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Over the years, I’ve dabbled in demi-permanent trends like Peek-a-Boo highlights and Kool-Aid dip dye (that was a moment in time) in addition to more buttoned-up drugstore and beauty supply options. I love changing up my look, and there are so many TikTok trends I want to try, so demi-permanent hair color is my go-to for experimenting (it washes out over time unlike permanent hair color that lasts until it grows out).
When I heard about Madison Reed’s new ColorWonder demi-permanent hair color, I was intrigued. Really intrigued. Unlike their Permanent Hair Color (which we reviewed – and loved – here) the brand’s new ColorWonder demi-permanent dye is designed to last up to 25 washes and fades gradually to allow for more frequent color changes. Vibrant colors, swoon-worthy shades, and high pigment payoff that I can regularly play around with? Sign me up.
The Beauty of Madison Reed Hair Color
While I hadn’t used Madison Reed before, I had heard about it – most notably that their products are free of harsh ingredients like ammonia, PPD, resorcinol, parabens, phthalates, gluten, SLS, and titanium dioxide, and are crafted in Italy according to strict European Union safety standards. On top of that, everything is Leaping Bunny certified (that’s the international gold standard of cruelty-free beauty).
Plus, it’s made with keratin, argan oil, and ginseng root extract which leaves hair looking healthy and shiny. While my hair’s health didn’t used to be a priority for me, now that I’m older – and have a job – this is very important to me!
16 Fun And Flirty Demi-Permanent Hair Color Shades
ColorWonder’s shade portfolio can suit all hair types and textures: Midnight Blues and Plum And Then Some are gorgeous dark hues, while natural-looking shades like Better Off Bronze and It’s Giving Golden can give a subtle yet stunning change.
The fun really starts with vibrant options like The Bordeaux Flow and Pink Orchid, and more unique options like Iconic Bronde and Sparkling Rosé. Madison Reed has also included shades – such as The Mocha Mojo, Espresso Yourself, and Brunette Bombshell – for blending gray hair. It’s worth noting that ColorWonder cannot lighten hair.
I was deciding between Sparkling Rose, That’s So Fire, and Cherrybomb, and ultimately went with Cherrybomb (for now…) because I’ve been loving the viral Cherry Cola hair trend – plus I wanted something fresh for summer that would still complement my skin tone. (I plan to try out the others too, and since demi-permanent hair color isn’t permanent, I can switch things up often.)
How To Use ColorWonder Hair Color
Like I’ve mentioned, I’m pretty seasoned when it comes to DIY hair dye – but if I weren’t, I’d absolutely recommend ColorWonder as a starting place for at-home color. It works in 20 minutes and is super easy to apply (you don’t have to be scared of messing up!). Section your hair (while it’s dry), combine the color and activator (shake for ~one minute), apply all over from roots to ends, let it process for 20 minutes, and wash (shampoo, and I prefer a leave-in conditioner here).
I’ll let my Madison Reed results speak for themselves…
Okay, I’d actually like to say a few things about my results. Firstly, the color is perfectly pigmented and actually lasts (which is saying a lot for a demi-permanent dye!). I’ve washed my hair probably 12 times, and I’m thrilled with how it (still) looks. Plus, it feels so healthy, too. Using box dyes with ammonia in the past definitely damaged my hair, but Madison Reed’s formula feels so much gentler.
Plus, if I ever feel like pampering myself, Madison Reed also has 90+ Hair Color Bars where I can book an appointment to have their Expert Colorists apply ColorWonder for me (plus a color consultation and styling, too!).
Consider Me Converted
I have been so impressed with Madison Reed’s demi-permanent hair color. The process couldn’t be simpler, the colors are amazing, and the results are salon-quality. My hair also feels healthier and looks shinier than it ever has with at-home dye, which is a big deal because I’m going to be experimenting with my hair color more often now that I’ve found ColorWonder.
For anyone hesitant to dye their hair at home, I highly recommend giving Madison Reed’s ColorWonder a try. I know taking things into your own hands can feel intimidating – but it’s also really empowering (and hard to mess up with a product this good and low stakes).
I’m not sure what the next TikTok trend will be, but I am sure that I’ll be using ColorWonder to try it out for myself!
