Joybuy Insights

Hair colouring at home: how to choose the right dye for your needs

A hair colour can help conceal greys, blend in regrowth or give you a lasting new look. But the choice goes far beyond simply picking a shade number. Between a permanent hair dye, a temporary spray and a concealing powder, the staying power, application method and precautions you need to take are completely different.

The pitfalls to avoid before buying a hair colour

1. Confusing a temporary touch-up with a permanent colour

A root touch-up spray or root concealer powder masks regrowth until your next shampoo, without permanently altering the hair fibre. A permanent colour, on the other hand, is usually mixed with a developer and lasts much longer, even if regrowth eventually becomes visible over the weeks.

Buying a spray hoping for a lasting colour change is the quickest way to waste your money. Always check the labels for “temporary”, “lasts until your next shampoo” or “permanent”.

2. Choosing a shade based only on the picture

The result depends on your starting colour, any previous dyes and the amount of grey hair you have. A chestnut brown hair colour won’t give the same result on a blonde base as it will on very dark hair. For a blonde hair colour, pay close attention to the starting level and the recommended processing time.

Claims like “natural”, “radiant” or “multi-dimensional” are quite vague. To make a reliable choice, it’s best to refer to the shade number, the colour chart and the instructions provided by the brand.

3. Thinking “ammonia-free” means no precautions needed

An ammonia-free hair colour can still contain other colouring agents or oxidisers that may cause a reaction. The product information for many items recommends a patch test 48 hours before each use. This precaution is essential, even if you’ve used the same dye before without any issues.

The key criteria for choosing a hair colour

A staying power that suits your needs

  • Quick touch-up: a powder or spray to quickly conceal roots between colourings.
  • Temporary result: a solution that washes out with shampoo, ideal for a special occasion or trying a new shade.
  • Long-lasting coverage: a permanent colour, often preferred for covering grey hair or changing your colour over time.

For an express touch-up before an appointment, a compact format or an aerosol is often more practical than a full kit. If you regularly cover your greys, consider the amount of product, whether you can prepare only part of the kit, and the processing time.

The shade and level of coverage

Light chestnut, dark chestnut, golden blonde or auburn: these shades react differently depending on your existing base. If your goal is simply to disguise regrowth, choose a colour close to your current shade to avoid a harsh line.

Manufacturers’ claims about grey hair coverage should always be checked against the instructions. Particularly stubborn white hair may need a specific processing time, which will be stated on the leaflet.

The ingredients and safety precautions

Examine the ingredient list, warnings and what’s included in the box. A permanent colour may contain a colour cream, a hydrogen peroxide developer, gloves and a post-colour treatment. Some professional products, like Kemon creams, require you to buy the developer separately.

Also keep these rules in mind:

  1. Carry out the patch test as directed, usually 48 hours before application.
  2. Wear gloves and protect your clothes and work surface.
  3. Never apply dye to your eyebrows or eyelashes.
  4. Do not use the product on an irritated or damaged scalp.
  5. If it gets into your eyes, rinse immediately and thoroughly.
  6. With an aerosol, work in a well-ventilated room, away from any flame or heat source.

Our selection for your profile

Recommended for: Beginners on a budget
L'Oréal Paris Magic Retouch Instant Root Concealer Spray Brown 75 ml

L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch Instant Root Concealer Spray, Brown, 75 ml

Why this choice suits this profile: Its aerosol format lets you quickly touch up roots or greys, with no preparation or mixing required.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states it’s a temporary cover that washes out with shampoo – so you know exactly what to expect.

Key benefit and highlights

A brown shade, application on dry hair, a claimed drying time of one minute and a 75 ml bottle.

Recommended for: Premium product enthusiasts
Color Wow Root Cover Up Root Touch Up Powder Shade Dark Blonde 2.1 g

Color Wow Root Cover Up, Root Touch Up Powder, Dark Blonde, 2.1 g

Why this choice suits this profile: This compact powder will appeal to those looking for precise application in a portable format.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Its format clearly states it’s for touch-ups between colourings, not a permanent colour.

Key benefit and highlights

A mineral powder with a built-in mirror, claimed to be water-resistant and removed with shampoo.

Recommended for: Specific and frequent use
Bigen Hoyu Cielo Hair Color Cream EX 4 Light Chestnut Brown

Bigen Hoyu Cielo Hair Color Cream EX 4, Light Chestnut Brown, 1 unit

Why this choice suits this profile: The pump system, with no mixing required, and the ability to keep leftover product make it ideal for repeated partial touch-ups.

How this product avoids the pitfall

You can apply just the amount you need to a targeted area, without having to prepare a full kit for a simple regrowth touch-up.

Key benefit and highlights

A light chestnut brown cream, a claimed processing time of 15 minutes and a pump system with no pre-mixing.

Recommended for: At-home hair colouring
Garnier Olia Ammonia-Free Permanent Hair Color 4.0 Pure Chestnut 120 g

GARNIER OLIA, Ammonia-Free Permanent Hair Colour, 4.0 Pure Chestnut, 120 g

Why this choice suits this profile: This complete kit is ideal for anyone wanting to do a permanent colour at home, with the main accessories already included.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly distinguishes the ammonia-free formula from the requirement to do a patch test 48 hours before each application.

Key benefit and highlights

A 120 g kit containing the colour cream, developer, gloves and post-colour treatment, in the shade Pure Chestnut 4.0.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a comprehensive, real-time selection of products that meet these exacting standards, in full compliance with European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about hair colour

How long does a permanent at-home hair colour last?

The staying power varies depending on your rate of hair growth, how often you shampoo, your hair’s porosity and the shade you choose. Regrowth can become visible even while the lengths still have their colour. A root touch-up can then delay a full colouring, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Can you cover grey hair with a root touch-up spray?

Yes. A spray is designed to temporarily conceal roots and some grey hairs. However, it does not replace a permanent grey hair colour. Most products in this category wash out with shampoo and need to be reapplied as soon as regrowth becomes visible.

Is an ammonia-free colour suitable for everyone?

The absence of ammonia does not mean there is no risk of a reaction. The dyes and other ingredients in the formula can cause sensitivity in some people. Read the instructions carefully, carry out the recommended patch test and do not apply the product if you have any irritation, doubts or a history of a reaction.