: the brand is widely accessible, but shoppers should compare prices across channels.
What’s clear, what’s not
Confirmed facts
- Ammonia-free formula (Madison Reed official site)
- Vegan and cruelty-free (Madison Reed official site)
- 100% gray coverage claim (Madison Reed official site)
- Available at major retailers (Madison Reed official site)
What’s unclear
- Safety compared to traditional ammonia dyes (Consumer Reports)
- Severity of side effects reported by users (Reddit user reports)
- Status of class action lawsuit outcome (DWT legal analysis)
- Whether phthalate levels pose long-term health risks (Consumer Reports)
- How the lawsuit outcome will affect marketing claims (DWT legal analysis)
“I used Madison Reed and ended up with a chemical burn on my scalp. The color was fine but the burning was unbearable.”
— Reddit user, 2023
“Madison Reed delivers salon-quality results at home with a gentle, ammonia-free formula.”
— Madison Reed official marketing
For consumers debating their next at-home color, the choice is clear: if you want the convenience of a clean-label formula and are okay paying a premium, Madison Reed works. But if safety concerns about phthalates and legal risks outweigh the brand’s “gentle” marketing, traditional dyes from L’Oréal or drugstore brands may be a simpler bet.
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison Reed hair color permanent?
Yes, it is a permanent hair color that lasts until your hair grows out.
Does Madison Reed hair color damage hair?
It uses MEA instead of ammonia, but user reports and independent tests show it can still cause irritation and contains phthalates.
How long does a Madison Reed color treatment take?
About 30–45 minutes, similar to other at-home hair dyes.
Can I use Madison Reed on previously dyed hair?
Yes, but results may vary; patch testing is recommended.
Is Madison Reed hair color tested on animals?
No—the brand is certified cruelty-free.
What is the price of a Madison Reed hair color kit?
Typically $20–$30 per kit, depending on shade and retailer.
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