Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor is a permanent hair color that contains soy protein and aloe to help condition hair while coloring. With over 20 intermixable shades, Clairol Soy 4plex allows you to customize your perfect color. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to easily use Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor for beautiful, healthy-looking color.
What is Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor?
Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor is a permanent hair color made with a conditioning soy protein formula. It comes in over 20 intermixable shades so you can create your own perfect color. The soy proteins help condition hair while the aloe hydrates. Clairol Soy4plex does not contain ammonia, so it causes less damage to hair than traditional permanent coloring. It still provides 100% gray coverage and long-lasting color, even through 28 shampoos.
Benefits of Using Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor
- Over 20 intermixable shades for limitless color options
- Soy protein formula conditions hair
- Aloe hydrates and nourishes hair
- No ammonia for less damage to hair
- Provides 100% gray coverage
- Long-lasting color for up to 28 shampoos
- Easy to apply at home
What You Need to Use Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor
To color your hair at home with Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor, you will need:
- Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor hair color
- Clairol 20 volume developer
- Disposable plastic bowl and brush
- Protective gloves
- Old shirt or towel
- Hair clips
- Petroleum jelly
- Timer
How to Prepare for Coloring Your Hair with Soy 4plex Liquicolor
Before applying the Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor, you will need to prep your hair:
- Wash and towel dry your hair the day before coloring. Do not apply conditioner.
- Put on an old shirt or drape a towel around your shoulders to avoid staining clothing.
- Pull your hair back from your face and secure with clips.
- Protect your skin by applying petroleum jelly around your hairline.
- Make sure you have enough time set aside. It takes about 1-2 hours to complete the coloring process.
- Wear the protective gloves provided in the kit throughout the coloring process.
- Have your tint brush, bowl, and timer ready to go.
How to Mix Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor
To mix the dye:
- Pour the color into the bowl. The kit contains 1.9 fluid oz (56mL).
- Add 1.9 fluid oz (56mL) of Clairol 20 volume developer and mix thoroughly until consistency is smooth and creamy.
- Double check that you have the correct shade before applying.
If you want to lighten your hair, use up to 2 parts developer to 1 part dye. For darker shades, use equal parts. The higher the developer volume, the more it will lighten.
How to Apply Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor
Once the color is mixed, you are ready to apply it:
- Section your hair – Work on one section of hair at a time starting from the back. Use clips to section off your hair.
- Start applying at the roots – Use the tint brush to paint on the color closest to the scalp first where there is the most heat. Work in 1/4-1/2 inch sections.
- Thoroughly saturate hair strands – Apply the color from roots to ends, fully saturating your hair for an even result.
- Let it process – Once the color is applied, allow it to process for the full development time. Check directions based on hair type.
- Rinse and remove color – When time is up, rinse with warm water until the water runs clear. Use a sulfate-free shampoo if needed.
- Apply conditioner and style as usual – Condition hair and style as normal after rinsing.
Tips for Using Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor
- Perform a strand test first to see color result.
- Apply petroleum jelly to skin to avoid staining.
- Use an old shirt to keep clothing dye-free.
- Section hair for neat, even application.
- Use a tint brush to apply close to the roots.
- Saturate strands thoroughly from roots to ends.
- Time accurately and don’t exceed max processing time.
- Rinse until water runs clear to remove all excess dye.
- Apply conditioner or a deep conditioner after rinsing.
- Wait 1-2 weeks before coloring again if needing to re-touch.
What Results to Expect from Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor
When used correctly, you can expect Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor to:
- Provide even, uniform color from roots to ends
- Cover 100% of grays and white hairs
- Last around 4 weeks before fading or growing out
- Withstand 28 shampoos without drastic fading
- Condition hair while coloring due to soy proteins
- Hydrate hair due to aloe vera
- Cause less damage than ammonia permanent color
- Allow for custom mixing of shades
Results will vary depending on your natural hair color and condition, as well as the Clairol Soy 4plex shade used. Strand testing can give you an idea of how the color will take to your hair.
How Long Does Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor Last?
Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor is designed to be a permanent hair dye. Results will last through about 28 shampoos, or 4-6 weeks, before fading or growing out. Permanent color will not wash out of the hair. The dye molecules penetrate and alter the structure of the hair until cut or grown out.
To make the color last longer:
- Use sulfate-free shampoo and cool water when washing
- Use a conditioning mask or treatment weekly
- Protect hair from sun exposure with a hat
- Avoid using hot tools excessively
- Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner
- Get a gloss or glaze treatment around 4 weeks post-coloring
Does Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor Damage Hair?
Clairol Soy 4plex causes less damage than traditional permanent hair color since it does not contain ammonia. However, all permanent dyes can cause some damage since the process alters the hair’s structure. The soy proteins and aloe in the Clairol Soy4plex help counteract some of the potential drying effects.
To limit damage when using Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor:
- Do not over-process and exceed the maximum development time
- Use the included conditioner or a hair mask after rinsing
- Wait 4-6 weeks between colorings
- Use a gentle, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
- Avoid heat styling when possible
- Get occasional deep conditioning treatments
- Use a heat protectant if blow drying or using hot tools
- Get trims regularly to remove damaged ends
Can You Mix Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor Shades?
One of the great benefits of Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor is that the shades are intermixable. You can mix varying ratios of two or more shades to create a custom color.
Some examples of mixing Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor include:
- 1 part 5R + 1 part 6R = Vibrant red-copper
- 1 part 6N + 1 part 7N = Neutral medium brown
- 1 part 5N + 2 parts 6A = Ashy medium blonde
- 1 part 8A + 1 part 10A = Light cool blonde
When mixing shades, it’s best to stay within 1-2 shade families for the most natural results. Always do a strand test before mixing shades all over.
Can You Re-color Hair with Clairol Soy 4plex Sooner Than 4 Weeks?
It is not recommended to re-color your hair sooner than 4 weeks with Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor. Coloring too soon can lead to damage or discoloration.
If you need to touch up roots or re-color hair sooner, there are a couple options:
- Use a semi-permanent or demi-permanent color that washes out over time.
- Get professional help at a salon for a color correction or toner.
- Use root touch-up spray or powder to conceal until you can re-color.
- Use hair makeup or colored dry shampoo to temporarily mask roots.
Always do a patch test if you must re-color before 4 weeks. Strand testing can help determine if hair can tolerate another permanent coloring session sooner than 4 weeks.
What Are Some Alternatives to Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor?
Some top alternatives to Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor include:
| Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Revlon Colorsilk | Ammonia-free, keratin-enriched |
| L’Oreal Excellence HiColor | No-drip creme formula with collagen |
| Schwarzkopf Igora Royal | Low ammonia, liquid gel cream formula |
| Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit | Ammonia-free, made with argan oil |
| John Frieda Precision Foam Colour | Foam formula, conditioning treatent |
When choosing a permanent or demi-permanent hair color, look for gentler formulas containing ingredients like keratin, collagen, and oils for conditioning. Avoid higher levels of ammonia to limit damage to hair.
Ingredients in Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor
Key ingredients in Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor include:
- Ethanolamine – Alkalinizing agent that helps open cuticle for dye penetration
- Amodimethicone – Silicone that coats and protects hair strands
- Hydrolyzed Soy Protein – Soy-derived protein that conditions and strengthens hair
- Phenylenediamines – Ammonia-free dye compounds to color hair
- Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice – Hydrating aloe vera juice to soothe hair
- Fragrance – Added fragrance, can cause irritation for some
Is Clairol Cruelty-Free and Vegan?
Clairol is not a cruelty-free or vegan brand. Clairol products are tested on animals and contain animal-derived ingredients. The Soy 4plex Liquicolor contains hydrolyzed soy protein but is not fully vegan.
Some cruelty-free permanent hair dye options include:
- Madison Reed
- Overtone
- Manic Panic
- Arctic Fox
- Good Dye Young
Always check brand policies and product labels to verify cruelty-free and vegan status when shopping for hair color.
Warnings and Safety When Using Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor
- Perform an allergy patch test before each use
- Avoid contact with eyes, rinse immediately if this occurs
- Only mix dye with developer, do not mix other products
- Do not leave on longer than directed
- Rinse thoroughly after application
- Avoid using if pregnant or breastfeeding
- Keep out of reach of children
Permanent dyes can cause reactions in some people. Always follow usage directions carefully. Discontinue use if any irritation or sensitization occurs.
Conclusion
Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor offers a permanent hair coloring option that conditions hair while providing long-lasting color. With its soy protein formula and intermixable shades, Clairol Soy 4plex allows you to achieve vibrant, customized color at home with less damage. Follow the directions carefully for application and rinsing, and take steps to limit processing time and protect hair after coloring for best results. Alternatives are available, including brands like Madison Reed and Revlon Colorsilk for those seeking cruelty-free and vegan permanent dye. When used properly, Clairol Soy 4plex Liquicolor can give you beautiful, healthy-looking color.
