I’m a vision in violet! (Schwarzkopf Live)

Member Name: loulou6

Product:	Schwarzkopf Live
Date:	03/06/01 (976 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: deep colour, really deep colour, no snap on the nozzel

Disadvantages: those stupid glove, will they ever learn?, still not enough conditioner

It was time to try the next breed of hair dye, this time it was the chance of Schwarzkopf Live. It promised to be a dynamic - radiant colour, give intense shine and they also promised it would be gentle and easy to use. I’m glad to say that it ‘Live’d’(groan) up to it’s promises.

• Price
I found it to be really good value; I visited Just Beauty and managed to buy two boxes at £3.99 each, so for £8 quid, I’ve managed to dye my long hair (4 inches under my bra strap) completely. This usually costs me around £14.00 for L’Oreal Feria Colour, so I made quite a saving, enough to buy a good bottle of wine!

• Colour Range
Underneath the name on the box it says ‘unlimited colors’ even though they’ve spelt it wrong (well, US stylee anyway) and they do live up to that assurance. From blonde, to red, violet, blue and black and every shade in-between there is a huge selection to choose from. Which one did I go for I hear you ask? Well, of course I decided on Violet Vision (no.85). But all the colours seemed very resonant, something that all the other makers should be looking to copy.

• Suitability
Apparently Violet Vision is not recommended for grey coverage, but I’ve got about 10-15% grey and the result was lovely. I suppose it all depends how vibrant and intense you want the colour! They suggest that you wait 2 weeks after having a perm because your hair will be too porous, and then reduce the development time by 5-10 minutes, the same goes for dry or poorly conditioned hair.

• How to apply
First of all get an old T-shirt, a pair of jogging bottoms, an old sheet, a pair of marigold gloves (the gloves that are inside are a joke, I’m sure!) and your hair dye towel (don’t tell me you haven’t got one?). Lay the sheets on the floor covering anything you don’t want dyed, and brush your hair through (it’l
l make it easier to apply the dye).

The two bottles need to be joined and mixed, but as this one doesn’t click make sure you tighten the two together very well. You will need to use the mixture straight away, so don’t dawdle! One nice touch with Schwarzkopf Live is that the nozzle is screw not snap, so it doesn’t go everywhere when you open it. You should see the amount of coloured dots I have on my bathroom wall!

Once you have all of the mixture on your hair leave for 30 minutes, although if you have extremely porous hair reduce by 10 minutes. Once you’ve frightened the next door neighbours kids and your cat runs away from you the tenth time it’s time to rinse. It took about 10 minutes for the water to run clear enough for me to pop on the conditioner that’s included, and I’m sorry Schwarzkopf, you’ve not given enough again. (Tip, add another handful of your normal conditioner on top, just to make sure.

• Coverage and colour
Having long hair, I have to buy two boxes every time I want to dye it, but with one box, the amount given should be enough for shoulder length hair. The colour is really nice and deep looking, in the sunshine it almost glows! I’m impressed.

• Verdict
If you want a nice deep looking colour with a bit of a difference you can’t go far wrong with ‘Live’. They have a large collection of colours and are quite good at updating with new ones. The condition that it leaves your hair is quite noteworthy and the colour will add a new definition to your hair.

Just don’t try to dye your eyebrows the same colour!

Summary: