Lakme Hair Color: Complete Guide to Shades, Application & What Actually Works

Antony A

Aug 27

5 min read

Lakme is one of those brands we all remember from our childhood, watching our moms use it. It's widely available, doesn't break the bank, and feels familiar. For hair color, it's not surprising many across India choose Lakme. Whether you're hiding greys, trying a shade darker for festivities, or just experimenting, Lakme hair color is a solid choice to start with.

"Lakme hair color" isn't just a single product. There are different formats under their umbrella, and choosing the right one is genuinely important. Let's dive into the details.

The Lakme Hair Color Range: What's Actually Out There

Lakme's primary offerings are the Lakme Insta Straight Hair Color and its popular Lakme Cream Hair Color. The cream-based option comes in a kit with color cream and a developer and is the most stocked product.

The shades range from natural blacks and dark browns to lighter browns and burgundies. If you're thinking of platinum blonde or pastel pink, look elsewhere. Lakme stays in the natural-to-warm shades, perfect for Indian hair tones.

The Shade Lineup

Here's a breakdown of common shades in the Lakme cream hair color range:

Natural Black - Ideal for grey coverage, offers a deep, even black finish
Soft Black - A warmer, less intense black, suitable if pure black feels too harsh
Dark Brown - A rich chocolate brown that complements medium and wheatish skin
Light Brown - For a noticeable yet non-dramatic change
Burgundy / Wine - Very popular, especially during festive times

Tip: Burgundy and dark brown show best on naturally dark hair or lightly pre-lightened strands. On jet black hair, burgundy brings a subtle reddish glow in sunlight, not a dramatic indoor change.

Who Is Lakme Hair Color Actually Good For?

To be honest, it's great for grey coverage or those who want to go darker or add warm tones. First-time home users find it forgiving and easy to use.

The price is affordable too, usually between ₹150 to ₹250 for a kit, far cheaper than Wella Professional or Schwarzkopf's at-home kits, which are more expensive.

If your hair is severely damaged, colored, or chemically treated, consult your stylist before using any box color, not just Lakme.

How to Apply Lakme Hair Color at Home: Step by Step

This is the step where the results can be fantastic or not quite right. The process is simple enough, but skipping steps can lead you astray.

What You'll Need

Lakme cream hair color kit (includes the color cream and developer)
A pair of gloves (usually in the kit, but extras are good)
An old t-shirt or hair coloring cape
A mixing bowl and tint brush or applicator bottle
Petroleum jelly or thick moisturizer
Hair clips for sectioning
A timer

Step 1: Do a Patch Test First

No one relishes the 48-hour wait, but it's vital. Apply a small amount behind your ear or on your arm and wait. Look out for redness or irritation. Allergic reactions to hair dye are serious. Don't skip, especially if it's your first time with Lakme hair color.

Step 2: Prep Your Hair and Skin

Apply petroleum jelly or a thick cream along your hairline, ears, and neck to prevent staining. Hair dye is tough to remove, and in our humid climate, it can spread more than expected.

Avoid washing your hair right before. Slightly oily hair helps hold the color and protects your scalp better.

Step 3: Mix the Color

Combine color cream and developer as directed. The ratio matters, so follow it exactly to get a uniform consistency without streaks.

Step 4: Section Your Hair

Divide hair into four parts: two front, two back, and clip them. This ensures even coverage and avoids missing the lower layers.

Step 5: Apply, Starting at the Roots

For greys, begin at the roots and hairline as they need more processing time. Use a tint brush to apply the color section by section.

Once roots are covered, apply to the lengths and ends. If your ends are porous or damaged, color them last and for less time to avoid excessive darkness or patchiness.

Step 6: Set a Timer and Wait

Processing typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, but check your pack. Don't exceed the time, as it may irritate your scalp rather than improve color.

High humidity in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata can quicken the process, so keep an eye out.

Step 7: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse with lukewarm water until it runs clear, which may take a few minutes. Leftover color can irritate the scalp. Follow up with the conditioner in the kit to smooth the cuticle and lock in color.

How Long Does Lakme Hair Color Last?

You can expect around 4 to 6 weeks of color before noticeable fading. Darker shades like natural black last longer, while lighter and burgundy tones fade faster, especially with frequent washing or hot water.

Using color-protecting shampoo can help. TRESemme and Matrix offer affordable options easy to find in India.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying on wet hair: Damp hair dilutes the developer, causing patchy color.
Skipping sections: Focusing only on the top leaves lower layers uncolored. Sectioning is key.
Using too much heat afterward: Immediate heat from blow-drying or straightening can speed up fading. Give your hair a break for a day or two.
Overlapping onto previously colored hair too often: Focus on new growth to avoid dry, brittle hair over time.

Is Lakme Hair Color Good for Grey Coverage?

Yes, this is one of its highlights. Natural Black and Soft Black cover greys effectively, even the stubborn ones. Many people rely on it regularly and find it consistently reliable.

If more than 50 percent of your hair is grey, a few extra minutes might help, but never exceed package recommendations. Stubborn greys may need a second touch-up after a few weeks.

How Does It Compare to Other Brands?

In comparison with Revlon ColorSilk or Garnier Color Naturals, Lakme delivers well in grey coverage and application ease. While Schwarzkopf and Matrix Professional offer more shade options and lasting power, they come at a higher price. For what Lakme costs, the home results are impressive.

For a professional-level look, salons and trained colorists are always better. But for standard grey coverage or subtle home refreshes, Lakme is a stress-free option.

A Few Final Thoughts

If you're a coloring novice, Lakme cream hair color is one of the most accessible products to start with in India. It's widely available at pharmacies, supermarkets, or online, with clear instructions and predictable results if followed correctly.

Take your time with application, do the patch test, and don't rush the rinse-out. These simple steps lead to happy outcomes.

Thinking about Burgundy? Go for it. It looks fabulous against Indian skin tones, especially in natural light.