I’m obsessed with Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color, and you should be too! This nourishing creme, packed with avocado, olive, and shea oils, transforms your hair with vibrant, long-lasting color while keeping it silky smooth.
Whether you’re covering grays or switching up your look, its non-drip formula makes at-home dyeing a breeze.
With 45 shades and a century of Garnier expertise, it’s a game-changer for hair care. Trust me, your locks deserve this! Let’s explore my journey with Nutrisse, its pros, cons, maintenance tips, and how it stacks up against other brands.
My Experience With Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color
Picture this: I’m standing in my bathroom, staring at my roots, which are screaming for a refresh.
My natural dark brown hair was looking dull, with a few pesky grays peeking through.
I’d been itching to try something new—maybe a bold copper or a rich chocolate brown.
After scrolling through reviews and watching tutorials, I grabbed Garnier Nutrisse in Lightest Intense Copper and Dark Chocolate from my local store.
The promise of nourishing oils and 100% gray coverage had me hooked.
The box felt like a treasure chest: a sleek applicator bottle, a tube of color creme, a fruit oil ampoule, gloves, and a conditioner. The instructions were clear, but I’ll admit, I was nervous. I’ve had my share of DIY dye disasters—think blotchy patches and stained towels.
But Nutrisse made it easy. I mixed the developer, creme, and grapeseed oil (which smelled amazing) in the bottle, shook it up, and got to work.
Applying the dye was surprisingly smooth. The non-drip formula didn’t run down my neck or splatter my sink. I started with my roots, working section by section, then coated the rest of my hair. The Lightest Intense Copper went on my ends for a subtle ombre effect, while Dark Chocolate covered my roots.
I set a timer for 30 minutes (okay, I cheated and checked the mirror every five). Rinsing was a breeze, and the included conditioner left my hair feeling like silk.
The result?
My hair was vibrant, shiny, and soft—better than some salon jobs I’ve had. The copper ends popped against the chocolate roots, and those grays? Gone. I felt like a hair color chemist, mixing shades to get my perfect look.
The process took about an hour, and I was strutting around my house, flipping my hair like I was in a commercial. Nutrisse turned my bathroom into a salon, and I was already planning my next shade experiment.
Pros of Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color
- Nourishing Formula That Loves Your Hair
One of the biggest wins with Nutrisse is how it pampers your hair.
The blend of avocado, olive, and shea oils isn’t just marketing fluff—it works.
My hair felt softer after dyeing, not straw-like, which is a miracle for at-home color.
The grapeseed oil ampoule adds an extra layer of nourishment, making the dye feel like a conditioning treatment.
I’ve used other dyes that left my hair brittle, but Nutrisse keeps it hydrated and healthy, even after multiple applications.
- Vibrant, Long-Lasting Color
The color payoff is unreal. Whether I’m going for a bold copper or a natural brown, Nutrisse delivers rich, radiant results that don’t fade quickly. The color boost technology ensures the pigment penetrates deep, so your shade stays true for weeks.
I’ve gone up to five weeks without noticeable fading, even with daily washes. Plus, with 45 shades, you’re spoiled for choice—blondes, reds, blacks, and everything in between.
- 100% Gray Coverage
If you’re battling grays like me, Nutrisse is your knight in shining armor. It tackles even stubborn grays, leaving no trace. I’ve got those wiry, hard-to-color grays around my temples, and Nutrisse covers them flawlessly.
I’ve tried other brands that left my grays looking brassy or patchy, but this one nails it every time. It’s a confidence booster knowing my hair looks polished, root to tip.
- Easy Application for DIY Newbies
You don’t need to be a pro to use Nutrisse. The non-drip creme glides on smoothly, and the applicator bottle is a dream to handle—narrow enough to grip comfortably and precise for targeting roots. The gloves, though a tad small, do the job.
I love that the kit includes everything you need, so you’re not scrambling for mixing bowls or brushes. Even my first attempt felt like I’d been dyeing my hair for years.
- Affordable Luxury
At around $7-$10 a box, Nutrisse is a steal. Compare that to $100+ salon visits, and you’re saving serious cash. I’ve dyed my hair every 3-4 weeks for months, and my wallet hasn’t cried once.
The quality rivals pricier brands, making it feel like a luxury product without the luxury price tag. You’re getting salon-worthy results for the cost of a coffee run.
Not-So-Good Parts of Garnier Nutrisse
- Ammonia and Strong Scent
Nutrisse does contain ammonia, which gives it that staying power but also a noticeable chemical smell.
If you’re sensitive to odors, the fumes might make your eyes water during application.
I found it bearable by opening a window, but it’s not as pleasant as ammonia-free dyes like Garnier Olia.
If you’ve got a sensitive scalp, the ammonia might cause mild irritation, so always do a patch test.
- Glove Size Issues
The gloves included in the kit are a bit of a letdown. They’re on the small side, and if you’ve got medium or large hands, they feel snug. I struggled to get them on comfortably, and the short fingers made application a little awkward at first.
They don’t tear, which is a plus, but I’d love to see Garnier include a larger, more flexible pair in future kits.
- Color Can Be Tricky on Light Hair
If your hair is already light or bleached, Nutrisse’s vibrant pigments can come out stronger than expected. When I used Lightest Intense Copper on my highlighted ends, it turned brighter than the box suggested—almost neon orange at first.
I toned it down with a semi-permanent dye, but it was a learning curve. Always do a strand test if you’re working with pre-lightened hair to avoid surprises.
- Not Enough Product for Long, Thick Hair
If you’ve got long or thick hair, one box might not cut it. My shoulder-length hair needed one box, but when I tried dyeing my friend’s waist-length, thick mane, we ran out halfway through.
Garnier recommends two boxes for long or thick hair, which bumps up the cost and can be a hassle if you don’t plan ahead. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth noting.
Tips For Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color
- Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
To keep your Nutrisse color vibrant, switch to a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner. I use Garnier’s Color Shield line, and it’s a game-changer. Sulfates strip color, so avoiding them helps your shade last longer.
Wash your hair every other day instead of daily to minimize fading, and use lukewarm water—hot water can dull your color faster.
- Deep Condition Weekly
Nutrisse’s included conditioner is fantastic, but don’t stop there. I do a weekly deep conditioning mask to keep my hair hydrated and shiny. Look for masks with oils like argan or coconut to mimic Nutrisse’s nourishing formula.
Apply it from mid-lengths to ends, leave it on for 10-15 minutes, and rinse. Your hair will thank you with extra softness and bounce.
- Protect Your Hair from Heat and Sun
Heat styling and UV rays can fade your color and dry out your hair. I always use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying or curling, and I pop on a hat or use a UV-protectant spray when I’m out in the sun.
Nutrisse’s oils help with hydration, but shielding your hair from environmental damage keeps it looking fresh longer.
- Touch Up Roots Strategically
Grays and roots start showing around 3-4 weeks for me, so I plan touch-ups every 4-5 weeks. Focus the dye on your roots to avoid over-processing the rest of your hair, which can lead to dryness.
I apply Nutrisse to my roots, let it sit for 20 minutes, then pull it through the ends for the last 5 minutes for a seamless blend.
- Use Color Revivers for a Boost
When my color starts to fade, I reach for Garnier Nutrisse Color Revivers. These color-depositing conditioners refresh your shade in just 5 minutes. I use the Cool Blonde shade to tone down brassiness in my copper ends, and it works like magic.
Apply it to damp hair after shampooing, leave it on, and rinse. It’s an easy way to extend your color between dye sessions.
Comparison of Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color With Other Brands
Let’s talk about how Nutrisse stacks up against the competition. I’ve tried L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme, Clairol Nice’n Easy, and Garnier’s own Olia, so I’ve got some thoughts. Buckle up—this is where it gets fun.
L’Oréal Excellence Creme is a heavy hitter for gray coverage, much like Nutrisse. It’s got a triple-care formula that protects your hair before, during, and after coloring. I found its color just as vibrant, but the application was messier—its creme dripped more than Nutrisse’s non-drip formula.
L’Oréal’s conditioner is top-notch, but Nutrisse’s fruit oils give it an edge for softness. Price-wise, they’re neck-and-neck at $8-$10, but Nutrisse’s wider shade range (45 vs. L’Oréal’s 35) gives you more options.
Clairol Nice’n Easy is a budget-friendly pick at $6-$8, and it’s great for natural-looking color. Its ColorSeal conditioner helps lock in shine, but I noticed fading after three weeks, compared to Nutrisse’s five.
Clairol’s formula is thinner, which made application trickier for me, and it doesn’t nourish as deeply as Nutrisse’s oil-packed creme. If you’re after low maintenance and subtle shades, Clairol’s fine, but Nutrisse wins for bold, lasting results.
Garnier Olia is Nutrisse’s ammonia-free sibling, and I love its gentle, floral-scented formula. It’s perfect if you’ve got a sensitive scalp, and the oil-powered dye leaves hair glossy. But Olia’s colors fade faster—about three weeks in my experience—because it skips ammonia.
Nutrisse’s staying power and gray coverage are stronger, making it my go-to for long-term color. Olia’s applicator is clunkier, too, so Nutrisse feels more user-friendly.
Overall, Nutrisse strikes a sweet spot: affordable, nourishing, and vibrant. It’s not perfect—Olia’s better for sensitive scalps, and L’Oréal might edge out on conditioner—but for most people, Nutrisse delivers salon-quality results at home. It’s like the Goldilocks of hair dyes: just right.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nutrisse’s color typically lasts 4-8 weeks, depending on your hair type, washing habits, and shade. I’ve gotten five weeks of vibrant color with daily washes, and reds or blondes may fade slightly faster. Using color-safe products and Nutrisse Color Revivers can stretch it closer to eight weeks.
Most people tolerate Nutrisse well, but ammonia can cause scalp irritation or allergic reactions in some. I’ve had no issues, but always do a patch test 48 hours before dyeing. The chemical scent might bother sensitive noses, and overusing dye without conditioning can dry out hair.
Yes, Nutrisse contains ammonia, which helps the color penetrate deeply and last longer. It’s why the dye is so vibrant and covers grays well. If you prefer ammonia-free, try Garnier Olia, but I find Nutrisse’s results worth the trade-off.
Absolutely! Nutrisse is a rockstar for gray coverage. It tackles even stubborn grays, like the ones around my temples, with rich, even color. I’ve used it every 3-4 weeks, and it never leaves patchy spots, making it ideal for gray-prone hair.
Conclusion: Make Nutrisse Your Hair’s New BFF
Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color is a must-have for anyone craving vibrant, nourished hair without breaking the bank. Its oil-infused formula, easy application, and stellar gray coverage make it a standout. From bold coppers to natural browns, it’s got a shade for you.
Whether you’re a DIY newbie or a seasoned colorist, Nutrisse delivers salon-quality results at home. Grab a box, unleash your inner chemist, and give your hair the love it deserves. Your locks will thank you!