Kiwabi Color Shampoo Review: Is It Worth It?

Kiwabi Color Shampoo promises to cover gray hair with natural ingredients and a luxurious feel, but my experience left me hesitant.

This review details my journey, pros, cons, and comparisons with other brands to help you decide.

With mixed results and practical issues, I can’t recommend it, but let’s explore its claims, from its lavender scent to its stain-free appeal, to see what’s true.

My Experience with Kiwabi Color Shampoo

At 40, gray hairs were sneaking into my dark brown locks, and I wasn’t ready to commit to salon dyes.

Kiwabi Color Shampoo ($35 for 10.6 oz) caught my eye with its natural, vegan formula, and promise of gradual gray coverage.

Iordered the Dark Brown shade on Amazon, intrigued by its 31 plant extracts and additive-free claims.

My goal was a subtle, low-effort color boost.

The first wash was pleasant.

The lavender scent filled my bathroom, feeling spa-like, though my sister wrinkled her nose at it.

I lathered a teaspoon-sized amount into my wet hair, using my bare hands (gloves recommended, I learned!).

The shampoo foamed decently, and I left it on for two minutes before rinsing.

My hair felt smooth, not noticeably softer than my old Pantene shampoo.

No color change after one use, but I wasn’t expecting miracles.

After two weeks of daily washes, I saw a slight darkening around my temples, but stubborn grays stayed visible.

My nails’ edges stained faintly black, which soap mostly removed, but it was a chore.

By month two, gray coverage was uneven—some strands blended, others looked dull.

My hair felt hydrated, and breakage was low, but the color wasn’t pop like I’d hoped.

My husband tried it for his graying beard; results were similarly patchy.

Kiwabi’s ease is appealing, but its coloring power disappointed me, making me question its value.

About Kiwabi Color Shampoo

Kiwabi, a Japanese brand, markets its Color Shampoo as a daily gray-coverage solution.

Available in Black, Dark Brown, and Light Brown, it uses 31 plant extracts like rosemary and chamomile, plus four natural oils, to dye hair gently.

Vegan, Halal-certified, and free of additives like silicone, it aims for glossy, healthy hair.

At $35 for 300g, it lasts a month with daily use, targeting men and women avoiding harsh dyes.

Why Kiwabi Color Shampoo?

Gray hair can feel like a confidence thief, and Kiwabi claims to tackle it with natural, hassle-free coloring.

I wanted a shampoo that blended grays without damaging my fine, color-treated hair.

Kiwabi’s botanical pitch sounded ideal, but does it deliver?

Let’s break down its strengths, weaknesses, and care tips to find out.

Pros of Kiwabi Color Shampoo:

• Gentle Formula: Free of silicones and harsh additives, it didn’t dry my hair. I washed daily without irritation.
• Pleasant Scent: The lavender aroma was soothing. I enjoyed the spa-like vibe during showers.
• Hydrates Hair: My strands felt moisturized post-wash. I noticed less frizz than with regular shampoos.
• Vegan and Halal: Its ethical certifications appealed to me. I liked supporting a cruelty-free brand.
• Unisex Appeal: My husband used it too. I appreciated its versatility for both of us.
• Easy Application: Just two minutes to lather and rinse. I fit it into my rushed mornings.
• No Strong Odor: Unlike chemical dyes, it lacked a pungent smell. I didn’t need to air out the bathroom.
• Subtle Build-Up: Some grays darkened slightly over weeks. I saw minor blending at my temples.
• Scalp-Friendly: No itchiness or redness. I felt safe using it on my sensitive scalp.

Its gentle, additive-free formula was a relief after harsh dyes that left my scalp flaky.

The lavender scent made washing relaxing, unlike the chemical stink of salon treatments.

My fine hair stayed hydrated, with less breakage than with drugstore shampoos.

Vegan and Halal certifications gave me confidence in its ethics, and its unisex design suited our household.

Application was quick—I’d lather while humming a song, then rinse.

No strong dye odor meant my bathroom stayed fresh.

While some grays softened, the effect was minimal, but my scalp stayed happy.

My friend, a vegan, liked its ethos but shared my color concerns.

Cons of Kiwabi Color Shampoo:

• Patchy Coverage: Grays stayed stubborn after two months. I expected more even coloring.
• Staining Issues: My nails and hairline darkened slightly. I had to scrub with soap daily.
• Slow Results: Needs weeks for minor effects. I grew frustrated waiting for change.
• Pricey: At $35, it’s costlier than drugstore shampoos. I questioned its value.
• Daily Commitment: Requires everyday use. I found it tedious when traveling.
• Limited Shades: Only three colors. I wanted more options for my dark brown hair.
• Uneven Lather: Hard to foam with little product. I used more than recommended.
• No Instant Fix: Won’t cover grays quickly. I needed faster results for events.
• Bottle Design: The cap was stiff. I struggled to open it with wet hands.

Patchy gray coverage was my biggest gripe—my crown stayed silver despite daily use.

Staining my nails and hairline annoyed me; even with soap, traces lingered, and gloves felt like extra work.

Waiting weeks for subtle darkening tested my patience; I wanted quicker payoff.

At $35, it felt steep compared to $10 shampoos with better lather.

Daily washing was a chore, especially on trips when I skipped days.

Three shades felt restrictive—my hair’s undertones didn’t match perfectly.

The thin lather forced me to use extra, draining the bottle faster.

For urgent gray fixes, it flopped.

The stiff cap was a minor but daily hassle.

Maintenance Tips for Kiwabi Shampoo

• Use Daily: Wash every day for best color build-up. I stuck to a nightly routine.
• Lather Generously: Use a tablespoon to foam well. I spread it evenly over grays.
• Wear Gloves: Prevent nail staining. I kept cheap gloves in my shower caddy.
• Leave On Briefly: Let sit for 2–3 minutes. I timed it while conditioning my body.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Clear all residue to avoid buildup. I checked for purple tinges.
• Store Properly: Keep in a dry place. I moved it from my steamy shower shelf.
• Pat Dry: Gently towel-dry to preserve color. I avoided rough rubbing.
• Track Progress: Take weekly photos. I compared my scalp to gauge subtle changes.

Kiwabi demands consistency for its subtle effects.

Daily washing built minimal color—I scheduled it post-workout.

A tablespoon of shampoo created better foam than a teaspoon, ensuring even application.

Gloves saved my nails from black stains; I’d slip them on before lathering.

Leaving it on for three minutes let the dye settle—I’d hum a tune to pass time.

Thorough rinsing prevented residue, keeping my scalp clean.

Storing it in a cool cabinet preserved its formula, as my bathroom gets humid.

Patting dry protected the faint color deposited.

Weekly photos showed slight progress, but my expectations stayed low.

Comparison with Other Brands

• Kiwabi Vs. Nioxin System 4

Nioxin System 4 (~$25 for 10 oz) focuses on thinning hair, not gray coverage, with minoxidil and peppermint oil.

I tried it briefly, and it tingled but didn’t address my grays.

Kiwabi’s dye aim beats Nioxin’s volume focus, but Nioxin’s thicker lather and lower price felt more practical.

My scalp stayed flake-free with Nioxin, unlike Kiwabi’s staining issues.

For gray coverage, Kiwabi tries harder, but Nioxin’s ease and cost make it tempting if color isn’t your goal.

My cousin, 45, prefers Nioxin for fullness.

• Kiwabi Vs. Pura D’Or Original Gold

Pura D’Or Gold (~$30 for 16 oz) targets hair loss with argan oil and saw palmetto, not coloring.

I used it for a month; it hydrated well but left my fine hair oily, and grays were untouched.

Kiwabi’s color focus outshines it for gray concerns, but Pura D’Or’s pump bottle and richer foam were user-friendly.

Its natural ingredients rival Kiwabi’s, but no staining hassle.

If gray coverage isn’t needed, Pura D’Or’s value wins.

My friend swears by it for shine.

• Kiwabi Vs. Rogaine Strengthening Shampoo

Rogaine’s shampoo (~$29 for 13 oz) pairs with minoxidil foam for hair regrowth, not dyeing.

I tested it, and it cleaned well but ignored my grays, focusing on scalp health.

Kiwabi’s color deposit aim trumps Rogaine’s growth goal, but Rogaine’s neutral scent and easy rinse were less fussy.

Kiwabi stains; Rogaine doesn’t.

For gray coverage, Kiwabi’s the choice, but Rogaine’s wider availability suits non-color needs.

My brother uses Rogaine for thinning patches.

• Kiwabi Vs. Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo

Revita (~$35 for 7 oz) fights hair loss with caffeine and ketoconazole, not gray coverage.

I tried it for shedding; it reduced fallout but left grays glaring.

Kiwabi’s dye focus beats Revita’s strengthening, but Revita’s sulfate-free formula didn’t stain my nails.

Both are pricey, but Revita’s bottle was easier to squeeze.

For grays, Kiwabi’s your pick, but Revita’s better for fullness.

My hairdresser recommends Revita for thinning clients.

• Kiwabi Vs. Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture

Pantene Pro-V (~$10 for 13 oz) is a budget hydrating shampoo, not a dye.

I used it for years; it softens hair but ignores grays.

Kiwabi’s color attempt outranks Pantene’s basic cleansing, but Pantene’s creamy lather and low cost were hassle-free.

No staining with Pantene, unlike Kiwabi’s nail issues.

For gray coverage, Kiwabi tries, but Pantene’s simplicity wins for everyday ease.

My mom sticks to Pantene for its price.

Why Kiwabi Falls Short?

Kiwabi’s natural ingredients and ethical certifications are appealing, but its patchy gray coverage and staining issues disappoint.

Compared to Nioxin, Pura D’Or, Rogaine, Revita, and Pantene, it struggles to balance color and practicality.

My sister, 38, tried it and found similar uneven results.

It’s not the worst, but better options exist for gray hair or general care.

Real-World Results

After three months, my grays were slightly less stark, but coverage was uneven.

My hair felt hydrated, and the lavender scent was a mood-lifter, but stained nails and slow results frustrated me.

My husband’s beard showed faint darkening, but nothing dramatic.

During a wedding prep, I needed a salon dye for reliable coverage.

Kiwabi’s gentle, but its coloring power lags.

Cost Vs. Value

At $35 for 10.6 oz, Kiwabi’s pricier than Pantene ($10) or Nioxin ($25).

A bottle lasted a month, costing ~$1.17/wash.

Its ethical formula feels premium, but patchy results didn’t justify the price.

I saved with Pantene and got better lather.

Kiwabi’s cost only suits those prioritizing vegan ingredients over performance.

Practical Considerations

Kiwabi suits color-treated or sensitive scalps but falters for quick gray fixes.

Check for allergies to plant extracts—I had no issues.

Buy from trusted sites; I used Amazon.

Daily use is key; skipping days weakens results.

Pair with a conditioner for extra moisture.

If grays persist, consider salon dyes.

Also Read: Is Native Shampoo Good For Dyed Hair

Common Myths About Color Shampoos

Think color shampoos are harsh?

Kiwabi’s gentle, but results vary.

Worried they’re a scam?

They deposit color, but Kiwabi’s effect was subtle.

Think they’re only for women?

My husband used it too.

Believe they’re instant?

Kiwabi needs weeks, and even then, it’s patchy.

Safety Tips

Patch-test first; I tried it on my wrist with no reaction.

Avoid eyes—it stings if splashed.

I rinsed fast if it happened.

Use gloves to prevent staining.

I stored it away from my kids’ reach.

If irritation hits, stop and see a doctor.

My scalp stayed fine.

Also Read: My Thoughts On Redken One United Spray

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Kiwabi Color Shampoo’s natural formula and lavender scent drew me in, but its uneven gray coverage and staining issues let me down.

This review shared my journey, pros, cons, and comparisons to help you decide.

For reliable gray coverage, explore salon dyes or stronger shampoos.

Skip Kiwabi—you deserve better results.