The 5 best professional hair colour brands for hairdressers

As a hairdresser, your role goes beyond cutting and styling hair—you're also responsible for selecting the perfect hair colour for your clients. The right shade can completely transform someone's look, and it's essential that you choose the best professional hair colour brand to achieve the perfect result. But with so many options out there, how do you know which brands stand out? And what should you be looking for when picking a product?

In this guide, we'll look at some of the best UK hair colour brands, their key products, and factors to consider when choosing the right hair colour for your clients. Plus, we'll tackle some frequently asked questions to help you make more informed decisions in your salon.

 

 

What to look for when choosing the best professional hair colour brand

When it comes to choosing the best professional hair colour brand, there are several things you need to keep in mind. You're looking for products that will deliver vibrant, long-lasting results while keeping your clients' hair healthy. Here's what you should consider when making your selection:

1. Range of colours

The best professional hair colour brand should offer a wide variety of shades, from natural tones to vibrant, on-trend colours. Whether your clients want a bold new look or just need subtle highlights, the colour range should cover all their needs. Ensure the brand offers shades that complement different skin tones and hair types.

2. Hair health and ingredients

Not all hair dyes are created equal when it comes to hair health. Look for brands that incorporate nourishing ingredients like oils, proteins, and vitamins, which will help keep the hair strong and shiny. Some brands also offer ammonia-free formulas for clients with sensitive scalps or damaged hair. Of course, you should also always carry out a patch test to ensure that your clients aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients present in the hair dye you’re using.

3. Colour longevity

A great colour brand should offer long-lasting results. Some colours fade faster than others, so choose a brand known for its staying power. You’ll want to avoid constant touch-ups, especially for clients who prefer low-maintenance hair.

4. Application ease

Professional hair colours should be easy to mix, apply and distribute evenly through the hair. Look for brands that offer user-friendly formulas and clear instructions, especially when working with different hair textures and tones.

5. Price and value for money

Professional hair colour brands can be costly, but you want to ensure you get value for your investment. While pricier products tend to offer better results and protection, always consider your salon's budget and the volume of clients you serve. Many high-end brands also offer bulk options that can reduce the cost per application.

6. Client’s hair type

Different clients have different hair types, and you'll want to choose a brand that works for everyone. Whether your client's hair is thick, fine, dry or oily, ensure the products you use are compatible with various textures and conditions.

 

 

Best professional hair colour brands in the UK

Now that we know what to look for in a professional hair colour brand let's explore some of the best options available in the UK.

1. Wella Professionals

Wella is a top contender for the UK's best professional hair colour brand. With decades of experience in the industry, Wella offers a vast colour range and high-performance products.

Key Products:

• Koleston Perfect: Known for its rich, permanent colour and vibrant results.
• Illumina Color: Ideal for luminous and natural-looking hair.
• Color Touch: Semi-permanent hair colour for softer, pastel shades.

Pros:

• Extensive colour range, including both classic and on-trend shades.
• Ammonia-free options are available for a gentler colouring experience.
• Great for all hair types, especially those with dry or damaged hair.

Cons:

• Slightly on the higher end in terms of price.
• Some shades may require frequent maintenance.

Best For: Permanent colour, grey coverage, vibrant tones, and high-quality results.

 

2. L'Oréal Professionnel

L'Oréal is another household name in the hair industry, and for good reason. Known for its innovative products, L'Oréal offers a great selection of professional colour options that cater to a wide range of hair types and preferences.

Key Products:

• Majirel: Permanent colour with rich tones and excellent grey coverage.
• Inoa: Ammonia-free formula that offers gentle, long-lasting colour.
• Dia Richesse: Glossy and vibrant semi-permanent colours.

Pros:

• Wide range of colour options, from natural to bold hues.
• Good options for sensitive scalps, such as ammonia-free formulas.
• Easy-to-apply formulas.

Cons:

• Can be a bit more expensive for high-quality results.
• Some colours may fade more quickly than others.

Best For: Grey coverage, permanent colour, and ammonia-free solutions.

 

3. Goldwell

Goldwell is a premium brand that’s trusted by hairdressers worldwide. Their products are known for their ability to create multidimensional colour with vibrant, long-lasting results.

Key Products:

• Topchic: Permanent colour that delivers glossy, vibrant results.
• Elumen: Unique colour system for high-intensity colours without the use of ammonia.
• Colorance: Semi-permanent colour that offers shine and colour depth.

Pros:

• Colour vibrancy is consistently high with long-lasting results.
• Offers both permanent and semi-permanent solutions.
• Innovative formulas, especially with ammonia-free and direct dye options.

Cons:

• Higher price point.
• Some colours require a bit of precision in application to avoid unevenness.

Best For: Colour corrections, bold shades, and clients who want multidimensional colour.

 

4. Schwarzkopf Professional

Schwarzkopf is a trusted brand with a reputation for high-quality products that work well for all hair types. Their colour options are widely popular, and their products are formulated to protect the hair while colouring.

Key Products:

• Igora Royal: Permanent colour for intense, true-to-tone results.
• Igora Vibrance: Ammonia-free and semi-permanent colour that offers a glossy finish.
• Blondme: Perfect for lightening, highlights, and blondes.

Pros:

• Rich and vibrant colour that’s easy to apply.
• Products are well-suited for colour corrections and extreme transformations.
• Good for all hair types, especially for blondes and lightening services.

Cons:

• Some colours may require a longer processing time.
• Pricing can be on the higher side for premium products.

Best For: Permanent colour, vibrant hues, and blonde transformations.

 

5. Matrix SoColor

Matrix is a brand that offers high-quality hair colour solutions that focus on providing true-to-tone results and long-lasting effects. It's popular among professional stylists for its consistency and reliability.

Key Products:

• SoColor: Offers a wide range of permanent colours with excellent coverage.
• ColorSync: Semi-permanent colour for a subtle, natural look.
• Vivid Colours: For those who want bold, fun shades.

Pros:

• Great value for money without compromising quality.
• Offers a wide range of natural shades and vivid colours.
• The formula is gentle and doesn’t damage hair.

Cons:

• Some lighter shades may require extra care to avoid brassiness.
• Can be less durable on very porous hair.

Best For: Permanent colour, grey coverage, and natural to vibrant hues.

 

 

FAQs: Your hair colouring questions answered

What hair dye do most salons use?

Most salons in the UK use professional-grade products from brands like Wella, L'Oréal Professionnel, Schwarzkopf, and Matrix. These brands are trusted for their quality, performance, and range of colour options.

What are the current trends in hair colouring?

Trends and beauty standards are changing constantly, but some of the most popular trends right now include:

• Balayage and Ombré: These styles provide a natural, sun-kissed effect with a soft, blended colour.
• Bold Pastels: Soft pastel shades like lavender, pink, and mint are still in high demand.
• Grey Coverage: Silver and grey shades are increasingly fashionable alongside natural-looking grey coverage.

How do you change hair colour without damaging your hair?

Choosing a high-quality, nourishing product is essential to avoid damaging your hair. Brands like Redken and Wella offer colour options with added conditioners and proteins that help maintain hair health. Also, use professional hair care products designed for coloured hair. If your hair is already damaged, you can try using products such as OLAPLEX in-salon treatments to help repair and strengthen your hair.

Do professional hair colours last longer than at-home colours?

Yes, professional hair colours generally last longer than at-home versions. Professional products are formulated to penetrate the hair shaft more effectively, meaning they stay vibrant and true to tone for longer.

Which hair colour brand is best in the UK?

The best professional hair colour brand in the UK depends on your specific needs. Wella, L'Oréal, and Schwarzkopf are all top-tier options, but each brand offers unique benefits, such as specialised formulas for different hair types or colour preferences.

 

Final thoughts

Choosing the best professional hair colour brand is essential for creating beautiful, long-lasting results for your clients. Whether you opt for Wella, L'Oréal, or another top brand, consider your clients' hair type, the colour longevity, and your salon's budget. By using high-quality products and following the best practices for hair colouring, you can ensure your clients leave your salon with the hair of their dreams.

 

 

Specialist hairdressers insurance through Ripe

Working as a hairdresser does not come without its risks, so you may want to consider specialist hairdressers insurance to protect yourself against the worst-case scenarios.
Insurance arranged by Ripe includes up to £10m of Public and Products Liability cover, and up to £5m Treatment Risk cover as standard, so you’re protected against third-party claims for injury or property damage.

You can also opt to include cover for your equipment up to the value of £250k, so you don’t have to replace it out of your own pocket if it’s damaged or stolen.

Find out more about specialist hairdressers insurance, or get an instant online quote today.