Discover the safest and best hair colour options for sensitive skin over 18. Compare Vegetal BioColour, Safe Color, Alembic Altris HD, Kerastem, and Cuticolor for grey coverage, scalp protection, and natural shine. Learn expert tips for mature hair colouring in 2025.
Growing older brings wisdom, confidence, and evolving beauty needs. For women and men aged 18 and above, hair experiences natural changes — greying, thinning, dryness, reduced shine, and increased scalp sensitivity. Chemical-based hair dyes can worsen irritation, allergies, itching, and hair fall. That’s why choosing a safe, gentle, dermatologically friendly hair colour is more important than ever.
This comprehensive guide reviews five trusted hair colour brands for sensitive skin and ageing hair:
✅ Cuticolor Hair Coloring Cream
✅ Alembic Altris HD
✅ Vegetal BIOCOLOUR
✅ Kerastem Sensitive Hair Color
✅ Safe Color by Vegetal
We compare their features, grey coverage, chemical safety, benefits for mature hair, shades, and expert safety tips.
This guide helps you confidently choose the best hair colour for sensitive scalps and age 18+ in 2025.
⭐ Why Hair Colour Choice Matters After Age 18
As we age, common hair and scalp changes include:
- Grey roots become more visible and stubborn
- Hair becomes dry, brittle, and less dense
- Scalp may react more to dyes, causing itching or burning
- Pigment absorption decreases, affecting shade results
Therefore, selecting a hair colour that is:
✅ PPD-free
✅ Ammonia-free
✅ Paraben & peroxide-free (if possible)
✅ Moisturizing and gentle on scalp
✅ Dermatologist-recommended for sensitive skin
is crucial for people 18+.
✅ Top 5 Best Hair Colour Brands for Sensitive Skin & 18+ Grey Hair
Below is an expert-ranked review of the products you listed:
🥇 1️⃣ Vegetal BIOCOLOUR
Best for: Very sensitive scalps and natural herbal coverage
Vegetal BioColour is a 100% herbal plant-based hair colour known for its safety standards and dermatology-friendly ingredients. It is widely chosen by people allergic to traditional dyes.
✅ Key Features
- PPD-free, ammonia-free, peroxide-free
- Gentle for chemical-sensitive scalp
- Herbal nourishment: Indigo, Henna, Brahmi, Shikakai
- Claims: Prevent dryness + UV protection
- Suitable for frequent root touch-ups
✅ Pros
✔ Minimizes irritation, redness & itching
✔ Safer for people with previous hair dye allergies
✔ Adds natural shine and thickness — perfect for thinning hair
⚠️ Cons
– Herbal colour development can take longer
– Not ideal for dramatic colour changes
⭐ Best Shades for 18+
- Soft Black
- Dark Brown
- Natural Brown
🥈 2️⃣ Kerastem Hair Color
Best for: Conditioning creamy hair colour with low chemicals
Kerastem balances safety + salon-quality grey coverage. It supports moisture retention which is essential for mature hair.
✅ Key Features
- Free from: PPD, Ammonia, Resorcinol
- Cream formula enriched with Argan & Jojoba Oils
- Smooth application and rich, shiny results
- Less smell and scalp irritation
✅ Pros
✔ Ideal for dry, frizzy, or thinning hair
✔ Professional finish with soft and glossy texture
✔ Works better on stubborn greys vs herbal dyes
⚠️ Cons
– Still a chemical formula → patch test is mandatory
– Colour fades over repeated washes
⭐ Best Shades for 18+
- Dark Brown No. 3
- Warm Brown
- Natural Black
🥉 3️⃣ Alembic Altris HD Hair Hue Therapy
Best for: Beginners switching from chemical to herbal colours
Altris HD is a hybrid product combining herbal extracts with enhanced grey coverage.
✅ Key Features
- PPD-free, ammonia-free, peroxide-free
- Strengthening herbs: Amla, Bhringraj, Henna, Indigo
- Cream consistency for easy home application
✅ Pros
✔ Nourishes roots + reduces hair breakage
✔ Affordable and easy to find in India
✔ Good step-down option if allergic in past to stronger dyes
⚠️ Cons
– Grey coverage may require repeated coats
– Shades are limited compared to salon brands
4️⃣ Safe Color (Vegetal Safe Color Range)
Best for: Sensitive scalps wanting chemical-free colours
Safe Color is often grouped with Vegetal but targets cost-conscious buyers.
✅ Highlights
- Gentle, dermatologically approachable
- No ammonia and no PPD in many variants
- Herbal-based — lesser risk of inflammation
✅ Pros
✔ Suitable for people with recurring scalp issues
✔ Keeps hair soft while colouring
⚠️ Cons
– Some variants have mixed ingredients; check label carefully
– Application technique may vary per colour
5️⃣ Cuticolor Hair Coloring Cream
Best for: Quick grey coverage products claiming sensitivity safety
Cuticolor appears in many dermatologist-recommended lists for sensitive scalp colouring.
✅ Key Features
- Advertised as no-ammonia & no-PPD
- Cream-based — smooth colouring results
- Can be purchased at pharmacies
✅ Pros
✔ Uniform grey coverage
✔ Good for first-time home users
✔ Simple application process
⚠️ Cons
– Must verify chemical-free variant (formula may vary SKU to SKU)
– Always do a skin patch test
✅ Expert Recommendation for Age 18+ Sensitive Scalp
| Ranking | Brand | Best for | Chemical Safety | Grey Coverage | Scalp Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ #1 | Vegetal BIOCOLOUR | Ultra-sensitive skin | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅✅ |
| ⭐ #2 | Kerastem | Moisture + strong coverage | ✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅ |
| #3 | Altris HD | Herbal + transition users | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅ |
| #4 | Safe Color | Budget herbal option | ✅✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅ |
| #5 | Cuticolor | Convenience | ✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ |
Shopping Links:
1) Cuticolor Permanent Hair Color Cream|Dr prescribed|Suitable for Sensitive Skin|: https://amzn.to/47YTKkj
2) ALTRIS HD HAIR HUE THERAPY SOFT BLACK 150gm: https://amzn.to/3WAiLNf
3) Vegetal Bio Hair Colour Soft Black | 150g: https://amzn.to/47ChWZg
4) Kerastem Hair Color Black No.1: https://amzn.to/4nKIm1i
Kerastem Hair Color 150ml – Dark Brown No 3: https://amzn.to/4nCQGzL
✅ Best Shade Selection for 18+ Skin Tones
| Skin Tone | Recommended Shades | Avoid Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Fair | Dark Brown, Golden Brown | Jet Black, Blue Black |
| Medium Wheatish | Chocolate Brown, Burgundy | Ashy Grey tones |
| Dusky | Natural Black, Warm Mocha | Very light blondes |
✅ Go 1 shade lighter than natural for a younger and softer look ✅
✅ How to Colour Sensitive Scalp Safely
✔ Always perform 48-hour patch test
✔ Apply petroleum jelly near hairline to avoid irritation
✔ Do a strand test for shade preview
✔ Avoid colouring on injured or itchy scalp
✔ Use sulfate-free shampoo after colouring
✔ Deep condition weekly — mature hair needs moisture
✔ Touch-up roots every 3–4 weeks instead of full-head colouring
✅ Natural Aftercare Routine for Ageing Hair
- Hair Oils: Argan, Coconut, Jojoba
- Serums: UV protection + anti-frizz
- Avoid frequent heat styling
- Increase intake of Biotin, Omega-3, Iron for stronger hair
✅ Who Should Consult a Dermatologist?
- Repeated allergic reactions to dye
- Burning sensation during colouring
- History of eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis
- Scalp swelling or blistering after past hair colour use
Professional patch testing can help identify triggers like PPD, resorcinol, fragrance allergens.
If you are 18+ with a sensitive scalp, choosing a gentler, nourishing, and chemical-safe hair colour is essential to maintain confidence and hair health.
✅ For the safest herbal protection → Vegetal BIOCOLOUR / Safe Color
✅ For the best grey coverage + softness → Kerastem
✅ For herbal transition users → Alembic Altris HD
✅ For affordability and convenience → Cuticolor
You can enjoy beautiful, shiny, younger-looking hair without irritation or harsh chemicals.
