What Makes O&M Colour Different — And Why It Matters
When we decided to build Yanni Hair Studio around O&M as our primary colour brand, it wasn't because they were popular or trendy. It was because after researching and testing extensively, we found them to be genuinely better — for our clients' hair, for the salon environment, and for the planet. Here's exactly why.
What Is O&M?
O&M — Original & Mineral — is an Australian-owned professional haircare and colour brand. Founded by a group of salon professionals who were frustrated with the toxic chemicals in conventional hair colour, O&M set out to create professional-grade results without the harmful ingredients that have become standard in the industry.
Their colour range is ammonia-free and reduced-ammonia, free from PPD (paraphenylenediamine) and resorcinol — two ingredients commonly associated with scalp allergies and sensitivities — and formulated without parabens, sulphates or silicones.
Why Does Ammonia Matter?
Ammonia is used in conventional hair colour to open the hair cuticle and allow the colour molecules to penetrate. It's effective — but it's also harsh. It causes a strong, unpleasant smell, it can irritate the scalp, and it weakens the hair structure over time with repeated applications.
O&M uses MEA (monoethanolamine) as an alternative — a gentler, odour-free alkaline agent that opens the cuticle without the harshness of ammonia. The result is a more comfortable colour service with noticeably better hair condition afterwards.
"Our clients notice the difference immediately — the salon smells better, their scalp feels comfortable during the service, and their hair feels softer when we rinse. That's O&M."
— Yanni Hair StudioDoes It Work as Well as Conventional Colour?
This is the most important question, and the honest answer is: yes. O&M's colour range delivers vivid, long-lasting, professional results across the full spectrum of colours. We achieve beautiful blondes, rich brunettes, vibrant reds and coppers — all with O&M. If anything, the condition of the hair after an O&M service consistently impresses clients who have had colour done elsewhere.
The O&M Commitment to Clean Beauty
- Ammonia-free and reduced-ammonia formulas
- PPD-free options for sensitive clients
- No parabens, sulphates or resorcinol
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Australian owned and operated
- Developed by hair professionals for professional use
Who Is O&M Colour Right For?
Almost everyone — but particularly clients who have experienced scalp sensitivity or discomfort during colour services in the past. If you've avoided colouring your hair because of scalp reactions, tingling or redness, O&M's PPD-free and gentle formulas may be the solution you've been looking for. We conduct patch testing as standard practice for all new colour clients and can advise on the most suitable formula for your specific sensitivities.