Cream Vs. Liquid Hair Color
Choosing a cream or liquid hair color is a decision you may have been faced with if you’ve ever colored your own hair. You may have made that choice, not really understanding why these two types of color exist. And truth be told, cream and liquid color work the same exact way. However, there is one big (and obvious) difference between the two and that is consistency. One is a liquid and one is a cream and knowing when to use them can help you achieve do-it-yourself hair color success!
Here are some situations you might find yourself in on your hair coloring journey. You can use this as your guide to selecting cream or liquid hair color:
Scenario #1: You Need to Just Touch Up Your Roots
Why: Cream is thicker and gives a more precise application. This is especially important if you have highlights through your mid lengths and ends, as you don’t want to accidentally cover up those gorgeous (and probably expensive) light pieces with your root color. Cream is also helpful in covering up wiry grays. Because cream is heavier, it tends to saturate this kind of hair better and prevent hairs from “popping” out of the color. Using a color brush is a popular way to apply the cream, which also gives more precision to your color application.
Scenario # 2: You Need Root to End Color (and you have tons of hair - not tons of time!)
What to Use: Liquid Hair Color
Why: Liquid color is easier to work through the hair, which will save you a lot of time. It will also ensure that you have completely saturated everything, so you don’t end up with any splotchy areas (especially important if you’ve got thick hair!). You use a tint bottle instead of a brush to apply the color which is also a big time saver. Keep in mind this can get messy, so make sure to protect your clothes and your floor!
Scenario #3: You Need a Root to End Color (but your hair is feeling dry)
What to Use: Cream Hair Color
Why: Although using cream hair color for a root to end application may take a little bit longer, it’s worth the extra time if your hair tends to be on the drier side. Cream hair color usually contains more conditioning ingredients because of its creamy texture. An added bonus, as gray hair tends to be drier, cream is a great option for covering them up. You would use a brush for this application, once applied you can use your fingers to massage in product (gloves necessary) to make sure the color has saturated all of your ends!
Scenario #4: You Need to Refresh your Highlights or Hair Color with a Toner
What to Use: Liquid Hair Color
Why: There may come a time, in between salon appointments where you need just a quick refresh of your color. This is usually called a toner or gloss and uses demi permanent hair color (color that gradually rinses out of the hair over time). You normally apply toners to damp hair or wet hair and let them sit for a shorter amount of time. This is why you should choose a liquid hair color in this situation. The liquid will get through damp hair quickly and easily and will just as easily rinse out of the hair when it’s done (you don’t want to leave toners on past their recommended time!). You would use a tint bottle which also allows for a quick all over color application especially on damp or wet hair.
Pro tip guide for coloring your hair at home
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