Can self-coloring hair correspond to the level of the procedure at the hairdresser? Stylists are likely to say that the best hair dye is professional. In some cases this is true (for example, with a radical change in color), but many are successfully painted at home.
According to experts, the most difficult part of this process is the choice of the desired shade. In order not to make a mistake, they recommend dyeing your hair no more than 2-3 tones lighter or darker than natural. You need to make sure that the color matches the diagram on the package - this is better than focusing on the photo of the model posted there. In case of severe damage to the strands, the best hair dye is professional. She will avoid even more damage. In other cases, experts and users are advised to stay on inexpensive products.
Choice Issues
Hair dyes are available in many shades and have a different degree of resistance, which is classified differently in salons and stores. This review examines paints of 3 levels: semi-permanent (I), medium strength (II) and persistent (III).
Users are often misled by the fact that each manufacturer labels their products in their own way. For example, medium-hard and semi-permanent paints are often referred to as “non-permanent”. But the terms are not entirely interchangeable, as they mean different levels of staining and different durations of color preservation.
Which hair dye is better?
Reviews of professionals recommend choosing a product that provides:
- Many shades. A large selection of colors makes it easy to find the right color. Products for men are usually less diverse (5-10 options), although up to 50 shades are usually produced for women.
- Natural colors. The best hair dyes do not look too bright or lifeless, which is characteristic of low-quality products.
- Excellent gray hair disguise. The best products do great even with gray hair.
- Easy to use applicators. Liquid consistency and inconvenient applicators can make the staining process time-consuming and untidy. The best hair dyes include useful accessories such as durable gloves, precision nozzles and comfortable brushes.
- Consistency. To solve the problem of leakage mentioned above, the best hair dye products are available in the form of a cream or foam, they are thicker and less inclined to drip, allowing users to do their own business while they wait for the dye composition to expire without risking anything getting dirty.
- A harmless, non-irritating formula. The best means, when used correctly, do not cause inflammation of the skin and do not spoil the hair. On the contrary, they only make them stronger.
How to choose the best hair dye?
To do this, answer the following questions and pay attention to certain nuances indicated in the instructions.
1. Are fundamental changes necessary?
For best results, choose shades that are no more than 2 steps lighter or darker than the current one. More dramatic changes require a visit to the hairdresser.
2. Is hair bleaching required?
In this case, it is necessary to achieve a permanent effect. The best paints for lightening hair replace the natural color with another and do not wash off. Experts recommend using the services of a wizard, especially when switching from a darker shade.
3. What hair dye paints gray hair better?
For this, resistant paint is not needed. Softer semi-permanent compounds hide gray hair without damaging the hair. However, in the end, the paint will be washed off (depending on the formula after 4-28-fold washing with shampoo).
4. Are the roots visible?
Kits for color correction of the regrown part of the hair can delay the time of the next dyeing for 2-3 weeks. For an instant effect, you can use a composition specially designed for this purpose. It is sold in the form of powder, spray, pencils or markers and is washed off when washing your hair.
5. Is the hair damaged?
With little damage, soft semi-permanent or medium-hard paints are preferred. In case of significant damage (or to correct unsuccessful staining), contact a professional.
6. Test staining
Some types of hair change color faster than others. Damaged or stained curls require half the processing time than healthy ones. The instructions on the package will tell you how to calculate the necessary time for the action of the paint.
7. Allergy Test
It should always be done, even if the product has been used successfully for many years. Some users experience allergic reactions when the manufacturer changes the composition of their favorite hair dye, and sometimes in the absence of changes. Follow the directions on the packaging to check the skin reaction before staining. If it is sensitive, then for less irritation, you can consider the option of using the composition without ammonia (as a rule, these are semi-permanent products). Usually the culprit of an allergic reaction is paraphenylenediamine (PPD). This chemical is found in most hair dye products, both cheap and expensive. A sign of an allergy is any redness of the skin, irritation, itching, peeling, or blisters. If the symptoms are severe or last more than two days, consult a doctor. Paints are also produced without this allergen, so before buying it is worth checking the composition.
8. What is the sensitivity to odors?
Most permanent hair dyes have a strong odor, but some manufacturers use fragrances to mask it. Ammonia-free formulas usually do not have an unpleasant odor.
9. Do you trust the photo on the package?
Not worth it. Instead, you need to compare your current color with the chart to see what the result will be. Some formulations stain the hair darker, and the desired result is achieved after washing the hair with shampoo.
10. Male or female?
It does not matter. Some paints are sold labeled “Men only,” but in fact everyone can use them.
11. Is it necessary to care for hair?
All permanent hair dyes are applied in a process that involves whitening or removing the current color, and then dyeing as desired. All this can dry and damage the hair. According to experts, after each shampoo wash, it is necessary to monitor the color and do deep conditioning once a week. The best hair dyes come with care products that must be used immediately to prevent damage.
Types of paints
1. Sustainable
This is the only type that can radically lighten hair. It removes hair from natural pigments and opens the outer layer for applying a different color. The vast majority of hair colors are of this type. They usually include ammonia, which prepares the hair for processing.
2. Paint for the roots
One of the drawbacks of persistent dye is that in a few weeks there will be signs of natural or gray hair. Correcting the color of the roots can help stretch the time between full staining.
3. Inconsistent paint
It is divided into 2 broad categories: semi-permanent of the first and second levels. In the first case, the outer surface of the hair is colored, and the paint is washed off after a 2–20-fold washing of the head. Compounds of the second type are used for hair of the same or deeper color and for coloring gray hair. The paint penetrates into the hair (like resistant paint), but cannot lighten it. However, it lasts longer than the semi-permanent of the 1st level.
4. Lightening hair
Home kits for this procedure are not for the faint of heart. Lightening is harder and harder than staining, even for professionals. But while radical changes are not required and you just need to refresh your appearance, sets are available that allow you to do this at home.
5. Paint for men
Although most hair color changing products are aimed at women, you can find several products specifically designed for men. Of course, you can use any means, regardless of gender. It all comes down to personal preference.
L'Oreal Excellence Crème
According to experts and users, this is the best hair dye in the rating of permanent. Professionals note that this line comes in a variety of options (38 shades available), equipped with clear instructions and high-quality ingredients. In addition, it is great for gray hair.
Excellence Crème is highly appreciated by many, noting the ease of application and the rich, natural color. The best hair dye in the rating does very well with operational correction and perfectly paints even problem gray hair. The applicator in the form of a comb is popular. According to reviews, it facilitates the uniform application of thick cream-paint throughout the hair volume.
However, there are also negative reviews, according to which the color does not last as long as expected, and some report its fading and disappearance after 3-5 weeks. On the other hand, for many, the paint lasts for several months before any changes appear. Some users claim that there is no difference in hair color before and after applying L'Oreal Excellence Crème, although often this is the result of choosing the wrong shade.
Clairol Nice 'n Easy
This is the best hair dye for blondes. According to experts, most of these products show mediocre results, but Clairol Nice 'n Easy has excellent resistance to fading and retains brilliance. In addition, this hair dye is the best for gray hair. However, she has a strong chemical smell. InStyle magazine called the best paint in the category of direct-acting compounds.
Clairol Nice 'n Easy is produced in 47 shades and receives mostly positive reviews. Unlike Excellence Crème, Clairol Nice 'n Easy is thinner, has a less dense texture, can drip and makes it difficult to apply evenly to hair. Users note a strong smell of ammonia, and some claim that the composition is irritating to the scalp. However, most like the multidimensional, natural color that Clairol Nice 'n Easy provides.
Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Crème
This is another popular option, especially for those who prefer a rich texture. It is made in 50 different shades, including two of them discolor locks. Professionals and ordinary users are satisfied with the paint - simple and creating a rich, natural color. Some note that it lasts longer and smells nicer than most permanent compounds.
John frieda precision
This paint is for those who do not mind spending a little more, and who find it difficult to use liquid and creamy formulas. It has a dense texture of foam, designed to penetrate the hair strands, and is easily distributed to the roots and other hard-to-reach areas, providing uniform coverage without gaps.
Users prefer Precision Foam Color, noting the ease of applying the composition, which remains on the head, does not drip and does not leak, leaving shiny healthy hair in a saturated color. Professional colorists recommend this product, noting the rapid operation of the foam. Experts recommend applying the paint to the roots for 15 minutes, and then distribute it to all hair and rinse off after 10 minutes. The product comes in 20 shades.
Paint for roots
To prevent hair growth from prematurely spoiling the appearance, users and experts recommend tinting the roots with Clairol Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up. For 2 years in a row, the product ranked first in the annual review of InStyle magazine. Professional colorists say that this is a reliable option for those who find it difficult to get to the hairdresser, and note the ease of use.
Users agree with them: Nice 'n Easy is by far the best hair dye in many online stores. The results are indistinguishable from salon hair dyeing procedures. Most tint the roots every 2-3 weeks, delaying the moment of visiting the hairdresser. Since this procedure takes only 10 minutes, everyone can find the time even in a busy schedule. In addition, the composition copes well with gray hair.
Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up is available in 22 shades, which allows you to choose the one that mixes easily with the base. Clairol also provides an online tool to help you select the Root Touch-Up color for leading brands.
L'Oreal Paris Root Rescue
This is another 10-minute root painting option available in 9 shades. It is not as popular as Clairol Nice 'n Easy, but has earned favorable reviews. However, there are also comments regarding color mismatch or insufficient paint, which is not enough to completely cover the roots. However, most indicate ease of use, good coloring of gray hair and the fact that it lasts for several weeks. This makes the paint ideal for quick corrections between salon visits.
Most experts warn that dyed hair perceives a new color faster than natural. It is important to apply the composition directly to the roots. To refresh the color of the rest of the hair, it is enough to comb the paint to the very ends a few minutes before rinsing.
Clairol Natural Instincts
This is a good ammonia-free hair dye that can withstand 28x shampooing. Professionals like uniform coverage, gloss and durability, although the color begins to fade after about 4 weeks. Ultimately, the paint is washed off. This means that there are no pronounced roots that need a constant color change. The product is available in 36 shades and is applied in just 10 minutes.
In the reviews of professional hair dyes, Wella Koleston Perfect, Elgon Moda & Styling Cosmetic and Matrix SoColor are among the best semi-permanent lines.