When it comes to coloring your natural hair and the initial aftercare, there are many great, consolidated sources out there. However, when it comes to specialized products for color… not so much. Ideally, this article will serve as your go-to source for these products and make your search a bit easier.
1. Shea Moisture Hair Color System
This is a growing collection by Shea Moisture – a permanent, moisture-rich color system – that boasts “natural and Certified Organic ingredients,” no ammonia, no sulfates, and “salon quality results”. The twelve available colors range from jet black to light blonde and there are numerous shades in between.
THE REVIEWS: There are plenty of reviews available on YouTube; so if you are a bit skeptical, watch them first. Though I have not used the product, I did read some reviews and the general consensus was that customers enjoyed the results. I will say that one should not expect to go from naturally black hair to light blonde in the specified time (based on one YouTube review I watched), but aside from that, if you want to go a few shades lighter (or darker) this collection looks good.
Now this is a collection that has been around for years and is number one (in my book) when it comes to getting great color results without losing your hair. Like the above system, it is permanent, moisture rich, and contains no ammonia. It also boasts 100% gray coverage and offers a great array of fourteen intermixable shades designed to “complement all hair textures and skin tones” for women of color.
THE REVIEWS: Many color-treated naturals (including me) love this product because it gives great results with little to no damage to the hair. You rarely hear naturals complaining of dryness or damage to their natural curl pattern from this product. Additionally, the color truly does complement your skin tone and is at a great value. The only aside I will mention is that going from naturally black to blonde may require you to go beyond the specified time (which I tried via a strand test successfully but was not brave enough to do on my head).
3. John Frieda Precision Foam Colour for Gray Coverage
This product lives up to its claims of providing salon-quality results, deep color saturation and complete gray coverage. Unlike most color systems, this one is applied via foam form, which I love because of the ease and depth of color results. The only issue that I do have with the product is that it can become drippy after application. Just make sure you have a towel or two around your neck.
THE REVIEWS: There are so many great reviews (rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars from 1000+ views on one site) for this product, but I want to give my personal experience. My Mom has tried so many different products for gray coverage and two so-so salon visits but to no satisfaction. I first learned about this product online and was a bit skeptical at first. However, once I used it on my Mom’s hair, the results were amazing. The color looked so natural and the gray coverage was beyond impressive! (We used the medium natural brown color.)
4. Ouidad Color Sense Shine Boosting Color Extender
This new product from Ouidad is designed for hair that is currently color-treated. It is essentially a weekly rinse-out treatment that helps to preserve your color and vibrancy much longer. The treatment boasts a special “Color Lock complex” that seals in your color and also shields it from damaging UV exposure. (Aside: Prolonged sun exposure is known to fade color-treated hair, including semi-permanent and permanent. Source: Maillan P. UV protection of artificially coloured hair using a leave-on formulation. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2002 Apr;24(2):117-22.)
THE REVIEWS: The product is on the pricey side, but a little goes a long way when used right. Of the reviews I found, the majority of customers are very pleased with the extended color and shine they receive from this product.
5. AG Hair Cosmetics Tech Two Protein-Enriched Shampoo
Probably two of the worst realities of shampooing color-treated natural hair are the following:
1) loss of color over time
2) increased dryness and weakness.
However, this shampoo by AG Hair Cosmetics helps to “restore protein AND moisture depleted by color.” Additionally, the product’s pH level ranges between 4.5-5.5, which is perfect for our hair.
THE REVIEWS: Of the 55+ reviews I saw on this product, the average rating was approximately 4.5 out of 5. Most customers love the moisture it provides as well as the improved detangling and hair elasticity. They also love the smell and the gentle yet cleansing properties of the shampoo. Even if your hair is not color-treated, this product is great for those who are exposed to heat styling and UV rays. (Note: this shampoo contains sulfates.)
Ladies, have you tried any of these products? Share your thoughts!
