If you’re hunting for a hair dye that delivers vibrant color, covers stubborn grays, and keeps your hair feeling healthy, look no further than L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème. I’ve tried countless dyes, but this one stands out for its ease of use, salon-quality results, and nourishing formula.
Whether you’re touching up roots or going for a bold new shade, this product has you covered. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for at-home coloring, and I’m excited to share why you should grab a box today!
My Experience With L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème
Let me set the scene: I’m staring at my bathroom mirror, grays peeking through my medium brown hair like uninvited guests.
I’ve been coloring my hair at home for years to save on salon costs, but finding a dye that actually delivers is like finding a needle in a haystack.
A cousin swore by L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème, so I decided to give it a whirl, picking up the Medium Brown shade to match my natural color.
The process was surprisingly smooth.
The kit comes with everything you need: a developer, color crème, comb applicator, gloves, shampoo, and conditioner.
I loved the comb applicator—it made applying the dye to my roots a breeze, with way less mess than the usual bottle-and-squeeze routine.
My hair is shoulder-length, and one box was plenty, even with my thick strands. The formula didn’t reek like some dyes I’ve used; it had a mild scent that didn’t make my eyes water.
After mixing the crème and developer, I applied it to dry, unwashed hair as instructed. The non-drip formula stayed put, so I wasn’t wiping dye off my forehead every five minutes. I left it on for about 30 minutes, then rinsed and used the included shampoo.
This isn’t just any shampoo—it’s formulated to cleanse excess residue while keeping the color vibrant. My hair felt clean but not stripped. The conditioner was the real star, leaving my strands silky and shiny, like I’d just stepped out of a salon.
The result? My grays were completely gone, and the color was rich and even from root to tip. My hair looked healthy, not fried, which is a big deal since I have curly hair that’s prone to damage. I’ve been using it every six weeks for touch-ups, and the shine hasn’t faded. It’s not just a dye; it’s a confidence boost in a box.
Pros of L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème
- 100% Gray Coverage That Actually Works
If you’re battling stubborn grays, this dye is your new best friend.
I’ve got those wiry, resistant grays that laugh at weaker formulas, but Excellence Crème covers them completely.
The brand claims 100% gray coverage for all hair types, and in my experience, it delivers.
Whether you’re dealing with a few silver strands or a full head of white, this dye doesn’t mess around.
My roots look flawless every time, and
the color stays true for weeks.
- Nourishing Triple Care Formula
What sets this dye apart is its Triple Care Color routine. It’s packed with pro-keratine, ceramide, and glycerin, which protect your hair before, during, and after coloring. I noticed my hair felt softer and less brittle compared to other dyes that left my curls dry and crunchy.
The formula works to strengthen hair fibers, so you’re not just coloring—you’re actually caring for your hair. After eight weeks, my hair still feels revitalized, not like it’s been through a chemical warzone.
- Easy Application for DIY Newbies
You don’t need to be a pro to get salon-worthy results. The comb applicator is a genius addition, letting you target roots with precision. I found it especially handy for touch-ups, as it glides through hair without clogging.
The non-drip formula means no accidental splatters on your bathroom tiles (been there, done that). Even if it’s your first time coloring at home, the clear instructions and quality tools make it foolproof.
- Long-Lasting Color and Shine
I’m picky about color staying power, and Excellence Crème doesn’t disappoint. The color holds up for up to eight weeks, with minimal fading. My Medium Brown shade still had that glossy, just-dyed look after a month of washes.
The included conditioner helps lock in shine, and I’ve gotten compliments on how vibrant my hair looks weeks after coloring. It’s like having a salon finish without the hefty price tag.
- Wide Shade Range for Every Style
With 32 shades, from Ash Blonde to Jet Black, there’s something for everyone. I stuck with a natural tone, but if you’re feeling bold, you can go for a chocolate brown or a fiery red.
The shade guide on the box is spot-on, so you’re less likely to end up with a surprise color (though, as I’ll mention later, results can vary on pre-treated hair). Whether you want subtle or standout, the range has you covered.
Not-So-Good Parts of L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème
- Color Results Can Vary on Pre-Treated Hair
Here’s where I hit a snag.
A friend of mine with bleached hair tried the Light Blonde shade, hoping for a platinum glow.
Instead, she got a strawberry blonde that wasn’t quite what the box promised.
I suspect her previously lightened hair grabbed the color differently.
If your hair’s been through the wringer—bleached, hennaed, or heavily colored—test a strand first.
The formula works best on virgin or minimally treated hair, so manage your expectations if your hair has a colorful past.
- New Formula Issues for Some Users
I’ve heard grumbles about the updated formula, and I can’t ignore them. While my experience was stellar, some long-time users have reported the new mix is thicker and harder to apply, almost “gluggy.” A few even said their usual shade came out off—like a ginger band instead of dark brown.
I didn’t notice a huge change in texture, but if you’ve been loyal to the old formula, you might want to check reviews for your specific shade before diving in.
- Conditioner Tube Could Be Better
The conditioner is amazing, but the packaging? Not so much. The tube split at the seam after a couple of uses, which was annoying. I had to store it in a plastic bag to avoid a mess.
Others have mentioned similar issues, so L’Oréal, if you’re listening, please fix this! It’s a small gripe, but when you’re paying for a premium product, you expect the packaging to hold up.
- Pricey Compared to Some Competitors
At around $10-$12 a box, Excellence Crème isn’t the cheapest option on the shelf. Brands like Revlon Colorsilk or Garnier Nutrisse often cost a few bucks less. For me, the quality justifies the price, especially since one box covers my shoulder-length hair.
But if you’re on a tight budget or have long, thick hair that needs two boxes, the cost can add up. Keep an eye out for sales to soften the blow.
Tips For L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème
- Use the Included Conditioner Weekly: That little tube of conditioner isn’t just for post-dye pampering. I use it once a week to keep my hair soft and the color vibrant. It’s packed with collagen to protect your hair until your next dye job, and I’ve noticed it helps prevent that dull, faded look. Apply it after shampooing, leave it on for a few minutes, and rinse. Your hair will thank you with extra shine and bounce.
- Stick to Sulfate-Free Shampoo: To make your color last, switch to a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates can strip dye, leaving you with faded patches. I use L’Oréal EverPure, which is gentle and color-safe. Wash your hair every other day if possible—overwashing can speed up fading, especially with lighter shades like blonde or red. Cool water rinses also help seal the cuticle and lock in color.
- Protect Your Hair from Heat and Sun: Heat styling and UV rays are color-killers. I always use a heat protectant spray before blow-drying or flat-ironing, and it’s made a big difference in keeping my color fresh. If you’re out in the sun a lot, pop on a hat or use a leave-in conditioner with UV protection. My curls stay vibrant longer when I’m diligent about shielding them from environmental damage.
- Touch Up Roots Every 4-6 Weeks: For gray coverage, I touch up my roots every six weeks using the comb applicator. Focus the dye on new growth to avoid overloading your ends with color, which can make them look flat. If you’re in a pinch, L’Oréal’s Magic Root Cover Up spray is a lifesaver for hiding grays between dye jobs. It’s temporary but blends seamlessly with Excellence Crème shades.
- Do a Strand Test Before Full Application: If you’re trying a new shade or have chemically treated hair, don’t skip the strand test. I learned this the hard way when I once ended up with an unexpected brassy tone. Mix a small amount of dye, apply it to a hidden strand, and check the result after the recommended time. It takes 10 minutes but can save you from a color disaster.
Comparison of L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème With Other Brands
Let’s break down how L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème holds up against other popular drugstore hair dyes: Garnier Nutrisse, L’Oréal Superior Preference, and Garnier Olia. I’ve used all of these at some point, so I’m comparing them head-to-head like we’re picking the best dessert at a buffet.
Each brand has its strengths, but I’ll show you why Excellence Crème often takes the cake.
- L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Vs. Garnier Nutrisse
Garnier Nutrisse is a solid contender, and I tried their Dark Brown shade a while back.
Its formula, infused with avocado, olive, and shea oils, promises nourishment, and it delivers—my hair felt soft post-dye.
The color was bold and covered most of my grays, but a few stubborn ones peeked through after a week.
Nutrisse’s applicator bottle is standard, but the runny texture led to drips on my counter, which was a hassle to clean.
It’s priced around $8-$10, a bit cheaper than Excellence Crème’s $10-$12.
Excellence Crème, on the other hand, nails gray coverage with its 100% claim, and I’ve never seen a gray strand after using it. The non-drip formula and comb applicator make application cleaner and more precise, especially for roots.
The included shampoo and conditioner elevate the experience, leaving my hair shinier than Nutrisse did. While Nutrisse’s oils are nourishing, Excellence Crème’s Triple Care routine (pro-keratine, ceramide, glycerin) feels more protective, keeping my curls vibrant for up to eight weeks versus Nutrisse’s four to six.
If gray coverage and ease of use are your priorities, Excellence Crème wins, but Nutrisse is a great budget pick for less demanding hair.
- L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Vs. L’Oréal Superior Preference
Since both are from L’Oréal, you’d expect similar vibes, but Excellence Crème and Superior Preference cater to different needs.
I used Preference’s Light Auburn years ago, hoping for a reddish glow.
Its liquid gel formula applies smoothly and gives a sheer, translucent finish, which is gorgeous if you want a natural, sun-kissed look.
However, my grays started showing within a week, and the color faded noticeably after three weeks.
The kit includes a conditioner, but it’s less luxurious than Excellence Crème’s, and the gloves felt flimsier.
Preference costs about $9-$11, slightly less than Excellence Crème.
Excellence Crème is the heavyweight for gray coverage. Its creamy, non-drip formula and comb applicator make it easier to target roots compared to Preference’s bottle. The Triple Care routine ensures my hair stays soft and the color lasts up to eight weeks, far outpacing Preference’s staying power.
Preference’s shade range is broad, but its 28 options are fewer than Excellence Crème’s 32, and it’s less suited for stubborn grays. If you’ve got minimal grays and want a lighter, sheerer color, Preference is fine, but for full coverage and longevity, Excellence Crème is the clear champ.
- L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Vs. Garnier Olia
Garnier Olia is unique for its oil-powered, ammonia-free formula, and I gave their Medium Blonde a spin last year.
The oil-based texture feels fancy and smells better than most dyes—no harsh chemical whiff.
It covered my grays decently, though not as thoroughly as Excellence Crème, and the color was vibrant but faded after about five weeks.
Olia’s applicator bottle is easy to use, but I found the formula a bit slippery, making it tricky to control. Priced at $9-$11, it’s in the same ballpark as Excellence Crème.
Excellence Crème’s pro-keratine and glycerin formula feels just as nourishing as Olia’s oils, but its gray coverage is unmatched. The comb applicator gives it an edge for precision, and the non-drip texture stays put, unlike Olia’s slicker mix.
Olia’s ammonia-free perk is great for sensitive scalps, but I didn’t notice irritation with Excellence Crème either. The included shampoo and conditioner with Excellence Crème add a salon-like finish, while Olia’s conditioner is good but less impactful.
Olia’s 34 shades slightly outnumber Excellence Crème’s 32, but for long-lasting color and complete gray coverage, Excellence Crème pulls ahead. If you prioritize an ammonia-free formula, Olia’s a strong choice, but Excellence Crème’s overall performance makes it my go-to.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely, it’s one of the better options out there. The Triple Care formula with pro-keratine, ceramide, and glycerin protects and strengthens hair, leaving it soft and shiny. My curly hair, which is prone to damage, feels healthier after using it. The included conditioner is a lifesaver, and the color lasts up to eight weeks without drying out my strands. Just follow the instructions and do a strand test if your hair’s chemically treated.
It depends on your needs. Excellence Crème is my go-to for its unbeatable gray coverage and creamy, non-drip formula. It’s ideal for stubborn grays and delivers rich, long-lasting color. Preference is a liquid gel that gives a sheerer, more translucent finish, but it’s not as effective for gray coverage. I found Preference’s color faded faster, and it didn’t cover my grays as well. If you want vibrant, gray-free results, stick with Excellence.
Some users have noticed changes with the new formula, like a thicker, “gluggy” texture that’s harder to apply. A few have reported their usual shades turning out differently—like dark brown coming out greenish or ginger. I didn’t experience this with Medium Brown, but it seems the updated Triple Care routine has altered the mix for some shades. L’Oréal claims it’s an improvement for better care and coverage, but check reviews for your shade if you’re a long-time user.
Yes, it’s a rockstar at gray coverage. The brand promises 100% coverage, even on stubborn grays, and it’s held true for me. My wiry grays disappear completely, and the color stays put for weeks. It works on all hair types, from curly to straight, and the comb applicator makes it easy to target roots. Just be sure to leave it on for the full recommended time for best results.
Conclusion: Grab L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Today
After months of using L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème, I’m hooked. It’s not just a hair dye—it’s a full-on hair care experience that covers grays, boosts shine, and keeps my curls healthy.
The easy application and long-lasting color make it worth every penny. If you want salon-quality results without breaking the bank, this is the dye for you. Head to your local store or online retailer and pick up a box.
Your hair deserves this kind of excellence!