If you want gorgeous, low-commitment colour that fades gracefully, Wella Color Touch is the gold standard. As the world's leading demi-permanent hair colour, it delivers rich, multi-dimensional tones without the grow-out line of permanent colour. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Wella Color Touch?
Color Touch sits in the sweet spot between semi-permanent wash-out colour and full permanent dye. It's ammonia-free, which means:
- No harsh chemical smell during application
- Gentler on hair — opens the cuticle just enough for colour deposit without structural damage
- Natural fade-out — lasts 20-28 washes and fades evenly, no obvious root regrowth
- Incredible shine — the wax-based formula leaves hair with a glossy, healthy-looking finish
Color Touch vs Koleston Perfect: Which Do You Need?
This is the question we get asked most. Here's the simple answer:
| Feature | Color Touch (Demi) | Koleston Perfect (Permanent) |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | Free | Contains ME+ |
| Grey coverage | Up to 70% | Up to 100% |
| Longevity | 20-28 washes | Permanent |
| Lift | No lift (deposit only) | Up to 4-5 levels |
| Best for | Toning, refreshing, blending greys, gloss | Full coverage, dramatic changes |
| Damage level | Minimal | Moderate |
Choose Color Touch when your client wants to enhance their natural colour, add shine, blend early greys, or refresh faded colour between permanent appointments.
Choose Koleston Perfect when you need full grey coverage, significant colour change, or permanent results.
The Color Touch Range
Color Touch (Original)
Over 80 shades of demi-permanent colour with Wella's signature multi-dimensional tone technology. The wax-based formula creates light-reflecting colour that looks more natural than flat, single-tone results.
Color Touch Plus
Same gentle formula with enhanced grey blending — covers up to 70% grey hair. Perfect for clients who aren't ready for permanent colour but need more coverage than standard Color Touch provides.
Color Touch Relights
Designed specifically for blonde toning. Available in Relights Red (warm coppers and reds) and Relights Blonde (cool and warm blonde toners). Essential for keeping highlighted and balayaged hair looking fresh.
Mixing & Application
- Mixing ratio: 1:2 (colour to developer)
- Developer: Always use Color Touch Emulsion — 1.9% (6 vol) for standard application, 4% (13 vol) for Color Touch Plus
- Processing time: 20 minutes (5-10 minutes for toning pre-lightened hair)
- Important: Never use permanent colour developers with Color Touch — the formulation is specifically designed for its own low-volume emulsions
Pro Tips for Best Results
- For maximum shine: Apply to freshly washed, towel-dried hair. The slight dampness helps the colour distribute evenly
- For grey blending: Use Color Touch Plus and extend processing to a full 20 minutes
- For toning highlights: Use Relights at a 1:2 ratio and watch carefully — processing can be as quick as 5 minutes
- For refreshing lengths: Apply to roots first, then comb through to ends for the last 5 minutes only
Most Popular Color Touch Shades
- 6/0 Dark Blonde — Natural, versatile base refresh
- 7/0 Medium Blonde — Classic warm blonde tone
- 6/7 Chocolate — Rich brunette with depth
- 9/16 Cool Ash Blonde — The ultimate toner for brassy blondes
- 5/0 Light Brown — Glossy, dimensional brunette
Koleston Perfect: Precision Permanent Colour
Koleston Perfect is Wella's permanent hair colour — designed for full grey coverage, dramatic transformations, and long-lasting results. It is widely regarded as one of the most technically sophisticated permanent colours in the world.
ME+ Technology
The most significant innovation in Koleston Perfect's recent history is ME+ (Mixed Epoxide+), a new molecule that replaces the traditional primary intermediary used in permanent colour. ME+ significantly reduces the risk of developing new colour allergies over time — a genuine advantage for clients who colour frequently.
Koleston Perfect is best for:
- Full grey coverage (up to 100%)
- Lifting natural colour up to 3 levels
- Long-lasting, rich colour that holds 6–8 weeks
- Precise colour formulation for complex techniques
- Clients wanting consistent, predictable results appointment after appointment
Koleston Perfect shade families
- Pure Naturals (0/x): Balanced, natural results with excellent grey coverage
- Rich Naturals (2/x–7/x): Warm, vibrant naturals
- Vibrant Reds: Intense, lasting red shades
- Special Mix (0/xx): Pure tones for creative blending and intensifying
When to Use Color Touch Instead of Koleston Perfect
- Post-bleach toning: Always use Color Touch after bleach. Koleston Perfect on freshly bleached hair is unnecessary and aggressive.
- Colour-shy first-timers: Color Touch lets clients trial a shade with the safety of knowing it'll fade out if they hate it.
- Compromised hair: If the hair is porous, damaged, or breaking, Color Touch's gentler chemistry reduces further stress.
- Gloss services: A standalone Color Touch gloss treatment can revive dull, lifeless hair without any structural commitment.
When Koleston Perfect Is the Right Call
- More than 50% grey requiring reliable, full coverage
- Client wants a colour 2+ levels lighter than their natural base
- Fashion or creative colour requiring precise, lasting pigment
- Regular clients who understand the commitment and are happy with the maintenance schedule
Shop Wella Color Touch
We carry the full Wella Color Touch range including Plus, Relights, and the matching emulsion developers. All available with fast UK delivery.