Wella Kolestint Hair Color - Medium Mahogany Brown {Product Review}

Box got damaged during the transit

Before reading this post, let me tell you that I have written this post in segments (before coloring my hair while doing the strand test and after the coloration) so you might find some tenses a bit confusing. 

Color chart provided on the box though I read somewhere that results of these at-home treatments rarely correspond with that of the given colors

Well, as I had read in some blog, my hair was a virgin till February when I first used Lush Caca Noir. I have been wanting to color my hair since quite a few years but then scare of ammonia and other things had discouraged me and I really don't like to take risks. But, when Wella sent a mail for voluntary applications, I really couldn't resist myself. So, I asked for Medium Mahogany Brown and Burgundy. This time I am using Medium Mahogany Brown. I'll use Burgundy after probably 4-5 months or depending on how long this hair color lasts. I got the package around 20 days back but I had to go out of town so I couldn't give it a try but I have been dying to use it. I came back a few days back and one of the first few things on the list included trying out Wella Kolestint.

Price: 519 INR 

How to use it?

The packaging comes with a very detailed instruction set which clearly tells how to use the product. 

Nourishing Almond Cream for pre-coloration treatment, color creme in the tube and developer in the bottle and the after-color shine treatment as a conditioner afterward and a pair of gloves

So, to make the long story short, you apply the almond cream before coloring the hair. Then, mix the color creme and the developer in equal quantities and apply to the entire hair or the sections you want to. Leave it for 40 minutes on average. Wash off without shampooing. Follow with the conditioner provided.

Instruction Leaflet

The instruction set also comes with the allergy patch test and strand test instructions which must be followed before hand (around 48 hours before coloring the hair). I did not perform the allergy test which is extremely wrong so please do not miss out on this step. It is very important.

My Experience

Now, I have used a block of Lush Caca Noir probably in the ending of April (around 27-30th April). So, I am not very sure how the color would turn up. 

Before Coloring

Now, I have applied the color and washed it off. So, first let me describe the application part. The pre-treatment almond cream smells awesome and is pretty smooth to apply. Now, comes the hard part. After mixing the creme color and creme developer, do not inhale the fumes ever. Strong doses of Ammonia come through so apply the color in a properly ventilated area otherwise you might really die of toxic fumes (I don't think that would happen but I really felt that). It is choking and do have someone else with you while doing this procedure in case of any problem. Asthma people should probably stay away from it. 

Now, the application of the paste is really very easy coz it is pretty smooth and a creamy mixture just like a very creamy conditioner. It glides on smoothly on the hair. The resultant color of the paste for the Medium Mahogany was a hideous orange. So, after applying, I did feel a burning sensation on the scalp for about 5-10 minutes. It was uncomfortable but not intolerable. Now, let me confess again, it is my fault that I did not do the patch test for allergic reactions which is extremely important so do not miss it. I would also like to ask if anyone has tried it and felt the same reaction. Do share. The sensation dissipated after 10-15 minutes. I did think of washing it off but I thought why not see it for 5 minutes more. So, I probably kept the developer on for like an hour or 50 minutes. I did the strand test but there was no change of color so I wasn't even sure if anything would happen. 

After the stipulated time, I washed off the color without using a shampoo. It lathers very well. I used normal water, not hot or cold. I think its best to use normal water or very lukewarm. Beware that strong ammonia fumes would come again (it comes in small doses when you have the color developer on your hair so sit in a well-ventilated area). Do not breathe in them and keep the exhaust fan of your bathroom switched on at this time. That will help to an extent. Wash thoroughly till everything is washed out. Follow with the given conditioner. And, do not forget to wash your body and face after doing this coz color might stick to your body while flowing down. Now, the hair was colored. 

After Coloring without flash - my hair is more shiny

After Coloring with flash (you can see subtle hints of color)

Now, when I saw at first, I thought there is no difference in my hair. But, when I checked it properly, my hair does seem to be mahogany color but it is not as rich as I wanted it to be. My hair does feel smooth and is looking shinier than before. I shall update on its progress after a week and 15 days and a month and also on how long it lasts. Finally, it was a different experience for me except for the part of ammonia fumes which is probably why I think people say yes to ammonia-free hair color. I have never used any other hair color so I cant compare. And, regarding my recommendation, I shall reserve the judgment for two weeks.

In the morning without flash - you can see subtle coloring

In the morning with flash

In the morning without flash- see the change of coloring with the light

PS : Product sent by brand for consideration.