Hair dye: how to buy the right shade at a good price
A shade number reads like a formula
In professional dyes a number such as 7.1 has two parts: the first digit is the depth of tone (from 1, black, to 10, the lightest blonde), and the digit after the point is the shade. A 1 after the point usually means ash, a 3 means golden, but brands can use different codes. So always check the number against that maker's chart.
The result also depends on your starting hair colour. Dark hair will not turn light without lightening, and on previously coloured hair the shade will come out different from the box.
What to put in your request
- Product — permanent dye, ammonia-free dye, toner, lightener, developer, henna.
- Shade — number or name, for example 7.1 ash blonde.
- Brand — for example, Wella Koleston.
- Home or professional — a 60 ml tube for a stylist or a box for home.
- Grey hair — whether you need to cover it and roughly how much.
- Quantity — how many tubes or boxes.
- Budget and delivery city.
Example: “I need professional Wella Koleston 7.1, 3 tubes of 60 ml, and 6% developer, 1000 ml. About 50% grey to cover. Brisbane, courier delivery. Budget up to $34.”
Developer: the detail people forget
Professional dye is mixed with a developer, so you need to buy that too. The developer percentage (from weak to strong) decides how much lighter the colour comes out and how well grey is covered. For a darker tone people usually take less, for lightening more, but in the end it depends on the condition of the hair and the maker's instructions.
Dyes with ammonia last longer and cover grey better, while ammonia-free ones are gentler on hair but may fade sooner. Henna is a natural option with a limited palette, and it does not mix with ordinary dyes.
Grey hair and preparation
If there is little grey, an ordinary permanent dye is usually enough. When there is more than half, makers advise natural shades, which cover it better, and leaving the dye on a little longer. Do a patch test for skin sensitivity before colouring, especially with a new brand.
How to compare offers
- The exact shade number and the size of the tube or pack.
- Whether the developer is included in the price or must be bought separately.
- Manufacturing date and expiry date.
- An original from an authorised distributor.
If you are colouring for the first time after lightening, or you doubt the result, talk to a colourist.
How it works on BlaBlaPrice
Create a request, and sellers send offers in the chat with price, quantity and delivery. They see where they stand and compete on terms. BlaBlaPrice shows the best one first, seller reviews are visible next to it, and your phone number is hidden. Also read “How it works”.
After colouring you will need hair care.
