“Introducing U Color™ by Umberto – the cutting-edge line of foolproof professional color in a no-measure sachet system that is so simple, anyone can get salon-style results in the comfort of their home. At a time where money is tight and women are really cutting back on spending, Umberto (salon master of Beverly Hills) wanted to provide women with a product that allows them to both look and feel beautiful even if they don’t have the money for in-salon color or frequent touch-ups. This specially formulated demi-permanent color has richer pigments for vibrant color. The formula is gentle like a semi-permanent but long lasting like a permanent color and because of the Equalizer it covers gray.  It is conveniently packaged in a mess-free Sachet Packet System designed to apply directly to the hair. Just snip, squeeze and smoosh!”

Notes Pre-Color:

I have the opportunity to try out this at home color (yes, I do my own hair at home just like TONS of other women) using my chosen shade of Pearl Blond. I am a natural blond but in recent years my hair has lost its once amazing natural color and now it is more dull than it is fantastic. My goal going into trying U Color was to get an awesome shade of blond, a few shades lighter than mine without looking toooooo too fake (a little fake is OK and welcomed). I am excited about a hair color that it supposedly long lasting, more vibrant and super easy to use. I am also looking for something that is easy and perhaps a little cleaner than my current (and to remain unnamed) at home color. The man is always complaining that I get color all over the place, despite my best efforts in keeping things contained. So with those hopes and dreams, I went into the bathroom to do the deed.

So how did I like it? How did my color come out?

So to look at this set, I was pretty psyched. Already it was different. First of all, they give you two set of the color packets, yes color packets. I was a little surprised by them only including one glove per packet but went with it.  I am used to a bottle type hair color, where you mix the color and the developer, shake it up and then apply to your hair. The U Color asked you to fold the color, developer and  equalizer packets over one another, then snip the tops off each one so that each packet dispenses at the same time. Easier said than done. When I lined everything up and snipped accross the three, it did not cut the developer so when I went to “smoosh” out, not every packet dispersed evenly. I was very careful and really thought that I did it correctly. I did not and since the directions were very clear in being sure that everything dispersed evenly, knowing I had lost some color and equalizer, I tossed the first set and decided to mix the second set of packets in a bowl so that I could finish the review.

At this point I am starting to get a little frustrated but forge ahead. I put the second set of packets in a bowl and mix it together. I use both gloves provided to apply the color to my hair. Here is where I realize why there are two packets. I was barely able to get enough color out of the remaining packet to cover my hair. It was good thing I just cut my hair Summer short or else I may not have had enough for full coverage. Here is where I made note that the scent of the hair color is MUCH better than my normal potent solution. This was literally a breathe of fresh air.  So I finished the application, set my timer for 25 minutes, rinsed, then blow dried.

The color? It’s nice. I am pretty happy that it was a good outcome. My roots were covered, the color does have a nice shine when it catches the light.  Will I switch over to U Color? I am not sure. I admittedly had some issues with the application but perhaps that is because I am a creature of habit and have been at the Home Color game for quite some time now. I should probably give it one more go ’round just for the pure fact that I did stretch the one packet and could probably have had a better experience. The color did leave my hair feeling healthy and not dry/brittle so that is definitely a plus. I will say to all of you that as you try at home color you always want to keep these things in mind as well as read the directions very carefully. As you can see, even the most season at home stylists can have issues.

Kit includes:

• 2 Sachet Packets (6 Fl. Oz. total) including Color, Developer and Equalizer that comes ready to use
• Mini Detail Brush
• Latex Gloves
• Illustrated Instructions

*The unique line of top quality hair care products, The Umberto Beverly Hills line of professional products, U Color is available in 24 shades for a suggested retail price of $12.00 at leading beauty supply outlets and www.ulta.com and www.ucolorbh.com.

Read the rest of this entry »