There’s nothing better than the rich, vibrant look of freshly dyed hair. But it can only take a few washes to start fading or losing its tone. Add in UV exposure and heat styling, and that once-fresh-out-of-the-salon look goes quickly down the plughole – quite literally.
But we think we’ve found the perfect solution for maintaining vibrancy between appointments (or sessions over the sink with a box dye). It takes just 10 minutes, is easy to use and it helps blend greys. Let us introduce you to the Wella Professionals Color Fresh Mask. Here’s what you need to know.
Wella Professionals Color Fresh Mask at a glance
- Semi-permanent, less invasive than regular hair dye
- Wide range of shades available
- 10-minute treatment time
- Formulated with hair-nourishing ingredients
Cons:
- Doesn’t last as long as a regular hair dye
How it works
Inside the tube is a pigmented, semi-permanent colour mask with added conditioning ingredients. It’s perfect for those looking to freshen up dyed hair or keen for a change without the commitment or potential damage of a permanent dye.
It works similarly to a regular hair mask in the sense that it deposits hair-strengthening ingredients to help keep strands healthy and glossy. Avocado oil and apricot kernel oil work to hydrate hair from within the shaft rather than at surface level. On top of this, the mask also has a smoothing effect on the hair, helping to reduce fly-aways and frizz, leaving your locks glossy and shiny.
What makes it different to other dyes
There are a couple of points of difference when comparing this to a typical dye. Firstly, there’s application. You can forget about mixing together a box dye or having to wait around for the colour to saturate your hair. You simply squeeze out the pre-mixed treatment from the tube and apply on to your hair for a minimum of 10 minutes – or up to 20 minutes if you want a richer, bolder finish.
You simply shampoo your hair like normal but don’t condition it. Instead, towel-dry your hair enough so that it’s not dripping and apply a generous layer of the mask. It helps if you section it out, ensuring you cover all areas from root to tip for an even layer of coverage. It does extend the time it takes to undergo your dreaded hair-wash night, but the colour payoff is worth it and it takes considerably less time (and money) than paying a visit to the salon.
Another difference is the ingredient list. Unlike permanent hair dye, it doesn’t contain any ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, which can have a drying and damaging effect on your hair. This mask only coats the outside layer of the shaft, too, rather than the more intrusive nature of permanent hair dyes. So not only does it keep your colour looking fresh, but it helps maintain the condition, especially as it should reduce the number of times you need to re-dye.
It’s perfect for those looking to banish any warmer tones creeping into dark brown or black hair. It’s also a quick short-term fix for blending grey hairs into surrounding colour, so the root grow-out doesn’t contrast so vividly against your dyed hair.
There’s a wide range of colours available, from dark brown and black shades to caramel tones and pearl blondes, all the way to more vibrant colours such as pink or mint.
My honest verdict
This mask has saved me from eye-wateringly expensive London salon visits so many times, as it works hard to extend the lifetime of my bottle brunette. It’s not as dark or permanent as a colour treatment, but it gives me a deeper, more even-toned brown and banishes some of the warmer tones I tend to see around week four. I’ve had endless compliments from my friends in the days after I’ve applied it, which is enough to keep me going back for more.
My hair also feels softer and looks shinier, too, and I like that the formulation is less invasive and drying on my hair than permanent dye. Be careful when you apply it, though, as it will stain your palms if you don’t wash it off. I’ve dedicated a pair of trusty marigolds to the cause.
My only gripe would be getting out of the shower to apply it and having to wait a whole 10 to 20 minutes, but every time I see the results, I know it’s worth it.
The final verdict
Wella Professional Color Refresh Mask
Wella Professional Color Refresh Mask
Overall, this is an effective solution for keeping your hair colour looking fresh in between appointments. At the same time, the easy 10-minute application leaves hair feeling nourished and cared for.
I love that it boosts tone and can blend in stand-out greys, too.
And I think it’s good value. Depending on your hair length and how often you apply, a tube can last you a good couple of months with weekly application. Just don’t forget to wear gloves!
Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and Health & Wellness products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.
When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.
