A hair colour isn’t something you should pick just by looking at the picture on the box. When you’re colouring at home, the final result depends on your starting colour, whether you have grey hair, the condition of your hair fibre, and the type of formula you use. A chestnut shade, for example, can look very different on blonde, brunette or previously coloured hair.
Two mistakes crop up time and again. The first is confusing a temporary touch-up with permanent colour: a spray or powder can conceal regrowth until your next shampoo, but it won’t change your colour long-term. The second is relying on the words “ammonia-free” while forgetting that other colouring or oxidising agents can still cause a skin reaction. Finally, a shade that’s too light isn’t always enough to cover stubborn grey hair evenly.
A root concealer spray or root camouflage powder only works on the surface. It’s a handy solution before an appointment, a night out or between two colour sessions, but it usually washes out with shampoo.
A permanent hair colour, on the other hand, combines a colour cream with a developer. It takes a bit more preparation, but it’s better suited to changing your shade permanently or maintaining grey coverage.
An ammonia-free hair dye may reduce the characteristic smell of some formulas, but it isn’t necessarily free of sensitising ingredients. Colour products can contain oxidation dyes, hydrogen peroxide or other agents that require caution.
Always read the instructions and carry out the allergy alert test 48 hours before each use when this is stated on the packaging. Do not apply the product to irritated, damaged skin or to a scalp that has recently undergone chemical treatment.
For long, thick or very abundant hair, a single box may not be enough. Some products specify that you should buy two boxes for long or thick hair. Using too little increases the risk of an uneven result, especially on the lengths.
Labels like blonde hair colour, chestnut hair colour and brunette hair colour give you a rough idea, but they don’t replace a shade chart. Compare the colour to your natural base or your current colour, and don’t forget to take any previous colour treatments into account.
If you want to go significantly lighter, a standard colour won’t always achieve the lift you’re after. Already-coloured hair needs extra care: a new shade isn’t always enough to “erase” the previous pigments.
Also check the claimed longevity. A product that washes out with shampoo can’t be compared directly to a permanent colour.
Look at the ingredient list and check for the presence of ammonia, ethanolamine, resorcinol, phenylenediamines or hydrogen peroxide. This information won’t predict your personal tolerance, but it will help you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Protect your clothes, wear the gloves provided and avoid contact with your eyes. Aerosol products should be used in a well-ventilated room, away from flames, heat sources or a car left in direct sunlight.
Why this suits this profile: The kit contains the colour cream, developer, gloves, applicator and conditioner. Its chestnut shade is ideal for anyone wanting to try at-home colouring without having to buy each accessory separately.
The formula is claimed to be ammonia-free, but the allergy alert test 48 hours before application is still required according to the instructions.
A complete 120 g kit, a pure chestnut shade and a permanent formula claimed to be suitable for covering grey hair.
Why this suits this profile: Its compact case, complete with a mirror and brush, is designed for people who want a precise, discreet touch-up at home or on the go.
This is a temporary powder, not a permanent colour. It washes out with shampoo, so there’s no confusion about how long it lasts.
Apply to dry hair, water-resistant finish according to the product sheet, and a 2.1 g format with mirror.
Why this suits this profile: This pack of two aerosols is ideal for frequent touch-ups of regrowth between colour sessions, especially on chestnut hair.
The product sheet states it lasts until your next shampoo. This format is therefore intended for a quick fix, not a long-lasting colour.
Two 75 ml bottles, apply around 15 cm from the roots, and claimed to dry in one minute.
Why this suits this profile: This cream is aimed at users who are comfortable with measuring and already have a compatible developer. It lets you work with a golden dark blonde shade using a more technical approach.
The developer is not included. This detail prevents you from buying an incomplete kit or mixing incompatible components.
A 100 ml tube to mix with a suitable developer, plus a technology claimed to limit premature oxidation during preparation.
We’ve put together a comprehensive, real-time selection of products that meet these demanding criteria and European safety regulations.
A permanent colour is generally more suitable than a spray or powder when you need coverage that lasts until regrowth. However, do check the shade, the development time and whether the product is stated as suitable for covering grey hair. The allergy alert test 48 hours before application is still essential when the instructions require it.
A root concealer spray or root camouflage powder is designed for temporary wear. The products featured here wash out with shampoo or last until your next shampoo. How long it lasts can vary depending on how much you apply, humidity and friction.
“Ammonia-free” simply means the formula doesn’t contain it. It doesn’t guarantee no reaction or no oxidising agents. Check the ingredient list, follow the usage precautions and don’t apply the product if you experience irritation or a reaction during the test.