This is OLD news, like when I first joined the board old news that Bigen contains metallic salts and PPD. I have used it off and on for over 10 yrs and it has never damaged my hair, scalp, skin, or caused my relaxers not to take. I used #59, Oriental Black exclusively, and Im thinking of coloring again soon. The rinses/semi-permanent dyes I have also used in jet black and I like them.
If one is concerned about their lack of ingredient transparency, simply dont use it and use regular henna and indigo to get the jet black/blue black results. I sometimes choose Bigen over henndigo because I dont like waiting hours for henndigo to properly color my hair. Bigen works in 20 mins so common sense tells us that there must be chemicals added to cause such a quick and permanent dye deposit. To each his own, as with everything!
For me, Bigen lasts longer than henndigo without fading as quickly, and gives me that blue-black color without damage and dryness, unlike Dark 'N Lovely Midnight Blue does.
ETA: According to mehandi.com, ALL black (permanent) commercially sold hair dyes contain para-phenylenediamine (PPD), and the only way to get black permanent color without PPD is to do the 2-step process of henna then indigo. Semi-permanent black rinses dont usually contain PPD. Although PPD is considered highly toxic, it is in these dyes on the market. Bigen Oriental Black #59 supposedly contains one of the highest levels of PPD on the market. I personally have never had a reaction, but you can develop one even after years of using the same exact dye...as with any allergic reacgion, it may not occur the 2nd, 3rd, or even 5th time of exposure.
This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to do a skin patch test 48-hrs before you dye EACH TIME. The time I saw a woman with a hair dye reaction, it was horrible to look at. Her face was severely swollen, and she had blisters all over her scalp, face, and hair line. She had to be seen at the hospital for a severe reaction to (you guessed it) BLACK permanent hair dye. She lost much of her hair as well due to the scalp reaction.
While I would love to stick to just henndigo for my jet black/blue black color, it's too messy, too long a process (must let the henna sit to release dye, the indigo must sit and release dye, then u have to apply them on separate days so the henna can oxidize; not supposed to shampoo until the day after, rinse with water only, yadah yadah); and just doesnt give me the solid black color like Bigen#59.
However, be clear that Bigen contains NO HENNA or Indigo whatsoever.
Its chemicals, and though it contains no peroxide to actually add to the mix, peroxide is possibly produced by mixing the powder with water. In this way, companies do not have to disclose peroxide as an ingredient, if it is just a reactive by-product.
Just wanted to clarify for those who dont use this dye, are curious about it, or who are thinking of trying it. Some use it and still dont know what's in it. I believe in being an informed consumer.
Bigen Oriental Black #59 actually has good reviews on Amazon, so that tells me that the vast majority of users are satisfied, but like most, I too wish it didnt fade as quickly. I find that using shampoo often will fade it faster, as with any dye. I use it once a year then throw a rinse over it to "refresh" it if needed later on in the year. Im not affiliated with the company, nor getting paid to say anything--just stating my experiences with it.
