Hair Colour

Hair Colour covers permanent and semi-permanent dyes, root touch-up products, henna and colour shampoos.

The 48-Hour Allergy Test Is Not Optional

This is the most important thing on this page. Permanent hair dye is one of the most common causes of severe allergic reaction in cosmetics, and the reaction can be serious — swelling of the face and throat, not just an itchy scalp.

• Do the test 48 hours before every single application, including with a dye you have used for years. Sensitivity develops over time — most people who react badly have used the product before without trouble.

• Follow the instructions in the pack exactly — usually a small amount behind the ear or on the inner elbow, left untouched.

• Never dye hair if the test shows any reaction, and never dye eyebrows or eyelashes.

• Never use a product containing PPD on anyone who has reacted to a black henna tattoo. That is a known and dangerous cross-sensitivity.

Getting a Good Result

• Do not wash your hair immediately before colouring. A day or two of natural oil protects the scalp.

• Strand test as well as allergy test — it tells you the colour and the timing on your actual hair.

• Section the hair and apply to the roots first, then through the lengths for the last few minutes. Roots process faster because of scalp heat.

• Time it. Leaving dye on longer does not make it darker; it damages hair.

• Wear the gloves, and protect the hairline with a little petroleum jelly.

• Rinse until the water runs clear, then use the conditioner supplied.

• Wait 48 to 72 hours before the first wash, then wash in cool water with a sulphate-free colour-safe shampoo. Heat and frequent washing strip colour faster than anything else.

A Note on Henna and “Natural” Dyes

Pure henna is genuinely gentle and conditions hair. “Black henna” is not henna — it is henna adulterated with PPD, often at high concentration, and it is responsible for most of the severe reactions attributed to henna. Pure henna is never black. Chemical dye applied over henna can react unpredictably, so tell your salon if you have used it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to patch test every time?

Yes. Sensitivity develops with repeated exposure, so a product used safely for years can cause a reaction on the next use. Every time, 48 hours before.

Can I colour hair while pregnant?

Most guidance considers occasional colouring low risk, particularly after the first trimester, and highlights that avoid the scalp lower still. Ask your doctor, and ventilate the room.

Why did my colour turn brassy?

Warm undertones showing as colour fades, helped along by sun and hard water. A purple or blue toning shampoo once a week neutralises it.

How do I know the product is genuine?

Check the seal, the batch number and the expiry printed on the pack itself rather than on a sticker over it. Everything we sell is sourced to arrive sealed and within date, and if what you receive does not match the listing we will put it right.

How much shelf life will it have?

We stock to arrive well within date and do not knowingly ship anything close to expiry. If you need a specific minimum for a particular order, ask before placing it and we will check the batch.