If you’re hunting for a hair dye that delivers natural-looking results without breaking the bank, Clairol Nice’n Easy 11 Ultra Light Blonde is your answer. I’ve been coloring my hair for years, and this product stands out for its ease, vibrant results, and gray coverage.
It’s like having a salon in a box—affordable, reliable, and kind to your hair. Trust me, you’ll love the multi-dimensional shine and how simple it is to use. Ready to transform your locks? Grab this kit and see the magic for yourself.
My Journey With Clairol Nice’n Easy
I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’ve been a DIY hair color enthusiast for over two decades.
Back in the day, I’d spend a small fortune at salons, only to leave with results that didn’t quite match my vision.
About 25 years ago, I decided to take control and started experimenting with at-home dyes.
That’s when I stumbled upon Clairol Nice’n Easy, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer.
For this article, I chose the 11 Ultra Light Blonde shade because my natural hair, now mostly white with a drab gray undertone, craves something bright and lively.
The box promised natural-looking color with 100% gray coverage, and I was intrigued by the claim of three tones and highlights mimicking my hair’s natural highs and lows. I was skeptical—boxed dyes can sometimes leave you with a flat, helmet-like color—but I gave it a shot.
The process was a breeze. The kit comes with a Permanent Color Cream, Color Activator, Revitashine Intense Treatment, gloves, and clear instructions. I mixed the cream and activator in the applicator bottle, and the oil-infused formula felt smooth, not gloopy like some other brands I’ve tried.
I applied it to my roots first, as my grays are stubborn little rebels, and then worked it through the rest of my long hair. I left it on for about 40 minutes—slightly longer than the recommended 25-30 minutes because my grays need extra convincing.
The result?
Stunning.
My hair transformed into a vibrant, multi-dimensional blonde with subtle highlights that caught the light beautifully. The grays? Gone. Completely covered. The Revitashine Intense Treatment left my hair feeling soft and shiny, not straw-like, which is a common complaint with other dyes.
I’ve been using this shade for months now, touching up my roots every two to three weeks, and it’s become my holy grail. The compliments I get on my hair—long, blonde, and healthy-looking—are endless. It’s not just a dye; it’s a confidence boost in a box.
Pros of Clairol Nice’n Easy
- Natural-Looking Results
One of the standout features of Clairol Nice’n Easy is how it delivers on its promise of natural-looking color.
The three-tone technology is no gimmick—it creates highs and lows that make your hair look like it was kissed by the sun, not painted from a bottle.
My ultra light blonde shade has subtle variations that mimic what my hair might have looked like in my younger years.
It’s not that one-dimensional, brassy blonde you sometimes get with cheaper dyes. Whether you’re covering grays or just refreshing your color, this product makes your hair look alive and authentic.
- Full Gray Coverage
If you’re battling resistant grays like me, you’ll appreciate this. Clairol Nice’n Easy doesn’t mess around when it comes to covering those pesky silver strands. I’ve had grays since my late 30s, and they’re not the soft, silvery kind—they’re coarse and defiant.
With this dye, I don’t need to double-process or pre-treat my hair. One application, left on for about 40 minutes, and every gray is banished. The color blends seamlessly with the rest of my hair, so there’s no telltale line where the grays were.
- Easy Application
You don’t need to be a pro to use this kit. The applicator bottle is user-friendly, and the formula’s consistency is just right—not too runny, not too thick. I can section my hair, apply the dye to my roots, and work it through the lengths without making a mess.
The gloves fit well (no flimsy plastic here), and the instructions are straightforward. Even if you’re new to at-home coloring, you’ll find the process intuitive. It takes me about 20 minutes to apply, and the 25-40 minute processing time is perfect for catching up on a podcast.
- Affordable and Cost-Effective
Let’s talk money. At around $8-10 per box, Clairol Nice’n Easy is a steal compared to salon visits that can set you back $50 or more. I use about a third of the kit for root touch-ups every two to three weeks, so one box lasts me a month.
That’s $10 a month to keep my hair vibrant and gray-free. Compare that to $100+ for a salon color every six weeks, and it’s a no-brainer. Plus, the included Revitashine Intense Treatment is so good I’d buy it separately if I could.
- Gentle on Hair
Unlike some dyes that leave your hair feeling like hay, this one’s oil-infused formula is surprisingly gentle. My hair, which is long and prone to dryness, feels smoother after using the Revitashine treatment.
There’s no harsh ammonia smell that makes your eyes water, and I’ve never experienced scalp irritation or burning, which I’ve had with other brands. The color lasts up to eight weeks without fading to a weird shade, and my hair stays shiny and manageable.
Not-So-Good Parts of Clairol Nice’n Easy
- Limited Shade Availability in Stores
One frustration I’ve run into is finding my ultra light blonde shade in local stores.
Sometimes, the shelves are stocked with darker shades, but the lighter blondes like 11 are hard to come by.
I’ve had to order online, which isn’t a huge deal, but it’s annoying when you’re in a pinch.
If you live in an area with limited retail options, plan ahead and stock up to avoid running out.
- Longer Processing Time for Stubborn Grays
While the gray coverage is excellent, it comes with a catch: you might need to leave the dye on longer than the box suggests. For my resistant grays, 25 minutes isn’t enough—I need 40 minutes to ensure full coverage.
This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it can be inconvenient if you’re in a rush. Also, if you don’t time it right, you risk uneven results, especially if you’re new to coloring.
- Potential for Brassiness
Blonde shades, including the ultra light blonde, can sometimes turn brassy if you don’t maintain them properly. I’ve noticed a slight yellow tinge after a few weeks, especially if I skip my toning routine.
This isn’t unique to Clairol—blonde dyes in general are prone to this—but it’s something to watch out for. Using a purple shampoo or adding a few drops of a red corrector (like Ardell Unred) helps, but it’s an extra step.
- Subscription Price Fluctuations
I love using subscribe-and-save options to keep my dye stocked, but the prices can be unpredictable. One month, I’ll get my box for $8; the next, it’s $12 for no apparent reason. It’s not a huge jump, but it’s frustrating when you’re budgeting.
My advice? Check the price before your subscription renews and compare it to other retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Tips For Clairol Nice’n Easy
- Root Touch-Ups for Seamless Color
To keep your color fresh, focus on root touch-ups every two to three weeks, especially if you have fast-growing grays like mine.
I use about a third of the kit for my roots, applying it carefully with the applicator bottle.
Section your hair with clips to make it easier, and don’t skimp on the dye—those grays need full saturation.
For a quick refresh, I sometimes apply the dye to my ends for five minutes every few months, but avoid over-processing to prevent dryness.
- Combat Brassiness with Toning
Blonde hair can turn brassy, but you can keep it cool and vibrant with a few tricks. I add five drops of Ardell Unred or Red/Gold Corrector to my dye mix to neutralize orange tones. If you don’t have those, a purple shampoo (like John Frieda’s Sheer Blonde) works wonders.
Use it once a week, leaving it on for 2-3 minutes, to keep your blonde crisp. Avoid overusing purple shampoo, though—it can make your hair look dull if you go overboard.
- Protect Your Hair’s Health
The Revitashine Intense Treatment is a gem, so don’t skip it. I apply it after rinsing the dye and leave it on for 5-10 minutes for maximum softness. To keep my hair healthy between colorings, I use a deep-conditioning mask once a week and avoid heat styling as much as possible.
If you must use a blow-dryer or flat iron, always apply a heat protectant spray. Also, trim your ends every 8-12 weeks to prevent split ends, especially if your hair is long like mine.
- Store and Reuse Smartly
If you’re like me and only use part of the kit for touch-ups, store the leftover dye properly. I keep the unmixed Color Cream and Activator in a cool, dry place, and I’ve found they stay effective for a few weeks.
The Revitashine treatment can be used as a standalone conditioner, so save any extra for a mid-week hair boost. Just make sure to label everything clearly so you don’t mix up your products.
- Special Occasion Shine
For events like weddings or parties, I like to amp up my hair’s shine. Occasionally, I use a gloss like CHI Ionic Shine Shades in Clear or Light Iridescent Blonde with a 20-volume developer. It adds a subtle, opal-like shimmer that lasts a few shampoos.
Apply it sparingly to avoid over-processing, and only do this every few months to keep your hair healthy. It’s a fun way to make your color pop for a big day.
Comparison of Clairol Nice’n Easy With Other Brands
Choosing the right hair dye is like picking a best friend—you want one that’s reliable, kind to you, and makes you look good.
I’ve tested Clairol Nice’n Easy 11 Ultra Light Blonde against some heavy hitters in the at-home dye world: Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Hair Color, Schwarzkopf Keratin Color, and Revlon Colorsilk. Below, I break down how Clairol stacks up against each in a head-to-head showdown.
Spoiler: Clairol’s my MVP, but let’s see why.
- Clairol Nice’n Easy Vs. Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Hair Color
Garnier Nutrisse promises nourishment with its avocado, olive, and shea oil blend, and it sounds like a spa day for your hair.
I tried their Extra Light Natural Blonde, hoping for a vibrant, healthy-looking result.
The application was straightforward, but the applicator bottle felt clunky compared to Clairol’s sleek design.
The dye itself was thicker, which made it harder to spread evenly through my long hair.
Color-wise, Garnier delivered a bright blonde, but it leaned golden—too warm for my white-gray hair.
My grays were mostly covered, but by week three, they started peeking through, and the color faded to a dull yellow.
Clairol’s ultra light blonde, with its three-tone technology, gives me a cooler, multi-dimensional shade that stays vibrant for six weeks. Garnier’s conditioner was decent but didn’t match the silky magic of Clairol’s Revitashine Intense Treatment.
Plus, Garnier stained my skin more, which was a hassle to clean up. At around $9, Garnier’s price is similar to Clairol’s, but Clairol’s longer-lasting color and gentler formula make it the clear winner for me.
- Clairol Nice’n Easy Vs. Schwarzkopf Keratin Color
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color markets itself as a premium option, boasting keratin and a “salon-inspired” formula.
I gave their Light Pearl Blonde a whirl, expecting a luxurious experience. Big mistake.
The application process was fine, but the formula had a strong chemical smell that lingered, unlike Clairol’s milder scent.
Worse, it burned my scalp—something I’ve never experienced with Clairol. I was left with red, irritated patches for days.
The color result was a disaster. Instead of a pearl blonde, I got a greenish tint that made me look like I’d been dunked in a swamp.
Correcting it took weeks and multiple toning sessions.
Clairol’s ultra light blonde, by contrast, delivers a reliable, cool-toned blonde with no weird surprises. Schwarzkopf’s gray coverage was decent, but not as seamless as Clairol’s, with some stubborn grays still visible.
The included conditioner was okay, but it couldn’t compare to Clairol’s Revitashine, which leaves my hair soft and shiny. At $12-14, Schwarzkopf is pricier, but the scalp irritation and color mishap make it a hard pass. Clairol’s gentle, effective formula is the safer bet.
- Clairol Nice’n Easy Vs. Revlon Colorsilk
Revlon Colorsilk is the budget champ, often retailing for under $5, so I had high hopes for their Light Blonde shade.
The application was simple, with a no-frills bottle similar to Clairol’s, but the gloves were flimsy and tore mid-process—annoying when you’re trying to avoid dye-stained hands.
The formula felt thin and drippy, making it messier to apply than Clairol’s perfectly balanced consistency.
The color result was underwhelming. The blonde was flat, lacking the depth and highlights I get from Clairol’s three-tone system.
My grays were only partially covered, with some sticking out like little rebels. By week two, the color had faded significantly, and my hair felt rough, like I’d skipped conditioner.
Clairol’s ultra light blonde covers every gray and keeps my hair vibrant for weeks, plus the Revitashine treatment leaves it silky. Revlon’s conditioner was watery and did little to hydrate my hair.
While Revlon’s low price is tempting, you get what you pay for—Clairol’s superior color, coverage, and hair feel are worth the extra $3-5.
Why Clairol Nice’n Easy Wins?
Across the board, Clairol Nice’n Easy 11 Ultra Light Blonde outshines the competition. Its natural-looking, multi-dimensional color beats Garnier’s golden fade and Revlon’s flat finish, while avoiding Schwarzkopf’s green-tinted nightmare.
The gray coverage is unmatched, tackling even my coarsest grays with ease. Clairol’s oil-infused formula is gentle, with no scalp irritation, and the Revitashine treatment is a game-changer for keeping hair soft.
Application is a breeze, and at $8-10, it’s a budget-friendly steal compared to salon visits or pricier options like Schwarzkopf. If you’re after a dye that’s easy, effective, and kind to your hair, Clairol’s the one to bring home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Clairol Nice’n Easy lasts up to eight weeks, depending on your hair type and maintenance routine. I’ve found that my ultra light blonde stays vibrant for about six weeks before fading slightly, with grays staying covered the whole time. Regular root touch-ups every 2-3 weeks and using color-safe shampoo can extend the color’s life. Avoid frequent washing with harsh shampoos, as they can strip the dye faster.
“Healthiest” depends on your hair’s needs, but Clairol Nice’n Easy is a strong contender. Its oil-infused formula and ammonia-free options (in some shades) are gentle, and the Revitashine treatment strengthens hair bonds. Compared to brands like L’Oréal or Schwarzkopf, which can irritate scalps, Clairol feels less harsh. For even gentler options, consider semi-permanent dyes like Clairol Natural Instincts or henna-based dyes, though they may not cover grays as well.
Absolutely, it’s a gray-covering champ. I have stubborn, coarse grays, and the ultra light blonde shade covers them completely with one application, especially if I leave it on for 40 minutes. The color blends seamlessly, so there’s no patchy look. Some users report spotty coverage with lighter shades if not applied thoroughly, so follow the instructions and ensure full saturation.
It’s better than most boxed dyes. The oil-infused formula smooths hair for better color uptake, and the Revitashine treatment leaves it soft and shiny. I’ve used it for years without significant damage, thanks to regular conditioning and minimal heat styling. That said, any permanent dye can stress hair over time, so use a deep conditioner weekly and avoid over-processing to keep your locks healthy.
Conclusion: Your Hair Deserves Clairol Nice’n Easy
After years of coloring my hair, I can say Clairol Nice’n Easy 11 Ultra Light Blonde is a winner. It’s affordable, easy to use, and delivers salon-worthy results with full gray coverage and natural shine.
Whether you’re a DIY newbie or a seasoned pro, this dye makes you feel like a hair color wizard.
Don’t waste money on salon visits or harsh brands—grab this kit, embrace the process, and love your vibrant, healthy-looking hair. You won’t regret it.