IGK Color Depositing Mask Reviews From My Experience: Is It Worth It?

My brassy blonde hair needed a refresh, and IGK Color Depositing Hair Mask ($36 for 6 oz) saved the day.
This review shares my experience, pros, cons, maintenance tips, and comparisons.
Its semi-permanent color revives faded tones while nourishing with squalane and prickly pear cactus.
You’ll love its soft, shiny finish and easy application.
Grab it at Sephora or Ulta for vibrant, healthy hair between salon visits.

My Experience with IGK Color Depositing Hair Mask

As a 40-year-old teacher in Chicago with shoulder-length, color-treated blonde hair (around 7N-8N), I deal with brassiness every few weeks.
I tested IGK’s Color Depositing Hair Mask in Pink 2000 for a month, applying it every 10 days.
After shampooing, I towel-dried my hair, rubbed a generous amount between my palms, and worked it through wet strands, focusing on brassy ends.
I left it on for 15 minutes, as Walmart reviews suggested, then rinsed.
My hair emerged softer, shinier, and subtly pink-toned, neutralizing yellow hues.
The texture felt smoother, like I’d used a conditioner, and the color lasted about a week, per user feedback.
In humid weather, my hair stayed vibrant, thanks to squalane’s hydration, per IGK’s claims.
The scent was mild and pleasant, not overpowering.
I tried it on dry hair for a lighter effect, leaving it on for 5 minutes, and got a sheer tint.
No staining on my skin or shower, a relief after reading mixed reviews on Walmart.
This mask became my go-to for quick color upkeep and nourishment.

About IGK Color Depositing Hair Mask and IGK Hair

IGK Hair, launched in 2016 by stylists in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, crafts trendy, salon-quality products.
Their Color Depositing Hair Mask ($36 for 6 oz) offers semi-permanent color in 19 shades (e.g., Brown Bella, Pink 2000), nourishing hair with squalane and prickly pear cactus for hydration and strength.
Safe for all hair types, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, and mineral oil, per Sephora.
Sold at Ulta, Sephora, Walmart, and Amazon, it’s popular for refreshing color between salon visits.
TikTok hype and nine sellouts highlight its appeal, though some Reddit users note subtle color on dark hair.

Pros and Cons of IGK Color Depositing Hair Mask

Pros:

• Vibrant color refresh: Revives faded tones in 5-15 minutes.
• Nourishing formula: Squalane and prickly pear hydrate, per IGK.
• Softens hair: Leaves strands silky without conditioner.
• Semi-permanent: Lasts 5-7 washes, per Walmart reviews.
• Color-safe: Preserves dyed hair without damage.
• Easy application: Rub on wet or dry hair, no gloves needed.
• No staining: Minimal skin or surface stains, per my experience.
• Vegan ingredients: Cruelty-free and sulfate-free.
• Subtle scent: Mild fragrance doesn’t linger.
• Versatile shades: 19 options for all hair colors.

Cons:

• Subtle on dark hair: Less vibrant on black or brown, per Walmart.
• Pricey: $36 for 6 oz vs. drugstore masks at $10.
• Short-lived color: Fades after 5-7 washes.
• Uneven payoff: Porous hair absorbs better than non-porous.
• Potential staining: Can mark showers if not rinsed well.
• Limited travel size: Only 6 oz widely available.
• Alcohol content: May dry hair with frequent use.
• TikTok hype: Overinflated expectations, per Reddit.
• Patchy on dry hair: Wet application works better.
• Not for gray coverage: Won’t cover roots, per IGK.

Maintenance Tips for IGK Color Depositing Hair Mask

• Conduct a Strand Test: I test a small section to check color intensity before full use.
• Apply on Wet Hair: I use it post-shampoo on towel-dried hair for best results.
• Use Sparingly: I apply a small amount to avoid buildup or uneven color.
• Rinse Thoroughly: I rinse well to prevent shower or skin staining.
• Store Properly: I keep the jar below 120°F, away from sunlight, per Ulta.
• Clean Applicator Hands: I wash my hands after applying to avoid staining.
• Limit Heat Styling: I reduce blow-drying to preserve color longevity.
• Use Weekly: I apply every 7-10 days for consistent color and hydration.
• Check Hair Porosity: I assess my hair’s absorbency to predict color payoff.
• Recycle Packaging: I recycle the jar at local facilities for eco-friendliness.

My Routine with IGK Color Depositing Hair Mask

Every 10 days, I shampoo my hair, towel-dry it, and rub a golf-ball-sized amount of the Pink 2000 mask between my palms.
I work it through my ends, where brassiness hits hardest, and leave it on for 15 minutes while I do chores.
After rinsing, my hair feels soft and looks vibrant, with a subtle pink glow.
For quick touch-ups, I apply a smaller amount to dry hair for 5 minutes, rinsing for a lighter tint.
I pair it with a sulfate-free shampoo to extend the color.
Weekly maintenance keeps my blonde fresh and hydrated.

Performance Analysis

IGK’s Color Depositing Hair Mask delivers a semi-permanent color refresh, lasting 5-7 washes, as Walmart reviews confirm.
My blonde hair (7N) took on a vibrant pink sheen, neutralizing brassiness, though darker strands may see subtler results, per IGK’s shade charts.
Squalane and prickly pear cactus left my hair softer and shinier, like a conditioning treatment, aligning with Popsugar’s praise.
The color faded evenly without patchiness, but humid Chicago weather slightly sped up fading.
Some Amazon users reported shower staining, but I avoided this by rinsing thoroughly.
The formula’s hydration rivaled traditional masks, though color payoff depends on hair porosity.

Reflections on Long-Term Use

After a month, IGK’s Color Depositing Hair Mask is my go-to for keeping my blonde vibrant.
Every 10 days, it neutralizes brassiness and leaves my hair soft, like a salon treatment.
The Pink 2000 shade adds a fun tint, lasting about a week.
Squalane and prickly pear keep my ends hydrated, though dark-haired friends saw subtler results, per Reddit.
Rinsing thoroughly prevents staining, and weekly use maintains shine.
I pair it with a sulfate-free shampoo to stretch the color.
It’s a reliable, low-effort way to extend salon visits.

Lifestyle Synergy and Expectations

I refresh my color every 10 days, and IGK’s mask fits my busy teaching schedule.
Apply it post-shampoo, wait 15 minutes, and rinse—you’ll get vibrant, soft hair.
Expect a subtle tint on darker hair or bold results on lighter strands.
The mild scent won’t clash with your perfume.
It’s perfect for quick upkeep between salon trips or adding a playful hue.
Pair with a heat protectant for styling.
For low-maintenance color and hydration, this mask delivers, especially for blondes or curly hair.

Comparison with Other Color Depositing Masks

• IGK Color Depositing Mask Vs. Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask

Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask ($30 for 6.7 oz) offers seven shades and deep hydration, per Sephora.
Its argan oil formula softened my hair, but the color faded faster (3-5 washes) than IGK’s 5-7.
IGK’s Pink 2000 gave a bolder tint on my blonde hair, while Moroccanoil’s was subtler.
Moroccanoil’s scent was milder, a plus for sensitive noses.
IGK’s vegan formula and wider shade range (19 vs. 7) make it my pick for vibrant, long-lasting color.

• IGK Color Depositing Mask Vs. Overtone Coloring Conditioner

Overtone Coloring Conditioner ($32 for 8 oz) provides bold shades but requires longer application (10-20 minutes), per Reddit.
It hydrated my curls well, but IGK’s quicker 5-15 minute process fit my schedule better.
Overtone’s color was vivid but stained my shower slightly, unlike IGK’s cleaner rinse.
IGK’s squalane gave more shine than Overtone’s thicker formula.
For ease and minimal staining, IGK wins, though Overtone’s larger jar offers value.

• IGK Color Depositing Mask Vs. Keracolor Clenditioner

Keracolor Clenditioner ($22 for 12 oz) is budget-friendly and cleanses while depositing color, per Amazon.
Its color payoff was decent but faded in 3-4 washes, shorter than IGK’s.
Keracolor felt heavier on my fine hair, while IGK’s lightweight formula kept bounce.
Keracolor’s scent was stronger, clashing with my perfume.
IGK’s nourishing ingredients and longer-lasting tint make it superior for salon-quality results.

• IGK Color Depositing Mask Vs. Amika Hydro Rush Color Mask

Amika Hydro Rush Color Mask ($38 for 6.7 oz) hydrates deeply but offers fewer shades (8 vs. IGK’s 19), per Ulta.
Amika’s color lasted 4-6 washes, slightly less than IGK, and felt thicker on my hair.
IGK’s Pink 2000 gave a brighter tint, while Amika’s was more subdued.
Amika’s scent was subtler, but IGK’s no-stain rinse was a plus.
IGK’s versatility and shade range edge out Amika for frequent use.

• IGK Color Depositing Mask Vs. Good Dye Young DYEposit

Good Dye Young DYEposit ($22 for 8 oz) delivers bold colors but requires gloves, per Reddit.
Its tint faded in 3-5 washes, and the thicker texture weighed my hair down.
IGK’s lightweight formula and easier application (no gloves) were more convenient.
Good Dye Young’s vibrant shades suited darker hair better, but IGK’s shine was unmatched.
IGK’s cleaner rinse and hydration make it my choice for blonde upkeep.

Cost and Value Assessment

IGK Color Depositing Hair Mask ($36 for 6 oz) is pricier than Keracolor ($22) but matches salon brands like Moroccanoil ($30).
The 6 oz jar lasts 2-3 months with biweekly use, offering good value, per Walmart.
Amazon’s free shipping sweetens the deal, and the travel size ($18 for 2 oz) is great for testing.
Some Reddit users call it pricey for subtle results on dark hair, but my blonde locks stayed vibrant for a week.
For nourishment and color upkeep, IGK’s performance justifies the cost.

Ideal Users for IGK Color Depositing Hair Mask

This mask is perfect for color-treated folks like me needing a brassiness fix or fun tint.
If you’ve got blonde, light brown, or porous hair, you’ll see vibrant results.
It’s great for busy people wanting quick, conditioning color without salon visits.
Curly, straight, or wavy hair benefits from its hydrating formula.
If you’re sensitive to scents, the mild fragrance is a plus.
Dark-haired users may need multiple applications for noticeable color, per IGK’s shade charts.
It’s ideal for low-maintenance color refreshers.

Addressing Common Feedback

Walmart and Sephora reviews praise IGK’s mask for softening hair and refreshing color, especially on blonde or light brown hair.
Users love its shine and no-stain application, per Amazon.
However, Reddit notes weaker color payoff on dark or non-porous hair, and some report shower staining if not rinsed well.
My experience aligns—my blonde hair took the Pink 2000 shade beautifully, but thorough rinsing was key.
Despite minor flaws, its conditioning and color boost make it a standout for between-salon care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

IGK Color Depositing Hair Mask ($36) revived my brassy blonde hair with vibrant color and shine.
This review covers my experience, pros, cons, and comparisons.
Its squalane and prickly pear formula nourishes while refreshing color in minutes.
You’ll love its easy application and salon-quality results.
Buy it at Sephora, Ulta, or Amazon for a low-effort color boost.