Clairol really did change the formula after they repackaged this hair dye and lets just say its NOT a good change. The color is darker and no longer vibrant ( I used to use sahara the lightest blonde shade) and comes out really brassy (like orange brassy!). Its HORRIBLE. I have switched to L'oreal healthy look (white chocolate shade) and its A MILLION times better and the color comes out almost 100% of what is expected from it. Sorry clairol but this was a FAIL and its too bad because I loved this color and used it for years.

I used to use this a long time ago I used to like it. I don't know it's not the same as it used to be. I used ash brown I think medium ash color was so so it's fading and it seems like its turning a little bit red. I have used nutmeg a long time ago and coffee cream when it first came out. I may use the coffee cream one in the future but right now I won't be buying it I don't like how it's changed. I did not use the color refresh.

I used Clairol Natural Instincts in Pecan last week and am very pleased with the result, it's exactly what I wanted: minimal damage and nothing drastic! I finally grew out my natural colour a couple of years ago but wanted to spice up my few greys (lol) and try something different for a change. The overall result is very natural and no one even noticed that I dyed my hair! Like I said, I wasn't going for drastic... I just wanted to enhance what I already had and was only comfortable using a demi permanent dye. I NOT walking down the road of permanent dyes again anytime soon so this allowed me to have fun without the damage and commitment!!!

WARNING: HAIR MAY COME OUT PURPLE

I used this product the first time I ever dyed my hair. My hair is medium brown and I wanted to make it auburn, so I chose, of course, the auburn dye. I followed the directions exactly. Well, my hair came out a dark, crayon-red color, almost purplish. I was fine with that... thought it was neat looking... but that wasn't what I wanted. The color, supposed to last for 28 washes, lasted for 3 months (60 washes), and my hair is still permanently stained a faint reddish color, though you can only really see it in sunlight.

So... the color I got looked NOTHING like what the box advertised, and it lasted a VERY long time, but overall I wasn't displeased. Next time I will probably just wash the color out after 5 minutes. And I DID NOT have any allergic reaction or find the smell offensive, and my hair remained quite healthy, unlike what many other people said.

I had been using a dye that washed out in about a week, but then decided I'd move up to the big girl league. However, after using this product my thin, oily hair is even oilier. I can't go 2-3 hours after washing without seeing separation and oil. I just end up putting my hair up because it is so bad. The color is wonderful, it went on well, worked like a charm but my hair has never been this greasy before. What is the point of coloring your hair this gorgeous color if you cant even show it off?

I have been using Clairol Natural Instincts for many years. I used to use the colors Nutmeg or Rosewood. My natural hair color is dark brown. Since the reddish/auburn tones fade quicker, I decided to use a color closer to my natural hair color. However, I still wanted a reddish/auburn hue. I called the Clairol hotline & the rep suggested I mix 2 colors. The first time I mixed 1/2 of Ebony (dark brown) & 1/2 Nutmeg. It was darker but, it was still not dark enough. So, the last time I mixed 75 percent Ebony & 25 percent Nutmeg. It came out very nice & natural looking. I realize Natural Instincts is not a permanent hair color. The gray tends to be noticeable @ the hairline & temple area within 2 weeks. I still prefer to use this instead of the permanent hair color because it's more gentle. Not all CVS' or Walgreens carry the Ebony which is somewhat a pain. I usually stock up when there is a SALE. Many times I combine the purchase with a coupon so, I end up saving quite a bit. :)
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I've used this product in the past so when I wanted to cover a highlighting disaster and return to my natural medium brown I thought I'd try it again (despite some of the reviews here). I have been pleased for the most part with it. I use Cocoa Cream. It is a natural medium brown that I found to be pretty neutral. The color is even, shiny, not flat and not too drying. Since I don't have to wash my hair every day the color lasted up to 8 weeks and it fades out evenly except on my gray hairs. The gray coverage would be my only gripe. It blends in gray somewhat but they are noticeable well before it's time to recolor. I've been using it for the last 6 months but for that reason I think I may have to find a permanent color alternative which disappoints me because I really do like this product. (Oh, and thanks to MUA I throw that color refresher refresher right in the trash!)

For the life of me I wish I could find the handful of reviews that led me to purchase this product in the first place 'cause it was ALL a big, fat lie! I read several professional reviews saying that Natural Instincts was the best for gray coverage in a semi-perm. formula. Uh...try ZERO gray coverage?! I don't have a whole lot to begin with bit this literally didn't even touch them. Sigh.

Aside from that bit of disappointment, the overall result was just "meh" but I admittedly don't HATE it. I had some serious grow-out from a hardcore high/lowlight job I had done late last fall and more than anything I was looking to even things out. The color (Dark Cool Blonde) has more caramel undertones than I'd anticipated but it's not wretched. Don't see "dark blonde" whatsoever, though. Before and after pics will be posted in my profile.

Purchased this in Dark Brown. Beautiful, shiny, healthy, rich color. Easy application. Mild, non offensive scent. Great product EXCEPT it didn't cover my grey. I love the color and all, but I need grey coverage too. So I will not repurchase this product.

I have been using Clairol Natural Instincts hair color for many years sporadically. I usually go to the salon. This is the only box brand that I have ever tried because it is natural and ammonia free. It also was highly recommended as being the best box color. It's important to me for minimal damage to hair. I have minimal grays. I just color my hair to add shine and body. I'm very happy with this brand with the exception that I wish it was cruelty free.

All hair color will dry out hair. It's important to use a higher quality conditioner for color treated hair. I deep condition my hair three times a week when using this product.

It's pretty easy to use and is done in under an hour. I usually buy medium auburn and I'm happy with the color. It's comparable to the salon. It doesn't seem to last as long but for the cost and time. I think it's well worth it.

If I was after a particular color then I would go to the salon. But since I am after temporary color for shine and body, this works perfect. You can't beat the price. I usually buy when it's on sale and when I have a coupon.