This mask is for people with natural or color-treated hair in levels 1-4 (black to dark brown) who notice a red, orange, or brassy cast developing between color services, often from sun exposure, chlorine, heat styling, or the color itself fading. It is not intended for grey, white, or pre-lightened hair (level 5 or lighter), since the green-toned dyes can leave that hair looking greenish. It's a retail, at-home step rather than a professional mixing product, so no developer or salon application is required.

• Dark brunette or black hair, levels 1-4
• People managing red/brassy undertones between colorist visits
• Not suitable for grey, white, or lightened (level 5+) hair

Most toning products on the market are built for blondes fighting orange or yellow brassiness. Dark Envy Mask addresses the opposite, less-served problem: red undertones showing through dark brunette or black hair. Its blue-green direct dyes are formulated to sit against that specific warmth, which makes it a useful in-between-appointment fix for anyone whose dark color tends to warm up rather than fade cool.

Shampoo and rinse hair first. While wearing gloves, apply the mask to wet hair, avoiding the scalp to prevent staining. Leave on for up to 5 minutes depending on how much toning effect is desired, then rinse thoroughly and style as usual. Use about once a week to maintain results; more frequent use will deposit more tone.

Pros:

• Cancels red/brassy tone without a trip to the salon or a lightening service
• Doubles as a conditioning step thanks to cetearyl alcohol and amodimethicone
• Simple in-shower application, no mixing or developer needed

Cons:

• Toning effect is temporary and fades with each shampoo, so it needs weekly upkeep
• Can turn grey hair or hair lighter than level 5 a greenish shade
• Direct dyes can stain skin or nails if applied without gloves