When it comes to choosing a hair color, finding the right product can be tricky. There are so many options out there, but one brand I’ve repeatedly heard about is Schwarzkopf.
So, I decided to give it a shot myself. If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering where you can pick up this product. I grabbed mine from Amazon—it’s convenient, and they have a wide range of Schwarzkopf products available.
You could also check out your local beauty supply store, but for me, online shopping just made the whole process a breeze.
In this review, I’ll be sharing my personal experience using Schwarzkopf Keratin Color, as well as comparing it to other popular brands, like L’Oréal. I’ll dive into the pros and cons, maintenance tips, and whether it lives up to its reputation.
Let’s get into the details.
My Experience With Schwarzkopf Hair Color
When I first tried Schwarzkopf Keratin Color, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve used plenty of at-home hair dyes, but most left my hair feeling dry and brittle.
However, Schwarzkopf stood out right from the start.
The application process was simple—thanks to the precision applicator—and the formula was thick enough to avoid any messy drips.
I chose the Deep Dark Blue shade, and after waiting about 30 minutes, I was excited to see the results.
My hair came out with a vibrant, rich color that covered all my stubborn greys.
What really impressed me was the softness of my hair afterward. Usually, I’m left scrambling for a deep conditioner to restore some moisture, but Schwarzkopf’s pre-color serum worked wonders.
The color lasted quite a while, staying vibrant even after a month of regular washes. However, one downside I noticed was some color bleeding during washes. It didn’t affect the intensity of the color, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re concerned about staining towels.
Overall, I was happy with how well this product worked for my dark brown hair. The coverage, softness, and longevity of the color make Schwarzkopf Keratin Color a solid choice if you’re looking to color your hair at home.
You can easily find it online on Amazon or in most beauty stores, which makes it pretty accessible too!
Pros of Schwarzkopf Hair Color
- Covers Grey Hair Like a Pro: If you have stubborn grey hair, Schwarzkopf really comes through. Unlike other brands where greys peek through just a week after coloring, this dye gave me excellent coverage that lasted well beyond a few weeks.
- Hair Feels Soft and Smooth: I was skeptical about the claim that it strengthens hair, but I did notice that my hair didn’t feel damaged after coloring. The pre-color serum with Vitamin B6 and collagen helped condition my hair, making it feel softer than expected.
- Anti-Fade Formula: One of the best things I found about this product is the color longevity. While most dyes start fading after just a couple of washes, the color from Schwarzkopf lasted for several weeks. I’m someone who washes their hair frequently (about 4 times a week), and even after 10 weeks, the color remained vibrant.
- Easy Application: The precision applicator is a game-changer. I liked that it didn’t get messy during application, and the thickness of the dye made it easy to control where it went, avoiding any drips or stains on my scalp.
- Frizz Control: A bonus I wasn’t expecting was the added frizz resistance. For 72 hours post-coloring, my hair maintained a sleek, frizz-free look, even in humid weather.
Cons of Schwarzkopf Hair Color
- Fragrance is Too Strong: One downside is the strong scent of the after-color conditioner. If you’re sensitive to smells or have allergies, this might be overwhelming for you.
- Not for Very Damaged Hair: While the dye didn’t damage my hair as much as I feared, if your hair is already severely damaged, this product might not help. I experienced some breakage after the first use, despite the anti-breakage serum.
- Color Bleeding: This one threw me off. Even though the color stayed vibrant for weeks, every time I washed my hair, the color would bleed. It’s been over a month now, and it’s still bleeding slightly.
- Hard to Find Some Colors: Certain shades, like soft black, are hard to come by. I had to resort to Amazon for restocking since my local stores didn’t carry that particular color.
Tips For Schwarzkopf Hair Color
To make sure you get the most out of Schwarzkopf’s color and avoid damage, there are some key maintenance tips I’ve found helpful:
- Use a Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: To keep your color lasting longer, switch to a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates can strip color, making it fade faster. I’ve been using a sulfate-free formula specifically designed for colored hair, which I believe helped the color stay vibrant.
- Avoid Heat Styling: Although Schwarzkopf claims to strengthen your hair, heat styling can still damage colored hair. I try to air-dry my hair as much as possible and use a heat protectant when blow-drying or using a flat iron.
- Deep Condition Regularly: After coloring, my hair did feel softer, but I noticed that weekly deep conditioning treatments helped maintain the softness and prevent further damage.
- Touch-Up Roots Every 4-6 Weeks: Since this is a permanent dye, roots will start showing after a few weeks. I found that touching up my roots every 4 to 6 weeks kept my hair looking fresh without needing to reapply the color all over.
Comparing Schwarzkopf To Other Brands
When it comes to at-home hair dyes, Schwarzkopf competes with several well-known brands like Naturtint, Herbatint, and Bigen Semi-Permanent Hair Color. Here’s how Schwarzkopf stacks up against these alternatives based on my experience.
- Schwarzkopf Vs. Naturtint Hair Color
Naturtint is known for its more natural, plant-based ingredients, which might appeal to those looking for a gentler option.
While Schwarzkopf uses keratin to strengthen hair and prevent damage, Naturtint is enriched with plant-based ingredients like oleic acid and meadowfoam seed oil.
However, when it comes to grey coverage, Schwarzkopf outperformed Naturtint for me.
Naturtint tends to fade a little faster, especially on stubborn greys, whereas Schwarzkopf maintained its coverage for weeks.
On the downside, Naturtint doesn’t have the same fragrance issues as Schwarzkopf, which can be a deal-breaker for those sensitive to strong smells. If you prefer a more natural approach, Naturtint is a solid option, but for longer-lasting, intense color, Schwarzkopf holds up better in my experience.
- Schwarzkopf Vs. Herbatint Hair Color
Herbatint markets itself as a gentle, ammonia-free dye, which is great for minimizing damage.
While Schwarzkopf also helps protect and strengthen hair with its 3-step Bond Enforcing system, I did notice that Herbatint left my hair feeling slightly softer after coloring.
However, the color from Herbatint faded faster compared to Schwarzkopf, especially when exposed to frequent washing.
When it comes to color intensity, Schwarzkopf delivers a bolder, more vibrant color, whereas Herbatint is ideal if you want a more natural, subtle look.
If you want rich, long-lasting color, Schwarzkopf is the better choice, but if gentleness is your top priority, Herbatint may be worth considering.
- Schwarzkopf Vs. Bigen Semi-Permanent Hair Color
Bigen is popular for its semi-permanent hair colors, which are ideal for people looking to try new shades without the long-term commitment.
Unlike Schwarzkopf’s permanent formula, Bigen is less damaging due to its semi-permanent nature and doesn’t contain ammonia or peroxide.
However, because Bigen is semi-permanent, it lacks the lasting power of Schwarzkopf.
The color from Bigen tends to fade within a few weeks, especially with regular washing, whereas Schwarzkopf’s permanent formula stays vibrant for up to 10 weeks.
For those with darker hair, Bigen offers great coverage without bleaching, but if you’re looking for a permanent solution with intense color payoff, Schwarzkopf is the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Both brands are excellent in their own right, but Schwarzkopf edges out for me because of its superior gray coverage and longer-lasting color. However, L’Oréal is a bit easier on the senses with its milder fragrance.
Yes, it does! I’ve been impressed with how well it covers even the most stubborn grey hairs. The coverage lasts longer than most at-home dyes I’ve tried.
Schwarzkopf hair dye lasts for around 10 weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair. With regular care, you can maintain vibrant color for a solid 8 to 10 weeks.
Yes, it works well on dark hair. If you’re starting with very dark or black hair, you’ll still achieve a noticeable color change. I used it on dark brown hair, and the deep blue shade showed up beautifully.
Final Thoughts: Is Schwarzkopf the Right Choice?
After using Schwarzkopf multiple times, I can confidently say that it’s a solid option for at-home hair coloring. If you’re looking for a product that offers excellent gray coverage, long-lasting color, and leaves your hair feeling soft, it’s worth trying.
However, if you’re sensitive to strong scents or have very damaged hair, you might want to consider other options.
In conclusion, if you want to give Schwarzkopf Keratin Color a go, I’d recommend grabbing it from Amazon or your local beauty store. It’s a professional-grade hair color that delivers on most of its promises, with a few minor downsides.
