Which colour refresher suits your hair?
- 12 min reading time
Colour refreshers - the Perfect perfect middle ground. Dyeing your hair yourself is an option, but maybe you find there are too many Sico’s tied to it. Luckily, there is a whole world of different colour refreshers that can also boost the vibrant colour of your hair! To help you navigate the vast and varied range of colour refreshers, we’ve put together this blog - with a number of colour refreshers and their differences. So you can find a perfect match and enjoy the surprising effect of a colour refresher!
What is a colour refresher?
First things first! Let’s start with the question: "What is a colour refresher and what does it do for your hair?" You can use a colour refresher for three purposes. You can refresh your faded hair colour with a colour refresher. But there are also colour refreshers to neutralise unwanted tones - for example, a silver shampoo to remove a yellow tint from your hair. Finally, you can simply give your hair a temporary colour with a colour refresher, like a pink glow on blonde hair. Colour refreshers come in all shapes and sizes. Think colour shampoos, colour conditioners, washable hair dyes, temporary hair colour and more. Unlike hair dye, a colour refresher is temporary, non-damaging, and affordable. Super convenient, right? A nourishing hair mask that colours your hair at the same time!
How do I know if a colour refresher suits me?
Unlike hair dye that works on your hair pigments from within, colour refreshers create a sort of coating around your hair strands. So how a colour refresher actually turns out on your hair depends on many factors. It depends on your natural hair colour (or undertone), the condition of your hair, and of course the quality of the product you use. It can also depend on how long you leave the product in, and more. That’s why we always recommend testing the colour refresher on a small section first. Better safe than sorry, right? Also, it’s important to consider which product you’ll use, as they all have different qualities and functions. That’s why we’ve explained the key things you need to know about colour refreshers at the next question!
Which colour shampoo or conditioner can I use to refresh my hair colour or add a temporary tint?
Want to try a colour shampoo or conditioner but don’t know which one to choose? We’ve listed several colour shampoos and conditioners so you can make an easier choice:
Wella Color Fresh Mask
The Wella colour masks are temporary colour depositing masks to maintain coloured hair or add a fun tint. The Color Fresh masks fade naturally and have a nourishing formula.
Colours: Pearl Blonde, Chocolate Touch, Caramel Glaze, Copper Glow, Lilac Frost, Golden Gloss, Rose Blaze, Pink, Blue, Red, and Mint.
Duration: Varies per person, about 10 washes.
Usage: Wash your hair first with shampoo. For safety, wear protective gloves to avoid stains. Apply the mask to towel-dried hair in sections. Leave the mask on for up to 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly (no shampoo).
KIS-Kappers KeraDirect
KeraDirect Hair Colour adds colourful accents and intense Si colour effects. Prefer a softer Pasteltint or lighter shade? Mix the Colors with the Clear. These hair colours are made from pre-developed colour pigments and ready to use.
Colours: Red, Tulip, Purple, Blue, Turquoise, Teal, Smoke, and Clear.
Duration: KeraDirect lasts about 5-10 washes.
Usage: Apply to thoroughly washed towel-dried hair, leave on for 15 to 30 minutes. Then rinse with warm water.
KIS-Kappers KeraFresh Color Conditioner
Ideal for coloured hair. This colour conditioner protects and refreshes your hair colour, enhancing its vibrancy. It counteracts dullness and makes coloured hair look beautiful and shiny. It’s also nourishing, detangles, and maintains colour.
Colours: Ash, Chocolate, Copper, Red, Silver and Violet.
Duration: KeraDirect lasts about 5 washes.
Usage: Apply a normal amount to washed hair. Massage in and leave for a few minutes, then rinse well. The effect fades after several washes.
Sebastian Cellophanes Hair Colour
This hair colour is a revolutionary colour rinse with extreme shine, perfect for refreshing dyed hair. The cream is developed on a Sis of natural ingredients and is free from ammonia and peroxide. The treatment is based on natural elements, suitable for all hair types. It enriches hair with valuable nutrients and seals in the shine.
Colours: Caramel Brown, CasSis Red, Champagne Blond, Chocolate Brown, Cinnamon Red, Cranberry Red, Espresso Brown, Honeycomp Blond, Ice Blond, Vanilla Blond, and Clear.
Duration: Effect fades after 15-20 washes.
Usage: Divide towel-dried hair into four sections and apply colour section by section. Start at the roots and work towards ends. Cover hair with a plastic cap or transparent foil to allow the cream to develop. Heat hair with a hairdryer for 15-20 minutes while covered, then let hair cool. Wash out with mild shampoo and condition.
Maria Nila Colour Refresh
These are nourishing hair masks with colour pigments that easily refresh your coloured hair. You can also apply a new colour depending on the chosen processing time. The pigments are already developed, so nothing else needs to be added. The mask contains our special Colour Guard Complex that cares for and protects hair. The mask is 100% vegan and free of sulphates and parabens.
Colours: 10.32 Vanilla, 2.00 Black, 6.00 Cacoa, 8.32 Sand, 9.22 Lavender, 9.34 Peach, 0.00 White Mix, 0.20 Pearl Silver, 0.22 Vivid Violet, 4.10 Cacoa Intense, 5.4 Bright Copper, 0.11 Azure, 0.06 Pink Pop, 0.66 Bright Red, 6.35 Cacoa Red, 6.60 Autumn Red and 6.62 Cherry Red.
Duration: Colour fades after 4 to 10 washes.
Usage: Before applying the hair mask, shampoo your hair thoroughly. Then apply Maria Nila Colour Refresh in the desired shade. Leave on for about 3 to 10 minutes. Longer processing time results in deeper colour.
Schwarzkopf Chroma ID Intense Color Mask
This mask combines powerful colours with intense care. The colour ensures an easy, fast, and Perfect even colour distribution while strengthening your hair.
Colours: Purple, yellow, orange, blue, red, pink.
Duration: Colour fades after about 10 washes.
Usage: Apply to towel-dried washed hair and distribute evenly. Leave on for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Indola Innova Blond Addict InstaCool Shampoo
This shampoo refreshes and cleanses your blonde locks while neutralising unwanted yellow tones. Thanks to its high pigment concentration, yellow is eliminated.
Colours: InstaCool
Duration: Colour fades after 4 to 10 washes.
Usage: Use on damp or towel-dried hair. Distribute shampoo evenly. Massage gently and leave for a moment. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Wearing gloves is recommended.
CHI Ionic Color Illuminate Conditioner
This is Perfect for maintaining your colour between salon visits. It’s not just any conditioner, but one with the Perfect balance of colour maintenance and care. Intense Siive colour pigments help keep your desired hair colour Perfect maintained. Your locks also get well cared for and hydrated, so the pigmentation does not damage or weigh your hair down. The conditioner contains the Silk Amino Complex, which includes ceramic, amino acids, and silk that deeply penetrate hair cuticles for rich colour and hydration.
Colours: Silver Blonde, Dark Chocolate, Platinum Blonde, Mahogany Red, Golden Blonde, Coffee Bean, Red Auburn, Neon Pink, Lavender Plum, and Teal Blue.
Duration: Colour fades after 4 to 10 washes.
Usage: After shampooing, apply CHI Ionic Color Illuminate Conditioner. Depending on how strong you want the glow/colour, leave it in. We recommend at least 3 minutes. The longer, the stronger the glow and more intense the colour.
Wella Invigo Recharge Conditioner
The Wella colour conditioner refreshes or strengthens the intensity of blonde, brown, or red hair colour. The formula for redheads contains red pigments and delivers extra intense care. You can choose between a cool red or warm red shade. There is also a Recharge silver conditioner to refresh or boost the blonde colour’s intensity. Its rich formula contains pigments that neutralise yellow tones and provide extra intense care. Finally, there is a special conditioner for brunettes to restore vibrant, silky smooth colour.
Colours: Warm Blondes and Cool Blondes, Brunette, Warm Red and Cool Red.
Duration: The Recharge Conditioner lasts about 5 washes.
Usage: Use on clean, wet hair. Distribute evenly, for example in 4 sections. Usually 1-2 walnut-sized amounts are enough for medium length hair. Leave for 3 to 5 minutes depending on desired colour intensity, then rinse thoroughly.
Is a colour refresher damaging to your hair?
When you do something to your hair, you naturally want to cause as little damage as possible, but how damaging is a colour refresher really? Actually, almost all hair refreshers aren’t damaging, though some don't contain the nourishing ingredients of a typical shampoo. That’s why it’s important to follow up with a good conditioner to minimise any existing damage. So – whenever you use a colour refresher, look after your hair extra well afterwards! That way the refresher works best :)
Are there colour refreshers free from parabens and sulphates?
Do you want to give your hair a boost but prefer mild products without parabens and sulphates? We’ve listed some paraben- and sulphate-free products for you:
- Especially for blondes: the products from Maria Nila Sheer Silver! These products contain sulphate- and paraben-free ingredients in luxurious packaging, a treat for your hair and bathroom! They contain violet pigments and blackberry extract that neutralise golden tones in blonde hair. The mask adds shine and strength to hair structure. Colour Guard Complex protects and reduces colour loss caused by washing, heat styling, and UV rays.
- And for all coloured heads: hair masks from Maria Nila Colour Refresh. Available in 14 colour refreshers, suitable for various hair colours. All masks are paraben- and sulphate-free. They nourish while boosting hair colour. Longer application results in more intense colour.
Which colour refresher refreshes my blonde hair?
Do you have blonde hair and want to refresh it with a colour refresher? We’ve listed six products to refresh your blonde hair:
- MORE Haircare Extreme No yellow Shampoo #4 - A Extreme, lovely silver shampoo with a high pigment concentration that enhances and neutralises the underlying colour. It also contains nourishing ingredients, which many silver shampoos do not. Perfect to refresh your blonde hair! No nonsense, just More for less ;)
- Schwarzkopf BC pH 4.5 Color Freeze Silver Shampoo - A pigment shampoo for cool blonde tones. It protects colour vibrancy and adds shine. While cleansing, a subtle blue-violet pigment refreshes hair or adds a cool tone, while nourishing ingredients improve hair condition. Perfect against unwanted yellow tones, so Perfect for blondes!
- Schwarzkopf Blond Me - BlondMe is made for all types of blondes, offering shampoos for Warm Blondes, Cool Blondes, and All Blondes. These shampoos gently cleanse and care for delicate bleached and coloured hair. They also rebuild hair bonds, strengthening weak hair fibres. Hair feels silky soft.
- Wella Invigo Blonde Recharge Conditioner - A silver conditioner to refresh or boost colour intensity. Its rich formula contains pigments that neutralise yellow tones and offer extra intense care. It makes hair wonderfully soft. Perfect ideal to refresh your blonde hair!
Which colour refresher refreshes my red hair?
Do you have red hair and want to give it a refresh? The Schwarzkopf Color Freeze Red Shampoo refreshes your beautiful red hair! This shampoo protects colour vibrancy and adds shine. With red pigment, it gently treats hair and intensifies the red colour, while nourishing ingredients help improve hair condition. You could also use the Wella Red Recharge Conditioner. Available in Cool Red and Warm Red. Choose your favourite and refresh your gorgeous red hair!
Where can I ask my question about colour refreshers?
Is there a question still unanswered or are you unsure if a colour refresher suits your hair? Our experts are ready to help. Feel free to email or call us, happy to help!
Disclaimer - We want to emphasise that hair dyeing is specialist work and therefore we do not take any responsibility for unsuccessful dye jobs.
Photo credits: @andreaviktoria
