A permanent hair colour can change your natural hair colour, cover grey roots or create a completely new shade. However, the choice available online is extensive: terms such as “long-lasting”, “natural” or “conditioning formula” alone reveal little about whether a product is actually suitable. The key factors are the shade, ingredients, development time and information provided about grey coverage.
Permanent hair colour generally uses a developer lotion and colourants that penetrate the hair structure. Although the treated lengths remain changed, their intensity can fade through washing, UV exposure and hair damage. New growth remains untreated, making regular root applications necessary.
It is therefore important to follow a realistic care and recolouring routine. Permanent hair colour is not a one-off solution that requires no further maintenance.
A dark blonde hair colour can look different on light blonde, medium brown or previously coloured hair. Brown hair colour can also appear more intense on porous lengths than at the roots. Before buying, compare the images and colour information on the packaging with your current hair colour.
On heavily lightened or repeatedly coloured hair, the result may differ from the product image. A strand test following the instructions on the pack can help you assess the colour effect before applying it fully.
A hair colour with conditioning treatment often includes a mask or conditioner to use after rinsing. This can affect how easy the hair is to comb and how it feels afterwards, but it says nothing about how well the colouring mixture suits you personally.
If you are specifically looking for an ammonia-free hair colour, check the product description and ingredients list. Revlon COLORSILK colour, for example, is described as ammonia-free. Other products in the selection contain ammonium hydroxide or ammonia. The term “conditioning” is therefore no substitute for carefully comparing products.
First, place your desired look into a colour family:
Permanent colour will not reliably lighten hair that has already been coloured. If you are making a significant change in depth of colour, take particular care when choosing your product.
Products labelled 100 per cent grey coverage are making a manufacturer or product claim. According to the product description, this result is intended under the specified application conditions. Resistant or heavily grey hair may require a longer development time.
For example, the Poly Palette Intensive Cream Color in Chestnut Brown states a standard development time of 30 minutes, or 45 minutes for hair that is more than 50 per cent grey. Such information is more relevant when choosing a hair colour for grey hair than a general advertising claim.
For straightforward hair colouring at home, the kit should contain all the necessary components. These usually include colour cream, developer lotion, gloves and a conditioning treatment. Also check:
For short hair, specially developed products for men can be practical. Even so, the application depends on your individual hair length and the relevant instructions for use, not solely on gender.
Why this product suits this profile: The pack combines colour cream, developer lotion and a caring mask for a clearly structured at-home application.
The precise shade designation reduces the risk of confusing a general “dark” colour with the desired black shade.
Contains a conditioning treatment with panthenol and marula oil; the manufacturer and responsible person are specified.
Why this product suits this profile: Suitable for shoppers comparing a dark blonde shade with an ammonia-free formula and stated grey coverage.
The formula is explicitly described as ammonia-free. This makes it easier to distinguish from colourants containing ammonium hydroxide.
According to the product description, it contains keratin, silk proteins, UV protection and 100 per cent grey coverage; the stated development time is 25 to 30 minutes.
Why this product suits this profile: The application, described as being specially designed for men, offers short development times and gradual colour development on dark base colours.
The adjustable development time prevents every user from applying the same intensity regardless of their hair colour and texture.
Includes a taurine shampoo; according to the product description, colour intensity can be built up over up to three applications.
Why this product suits this profile: This warm brown shade is aimed at users who want to combine a visible colour refresh with integrated aftercare.
The precise colour number and described contents provide a better basis for comparison than vague terms such as “intense brown”.
According to the product description, the colour cream contains sweet almond oil, while the conditioning treatment contains macadamia oil and panthenol.
We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.
Before every application of an oxidative hair colour, an allergy alert test 48 hours beforehand is required in accordance with the instructions on the pack – even if you have used the product before. Hair colourants can cause severe allergic reactions. Do not use these products on irritated, damaged or sensitive scalps, or if you have previously reacted to hair colour or temporary black henna tattoos.
Other important rules:
The treated lengths remain permanently changed in colour, but the intensity may fade through washing, sunlight and hair care. New growth becomes visible. Depending on the product, starting hair colour and desired result, root touch-ups may be needed after a few weeks.
Products with stated 100 per cent grey coverage are intended for this purpose. According to the relevant product description, some shades may require a longer development time when more than 50 per cent of the hair is grey. Choosing the correct shade, fully saturating the hair and following the instructions for use are particularly important.
A hair colour for men may differ in its packaging, choice of shades or shorter application time. According to the product description, Schwarzkopf Poly Re-Nature Men Dark is specially designed for men and works through gradual colour development. The safety and allergy instructions apply equally, regardless of gender.