Sulfate-Free, Color-Safe Hair Developers for At-Home Dyeing

Sulfate-Free, Color-Safe Hair Developers for At-Home Dyeing

Looking for a gentle, color-safe hair developer for at-home coloring? Explore these options designed to protect your hair while delivering vibrant results, all without SLS or SLES sulfates.

Root Touch-Up Kit: Permanent Color with Sulfate-Free Developer

The Root Touch-Up Kit is crafted for those who want to cover up to 1 inch of root growth at home. Developed with salon professionals, this kit uses a low-ammonia permanent crème color and includes a developer color activator. Both the color and developer are formulated without SLS or SLES sulfates, making them suitable for color-treated hair and sensitive scalps. Key Benefits:
  • Sulfate-Free & Color Safe: Free from SLS, SLES, and parabens, and certified by Leaping Bunny.
  • Complete Kit: Includes everything needed for two applications—permanent color, developer, mixing bowls, gloves, processing caps, applicator brush, and samples of dpHUE Color Fresh Shampoo and Conditioner.
  • Natural-Looking Results: Six shades blend seamlessly into your base color for a natural finish.
  • Award-Winning: Recognized with the 2021 Allure Best of Beauty Award and 2022 Women’s Health Healthy Hair Award for Best Color/Dye.
For best gray coverage, start with clean, dry hair. Mix half a tube of color with one sachet of developer, apply to roots, process for 45 minutes, then rinse and follow with the included shampoo and conditioner samples.

Color Dream: Ammonia-Free, Sulfate-Free Demi-Permanent Color

Color Dream offers a gentle, ammonia-free alternative for those seeking to enhance their current shade, add shine, or blend early grays. This demi-permanent formula is also free from SLS and SLES sulfates, making it a safe choice for maintaining hair health during the coloring process. Key Benefits:
  • Sulfate-Free & Color Safe: No SLS, SLES, or parabens; Leaping Bunny Certified.
  • Ammonia-Free Formula: Zero lift, so it won’t lighten hair or cause harsh regrowth lines.
  • Quick Application: Achieve soft, nourished color in just 20 minutes.
  • Versatile Use: Suitable for highlighted, virgin, or color-treated hair, and naturally blends up to 20% of early grays.
  • Eight Natural Shades: Options range from Black to Strawberry Blonde.
For best results, perform an allergy test 48 hours before use. This formula is designed to enhance and refresh your color, not for dramatic changes.

Choosing the Right Sulfate-Free, Color-Safe Developer

Both the Root Touch-Up Kit and Color Dream are formulated to be gentle on hair and scalp, free from harsh sulfates, and safe for color-treated hair. The Root Touch-Up Kit is ideal for precise root coverage with permanent results, while Color Dream is perfect for those seeking a subtle, ammonia-free refresh or shine boost.
Both options provide at-home convenience with professional-quality, sulfate-free formulas to help you achieve vibrant, healthy-looking hair.
FeatureRoot Touch-Up KitColor Dream
TypePermanent Crème Hair ColorDemi-Permanent Hair Color
CoverageCovers up to 1 inch of root growth; best for gray root coverageEnhances color, boosts shine, creates dimension; blends up to 20% of early grays
Gray CoverageFull gray coverageBlends up to 20% of grays
AmmoniaLow-ammoniaAmmonia-free
LiftNo (does not lighten hair)Zero lift (does not lighten hair)
LastsPermanentUp to 16 shampoos
Application Time45 minutes20 minutes
Number of Applications2 per kit1 per box
Shades Available6 (Black, Dark Brown, Medium Brown, Light Brown, Dark Blonde, Medium Blonde)8 (Black, Cool Blonde, Copper, Dark Brown, Golden Blonde, Light Brown, Medium Brown, Strawberry Blonde)
Suitable ForRoot touch-up, gray coverage, all hair typesHighlighted, virgin, color-treated hair, blending early grays, all hair types
Intended UseCover up to 1 inch of root growth between color sessionsEnhance current hue, boost shine, refresh color, tone highlights, blend early grays
Not Intended ForDrastic color changes or lightening hairDrastic color changes
FeaturesColor Safe, Paraben Free, SLS & SLES Sulfate Free, Leaping Bunny CertifiedAmmonia-free, Zero lift, Color Safe, Paraben Free, SLS & SLES Sulfate Free, Leaping Bunny Certified
Kit Includes2x color, 2x developer, 2x mixing bowl, 2x gloves, 2x processing cap, applicator brush, dpHUE Color Fresh Shampoo & Conditioner sampleNot specified
Awards2021 Allure Best of Beauty, 2022 Women's Health Healthy Hair Award for Best Color/DyeNone listed
Price$35.00$32.00
How to UseMix ½ tube color + 1 developer sachet, apply to roots, process 45 min, rinse, shampoo & conditionApply to hair, process 20 min, rinse
Subscription AvailableYesNot specified
What are sulfate-free, color-safe hair developers?Sulfate-free, color-safe hair developers are hair color products formulated without harsh sulfates like SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) or SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate). These developers are designed to protect color-treated hair and sensitive scalps while delivering vibrant, long-lasting color results.
Is the Root Touch-Up Kit safe for color-treated hair?Yes, the Root Touch-Up Kit is specifically formulated to be safe for color-treated hair. It is free from SLS, SLES, and parabens, making it gentle on both hair and scalp. The kit is also Leaping Bunny Certified, ensuring it meets cruelty-free standards.
What does the Root Touch-Up Kit include?The Root Touch-Up Kit includes everything needed for two applications: permanent crème color, developer color activator, mixing bowls, gloves, processing caps, an applicator brush, and samples of dpHUE Color Fresh Shampoo and Conditioner.
How do I use the Root Touch-Up Kit for best gray coverage?For optimal gray coverage, start with clean, dry hair. Mix half a tube of color with one sachet of developer, apply to the roots, process for 45 minutes, then rinse and follow with the included shampoo and conditioner samples.
What makes Color Dream different from the Root Touch-Up Kit?Color Dream is an ammonia-free, demi-permanent color that gently enhances your current shade, adds shine, and blends early grays without lightening hair or causing harsh regrowth lines. The Root Touch-Up Kit, on the other hand, is a permanent color solution designed for precise root coverage.
Is Color Dream suitable for all hair types?Yes, Color Dream is suitable for highlighted, virgin, or color-treated hair. It is formulated to be gentle and can naturally blend up to 20% of early grays, making it a versatile choice for many hair types.
How long does it take to apply Color Dream?Color Dream offers a quick application process, allowing you to achieve soft, nourished color in just 20 minutes.
Are these hair color products cruelty-free?Yes, both the Root Touch-Up Kit and Color Dream are Leaping Bunny Certified, ensuring they are cruelty-free and not tested on animals.
How do I choose between the Root Touch-Up Kit and Color Dream?Choose the Root Touch-Up Kit if you need permanent, precise root coverage. Opt for Color Dream if you want a gentle, ammonia-free refresh, shine boost, or to blend early grays without dramatic color changes.
Do I need to perform an allergy test before using these products?Yes, it is recommended to perform an allergy test 48 hours before using Color Dream to ensure safety and avoid potential allergic reactions.
What are the key benefits of the Root Touch-Up Kit?How do I use the Color Dream product for the best results?What is your return policy for hair color products?

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