Avon Advance Techniques Hair Colour > Reviews (2)

The Product ~ 'Middle age is when you choose your cereal for the fiber.....not the toy'! :~)

I was thrilled to see Avon is now manufacturing hair dyes. When my local Avon rep left me the company's campaign brochure number 15, I looked over the several pages of the hair dyes on offer. The pages are laid out so professionally, with pictures of all the colours available. The company also gives advice alongside on which shades would be best for the consumers natural hair colour. As a child I had very light brown hair. These days, my hair is a mixture of chestnut brown with wild splashing of gray! I attempted to grow it out the first time I came across Dooyoo member Graygirl's profile pic, as I love the beautiful hair colour she has, but alas, it just came out looking like Worzel Gummidge!

I regularly dye my hair, choosing the range most fitted to my natural colour but a brand that promised 'perfect gray coverage' as this product does. I ordered the medium copper brown which was delivered in a very professionally designed box. The front of the package has a woman with the aforementioned hair colour. In large bold silver lettering is the brand name.

On the sides and reverse of the box is detailed all the relevant information the majority of popular brands of hair dye notes on. Such advice as allergic reaction warnings and lengthy listing of ingredients with pictures of the items enclosed in the package too. Inside the box are two sachets, one for pre-treating the hair and post-treatment, along with the developing lotion, cream colourant and gloves. A large sheet of instructions is also enclosed with the dye items. The leaflet shows excellent images complete with very simple to understand instructions, along with everything the consumer needs to know regarding the hair dying process.

Usage Experience ~ 'Tie Dye'

When I first received my Avon order, I eagerly took out the leaflet of instructions and noticed that the solution was not to be applied to hair recently washed hair. In fact, under the sub-heading 'getting ready to colour', the directions note that the consumer should 'avoid washing hair for at least 24 hours before applying the hair colour'. As eager as I was to use the colour, I waited until the next day to dye my hair. I have an old t-shirt that I wear to protect my shoulders from dyes as towels tend to slip off when I'm trying to apply dye treatments.

1) Firstly, I applied the contents of the pre-treatment sachet to 'the length and ends' of my dry hair, ensuring that I massaged the thin lotion into the strands well. The pre-treatment is not to be applied to the roots. I found that using this serum on my shoulder length hair covered the areas well. The lotion feels like a cheap version of hair conditioner, thin and lacking richness in texture, yet it has a quality effect on my hair.

2) Without washing this product out, next I had to apply the dye. In a small transparent tube shaped like the Kinder egg product, are the gloves to protect hands whilst performing the hair colouring process.

I am very please to confirm that these protective gloves are very similar to the clinical ones used by healthcare professionals, a pair of white vinyl gloves but they do not feel as if they contain latex. This is probably a prudent move by Avon considering that there are consumers that may suffer an allergy towards this component. I found the gloves a little difficult to pop on, so I sprinkled some talcum powder on to my hands, and they then covered my hands very easily.

3) I unscrewed the lid off from the application container and carefully placed the tub and lid onto a wide flat surface in the bathroom. I then took the tiny lid off from the crème colourant, reversed the lid to pierce the thick foil cover. Next I carefully squeezed the entire contents into the developing lotion. The lotion is very thick and the container needs a little shake now and then to disperse the cream more. The contents have a potent chemical smell so a well ventilated area to perform the task is crucial. Placing the cap firmly onto the bottle, I shook well until thoroughly mixed. Next, I unscrewed the small tip from the cap to begin the process of dying my hair.

4) I applied this mixture onto my hair, beginning at the sections near my temples where grey strands are particularly noticeable. I continued covering my hair, dividing into small sections as I covered the hair to ensure good coverage. At first, the colour is a rather disconcerting muddy mixture of bland browns but soon changes to a very rich and darkened chocolate brown. As I have pretty resistant grey strands, I left the product on my hair for 35 minutes, but counting from the time I began the task of covering my hair with the formula. During the time, I wipe away and small runs of the dye to prevent discolouration of the skin.

5) After thirty five minutes, I ran a little warm water onto my scalp, and massaged my hair to promote a light lather. I then rinsed my hair until the water ran clear of signs of the dye. I then applied the post treatment conditioner onto my hair and waited two minutes before removing the lightly scented and thick luxurious white cream. After rinsing the solution off with warm water and combing my hair through with a wide toothed comb, I gently towel dried my hair and then allowed my hair to dry naturally.

6) The results are excellent. I am left with gorgeous rich brown and lightened copper tones. My hair looks conditioned and far healthier than prior to usage of the product. My hair also has a very soft and silky feel that adds to the overall effect. There is a complete coverage of all grey strands. In sunlight, the copper tones are particularly vibrant but natural looking.

Recommend ~ 'I'm entering the "metallic years"...silver in my hair, gold in my teeth and lead in my bottom'! :~)

I would certainly recommend this brand to other consumers who are looking for a natural looking hair dye and 100% coverage of grey hair. Though, it is vital to choose a colour very similar to one's own to furnish a look that will compliment.

Added to this, one may need two dyes, as for me, this product covered my shoulder length hair well, but and longer and/or thicker hair, would need twice as much dying products!

I purchased the product for £4.50 via my local Avon rep but it can also be purchased online through the company's website, Avonshop.co.uk, currently available for £6 with a 'free Styling Comb when you buy any Advance Techniques Professional Hair Colour'.

Summary: The product affords a natural, shiny and excellent coverage of graying hair at a reasonable price.

Thank you for taking the time to read my review on Avon Advance Techniques Professional Hair Colour. I hope it was beneficial :~) xXx