In recent years, the convenience of at-home hair dyeing has become increasingly appealing, prompting many to explore alternatives to salon visits. The challenges of salon upkeep, timing constraints, and escalating costs have led individuals, such as myself, to experiment with various at-home hair dye kits. Unfortunately, the journey to cover rapidly emerging gray roots has been fraught with disappointments, from unnatural results to exorbitant prices and, at times, messy applications causing irritation to the scalp. In my quest for a solution, the search for an ammonia-free hair dye led me to the Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel, a gentle formula that not only captured my attention but also boasted a wallet-friendly $16 price tag.
Promising safety for sensitive skin, the Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel stands out with its ammonia-, paraben-, alcohol-, and fragrance-free composition. Its effectiveness is enhanced by the inclusion of eight organic herbal extracts, ensuring comprehensive coverage, vibrant shine, and appealing color. With a spectrum of over 35 hair colors, ranging from light copper gold to violet to mahogany chestnut, this easy-to-use gel caters to diverse preferences. The application process, spanning approximately 40 minutes, can lighten natural hair up to two shades and includes a bottle of hair color gel, a developer, and a sample of the brand’s Royal Cream Conditioner.
After thorough research, particularly focusing on reviews from individuals with dark to black hair like mine, I opted for a shade lighter than my usual choice for the initial application. Utilizing a food scale to measure the precise amounts of color and developer as per the package instructions, I was pleasantly surprised to discover there was enough left for two additional applications, effectively reducing the cost per dye to approximately $5. The odorless and non-irritating dye, transitioning from a thin consistency to a gel-like texture upon mixing with the developer, proved gentle on the scalp during the recommended 40-minute application for gray root coverage.
Acknowledging my limitations in hair dye application skills, I approached the process with caution. However, the Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel’s forgiving nature was evident as it effortlessly cleaned off any unintentional spills. Despite initial apprehensions, subsequent applications using gloved hands proved equally effective, consistently delivering natural-looking gray coverage. Notably, cleanup efforts were minimal, ensuring a satisfyingly clean scalp and bathroom environment.
One user, favoring the shade 3N, praised its “beautiful color,” mess-free application, and absence of color staining. In their 40-year exploration of various colors, they declared Herbatint as the one that finally fulfilled their long-desired shade.
