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What is Ammonia?
Ammonia is a common ingredient in hair color, it’s an alkaline chemical that helps the dye deposit itself onto the cortex of the hair. Typically, ammonia changes the pH level of the hair, and this can weaken strands and cause protein loss. Ammonia is in permanent hair dyes to give the tone longevity, but it’s not necessary in all at-home hair colors.
100% grey coverage
Discover our new ammonia-free hair color, L'Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Universal Nudes offer 100% grey coverage, ammonia free, with a triple care color routine including the caring color cream, caring shampoo, and caring conditioner.
With the new universal reflect, a unique blend of warm and cool flattering reflects, you will easily achieve color results that flatters all skin complexions.
First greys
L'Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss is a revolutionary demi-permanent hair color and no ammonia hair dye for unparalleled hair gloss, delivering vibrant, salon-quality shine at home.
Powered by a 10% Glycolic Gloss Complex, this hair color ensures up to 3x glossier hair and visibly healthier hair, offering transformative results with every application. It provides beautiful, luminous color that lasts for up to 32 shampoos, maintaining vibrancy.
Experience optimal first grey coverage with this easy-to-use no ammonia hair dye, blending seamlessly for a natural-looking finish and a quick, glossy refresh.
Find the perfect hair color that matches your desired look with our personalized services.
Ammonia-free doesn't mean one type of colour. L'Oréal Paris offers both permanent and semi-permanent ammonia-free hair dye, and the right choice depends on your grey and the result you want. Excellence Crème Universal Nudes is an ammonia-free permanent colour with 100% grey coverage, in seven natural shades from 1N to 8N. It is made for people who want full, lasting coverage. Casting Crème Gloss is a semi-permanent colour for first greys, blending up to 70% grey. It fades gradually with no harsh regrowth line, so it suits anyone trying colour for the first time or wanting a softer commitment. Not sure which way to go? Compare permanent and semi-permanent hair dye, or browse all semi-permanent hair colour.
A simple rule of thumb: if grey makes up more than about 70% of your hair, or you want full coverage, choose permanent Universal Nudes. If you have a few first greys and want to blend them, choose Casting Crème Gloss. Casting is not recommended above 70% grey or for lightening your hair. Between colourings, Magic Root Cover Up hides regrowth instantly until your next shampoo. For more ways to cover grey, see our guide to the best hair colour for grey hair.
Always do an allergy test 48 hours before every colouring, even if you have used the product before. Prepare your space, protect your clothes and apply the colour exactly as the instructions in the box describe. With Universal Nudes, leave the colour on for 25 to 45 minutes; for maximum grey coverage, leave it for the full 40 to 45 minutes. Casting Crème Gloss develops in 20 minutes. Rinse until the water runs clear, then apply the conditioner in the kit. Our at-home colouring prep guide walks you through every step, and our hair dye myths article answers common worries.
Universal Nudes is built around natural, neutral tones in seven shades, from 1N to 8N, so it is easy to match to your own colour. Choose the shade closest to your natural hair, or the lighter of two if you're unsure. Casting Crème Gloss comes in a range of semi-permanent shades, such as Black and Casting Crème Gloss Light Brown.
Colour lasts longer when you wash gently. A sulfate-free routine such as EverPure is designed for colour-treated hair. Before you choose a shade, try it on with Virtual Try-On or get a personalized match with our Hair Colour Diagnosis.
Ammonia is an alkaline ingredient used in many permanent hair dyes to help colour penetrate the hair. Ammonia-free formulas such as Excellence Crème Universal Nudes deliver permanent colour without it.
Yes. Excellence Crème Universal Nudes is an ammonia-free permanent colour with 100% grey coverage. Casting Crème Gloss blends first greys, up to 70% grey.
It can be either. Universal Nudes is an ammonia-free permanent colour. Casting Crème Gloss is semi-permanent and fades gradually with no harsh regrowth line. Learn how long semi-permanent colour lasts.
Leave Universal Nudes on for 25 to 45 minutes, and for the full 40 to 45 minutes for maximum grey coverage. Casting Crème Gloss develops in 20 minutes. Always follow the instructions in the box.
It depends on the type. Semi-permanent ammonia-free colour, such as Casting Crème Gloss, fades gradually and blends first greys (up to 70%) rather than covering all of them, and it is not designed to lighten hair. If you want full coverage, choose a permanent ammonia-free colour such as Excellence Crème Universal Nudes, which offers 100% grey coverage.
Yes. Do an allergy test 48 hours before every colouring, even with ammonia-free formulas and even if you have used the product before.
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