When it comes to finding the perfect hair color, the options can be overwhelming. With so many products claiming to deliver vibrant, long-lasting results, how do you choose?
After years of trial and error, I decided to give Herbatint a try. My quest for a hair dye that offered natural results without the harsh chemicals led me straight to this brand.
In this review, I’ll share my personal experience with Herbatint, including its pros and cons, maintenance tips, and how it compares to other brands on the market. If you’re considering a switch to a more natural hair color solution, this review might help you decide.
Why I Chose Herbatint Hair Color?
One of the most important things for me when choosing a hair dye is safety.
I’ve had my fair share of bad experiences with hair dyes that left my scalp irritated and my hair dry and brittle.
When I discovered Herbatint, I was intrigued by its promise of a gentle, ammonia-free formula made with organic herbal extracts.
This sounded like exactly what I was looking for—a product that would give me the color I wanted without the damaging side effects.
Herbatint’s Natural Series is particularly appealing because it claims to provide a natural, even color while also being able to lighten hair by up to two shades.
The fact that it covers 100% of gray hair was another selling point for me, as those pesky grays have become more prominent over the years.
- My First Impression
From the moment I opened the box, I noticed something different about Herbatint. The lack of a strong chemical smell was a huge relief. I’ve used hair dyes in the past where the smell alone was enough to make me rethink my decision, but Herbatint’s formula is almost odorless.
The kit includes a bottle of color gel, a bottle of developer, a pair of gloves, and a brush for application. One thing to note is that it doesn’t come with an applicator bottle, so you’ll need to mix the color and developer in a bowl. This wasn’t a big deal for me since I’ve colored my hair at home before, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re new to at-home coloring.
- Mixing and Application
Mixing the color and developer was straightforward, and I appreciated the consistency of the gel. It wasn’t too thick or too runny, making it easy to apply with the brush provided. As someone with long, thick hair, I often find myself needing more than one box of color, but with Herbatint, one box was enough for a full application.
Applying the color was a breeze. The brush made it easy to section my hair and ensure even coverage, especially on the gray areas around my temples and hairline. The gel adhered well to my hair without dripping, which is always a plus when coloring at home.
- Waiting Time and Rinsing
The recommended waiting time is 40 minutes, which is pretty standard for permanent hair color.
During this time, I didn’t experience any itching or irritation, which was a pleasant surprise given my sensitive scalp.
Rinsing out the color was also easy. Unlike other dyes that seem to take forever to rinse out, Herbatint washed out quickly without leaving a residue.
My hair didn’t feel stripped or dry afterward, which I attribute to the nourishing herbal ingredients in the formula.
The Results: Color And Coverage
The moment of truth came when I dried my hair. I chose the 6N Dark Blonde shade, as I wanted a natural look that matched my existing hair color.
However, I found that the color was a bit darker than I anticipated, which seems to be a common theme based on other user reviews. If you’re aiming for a lighter shade, you might want to consider going one shade lighter than your desired color.
- Gray Coverage
One of the standout features of Herbatint is its gray coverage. I was genuinely impressed by how well it covered my grays, especially considering this is a more natural product.
The coverage was thorough, and my grays blended seamlessly with the rest of my hair. However, I did notice that the color faded slightly faster on the gray areas compared to the rest of my hair.
- Longevity of the Color
As for longevity, the color held up well for about four weeks before I started noticing some fading, particularly at the roots and on the grays. Given that I wash my hair daily and use heat styling tools regularly, I was pleased with how long the color lasted.
If you wash your hair less frequently or use color-safe products, you might find the color lasts even longer.
Pros And Cons of Herbatint
Like any product, Herbatint has its pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown based on my experience.
Pros
- Gentle Formula: The lack of harsh chemicals like ammonia and parabens is a big plus. My hair felt soft and healthy, even after coloring.
- Odorless: The near lack of smell made the coloring process much more pleasant.
- Good Gray Coverage: Herbatint does an excellent job of covering gray hair, which is a huge benefit for those of us with stubborn grays.
- Natural Ingredients: The herbal extracts in the formula seem to nourish the hair and scalp, which is a nice bonus.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: I appreciate that the packaging is recyclable and that the bottles can be reclosed for future use.
Cons
- Color Tends to Run Dark: As mentioned earlier, the color came out darker than expected, so it’s important to choose a shade lighter than your desired outcome.
- Not Fade-Resistant: While the color lasts for a decent amount of time, it does start to fade, particularly on gray hairs.
- Application Process: The lack of an applicator bottle means you need to be prepared to mix and apply the color yourself, which could be a con for beginners.
- Limited Availability in Stores: Depending on where you live, Herbatint might be harder to find in physical stores, although it’s readily available online.
Tips For Herbatint Hair Color
To get the most out of your Herbatint color, here are a few maintenance tips I’ve found helpful:
- Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: Investing in a good color-safe shampoo and conditioner can make a significant difference in how long your color lasts. I use a sulfate-free shampoo that’s gentle on my hair and helps maintain the vibrancy of the color.
- Avoid Over-Washing: While it’s tempting to wash your hair daily, try to limit washing to every other day or every three days if possible. This will help extend the life of your color and keep it looking fresh.
- Protect Your Hair from Heat: Heat styling can cause color to fade faster, so be sure to use a heat protectant spray before using tools like a blow dryer, straightener, or curling iron.
- Touch Up Your Roots: Since the color can fade faster on roots and grays, consider doing a root touch-up every few weeks to keep your color looking even. Herbatint makes it easy to mix just the amount you need for a touch-up, so you won’t waste any product.
- Deep Condition Regularly: Even though Herbatint is gentle, it’s still important to keep your hair hydrated. I like to use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep my hair soft and moisturized.
Comparing Herbatint To Other Brands
In the world of natural hair dyes, Herbatint stands out, but how does it compare to other popular brands like Madison Reed and Naturtint? Here’s a quick comparison based on my experience and research.
Herbatint Vs. Madison Reed
- Ingredients: Both brands are known for their gentler formulas, but Madison Reed tends to be a bit more expensive and includes a few more chemical ingredients than Herbatint.
- Color Range: Madison Reed offers a wider range of shades, which might be appealing if you’re looking for something specific. However, Herbatint’s color range is more focused on natural-looking results.
- Gray Coverage: Herbatint wins in the gray coverage department, especially for stubborn grays. Madison Reed’s gray coverage is decent but might require more frequent touch-ups.
Herbatint Vs. Naturtint
- Ingredients: Naturtint is another great option for those looking for a natural hair dye, but it does contain some ingredients like ethanolamine that might not appeal to everyone. Herbatint’s formula is more herbal-based, which is why I prefer it.
- Color Longevity: Naturtint’s color tends to last a bit longer than Herbatint’s, but the difference is minimal. Both brands require touch-ups after about four weeks.
- Ease of Use: Naturtint comes with an applicator bottle, which might make it easier for beginners. Herbatint requires a bit more preparation but offers a more customizable application process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Herbatint is considered one of the safer hair color options on the market due to its ammonia-free formula and use of organic herbal extracts. It’s dermatologically tested on sensitive skin and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like parabens or resorcinol. However, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test before using any new hair color product, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Yes, Herbatint is highly effective at covering grey hair. In my experience, it provided excellent coverage, blending my grays seamlessly with the rest of my hair. However, like most hair dyes, the color may fade slightly faster on gray areas, so touch-ups might be needed.
The longevity of Herbatint color can vary depending on factors like hair type, washing frequency, and product use. On average, the color lasts about four weeks before noticeable fading occurs, especially on roots and gray hairs. Using color-safe hair products and limiting washing can help extend the life of the color.
There are several hair dyes that are considered healthy options, with Herbatint being one of them due to its natural ingredients and lack of harsh chemicals. Other healthy hair dye options include Madison Reed and Naturtint, both of which also offer ammonia-free formulas with nourishing ingredients. The healthiest option will depend on your specific hair needs and sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m really pleased with Herbatint. It offers a great balance between effective gray coverage and a gentle, natural formula. While the color might run darker than expected, the results are impressive, especially for those of us who prioritize using safer, more natural products.
The key to getting the best results with Herbatint is choosing the right shade and following the maintenance tips to keep your color looking fresh. If you’re looking for a natural hair dye that delivers on its promises, I’d definitely recommend giving Herbatint a try.
