Have I said this before? I’m a sucker for nice packaging and I’m probably an advertiser’s dream: when I see something new I just have to try it. This is why I chose to try L’Oreal’s new foam hair dye. L’Oreal Preference Mousse Absolue seems to have so much going for it: luxe gold packaging, no mixing, just spray, apply, and when it’s time, wash it out. You can even get more than one use out of it, which is perfect if all you ever like to colour is your roots (I definitely fall into that category).
But then I started using the foam, and as I applied, I remembered all the reasons I didn’t like foam hair colour and had vowed never to use it again.
First and foremost, the inherent quality of foam means that it’s made up of liquid and air bubbles. Because of these bubbles, as you apply the product to your hair, you can’t help but realize that the coverage you’re getting is lighter than you think. Sure, there’s some liquid being applied to your hair, but the air bubbles are also leaving gaps in that application. That’s why the directions included in the package instruct you to apply more and more dye foam until it seems that your hair is completely saturated. That’s to compensate for those air bubbles in the foam.
As I applied more and more foam to my hair, I realized that there was no real way to tell whether the coverage I was getting was adequate and even. Sure, my hair would seem to be saturated, but then the hair dye would seem to dry out, and I would feel the need to apply more to areas that I had already gone over a few times.
Although there was supposedly enough in the bottle for me to do two root applications, after all was said and done, I only had enough for one application of dye because I kept using the foam all over my hair to make sure I had even coverage. And at the end, it seemed like I still missed a spot: the area near my temples where I didn’t want to over-apply for fear of getting the foam on my skin. And the instructions did tell me to be thorough at the contours of my face, but I guess I didn’t realize how important that was.
The foam is rich and thick, and easy to apply, but because the coverage is obviously hit or miss, I still cannot recommend this hair dye. My preferred method would be a thick coloured gel that doesn’t drip, but as far as I know this isn’t available on the market, so I’m out of luck.
L’Oreal Mousse Absolue is available at drugstores and mass retailers now.
Tried this on my Mom! Today, 6-5-14, we have found that this product is way too much money for the end result. She mainly got a nice shine boost to her hair-and that is it! No Gray coverage what so ever! Not worth the time nor money!
I have used this product once and it is not quite enough in the tube to saturate even medium length hair like mine. The smell is terrible and persist even after second wash.
I have used John Frieda hair color foam before and was able to do my hair and still have something left because there is so much in the bottle.
Pro: fairly easy to apply.
Totally agree, Catalina.
I hate to say it, but I was extremely dissappointed in this product, especially for the price I paid for it. It didn’t do anything. I followed the instructions carefully and found that once I had finished, waited the 30 minutes and rinsed it out, it didn’t cover anything at all. I still had the same pre-colour roots and all. I re-read all the instructions again in case I missed something. I did not miss a step. I even shook it more than 30 times to ensure it mixed properly.
I have never been so dissappointed in a product. In theory it’s a great idea. In reality I feel as though all I accomplished was to get clean hair.
Loreal has always been my favourite colour line. its too bad.
I hate the foam. I used Medium Mahogany brown and absolutely love the color, but when they only have it in the foam, I had to switch. I even tried it again a few weeks ago thinking that maybe since it has been out a while they improved it. Not only do you not get the coverage it is already faded out in just 3 weeks. I really wish they would just throw this stuff away and bring back my color in the excellence line like before.
Thanks for your comment. The packaging is so attractive that I was tempted to try it again too. Glad I didn’t.