Wella Professional vs Matrix vs Schwarzkopf: Which Hair Colour Brand Actually Works Best?

The Big Three of Professional Hair Colour, Compared Honestly

If you've ever stood in a salon or flipped through a professional hair colour catalogue feeling confused, don't worry, you're not alone. Wella Professional, Matrix, and Schwarzkopf are popular names in the world of professional hair colour, and it's easy to see why there's so much debate over them. These brands are staples in Indian salons, each with their own fan base and critics.

So, which one is actually the best? Here's the honest answer: it really depends. But let's explore what that means in a bit more detail.

A Quick Note Before We Begin

We're talking about professional-grade hair colour brands here. These aren't your average box colours from a chemist. They're designed to be used with a developer, ideally by a skilled colourist who understands your hair's nuances like porosity and existing colour. However, many people do use them at home for touch-ups, so we'll consider both perspectives.

Don't forget, your hair type is a huge factor. Indian hair often has a naturally coarse texture and warm undertones. Plus, the climate, whether it's the humidity of Mumbai or Delhi's dry winters, can influence how a colour adheres and lasts. Keep these points in mind as you read on.

Wella Professional: Strong, Vibrant, But Not Always Natural-Looking

What Wella Excels At

Wella Professional is acclaimed for its rich, vibrant colours and dependable grey coverage. The Koleston Perfect line is especially popular in Indian salons for its ability to handle coarse Indian hair. The colours lift well, endure multiple washes, and the shade variety is genuinely impressive.

If you're after a bold change, like a deep burgundy or warm chocolate brown, or need reliable grey coverage, Wella is often the go-to choice.

Where It Could Improve

Some users find that Wella colours can appear a bit too polished, making them look less natural, especially on Indian skin tones. If you're hoping for that naturally sun-kissed effect, Wella might deliver a look that's more evidently salon-made.

Wella's colours are also a bit stronger in chemical terms compared to Schwarzkopf, which isn't a drawback if your hair is healthy and cared for by a savvy stylist. However, if your hair is already compromised, the strength of Wella's formulas might lead to additional dryness or brittleness over time, making proper conditioning vital.

Pricing in India

In India, Wella Professional colour tubes range from ₹400 to ₹700. You'll need a developer separately. Full Wella colour services in salons usually cost between ₹1,500 and ₹4,000, varying based on hair length and salon location.

Matrix: A Brand With Mixed Reviews

What Matrix Promises

Owned by L'Oréal, Matrix is known for offering salon-quality products at more accessible prices. It's stocked widely across India, featuring prominently in mid-range salons. The SoColor range is its most well-known line for permanent colours.

The Honest Reality

Reputation-wise, Matrix can be quite hit-or-miss. Many users, both professionals and amateurs, report that Matrix colours sometimes don't show up as expected, especially on darker, coarser Indian hair. Lighter aspirations often fall short unless substantial pre-lightening is done.

For grey coverage on lighter hair or retouching an already lightened base, Matrix does perform better. However, for most of us starting with a dark natural base, it may not suffice. The issue isn't with the formula's quality but its lifting capability compared to Wella or Schwarzkopf. Humidity also tends to fade the colours quicker, a crucial point for those living in coastal or hot areas.

When Matrix Works

Matrix shines with its variety of toners and fashion shades that work well on pre-lightened hair. It's a decent choice for someone making subtle dark adjustments or experimenting with new shades.

Pricing in India

Matrix is budget-friendly, with prices between ₹300 and ₹550 per tube, appealing to both salon professionals and home users. Salon services using Matrix are generally cheaper than those with Wella or Schwarzkopf.

Schwarzkopf: A Champion of Natural-Looking Results

Why Colourists Love It

Schwarzkopf Professional, especially the Igora Royal range, is famed for producing natural-looking, dimensional colour. Its precise shade system and multi-tonal colours deliver depth and dimension that blend well on Indian hair tones.

Many breathtakingly realistic colour jobs often have Schwarzkopf to thank. When someone wants a truly natural result, Schwarzkopf is frequently the preferred brand.

Chemical Strength and Hair Health

While gentle, Schwarzkopf's formulas don't skimp on results. They offer excellent grey coverage, even colour deposits, and leave hair feeling less stripped. For Indian hair already coping with environmental stressors, this gentleness is an advantage.

However, maintaining a good aftercare routine is still essential. Colour-safe shampoos and deep conditioning are particularly necessary to combat fading from sun exposure and hard water.

Any Drawbacks?

Schwarzkopf Professional tends to be the most expensive among the three in India. Igora Royal tubes cost ₹500 to ₹900 or more, and services using Schwarzkopf in salons are pricier too. Additionally, it may not be as widely available as Matrix or Wella in smaller cities, though availability is improving.

Side-by-Side Comparison

• Grey Coverage: Wella and Schwarzkopf excel. Matrix is adequate but inconsistent for stubborn greys.

• Lifting Power on Dark Hair: Wella leads. Schwarzkopf follows closely. Matrix falls short without pre-lightening.

• Natural-Looking Results: Schwarzkopf wins. Wella can appear overly done. Matrix varies.

• Hair Feel After Colouring: Schwarzkopf generally leaves hair feeling better. Wella may cause dryness over repeated use. Matrix is average.

• Price (India): Matrix is the cheapest. Wella takes the middle ground. Schwarzkopf is the most expensive.

• Colour Longevity: Wella and Schwarzkopf last well. Matrix may fade faster, especially in humid conditions.

• Availability in India: All three are available in big cities. Matrix and Wella may have better reach in smaller towns.

So Which Brand Should You Actually Choose?

Consider your hair goals and priorities:

Choose Wella Professional if:

• You want bold, vibrant colours that lift from a dark base

• Solid grey coverage is a key focus for you

• You don't mind your hair looking distinctly coloured

• Your hair can handle stronger formulas

Choose Matrix if:

• Your hair is pre-lightened and you're adding a fashion shade or toner

• Budget is a significant factor and you're making minor adjustments

• You prefer going slightly darker than your current shade

• No major lifting is needed for your dark natural hair

Choose Schwarzkopf if:

• Natural, dimensional colour is your top concern

• Your hair needs a gentler formula due to existing damage

• You want grey blending that looks natural

• You're ready to spend a bit more for a realistic hair colour

One Last Thing Worth Mentioning

No brand, no matter how reputable, can compensate for an inexperienced application. If you're investing in professional colour, pairing it with a qualified professional is a wise move, or at least perform a strand test at home first. Indian hair, with its unique challenges from humidity, hard water, and oil treatments, can react unexpectedly to colour.

If you've had a less-than-perfect experience with a brand, remember that factors like developer strength, application timing, and your hair's condition all influence the final result as much as the brand itself. A disappointing result with Matrix might be down to the developer, while issues with Wella could stem from excessive application time.

Finding the right choice for your hair is possible, and hopefully this guide gets you closer to achieving the results you desire.