L'Oreal • Excellence Creme • Hair Color

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*TOP REVIEWER* Princesa7 on 5/10/2013 10:35:00 AM more reviews by Princesa7

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Tan   Hair: Brown, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

2 reviews for 2 different colors!!

*Excellence Creme-5 Medium Brown*

This has been my go to color for years!!!

This matches my natural hair color prefectly (my natural color is a light to med brown)

I'm sad to say that I have to leave this color and go lighter. My greys are coming in bad wich literally started happening early this year and now its to the point that I have to recolor every 2 weeks=(

So with that said if you have no greys or little greys to deal with this hair color is awesome!!!!!! The pre treatment for the ends is great and the after color condition is awesome too.

The hair color itself is amazing(goes on great and no dripping)! The color is rich and non fading..wish I could still use it but my greys just come right thru....this color gets 5 lippies!!


Next color review...*7 Dark Blonde*

So since I have to go lighter I figured I give this a shot.

I used Color Oops to remove all the brown dye (wich worked awesome!) and put this in. Well I knew that the color could pull dark(and expected it to) but this went darker then I would have liked and with going thru the reviews on here and elsewhere that this color does go darker so I know its not just me.

So I still gave this a good go and while it did lighten a little..it went to a very flat dull looking light brown =( My husband and other ppl have told me that it looks nice but idk to me I look washed out and my hair looks dingy and flat..and my greys are showing!!!!!!! Grrrrr. So after a week... tonight this color will be history thanks to Color Oops and moving on to a Ion color wich will be reviewed as well.

7 Dark Blonde gets 1 lippie...I wish the color was better and a little brighter.

Also too this brand of hair dye hasn't been very drying on my hair wish is a plus.

Overall my rating of this brand in a whole is a 3..mainly due to it not really holding up well with grey coverage as my greys come thru fierce lol and I'm only 38! re dyeing every 2 weeks is a no for me and sometimes only after 7days of dyeing they start showing =(

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JoanneM9727 on 4/26/2013 1:38:00 PM more reviews by JoanneM9727

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I used this last night to cover my very faded Nice n Easy from 6 weeks ago. I had used N&E shade 118e which was initially lovely but it faded exponentially in week 4. I saw the reviews on this and decided to give L'Oreal a go. Hair prior to dyeing was medium brown with remnants of "professional" highlights. I also have 10% grey.
I purchased shade Natural Light Brown. Product is easy to mix and I love the pre-colour serum. Texture of dye is like a thick gel and easy to distribute through the hair. I have shoulder length hair; for those with more, buy 2 boxes.
Colour came out darker than on box, which is probably due to whatever colour hair is. I should maybe have picked a darker colour. However, love the effect, colour is super even and it has turned the highlighted parts a light copper. Husband and friends love it. Hair in excellent condition. Highly recommended

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Polpette on 2/27/2013 8:16:00 PM more reviews by Polpette

Age: 44-55   Skin: Very Oily, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I usually use Preference in Soft Black, but they were out of it this last time I needed to color my hair. I've passed up this product in the past because I thought it was only for older, i.e. 60+ year old women. I purchased this in Natural Black and this is my new hair color. It wasn't messy to apply, didn't smell too horrible and rinsed out easily. I did the root touch up which took 40 minutes, which is a long time IMO, but worth it.

The thing that impressed me the most about this product is that I got a truly soft black color. With every other Black I've used I've needed to give it a week or so for the color to not look so flat and stark. It's been a week now and no hot roots or fading over my grays. L'Oreal definitely needs to revamp their advertising and packaging for this product because I never would have used it if the Preference hadn't sold out.

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*TOP REVIEWER* beautyforless on 12/30/2012 8:58:00 PM more reviews by beautyforless

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I first started dyeing my hair, I used Nice 'n' Easy foam...never again. Slopy, messy, horrible color, not the ease portrayed in the commercial. Alas, Nice 'n' Easy it is not. I picked up Loreal Creme based on the positive reviews and may never go back.
The application is so simple. The instructions are written so easily, an 8-year-old could do it. Best part? Applying the dye was mess free, actually a little fun. There was a chemical-ish smell. I don't really mind, especially after the scented nightmare that was Nice 'n' Easy.
I washed the color out, let it air dry and was amazed at the bright vibrant color I saw. I picked Medium Reddish Brown and my hair looked stunning. Brown with red undertones, and thanks to the included conditioner, so, so very soft!
It did fade after about a month, but it wasn't a dramatic fading. Just didn't have the vibrant color it did in the beginning. A root touch up helped a lot.
All in all, this is my favorite hair dye to apply, it's so simple and the color is so cute. Saves me money and a trip to the salon. Gotta love that.

2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

siegelr on 12/24/2012 7:59:00 PM more reviews by siegelr

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have been doing my own hair, cut and color, for the past ten years now- this is the first time I have tried L'Oreal Excellence (Medium Maple Brown 5AR) and will NEVER, EVER, EVER use this product again. I type this review as I sit with it processing: No matter the outcome, I literally could not STAND the extreme stench. I had to go for a deep breath in the living room after I ran out of breath each time. Like I said, I'm no stranger to color, especially at-home color. I hope it turns out well in the end, at least; if not, I will be an extra-sour consumer.

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EvanRachel on 12/21/2012 1:36:00 AM more reviews by EvanRachel

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Red   Eyes: Green    

I have used Excellence before,many times. I've used their regular creme hair color,their To-Go formula,and now their Triple Protection color. I got this on sale at Target. It was originally $7.99,and I got it for $6.00.

I had faded,semi-perm pink/red hair that I wanted to cover up for Christmas,and decided to go with this line. The color I chose was 6RB, Light Reddish Brown. The color came out pretty near identical to the box,and covered up the faded pink dye job.

My hair is so soft,and the color deposited evenly all over. The pre-treatment that I applied to my ends(provided in the kit),smelled great,and must have really done a great job of filling in my ends,so the colorant would deposit properly. I had JUST enough dye to really soak in my hair,and almost needed another box,but that is because I have a lot of hair.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the conditioner that came with this. One of the best conditioners that comes with dye,out there. I actually had enough for my hair to be fully saturated. My hair is layered to my shoulders,so it's not long,and fine in texture,but I have a lot OF it,like I said earlier.

I will definetely use this brand,and this shade,again. L'OREAL Excellence Creme once again,did NOT disappoint. <3

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Pambryant on 11/1/2012 3:56:00 PM more reviews by Pambryant

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Other, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

UPDATE: I used Age Beautiful Light Strawberry Blonde over gray roots and faded Red Penny, and I would highly recommend the Age Beautiful-more natural-looking.

I had been using Revlon Colorsilk Light Reddish Brown, sometimes changing to medium or dark reddish brown in the winter. I wanted something a little bit more red, so a MUAer suggested L'Oreal Excellence Red Penny.

I love the color, not fake-looking. It's a natural-looking red, just a touch too bright at my roots, which I had not colored in a long time and were blondish-gray. I think if I color it again with the Red Penny the roots won't be so bright.

People at work asked if I changed my hair color, but in a way that showed they noticed a difference but weren't sure.

I have used a lot of reds, but the looked odd. This one is a good one. be sure to leave it on the entire time to let the color develop completely-all the mix of colors develop at different speeds, so you may end up with an odd color of you rinse out before the suggested time.

Do NOT try to rinse it out a little early thinking you'll get a light er version of the same color.

I got this at drugstore.com for about $3.

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loveydove on 10/10/2012 7:59:00 PM more reviews by loveydove

Age: 44-55   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I have been using L'Oreal Excellence Creme Pro-Keratine in Medium Brown (F) for about 5 years now and I'm completely happy with it. I would guess my hair is at least 50% grey or more and it's very porous. The scent is not offensive and the product does NOT sting on my scalp like some other brands I've tried. I do find that the colour fades a little in between colourings but I'm okay with that as my natural shade is light brown-medium brown. I will mention that it's important to be aware of any colour that's gotten onto unwanted areas like your face, neck, etc. Wipe it off promptly. Love this product overall!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

hanryou on 9/20/2012 12:11:00 PM more reviews by hanryou

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Black, Relaxed, Medium   Eyes: Black    

As an Asian with black hair, I guess this product isn't for me because despite using this hair dye for about 1.5 years, it isn't very obvious. Even using the lightest shade of red available (I can't remember which but it was the lightest I could find), my hair still seemed dark in indoor lightings. Only traces of the color could be seen under bright lights/sunlight.
BUT, if you have very light hair, this product will be good for you as they don't leave your hair too dry. The box sold in my country (SG) also provides a protective moisturizer so your hair will not be too damaged from the dye.

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shortylynn on 9/18/2012 11:51:00 PM more reviews by shortylynn

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

This color (Excellence 8 1/2 Champagne Blonde) did EXACTLY what I expected, which was to remove my brassy orange ends, even out the color, cool the color overall, and darken the color slightly.

I started with dark blonde roots (1.5"), dark reddish brown dyed length (short hair), and henna on the ends.

I bleached 1x with Manic Panic 30 volume. That got me yellow hair with orange tips.

I bleached again with a pack of bleach and 40 volume. That budged it a little. I tried Wella T18 for about 15 minutes, and it didn't help at all.

I bleached just the ends again with 40 volume. I then used Manic Panic "Virgin Snow" toner for an hour.

That left me with nice pale blonde hair at the roots, and pale orangey at the ends. I got compliments, but it wasn't quite right. I didn't think the light went with my skin (even as a kid, I was always a golden blonde...never a tow head).

I got Excellence Creme in 8 1/2 A, "Champagne Blonde". I didn't want to turn anything green, so I figured the champagne would be perfect for balancing my odd mix of slight yellow and pastel orange.

I put it in without the end protector, since I was hoping to lighten/cover the ends more than the rest! I left it on for maybe a few minutes past 30 minutes.

The color is now evened out, slightly darkened, and the orange is now just a darker beigish blonde!! My roots look exactly like the box. I imagine that if i wanted to light my natural color I'd need a stronger developer, but for this coloring session, it was perfect!

It cost me almost $10 at Target. It's cheaper at my local Wal-mart. This does smell awfully, though. I'd buy this again. This is exactly the color I am looking for!

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Cgoodwill on 9/9/2012 6:08:00 PM more reviews by Cgoodwill

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Hazel    

I love this product in shade 10 Natural baby blonde. I am naturally medium blonde and this colour lifts my hair looking really light and natural. The pre treatment and conditioning balm makes my hair feel amazing. I will be using this product for life!

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*TOP REVIEWER* babyjane14 on 8/19/2012 8:18:00 PM more reviews by babyjane14

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Tan, Warm   Hair: Black, Relaxed, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I always loved using L'Oreal hair dyes growing up. I have for many years dyed my hair black with their Casting Creme Gloss (which I never knew was semi-permanent by the way! It never actually stated that it was anywhere on the box until I saw 'lasts up to..etc'). I have now been dying my hair with colour from a hairdressing supplier for a couple years now and not only is it a lot better then hair dyes you can buy from super markets, pharmacies etc, it also saves me A LOT of money!
However recently after being a brown-brassy shade after having my hair bleached to a caramel colour then lots of attempts of trying to go dark brown, I wanted to return back to black and I couldn't make the time to go to the supplier so I just got this from Safeway.
I was very pleased with the results! L'Oreal has a way of adding a heap of shine to the hair and this dye kit had all you needed and more (colour, developer, gloves, conditioner & even a hair treatment) and very easy instructions to follow. However I recommend that if you have Macadamia/Argan Oil to def use that after washing your hair as the products that come in the kit won't hydrate/repair your hair as well obviously. The colour was even all over (obviously comes down to the application though!), and didn't come off greeny or blue at all just pure black.
I am very impressed with this product and will continue to recommend this hair dye to others who can't get a hold of salon hair dye!

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*TOP REVIEWER* amanda23 on 8/19/2012 8:01:00 PM more reviews by amanda23

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I bought a box of this because I wanted to throw some lowlights over my too blonde highlight job I did with my Revlon Frost and Glow kit. So I threw the cap on, pulled a bunch of hairs through and proceeded to colour. I was very intrigued to see use the pre-treatment as my hair was rather processed. I put it on all the strands, then the colour and left on for the full 30 minutes. After rinsing, shampooing and conditioning, my hair looked amazing! I was worried it might pull green over the blonde but I had used a light brown and it had no "ash" in the title. I still can't get over how natural and healthy-looking my hair looks. It also smelled pleasant and the no-drip colour made it much less messy to apply. I will use this again if I throw on more lowlights in the future.

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crawfore on 7/28/2012 8:27:00 PM more reviews by crawfore

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This is the best do-at-home hair color you can buy. It covers grays and doesn't fade as much as the other brands. It also doesn't irritate my scalp or fry the ends of my hair. It comes with a conditioner that is very rich but I do use it occasionally when my hair feels dry. I color every three weeks and this really does a remarkable job. I use 5CB - medium chestnut brown - and I love the reddish brown color.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

RavenOctober on 6/13/2012 more reviews by RavenOctober

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I absolutely ADORE this line....
I almost exclusively used Clairol for years,and for the past few years have been using Loreal Excellence(and Preference) the past few years,and I just have always been happy with the results. I've used mostly reds and light blondes from this line.
My color comes out beautifully,hair is healthy,and shiny.
Yep,love this stuff!

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Rokmelon on 5/11/2012 11:56:00 AM more reviews by Rokmelon

Age: 44-55   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I've tried other hair color kits and I always come back to this. I've never had bad results using this and it always covers my grey hair.

What I like most about this kit is that the cream is pretty thick and I love love love the comb application attachment. It makes it so easy to cover my hair evenly and quickly.

It never damages my hair and the colors always look natural.

I don't know what they put in that little conditioner tube but it is fantastic and makes your hair so soft and silky after you color.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

shinyjem on 4/21/2012 10:02:00 PM more reviews by shinyjem

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I bought this hair colour specifically because of the fantastic reviews it has on MUA. My hair is long (around bra-band length) and fine but very thick, so I bought 2 boxes in 'Brown' (#5) so that I'd have enough to cover all of my hair. My hair was last dyed dark brown a couple of months ago and had faded out to a reddish medium brown. I wanted a dark chocolate brown, so picked 'Brown' because it is a couple of shades lighter than what I was aiming for, as my hair always ends up darker than the colour on the box. I had no problems at all with this hair colour- it went on easily, didn't drip and I didn't even need to open the second box of colour! I couldn't believe that one box was enough to completely saturate my long, thick hair, so I'm super happy about that! Because my hair is already coloured I spread the colour on the roots first, left it for 15 minutes, then saturated the rest of my hair and left that for around 12 minutes. Rinsing the colour out, I couldn't believe how silky and healthy my hair felt. Usually it feels tangled and horrible when I rinse other colours out in the shower. The conditioner that comes in the pack was fantastic as well. I am so happy with the colour- it's exactly what I wanted and looks the healthiest it's ever been. It's in better condition than it was before I coloured it. Will definitely use this product again and again.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

GetFat on 4/17/2012 8:05:00 PM more reviews by GetFat

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

The best. I like L'oreal excellence too, but preference is the best drugstore dye on the market IMO. There's a great range of really well-designed, natural hair colors. Best of all, it is SO EASY to apply. I really hate the liquidy, gel-ish dyes out there - they run, they cling to your skin, and they are absolutely impossible to apply evenly. With this product, you can pretty much massage it into your hair as easily as you would conditioner. It is thick and holds the shape of your hair well so you really can just form it into a ball on the top of your head - and it will actually stay there. It's so easy. Completely effortless hair coloring.

My only complaint is I don't like the conditioner quite as much as the one with preference. It's a tiny step below it in quality, and the smell is absolutely obnoxious. It reminds me of my grandma's cosmetic kit. That old, floral stank.

I have naturally ashy, dark blonde hair and recently bought this in dark blonde to try to tone down the reds in a hideous hair disaster I recently had. It's truly the first color near my natural one that looks well-rounded (not green, not orange, not red) and really similar to my natural color. This box might be what actually takes me back to my natural color if I use it long enough and slowly wean myself off permanent hair coloring. Woohoo! I've also used L'oreal (both preference and excellence) in their medium red or red-brown shades and love them.

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Donnie130 on 4/15/2012 11:26:00 AM more reviews by Donnie130

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Oily   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I had not dyed my hair for over 8 months when I bought this product in Dark Golden Blonde, vs my normal Med Golden Blonde.
I finished chemo about 2 months ago and was really afraid to dye it as I had lost over 70% of my hair but I was hoping the darker color would hide my scalp a little bit better than the silvery blonde that I had.
I used it yesterday applied the protective conditioner and used the dye on my hair. Thanks to everyone here for saying it might turn out darker; I left the product on half of the time. It turned out better than I could have hoped for
I will use this again and will try the med gold blonde. I have lots of baby hairs, now that they are darker my hair looks better. Still not much of it but better
Thank you'

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AliBr on 4/8/2012 7:15:00 PM more reviews by AliBr

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I used 5CB Medium Chestnut Brown. I wanted to cover some highlights that didn't turn out very good and this hair dye turned out perfect. Perfect amount of brown and reddish.

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