Antica Erboristeria S.r.l (aka Herbatint) is a family business, established in 1960 by Mr. Michele Albergo as a manufacturer of hair care products. Antica specializes in permanent hair dyes formulated without ammonia and based on vegetal extracts. Its manufacturing and research laboratories are located in Rome.

Antica and its world-renowned product line Herbatint were created pursuant to a brilliant intuition of its founder. At the time, high chemical multinational companies such as L'Oreal, Schwrzkopf, Wella, and Miss Clairol dominated the hair care industry. Mr. Albergo was the pioneer who thought of formulating a hair dye based mostly on natural ingredients. He found a way of protecting the hair structure by reducing the weight of chemical ingredients and exploiting the natural synergy offered by some vegetal extracts in its place.

The young Mr. Albergo received great help in his eager search thanks to his apprenticeship with a famous Swiss herbalist. His master immediately appreciated this enterprising and industrious young Italian passionately in love with plants and nature, who assisted him in developing herb-based cosmetics. Leaving no heir at his death, Mr. Albergo's master decided to leave all his formulas and research know-how, which had been handed over in his family from generation to generation, to his young apprentice.

That was the beginning of the lengthy, laborious process, which lead Mr. Albergo to formulate the most natural alternative to chemical hair dyes.

Finally, at the end of the 1960s, Mr. Albergo managed to elaborate an industrial formula for a permanent hair dye based on vegetal extracts containing no ammonia and an extremely low percentage of hydrogen peroxide. This extraordinary formula is able to assure perfect coverage of gray hair from its first application without damaging the hair structure, while dyeing the hair in very natural shades.

Herbatint was born. It has been the undisputed market leader for thirty years. Even more so it has won the consumers’ seal of approval. It has gained a deserving popularity in the world, being now sold in 25 countries worldwide.

It can be rightly said the Mr. Albergo was a pioneer in the natural hair dye industry by introducing an unprecedented mostly natural formula. As such, many competitors tried to imitate his intuition without ever achieving the unparalleled success of the original formula.

The Herbatint product line excels in quality and consumers’ safety. Such a result is achieved by meticulous routine quality control of the raw material, high manufacturing standards, state-of-the-art microbiological and toxicological analysis on the end product, as well as the long and well established experience in the industry. Their trustworthy record sets them apart from competitors.

No Ammonia
Specially formulated from herb extracts and proteins, Herbatint uses rosemary, cinchona and walnut husk to gently deposit color, achieving a natural, vibrant result for your hair.

No Damage
Due to its unique composition, Herbatint permanently colors hair without damage - resulting in a natural, subtle color that not only looks great, but feels good time after time.

Natural Gloss and Shine
Herbatint has a natural translucent property to enhance your hair with a light-reflecting, healthy shine; so it doesn't create the 'block color' look often associated with chemical colorants.

No more smell, no more perfume, no more alcohol, no more resorcinol, no more parabens, less peroxide, and 100% gray coverage with a very natural result — because you deserve a product that won't damage your hair.

What is Herbatint?
Herbatint is a permanent hair colorant gel with a natural herbal base that contains NO AMMONIA, but will cover gray 100% and can lighten your hair up to 2 shades. 

Tell me about Phenylenediamines, or PPD's as they are frequently called.
Phenylenediamines (PPD's) are chemically synthesized ingredients and are the color pigments used to alter your hair's natural shade.  It has been suggested through research that PPD's are 'potentially' carcinogenic, i.e. cancer-causing agents. However, there is no evidence linking the use of hair colorants containing PPDs with cancer in humans.

However, a small percentage of people develop an allergy to permanent hair color pigments. This can result in a serious reaction. If you have been diagnosed as having an allergy to:

p-phenylenediamine (PPD or Para Dyes)
m-phenylenediamine
p-aminophenol
m-aminophenol

...then you should not use ANY permanent hair color.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the allergy can unfortunately arise at any point, irrespective of how long you have been coloring your hair. In light of this, it is strongly recommend that everyone follows the manufacturer's advice and do a skin test before EVERY application of permanent hair color.

Does Herbatint contain Phenylenediamines (PPD’s)?
Like all permanent hair color products Herbatint does contain PPD's, which are the only type of pigments that will set in the hair shaft.

Will Herbatint cover my gray?
Herbatint covers gray 100% on its first application. If you are 25% gray or more, remember to mix your chosen fashion shade (gold, copper or mahogany) with the appropriate number from the natural series; for instance, target shade 6D (Dark golden blonde) with 6N (Dark blonde). For 30% gray, mix 1/3 6N with 2/3 6D. For 50% gray, or more mix ½ 6N with ½ 6D. Some gray hair can be particularly resistant. You may want to try one of these hairdresser tips:

1. Having applied the tint, gently massage the hair at the roots for about 5 minutes, concentrating on the hairline, part, and temple areas.
2. Mix 10 ml of color with 10 ml of developer and apply to the obvious gray roots. Leave this on for 20 minutes and then apply your color, as usual, over the top and continue as normal.
3. Apply color to root area and using a hand-held dryer, gently warm the most resistant areas for about 5 minutes.

I don't want to use a permanent color because I don't like to see an obvious re-growth.
Herbatint can be mixed and used like a tone on tone color that will gradually fade over 16-20 shampoos resulting in less obvious root re-growth. Mix, for example, 30 ml of Herbatint with 15 ml of Glycol developer and 15 ml of Normalizing Shampoo. Apply to pre-shampooed, towel-dried hair and develop for 20-25 minutes.

Why should I use Normalizing Shampoo and Royal Cream Conditioner?
Unlike ammonia-based colorants, Herbatint works at a low pH, which means that hair cuticles can be closed after tinting by using Herbatint Normalizing Shampoo and Royal Cream Conditioner. This will result in color that will not fade to the extent of ammonia-based colorants. The hair will feel soft and smooth and, with the cuticle closed, the hair will reflect light and look shinier.

I have had chemotherapy treatment and would like to color my hair.
Herbatint has many customers who have had cancer and have used the colorants quite safely. Use of permanent colors in these cases is not recommended, but if you are determined to color your hair it is far safer to use Herbatint as it contains no ammonia and deposits far fewer potentially hazardous substances into the blood system.

I am pregnant and I have been told that permanent hair colors can be potentially dangerous for my unborn child.
Again, as with cancer sufferers, Herbatint would not recommend the use of permanent hair colors while pregnant. However, many customers do color their hair when pregnant; Jane Leeves, the actress from the TV program 'Frazier,' has openly claimed that her hairdresser used Herbatint on her hair while she was pregnant. No ammonia means far less of the product finds its way into the blood system.

Can I use Herbatint on my beard?
Herbatint is not recommended for use on facial hair; however, there are customers who use it very successfully for this purpose. Avoid swallowing any - it tastes disgusting! Do not use on eyebrows, or eyelashes.

I have had allergic reactions to ammonia tints in the past; will I react to Herbatint?
Approximately 85% of people who have had allergic reactions in the past do not react to Herbatint. Since there is no ammonia, very little of the product penetrates the epidermis and consequently does not enter the blood system. However, it is still strongly advised that you perform a skin test prior to tinting your hair. A small number of people have allergic reactions to all kinds of substances.

Is there a technical helpline?
For all technical queries, please contact Professional Hair Colorist, Marie Therese at 1.877.699.4400.  Technical advice is available Monday to Friday between 10am and 6pm.  Please leave your name and number and brief message if you are unable to get through at these times.  She will endeavor to get back to you as soon as possible.

Hip chicks are now shunning the hairdresser's chair for DIY haircoloring jobs - even celebrity A-listers like Drew Barrymore go back to their roots for a little home improvement.

How many of us have been housebound after a botched coloring disaster? Fret not - Herbatint's DIY color guide will give you subtle, natural looking and disaster-free color.

• Always do a skin test prior to each application. Mix pea sized amounts of Herbatint color and developer and apply to skin (behind ear or on forearm below elbow). Leave on skin for 48 hours. If you experience any reaction during this time (itchiness, swelling, redness) do not use the product. The same test can be applied to Vegetal if you are in any doubt as to sensitivity to the product ingredients.

• Always do a strand test. It may be 'Cinnamon Twist' on the box but it may become 'Tropicana' on your tresses.

• Herbatint can be safely applied to hair that has been colored with another product. On the first occasion, however, the color might be slightly affected by the chemical pigments left by the previous product.

• Only color clean hair - product residue could interfere with developing color.

• Choose a color two or three shades lighter than your natural tone.

• Rub Royal Cream around the hairline and wear rubber gloves to prevent skin staining.

• DIY during daylight hours - hair coloring hotlines (given on the hair-coloring packages) are only open during business hours!

• For shades that are a big change from your natural hair color, call in the professionals.

• Mix color with cornstarch to make it easier to highlight individual strands.

• Treated hair? Call the hotline number on the colorant packet first for the all-clear.

• Use a stopwatch or egg timer - and don't get distracted!

• Don't use your best fluffy white towels, unless you want tie-dyed towels later.

Semi-permanent Result (10 - 12 Washes) Mix: 20 ml Herbatint 30 ml Normalizing Shampoo 10 ml Glycol Developer

Quasi Result (16 - 18 Washes) Mix:  30 ml Herbatint 15 ml Normalizing Shampoo 15 ml Glycol Developer

Apply both to pre-shampooed towel dried hair and develop both for 20 - 25 minutes.

CHARACTERISTICS:
With Herbatint haircolor you can change the tone of your hair (for instance, from Gold to Ash). It can be used to lighten by up to 3 shades and will cover gray from the first application.

TO LIGHTEN:
It is possible to lighten natural hair by one or two shades on brown or chestnut hair and two to three shades on light chestnut or blonde hair. Herbatint can lighten previously tinted hair by two tones.

BLEACHED HAIR:
Herbatint can return hair to its natural color, but remember to mix a gold shade with a natural if your target shade is 6N or above. 5N and below are fine by themselves on bleached hair.

PERMED HAIR:
Do not color your hair immediately after a perm. It is recommended that you wait two weeks. Shorten the processing time by 10 minutes and use a shade lighter than your target shade.

HAIR THAT HAS BEEN TREATED WITH HENNA:
Henna creates a sheath around the hair, making it very difficult for tint to penetrate on the first application. Subsequent applications should be more successful.

GREY HAIR:
If you choose a color which is Ash, Golden, Copper, or Mahogany, it is advised that you to mix it with a color from the natural range in equal parts. Do not mix together two shades of the golden range.

INSTRUCTION FOR USE:
Apply Herbatint on dry hair, leave to develop 30 to 40 minutes, rinse, shampoo with an Herbavita shampoo and finish with the application of the Royal Cream.

CAUTION:
Herbatint may cause an allergic reaction. It is advised to do a preliminary sensitivity test. Rinse the hair well after the application of the mixture. Avoid contact with eyes, rinse immediately if the product comes in contact with them. Do not use for dyeing eyelashes or eyebrows.

THE HAIRDRESSER’S SECRET
Put a small portion of conditioner (crème royale) in your bowl of preparation of the coloring.

Herbatint Flash Fashion Permanent Hair Color gels are six new innovative colors designed to reflect the pace and immediacy of modern living without compromising the natural elements of the established Herbatint range.

Quality and safety are traditional features of the manufacturers of the Herbatint range, and Antica Erboristeria have now developed Flash Fashion with no ammonia and no resorcinol. As with the Herbatint colors, Flash Fashion covers gray from the first application (follow instructions for best coverage in the guide below) and now contains Aloe Vera (well known for its anti-oxidizing properties with mucillagins, vitamins and panthenol) to protect and nourish the hair while coloring.

Flash Fashion is enriched with Betula Alba (tonic and re-mineralizing), Hamamelis Virginiana (anti-inflammatory with flavonids and essential oils) and Echinacea Angustifolia (hydrating and disinfectant). All Flash Fashion packaging is recyclable.

Vegetal colors enhance the shine and clarity of your natural hair color while greatly improving the condition of the hair. However, because the Vegetal colors do not contain PPD or Peroxide, the effect on gray hair is somewhat unpredictable, depending on the type of hair. There are many customers who use the Vegetal range because they either have a PPD sensitivity or choose not to use permanent colors, and they find the effect on their hair is good enough for their purpose.

What is Vegetal color?
Vegetal color is a true semi-permanent color that lasts 6-8 shampoos. It imports shine and condition to the hair with a hint of color. Vegetal Color contains no ammonia, no peroxide and no diaminobenzene.

Will Vegetal cover my gray?
If you are experiencing the first few grays, Vegetal will tone these to look like natural highlights in your hair. If you are more than 10% gray, you need to use Herbatint which can be mixed as a tone-on-tone color and will cover your gray.

Can I change my hair color with Vegetal Colour?
Vegetal Color will brighten your natural shade, but will not alter it.

We have included the following table to explain the purpose of the ingredients in Herbatint dyes.

Ingredient	Use
Laureth-5	Emulsive agent
Propylene Glycol	Hydrating and solvent agent
Aqua	Demineralized water
Peg 2 Oleamine	Emulsive agent
Ethanolamine	Adjuster
AloeBarbadensis	Vegetal extract
Peg 75 meadowfoam seed oil	Vegetal extract
Betula alba	Vegetal extract
Cetrimonium Chloride	Conditioner
Hamamelide virginiana	Vegetal extract
Echinacea Angustifolia	Vegetal extract
Sodium bisulfite	Preservative agent
Tetrasodium EDTA	Conditioning agent
p-Phenilendiamine	Coloring
m-Phenilendiamine	Coloring
2 Amino 3 hydroxypiridine	Coloring
p Aminophenol	Coloring
m Aminophenol	Coloring
2 Methyl 1,3 benzediol	Coloring
4 Chloro 1,3 benzediol	Coloring
2 Amino 4 Hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate	Coloring
p methylaminophenol sulfate	Coloring

Glycol Developer Ingredients

Aqua	Demineralized water
Hydrogen peroxide	Oxidant and germicide agent
Etidronic acid	Conditioner
Methylchloroisothiazolinone

C class colors are correctional, meant to help blend or eliminate the red, orange and yellow tones left over from previous dyes.

N class colors arefor covering grey and white hair, which can be resistant to dyes.

D class colors are for introducing gold and yellow highlights.