Color&Co burst onto the scene in 2019 with a revamped approach to at-home hair color, offering clients a personalized dye formula and guidance from professional colorists. With COVID-19 shutting down salons, many have turned to drugstore boxes or DIY methods, often with disastrous results. That‘s where Color&Co saw their chance to disrupt the market.
I decided to put Color&Co‘s custom hair color service to the test in this comprehensive review. Are the results truly salon-quality? Is it worth the price tag? After multiple applications and rigorous wash tests, I‘m breaking down everything you need to know.
How Does Color&Co‘s Custom Process Work?
Ordering your made-to-order shade is simple, starting with either the online hair quiz or a video call with a colorist.
The Digital Quiz
Color&Co‘s quiz takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. It covers your hair history, goals, lifestyle and more to match you to suggested colors. For example:
- Natural hair level and tone
- Previous chemical treatments
- Percentage of grays
- Color upkeep routine
- Dream inspiration shades
- Skin undertone
Once submitted, you can view recommended hues and depths that suit your needs. Unsure where to start? Schedule a quick video chat.
One-on-One Consultation
Have your own virtual session with a licensed colorist for personalized guidance. Consultations are available 7 days a week from 8am-12am EST, with color experts ready to assist you.
My consultant Janelle was friendly, asking questions about my current shade, problem areas and overall vision. She made note of my skin tone and eye color, explaining how that impacts what hues will be most flattering. I showed photos of inspiration shades I liked.
Based on the info provided, Janelle suggested a few potential options. I selected my favorite, which she adjusted to my ideal depth and tone. And just like that, I had my custom color formula!
Developing Your Made-to-Order Shade
Once your consultation ends, L‘Oreal‘s expert chemists get to work developing your customized hair dye. They create it from scratch using professional-grade pigments to match your recipe.
The entire process takes 2-3 days. Soon enough, my hair color kit was shipped directly to my door.
Unboxing My Color&Co Kit
I‘ll admit, receiving my box felt like an early birthday gift to myself!
Inside I found:
- Custom hair color formula
- Disposable gloves
- Stain block gel
- Color eraser wipe
- Tailored instructions
- Replenishing hair mask
- Developer cream
- Applicator brush & bowl
The included tools and handy visual guidelines made what could be an intimidating process feel welcoming. It was all clearly laid out, with each step explained.
Those staining and fading fighters are a true perk. No need to worry about dripping dye! The collagen-infused mask also helps lock in shine and smoothness post-application.
Applying the Custom Color
With my kit unpacked, it was time to get down to business. Here‘s how I transformed my hair with Color&Co:
Prepping My Hair
I started by shampooing twice with a clarifying shampoo to remove residue. This helps the new pigment absorb better.
Next, I pulled on the included gloves and applied the stain block gel around my hairline, ears and neck as a barrier. No dye accidents today!
Mixing the Formula
I poured my custom color into the bowl, adding in the developer cream. Using the brush, I whipped them together until the mixture became a uniform consistency with no streaks.
Color Application
Working in sections, I painted the formula from root to tip, ensuring even saturation. Once covered, I piled my whole head into a clip and set my phone timer for 25 minutes.
As I waited, I gently massaged the color to boost development, double checking for missed spots.
Rinsing
When time was up, I rinsed until the water ran clear. That‘s when I applied the replenishing hair mask, letting it soak in for 5 minutes before a final rinse.
I finished by dabbing my hair dry with a clean towel, ready to see the final results!
Pro Tip: Start your stopwatch once all color is applied, not as soon as you start painting it on your first section.
Rating My Custom Color Results
Stepping out of the shower, my hair felt silky and renewed. As for the shade – it was perfect!
The rich chocolate brown with subtle warm undertones was an exact match for what Janelle and I discussed. It blended seamlessly with my natural growth and grays for a uniform color from top to bottom. No amateur-looking hot roots in sight!
Most importantly, I look and feel like the best version of myself, instead of an awkward box dye mishap. Beyond the boost of confidence, my hair is smoother, shinier, and healthier thanks to the nourishing formula.
The true test will be seeing how long it wears over the next weeks with proper care. But first impressions – I‘m thrilled! Custom color for the win.
My Color & Co Shade Results
- Goal shade: Milk chocolate brown with warm cocoa undertones
- Achieved shade: Perfect match! Rich chocolate brown with warm depth
How Long Does Custom Color Last?
With the right maintenance routine, Color&Co says results can last 4-6 weeks. However, there are a few variables that impact longevity:
Hair Type & Texture
Porous, damaged and color treated hair often fades faster since it absorbs more pigment. Healthy, virgin hair holds onto color better.
Application Technique
Even saturation from roots to ends leads to longer lasting color. Missing spots or uneven application causes fading.
Aftercare
Proper shampooing and conditioning keeps custom color vibrant. Harsh washes cause it to slip away sooner.
To get the most wear from each application, use Color&Co‘s customize hair products like the Colorlast Shampoo and Conditioner. They‘re designed to lock in your custom shade.
With 2 applications under my belt, I found the color lasted just shy of 5 weeks before needing a refresh. As someone who works out often and washes frequently, I was seriously impressed!
Color&Co‘s Haircare Range
In addition to the custom dye kits, Color&Co offers a full hair care system to maintain your shade between applications.
Colorlast Shampoo
This sulfate-free cleanser is gentle enough for daily use on color treated hair. It won‘t strip or fade your custom color. Along with removing buildup, Venezuela Balsam extract helps boost shine and smoothness.
Colorlast Conditioner
The nourishing conditioner hydrates parched strands while protecting against future damage. Key ingredients like apricot oil leave hair silky without weighing it down.
Colorlast Hair Mask
Give strands an extra dose of TLC with this intensive weekly treatment. The reparative formula infuses protein, ceramides and algae extract to strengthen while boosting vibrancy.
Along with keeping your shade brilliant, the entire range leaves hair healthier. Products start at $12 per bottle.
What Are the Pros of Custom Hair Color?
After extensive testing, here are the standout benefits I found with Color&Co:
Salon-Quality Results without Leaving Home
No more awkward grow-out or obvious touch-ups! Their custom approach achieves seamless, natural looking color from root to tip.
Affordable Compared to the Salon
One application through Color&Co starts at just $25 compared to $150+ for pro color. The subscription saves you even more per box.
Fully Customized Shade & Formula
No more guessing games with drugstore boxes. Every aspect from tone to technique is tailored to your hair‘s unique needs.
Ammonia-Free and Low Odor
The pleasant formula won‘t overwhelm your senses. And it‘s gentler than many salon options.
Accessible Expert Guidance
Get advice from top colorists anytime without a pricey appointment. Peace of mind for DIY first-timers.
Results Last 4-6 Weeks
Thanks to the premium formula and proper prep, it sticks around for over a month in many cases.
Clearly, Color&Co has found the sweet spot between professional color and inbox convenience. But there are a few things to consider before taking the plunge.
What Are the Cons of At-Home Custom Color?
While the service delivers on its promise of simplified, salon-quality dye jobs, there are some disadvantages depending on your situation:
The Consultation Isn‘t In-Person
describing your hair over video chat vs having a colorist inspect it means suggestions may not be 100% spot-on. Lighting, camera quality and monitors also impact how shades appear digitally. I found the colorists quite skilled, but an inaccurate assessment could lead to disappointment.
It Requires More Effort Than Standard Box Dye
If you want a quick, fuss-free touch-up, traditional home color may be easier. The custom process from take quiz to color mixing requires more steps before applying it yourself. However for those seeking dramatic changes or return to "virgin" locks, the extra effort pays off thanks to the transformative results.
There‘s Still a Learning Curve
While the custom formula and handy tools simplify the process immensely, first-time or occasional DIYers have a bit of a learning curve to navigate. But between the detailed instructions and application tips from your colorist, it‘s very beginner-friendly.
Results Depend Partly On Your Skill
How evenly and thoroughly you apply the prescribed formula impacts end results. Missed spots or uneven saturation leads to fading. But their technique guidance combined with a little practice takes the guesswork out.
It‘s Only Available in the U.S.
For now, Color&Co only ships within the United States. No luck for international beauty lovers wanting to get in on the customization trend. Fingers crossed they eventually expand the service globally!
Consider what matters most – convenience or customization? Overall if you‘re seeking salon-caliber hue that‘s personalized to your needs, Color&Co delivers.
How Much Does Color&Co‘s Service Cost?
So what kind of investment does this custom makeover require? Color&Co offers flexible purchasing options to save you money:
One-Time Delivery
Order your tailor-made formula just once for $29.90 plus tax. It‘s delivered 2-3 days after your color consultation.
Subscribe & Save
Ongoing deliveries every 4-6 weeks cost only $22 with free shipping. That‘s 25% in savings compared to one-off purchases.
Modify the frequency or cancel anytime based on your needs.
Compared to spending $150+ on an in-salon dye job every 6 weeks, you save big bucks with an Color&Co subscription. Even just a couple applications pays for itself.
Bottom Line
- One custom application = $29.90
- Ongoing applications (subscription) = $22 each
Not sure you‘re ready to commit? Use promo code FIRSTBOX to save 50% off your initial kit!
Color&Co Review: The Verdict
Through extensive first-hand testing – I can confidently recommend Color&Co‘s at-home custom hair color! The brand offers a win-win proposition.
Thanks to the personalized consultation, included tools and conditioning formula, DIY dye jobs level up from drab to fab.
The shades match beautifully to each client‘s taste and skin tone. And the richness lasts 4-6 weeks in many cases. Plus you save big bucks compared to the salon.
Could the consultation be slightly more tailored with an in-person analysis? Sure. But the colorists receive extensive training to assess hair from every angle. I found the recommendations extremely accurate.
All in all, Color&Co delivers transformative yet natural hair color without leaving home. No matter your base shade or experience level, it‘s a foolproof way to get that fresh-from-the-salon look.
Ready to refresh your strands with custom color? Get started here. Use code FIRSTBOX50 to save 50% off your first order!
