Written on: 27/03/2013
My experience has been much the same. I have used Natural Instincts for 7 years. I have not liked the newer product. Orange hair and scalp with the refresher. I've been blaming my hair loss on anything I could think of. Now I know. (read more)
Written on: 26/03/2013
I have used Natural Instincts for several years. ( #13, Suade) I have always been pretty satisfied until they changed the product. They put the color refresher in and took away half the conditioner. The refresher turns your hair red/orange. I did email Clairol and they said they were puzzled. Really?? I told them to go back to the old stuff, it was better all the way around. But they haven't and I'm sure they won't. I think I will save up all the color refreshers and send them back... (read more)
Written on: 25/02/2013
I have been using this product for years, same color. And I recently dyed my hair with it.... MY HAIR IS FALLING OUT NOW. I'm getting a bald spot on the top of my head, everytime I touch my hair it breaks off several strands... I used to have very healthy long hair down to my buns. Im now chest length and still having to go shorter. My hair is so thin and brittle... Horrible product. :( (read more)
Written on: 17/02/2013 by awnDa
Wish I would have known about this review site before I tried CLAIROL NATURAL INSTINCTS CREME. After following the instructions, When I rinsed my hair out it was RED/ORANGE not Auburn. and there porduct didn't even color all my hair, have strips of brown. I wouldn't even give this product a full star. My hair is now a disaster. Hoping I can correct this mess tomorrow. Will let everyone around know this product is bogus. (read more)
Written on: 22/09/2012
I can't find natural instincts in #30 I was going to try #32 ,but i couldn't find that in about 25 stores i went to,I am dissappointed as my hair need a colour now it was darkest brown oringinaly and i always used natural instincts I used #22 for awile to lighten now it's a redish brown and lighter in front as i suppose there is more grey there i want a nice auburn shade and did not want permanant colour CLAIROL PLEASE PUT THESE COLOURS BACK ON THE SHELVES IN ALL STORES THAT CARRY THIS... (read more)
Written on: 20/09/2012
Pretty much anything I have ever used has worked to cover up my gray until now. Tried this product the other day and waited the full 15 minutes. It looked as though I never colored my hair. Just took alot of time and effort for no results. I had to color my hair with Loreal 10 minutes a few days later and that worked beautifully. (read more)
Written on: 02/09/2012 by rg1157 (1 review written)
I was extremely disappointed with this product. When you put it on your hair it drips all over the place and makes a real mess! The color did not cover a particular area of my hair, even though I waited the maximum of 15 minutes, as suggested on the directions! Also, the color that came out was too red and it looks okay, but not what I had anticipated!! All around this product is terrible and I will never ever use it again or recommend it to anyone!! Very disappointed. If I had known it... (read more)
Written on: 19/07/2012
I use to love using the Light Ash Brown but since they have changed to the cool browns I hate it. I can use the new cool brown and it does okay but when I use the 2 week enhancer it turns my hair red. Won't ever use the enhancer again - tried it 3 times and the old saying strike 3 you are out. Will look for a new product. I read a lot of reviews about the enhancer and Clariol says nothing has changed - let them put it on their hair. Seems like they would pay attention to reveiws by what... (read more)
Written on: 11/05/2012
I used to use Natural Instincts for years because I loved the color and how shiny and healthy it made my hair look. I'm currently wanting to color over some highlights that I'm trying to grow out and so I'm online looking up which color I might want to try. Man! Am I glad I read these reviews!! I can only imagine the disaster I would have had if I had colored over my highlights with their obviously new formula. Wow Clairol, so many have said it already don't fix what isn't broken! (read more)
Written on: 07/05/2012 by 9159ALARM (1 review written)
Old product easy to use, natural looking, shiny hair, good body. Pour a bottle into a second bottle, shake and use. New product, dry hair, dull color, no body. difficult to use. First open cream toothpaste type tube. find comething with a point to shove in to open. Difficult squeezing the cream out, worried about not getting it all. Does not cover well. Can not find a shade equivalent to the old color does not cover grey well. Hate it, dissappointed, confused. If not broken why fix it? If... (read more)
Written on: 16/04/2012
WARNING!!! DO NOT USE NATURAL INSTINCTS NEW FORMULA!! YOU WILL BE SORRY!! Some people are saying their hair is falling out in clumps after more than one application of this new formula. This hair color has many problems: a) The new formula is extremely drying. It causes your hair to feel like straw and makes it extremely unmanageable. b) It makes your hair very hard to style - it will cause your hair to lose volume and go flat due to an over-conditioning agent in the color itself... (read more)
Written on: 06/04/2012
I wanted a nice brown color without any red. I used Natural Instincts Medium Brown (Brass-Free). I was pleased with that color. After a couple of weeks, I used the color refresher that came in the package. Ohhh nooo! They must have put all the "brass" in that packet. My hair turned out red . . . exactly what I did not want! I will probably use this brand and color again, but I will throw away the color refresher! (read more)
Written on: 05/04/2012
Been using Nice n Easy for years with no problem. I've been thinking about letting my gray grow out (but subtly - I'm a chicken and wanted it to blend a little in the process.) I tried Natural Instincts a year ago with bad crispy hair results, but wrote it off as a reaction to the hard water residue in my hair. Thought about trying it again but to be safe decided to read some reviews. Found I am not the only one with that experience! I'm going to return this Natural Instincts to the store! (read more)
Written on: 25/03/2012 by linde (1 review written)
I have been using #12 for years..toasted almond..lasted 28 washes..now its 2 weeks and I hate that crap they say you need to refresh your hair...get rid of this garbage. You shouldnt have touched the old one in the first place...now I will be looking for something else too.. (read more)
Written on: 18/03/2012
I've used the Clairol Natural Instincts #20 for several years with wonderful results. I just colored my hair last week with the NEW 10 MINUTE Clairol product and it said to use it on DRY hair. All the other times I used it on damp hair. Well...low and behold..this product sucks! It dried out my hair and damaged it so now I have to use a product for dull and damaged hair. Clairol....You're history!!!! Will throw away the NEW UPDATED 10MINUTE product and go on to another manufacturer. YOU... (read more)
Written on: 15/04/2012
Both the new formulations for Natural Instincts (liquid and creme) are horrendous. I have used the old Natural Instincts Liquid for years and was very happy, but when I tried the new formulation, it made my hair frizzy and as hard and dry as a rock, and the really strange thing is it makes your hair go completely flat and will not hold a style. This formulation is a BIG MISTAKE that they need to correct. WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T BUY THIS PRODUCT UNLESS THEY GO BACK TO THE OLD FORMULATION. Natural Instincts is now THE WORST HAIR COLOR ON THE MARKET. It was the best before they changed it. We can't believe they would put a product like this in the stores. It should have remained in testing for a long time. AND NOW IT WON'T EVEN COVER GRAY FOR MORE THAN TWO WEEKS!!. I am now looking for a solution for this mess my hair is in - it looks like a Brillo pad. DON'T TRUST CLAIROL ANYMORE - YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO COME OUT WITH NEXT!
Written on: 16/03/2012 by dkhoward (1 review written)
I used the brown to cover gray. It left a red tint on my scalp. The packet to refresh after two weeks left a yellow tint on my gray hair and scalp. How can they sell this crap? I'll never use Clairol products again.. (read more)
Written on: 28/02/2012 by melissadb
i have med brown hair and i bought the medium golden blonde because i have never been a blonde before.Well after using this product,Im still not a blonde.It did not change my hair color in the slightest way!Besides my hair feeling disgusting,I cant even tell I used it.NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY CLAIROL PRODUCTS!!!!!! 1 (read more)
Written on: 09/02/2012 by sillysewer
Okay, tried the "10 minute" formula. The worst mess ever then added the "color treat" 2 weeks later and scalp turned orange. That was a mess. Feeling frustrated, I called Clairol customer service who told me that there had been NO CHANGE in the formula and I could just leave the color on as long as I wanted. I have been a loyal customer of Clairol for many, many years. I think it is now time to move on and find another Brand. Okay, tried the (read more)
Written on: 03/03/2012
I totally agree with this customer,. This new formula leaves my hair dry, brassy , and the refreshing pouch made my hair look terribly dry and very brassy. Please bring back the old formula!!Iam no longer using your product. I will try one of your competitors. You lost a loyal customer of twelve years!!
Written on: 02/02/2012 by kwiz77 (1 review written)
Natural Instincts...I didn't notice that they changed the formula until it said put on dry hair...I called Clairol, and they said I could wet my hair, so I did. It came out ok. Then I noticed my hair seemed thinner. It was pretty thick b4 I dyed it. I don't know if it just didn't let my hair replenish after some of the hair comes out when I brush it, but now I'm wondering if it thinned my hair. My sister noticed it too. And it was lighter after 2 washings. Reading the reviews, now I'm afraid... (read more)
Written on: 16/01/2012
i have used natural instincts, light brown or medium brown, forever. it covered gray, was not difficult to apply, and lasted 4 to 6 weeks, looking truly, as the name implied, 'natural.' with the new formula (and there is definitely one), applying color to dry hair is a mess, roots are still white immediately after rinsing out the applied color, the shine has gone, and my hair is dry as hay. i am looking for substitute brands and will try any of them once until i find something better. who... (read more)
Written on: 30/04/2012
I was very disappointed with clairol natural instincts , i used the med brown to cover a little gray because it wasnt a permant color is said no brassy look but after 2 weeks i used the 2 week refresher then people started asking me when i died my hair red it was embarrasing . I always used loving care for yeard because it never damaged hair but now they discountued it and for what this junk thad had something with loving care
Written on: 26/12/2011 by pd0623
I have been using Natural Instints since 1999. Never had an issue with it for the whole 12yrs I've been using it. Now there is a new formula. Not happy with this product at all and will be looking for a different one, unless Clairol brings back the old formula. Like one person wrote "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." To put the the coloring on while your hair is dry is a pain in the you know what. Than to be bothered w/putting on color fresh again in 2wks. Come on!!! I hope with all... (read more)
Written on: 16/10/2011
I tried the new formula, with 2 week color booster, it left my hair dry and brittle. I can not get enough moisturizer on it. I had such healthy hair using the old formula for many years. Clairol please bring back the old formula. (read more)
Written on: 12/10/2011 by tamaravoice
Shade 13 - Suede - was not a part of the recent Natural Instincts Recall but it should be. The refresher pack turned my hair bright orange. I called customer service to seek advice and they told me to wash hair and apply hot oil treatments. Parts of hair are still orange after about 16 washings and treatments. Customer service blamed it on my porous hair and said it is not their fault since I chose to use the refresher pack. BEWARE (read more)
Written on: 02/10/2011
I don't know what prompted Clairol to change the formula, but I won't be using this again. I've used it for years and it had been my favorite brand, but after leaving it in for 10 minutes, it feels dry and brittle. It didn't do a great job on the gray, either. After reading the horrible reviews on the refresher, I threw it away. (read more)
Written on: 17/09/2011 by Britb
I'm writing this right after I dyed my hair for a second time trying to cover up the crappy orange trashy color that this stupid hair dye gave me!!!! I dye my hair very often and I've never had this much of a problem! My hair is a medium brown and i chose a shade not even drastically different from my color and now my head looks like a pumpkin! I'm sticking to nice and easy brand! Natural instincts is a sham! I now have to go to a salon to have them fix this trashy mess! I wish I would've... (read more)
Written on: 15/09/2011
I'm so mad at Clairol because they snuck in the fact that the Natural Instincts line is now a PERMANENT color and no longer can you wash it out in 28 days and then switch around colors. Since they often were changing the packaging, I didn't notice that the color is permanent. When I realized it, I called and asked if I could switch back to the non-permanent which at that time was sitting on the shelves along with the new stuff. They said I could not go back and if I did my hair might turn... (read more)
Written on: 28/08/2011
I have been using Nice’n Easy, colour number 110 Natural Light Auburn, for about 1 ½ years and have been very satisfied with the results. However, I have been increasingly concerned about the amount of ammonia that was being applied to my hair. From my past experience with that Clairol product, I felt confident that I could trust the other products. So, this weekend, my sister and I decided to try Natural Instincts Crème, colour number 23R Medium Auburn. The results were disastrous! ... (read more)
Written on: 19/08/2011
I've been a Clairol Natural Instincts user for about 5 years now and I was very happy with the product. It gave me the results I wanted without the 'color booster' gimmick, which I won't be using. If a product ain't broke, don't fix it! The same goes for the shampoo. I was a regular user of the Clairol Herbal Essence shampoo which smelled terrific, but now that's gone too. All of the different formulas are rediculous! Get back to the basics and give the customers what they want. (read more)
Written on: 13/08/2011
I have also been using this product for years and used to love the way my hair felt and looked after coloring. Now that Clairol has updated the product, changed all the color names, and added the 2-week color boost, I will not be purchasing this product again. The color does not last, is not as intense as it used to be. The 2-week boost is a nightmare to use and turns your scalp and hands orange. It is not worth the time it takes to go through the coloring process and is a waste of... (read more)
Written on: 25/09/2011
I TOTALLY agree. A few years ago I'd use Burgundy Black and Egyptian Plum, the great thing is they never had refresher packets! Now they do and like you said, the color doesn't last AND they put less in the bottle. I just don't know what 28 day dyes I should use now. I'm experimenting with different brands but I can never find a color like egyptian plum or burgundy black ):
Written on: 26/07/2011 by Heeter
I haven't tried this product before, big mistake! No wonder this was on sale! The original color I chose was fine, but the color did seem to wash out sooner than my usual brand. When I used the "Week 2 Color Fresh" I thought it was unusual that the solution was orange in color I just assumed that once the solution was applied that the color would go darker like the original solution, but NO! My roots turned as orange as a pumpkin!! OMG I won't use that $&@¥ again! What did they test the... (read more)
Written on: 16/07/2011
I have used Natural Instinct for a long time and trusted Clairol as I always have. That was a big mistake, I used the week 2 color enhancer and my hair is red. This is the last color in the color pallette that I would chose because I have never or will ever want to have red hair. I have washed my hair 2 times today and I am still very red. Clairol what did you do to me. I will still use your color but will not use the week 2 enhancer. Very, Very diappointed in Clairol!!! (read more)
Written on: 21/07/2011
I just googled and found this review and the exact same thing happened to me. The original color is fine, the Week 2 Color Refresher is AWFUL. The ugliest orange. I have washed mine twice also and it is still orange....
Written on: 04/08/2011
Hi! I read that there was a recall on some colors where the color itself was ok but the 2 week enhancer had a problem... so maybe you got one of those boxes with the wrong enhancer color.. :s
Written on: 04/07/2011
I have used Clairol Natural Instincts for many, many years. I was very satisfied with it. Well, now I have used the new Natural Instincts Creme--once! I couldn't get the same color I had used in the past, and the closest I could find made my hair too dark, except for the gray roots--which it did not cover! Then I waited two weeks and tried the "refresher." How awful--now I have an orange scalp. In addition to the color problems, the new formula is very difficult to work with. And the... (read more)
Written on: 27/06/2011 by dede131 (1 review written)
I have used Clairol's Natural Instincts for years. This new thing - a 2wk later touch up - was a bad mistake. I trusted the product, but when I squeezed out the color, it was orange. ORANGE. I shoulded have trusted my own instincts, but on it went. Now my hair is orange, along with my scalp. I immediately shampooed, but it will be awhile before I go anywhere. In order to send an email to Clairol, you have to give them your entire life history, so this is the only place they will hear from... (read more)
Written on: 21/07/2011
My hair turned orange also. It is horrid!
Written on: 22/06/2011 by melissaJ
I had used clairol natural instincts in the past, but switched to a "10 minute" color. I tried the newer Natural Instincts 10 minute product and was not entirely happy with the color results. Then this morning I used the refresher product. It stained my hands and scalp and made my gray roots look orange. Will not be buying again. (read more)
Written on: 23/05/2011
I have been using Clairol Natural Instincts for years now and have always loved it. But their new formula is horrible. First I found the tip on the bottle that you use to put the color on your hair was extremely hard to remove. Then I found that because it was a cream it did not cover my hair very well and I had to use twice as much as usual. It also stained my skin horribly which it never has before and this could not be removed and because the cream did not blend in well there was hair... (read more)
Written on: 21/06/2011
I agree wholeheartedly with this review. Trying to find old boxes of my color.
Written on: 29/07/2011
I will not use this brand unless they change back to the old formula. This review says it all. I emailed a complaint to Clairol. I don't even like the new packaging, LOL.
Written on: 23/05/2011
I've used Clairol Natural Instincts Pecan for many years with great results. The last time I bought it medium golden brown was renamed, "caramel creme." It was horrible. The dye was in a stiff metallic tube and it was very hard to squeeze it into the bottle. The color on my hair was a very dark chocolate brown (almost black) - nothing "medium" about it. For the first time ever I had stains on my face and neck which wouldn't come out until I scrubbed them with Ajax with bleach! ... (read more)
Written on: 15/05/2011
I do not like the new & improved formula of Natural instincts. I colored my roots, then 2 wks later I did the new step (I think a refresher). It seemed to take the color off my roots rather than add color, & it dyed my scalp for a day. I do not like having to dye my hair every 2 wks. I hope they go back to the once a month formula. Why "fix" something that is not broke? (read more)
Written on: 07/06/2011
I too used the "new and improved" Natural instincty. Two weeks later after applying the refresher I had orange hair and scalp. It took 3 shampoos to remove the orange and I had to buy another box of Nat In to cover. Will change to another brand.
Written on: 15/06/2011
Sad to say, I just had the same experience. I got a great haircut and have been very happy with the old Natural Instinct. I just applied the refresher and it stripped the color off. Something went really wrong in product development. I hope Clairol owns up to it and offer a solution. I too will be looking for another coloring option, and right now I am afraid to pick another one from Clairol (which I have used for many years)!
Written on: 21/06/2011
I was going to the "refresher" today...first time using the "new" natural instincts. Not impressed with new product, but am definitely not doing the refresher after reading review after review saying it strips the color and dyes the scalp. Clairol go back to old formula.
Written on: 17/07/2011
I agree. My gray hair turned orange and I don't have time to dye my hair every 2 weeks. I thought it was just me. It was a great product. Now I have to find a new brand. I can't find any of the" original" hair color!?! What was Clairol thinking????????
Written on: 05/05/2011 by Debra Eller (1 review written)
I have been using Natural Instincts by Clairol for several years and have been very happy with it. Recently I purchased the new formula with the 2 week refresher color. The first application did not stay on as well as the original formula. It was faded by the second wash. The two week formula did not match the original color at all. I am extremely disappointed in this product and will not purchase this formula again. The only way I would ever purchase Natural Instincts again is to be... (read more)
Written on: 25/04/2011
I have used NI Suede (temporary 28 shampoos) for many years. While the color always looks nice at first, it doesn't seem to last. I only wash my hair 2-3 times per week yet my roots seem to lose the color in 2 weeks. Now, they have the 'color revitalizer' to be used after 2 weeks. I used it today. I left it on for only 2 minutes when I saw it turn my scalp bright orange. I hurried up and rinsed it out. I wrote to Clairol. I think I am going to have to find a new product because I... (read more)
Written on: 14/06/2011
I have used Natural Instincts for years, but first time using the revitalizer and ended up a different color than 14 Tweed. I was carrot top orange and not happy with it. I was looking for number to call Clairol when I found a link saying there was a recall on some of the product.I did call to let them know what happened and they are replacing the product but that doesn't help when you don't know what is safe to use the next time. I would sugest to everyone who had this problem to let it be known to the Clairol Company that we have trusted for years to give us back the product that we had and liked so much.
Written on: 16/04/2011
I have used Nice and easy medium brown No 765 for years but I couldn't find it last time I wanted to buy it and bought the new foam version instead. Never ever again! It went everywhere. It is NOT drip free. I have been using home hair dyes for about 30 years so am very experienced. It went on my arms, down my back, on my ears, on the floor,on my face even though I put vaseline on my hairline before.My hair did not pile up while I was waiting for the development time, bits just kept falling... (read more)
Written on: 01/04/2011
I have been using Clairol's Natural Instincts for years and years and have been very satisfied with the product until today. Somewwhere between this hair coloring and my last, they introduced a new product also called Natural Instincts, but this one is a PERMANENT product. The packaging on the outside looked pretty much like the Natural Instincts that I have always bought. It wasn't until I had it on my head for about 5 or 6 minutes that I saw the tiny print on the front that said... (read more)
Written on: 20/03/2011
Much as some other people have commented here, Natural Instincts didn't do anything to my roots, which is where I need the gray coverage. I picked Pecan, because my natural hair color is medium golden brown. It darkened the rest of my hair, but my roots are still gray. I am very disappointed. Now, I have to walk around for a few weeks with even more noticeable gray roots because the rest of my hair is now darker. I am afraid to color the roots alone with another product for fear of what it... (read more)
Written on: 19/02/2011
I have naturally medium blonde hair. My sister and I bought toasted almond and it looked great but has not washed out. it has been almost 2 months and i wash my hair everyday. It also turned out WAY darker and more red than the box. I WOULD recomend trying this brand because a lot of my friends have had good luck with it. Be careful!! (read more)
Written on: 03/11/2010 by hazel33 (1 review written)
I have dark blonde/light brown hair with some cool blonde highlights which were turning a bit ginger and growing out. I used No: 7 Champaign sparkle (a cool shade of blonde) to tone down the red and blend the roots (I have used before with good results) However, this time it has made my hair even more ginger and my roots are still very visible! I am hoping it will take less than 28 washes to get it out. (read more)
Written on: 14/10/2010
An amazing product. I used Golden Cappacino dark golden brown. It didnt make my hair brassy and my hair is so soft..Great product (read more)
Written on: 12/08/2010
Terrible! Did not cover the root grey at all! I'm going to have to go out and buy a different product because this did absolutely nothing to deal with the roots. I've been colouring my hair for years, and this is the worst product I've ever used. Never again. I used a colour close to my current shade - but I still have the grey roots! Total waste of money. (read more)
Written on: 03/05/2010
I have always used Natural Instincts, and no matter what shade I use, it always turns out exactly as I expect. I have dark brown hair naturally, but started going grey rather early in life. This covers my grey and lets me play around with colors, without a permanent commitment. (read more)
Written on: 24/04/2010
I have golden brown hair, and I wanted to dye it a dark auburn red, so I went with Natural Instincts because my mother had told me that it was a good brand (she used it for over 11 years!). The colour I got was raspberry creme, and it looks amazing! It isn't too red, and is dark enough to look very natural. I have gotten many compliments from people I hardly know. The colour on the box looks very raspberry-red, but it isn't THAT raspberry coloured, and while it is more subtle, it definitely... (read more)
Written on: 18/02/2010
I love 02 Sahara. It's a beautiful shade of blonde (definitely prettier than the box color) that toned my 2.5 mos old highlights which were light to med blonde and covered my gray. Wonderful product to use between highlights. The first time I used it, I was nervous and left it on for 10 minutes. It was too subtle and did not cover the gray and did not last.
The next time I left it on for the full 20 minutes (all parts of hair) not just the root area and it looks great.
(read more)
Written on: 15/02/2010
Never, and I mean NEVER turns out like it says it will with your previous hair colour. ALWAYS way to dark and after 2 months, still no fading at all. Recently I used a dark plum colour. The side of the box stated and showed that it would show up over black, so I tried it. In the end, the black was somehow even MORE BLACK and the only plum to be found was these hideous light red roots atop my head. I was humiliated. I recommend only buying this product if you really don't care how your hair... (read more)
As rated by real users
"DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY" Read More
"Totally non effective as a hai..." Read More
"What even happened?!" Read More
"What a state " Read More
"Terrible" Read More
Guest's Comment
Written on: 19/07/2012
I have used Light Ash Brown for several years-the new cool brown isn't bad; however the color enhancer turned my hair a nasty copper/orange color and it also stained my scalp-
I wonder if anyone at Clairol reads these reviews-DUH