When I first stumbled upon Nova Hair Shampoo, I was excited. It promised to cover gray hair effectively while being easy to use. Given my struggle with gray hair creeping up faster than I’d like, I thought this could be a great solution for a quick, at-home hair color fix.
Not only did it advertise itself as a shampoo, but it also acted as a conditioner and hair dye in one, which seemed like an ideal time-saver. After using it for several weeks, I’ve decided to share my honest thoughts and experiences about this product.
If you’re tired of expensive salon visits and want a simple, at-home hair dye solution, Nova Hair Shampoo could be something to consider. However, after experiencing both pros and cons, I think it’s essential to weigh your options before committing. So let’s take a look at everything you should know before deciding if it’s right for you.
My Experience with Nova Hair Shampoo
I have to admit, I was hopeful when I first tried Nova Hair Shampoo. After following the instructions to the letter, I was expecting my gray hairs to be fully covered and for my hair to feel soft and shiny. The product applied easily without any mess. The gloves were provided, and the shampoo itself had a smooth texture, making the application process easy to manage.
However, after 20 minutes of waiting, I rinsed it out to find that the gray hairs were not fully covered as I had hoped. While the product did give my hair a slight darker tint, it was nowhere near the intense color change that I was expecting. The gray hairs were still visible, especially around the temples, which was disappointing.
My hair did feel softer, and it didn’t appear to have been damaged in any way, but the lack of full coverage was a major letdown. Additionally, the color wasn’t as vibrant as I thought it would be. I had been hoping for a rich, dark color, but it didn’t achieve that. In fact, after a few uses, my hair felt a bit lackluster, and the color faded fairly quickly.
What is Nova Hair Shampoo?
Nova Hair Shampoo is an innovative product designed to cover gray hair with minimal effort. It comes in a 3-in-1 formula that acts as a shampoo, conditioner, and hair dye. The product is advertised as being free of parabens and harsh chemicals, which is a significant plus for people concerned about the safety of their hair. It also boasts being a more convenient and affordable alternative to traditional hair dye, allowing you to color your hair from the comfort of your home in just 15 to 20 minutes.
The formula claims to provide 100% gray hair coverage and promises long-lasting results, with black hair lasting up to 3-4 weeks. It’s made with a natural botanical formula, including ginseng extract, which is said to nourish the hair and make it strong and shiny. The product is especially marketed for those looking to avoid the hassle of salon visits and save time and money.
How to Get the Most Out of Nova Hair Shampoo?
If you’re still interested in trying Nova Hair Shampoo, here are a few tips to help you get the best results:
- Follow Instructions Carefully – It’s crucial to follow the instructions carefully, especially the timing. Leaving the product in for a longer time might not always result in better coverage, but it can lead to dry hair.
- Use It Regularly – Since the color fades over time, using Nova Hair Shampoo regularly may help you maintain your desired color. However, don’t overuse it, as frequent hair-dyeing can damage your strands.
- Do a Patch Test – If you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions to hair products, make sure to do a patch test before applying the shampoo to your whole head.
- Pair with a Conditioner – While the shampoo includes a conditioning component, I recommend using a separate, moisturizing conditioner to keep your hair soft and healthy. This can help combat any dryness that might result from the coloring process.
Pros and Cons of Nova Hair Shampoo
Pros:
Despite the issues I had with the product, there are a few benefits that I can genuinely appreciate:
- Convenience – The biggest advantage of Nova Hair Shampoo is its convenience. There’s no need for bowls, brushes, or complicated mixing. You can use it like any regular shampoo, making the entire hair-dyeing process much easier and quicker.
- Affordable – Compared to salon prices, Nova Hair Shampoo is significantly cheaper. If you’re someone who dyes your hair regularly, the savings can add up over time. You also don’t have to worry about scheduling salon appointments, which can be time-consuming and costly.
- Natural Ingredients – The product is made with natural botanicals like ginseng extract, which promises to nourish the hair. For those with sensitive skin or allergies to harsh chemicals, this is a good alternative to more conventional hair dyes.
- No Skin Staining – One of my concerns with using hair dye at home is the potential mess it can create, especially on my skin. With Nova Hair Shampoo, I didn’t experience any staining on my scalp or hands, which was a relief.
Cons:
While Nova Hair Shampoo offers some positives, it does come with its share of drawbacks:
- Inconsistent Results – As mentioned, the product didn’t cover my gray hairs as effectively as I had hoped. Some users report the same issue, with the product providing a subtle tint rather than full coverage. If you’re hoping for something to completely hide your gray hairs, this may not be the best solution.
- Limited Color Options – Nova Hair Shampoo offers a limited color range, which may not suit everyone’s needs. If you’re looking for a more customizable hair color, you might be disappointed by the available shades.
- Fading Color – The color didn’t last as long as advertised. After a few washes, I noticed the color starting to fade, and my gray hairs started to reappear. This wasn’t the long-lasting solution I had hoped for, and it required touch-ups sooner than expected.
- Separation of Formula – Some users, including myself, experienced issues with the product separating. The liquid inside the bottle would sometimes split into a lighter and darker mixture, even after shaking the bottle. This made the application process a little messy and inconsistent.
- Not for Sensitive Scalps – While the product is generally safe, some users with sensitive scalps may experience irritation. It’s always recommended to do a patch test before using any new hair dye product to avoid adverse reactions.
Nova Hair Shampoo Vs. Other Hair Dye Brands
- Nova Hair Shampoo Vs. Clairol
Clairol’s traditional hair dyes, like the Nice’n Easy range, are known for providing rich, long-lasting color and full gray coverage.
While Nova Hair Shampoo is a convenient, at-home option, Clairol’s formulas are more reliable for vibrant, permanent results.
Nova may be a better choice if you’re looking for a more natural product with fewer chemicals, but Clairol’s range delivers superior coverage and durability, making it the go-to for those who need long-lasting, professional results.
- Nova Hair Shampoo Vs. L’Oréal Excellence
L’Oréal Excellence hair dye is a popular choice for achieving deep, permanent color with excellent gray coverage. Unlike Nova Hair Shampoo, which washes out after a few weeks, L’Oréal offers long-lasting results that stay vibrant for a longer period. While Nova Hair Shampoo provides a quicker and more natural solution, L’Oréal is a better choice if you want more permanent results, better color consistency, and a wider variety of shades. L’Oréal Excellence’s rich formulation provides thorough, consistent color that stands up over time.
- Nova Hair Shampoo Vs. Garnier Nutrisse
Garnier Nutrisse is known for its nourishing hair dyes, which often include oils and other ingredients to help protect the hair during the coloring process. Nova Hair Shampoo, on the other hand, focuses on convenience and ease, combining shampoo, conditioner, and dye in one. While Garnier offers more options for nourishing hair while coloring, Nova’s appeal lies in its simplicity and ease of use. For a deeper color treatment and hair nourishment, Garnier is the better choice, but for those looking for quick gray coverage, Nova might fit the bill.
- Nova Hair Shampoo Vs. Schwarzkopf Color Ultime
Schwarzkopf Color Ultime is renowned for its long-lasting, intense color. This range provides a rich and vibrant finish, with a professional-grade result. While Nova Hair Shampoo is easier to apply and works well for temporary gray coverage, it doesn’t compare to Schwarzkopf’s bold, vibrant hues and long-lasting results. For those seeking an all-around hair dye that covers grays and provides intense, permanent color, Schwarzkopf is the more reliable option. Nova, however, is great for those seeking a simpler, more natural solution.
- Nova Hair Shampoo Vs. Madison Reed
Madison Reed’s hair color is known for being free from harsh chemicals like ammonia and parabens, similar to Nova Hair Shampoo. However, Madison Reed offers a broader selection of colors, better coverage, and more permanent results.
While Nova’s 3-in-1 formula is convenient for quick fixes, Madison Reed’s salon-quality formula provides more professional results with longer-lasting color. If you’re looking for a natural product with richer color results and a wider range of shades, Madison Reed is a solid choice, while Nova remains a quick and accessible option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Nova Hair Shampoo is manufactured in China, with a focus on providing high-quality hair products at an affordable price.
Yes, color-depositing shampoos like Nova Hair Shampoo can work to add a subtle tint to your hair, but they may not provide full, long-lasting coverage like traditional hair dyes.
You can use Nova Hair Shampoo once every few weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and how quickly the color fades. It’s always good to give your hair some time between applications.
Nova Hair Color works to provide temporary color for your hair, especially for covering gray hairs. However, its effectiveness may vary depending on your hair type and the color you choose.
Final Thoughts
After using Nova Hair Shampoo, I can say it’s an affordable, convenient option for those looking to cover gray hair at home. However, the results may not be as impressive as you’d expect. While the color is easy to apply and doesn’t stain your skin, the coverage may not be sufficient for those with significant gray hair. It’s a good product if you’re looking for a quick fix, but for long-lasting, vibrant color, you may want to look into other options. Ultimately, Nova Hair Shampoo works best for people with lighter gray hair or those seeking a natural, easy-to-use solution.