Salon clients and stylists who want low-commitment colour: refreshing faded reds and coppers, neutralizing unwanted warmth in blonde or lightened hair, or adding a pastel tint, without a permanent colour service.

Schwarzkopf designed it for both express salon services and at-home upkeep between visits. It's suitable for all hair textures. Pastel and neutralizing shades (8-19, 9.5-1, 9.5-19, 9.5-4) show best on light or pre-lightened bases. 6-88 and 7-77 are made to refresh red and copper colour.

Red and copper fade quickly, and blondes turn brassy. Chroma ID deals with both in about the time a conditioner takes, and the bonding formula means you're caring for the hair instead of adding more chemical stress. Because every shade intermixes and uses IGORA numbering, stylists can mix exact tones for a client and send them home with the same mask to keep the colour looking fresh.

1. Wear disposable waterproof gloves and protect clothes, skin and surfaces from staining.
2. Shampoo, then towel-dry hair.
3. Apply the mask evenly to towel-dried hair.
4. Leave on for 3-5 minutes for a colour refresh, or 5-10 minutes for a more intense result.
5. Rinse thoroughly.
6. Results vary with the base colour and hair condition. Do a strand test if you're unsure, and mix shades for custom tones.

Pros

• Colours and conditions at the same time, with bonding technology to protect the hair
• Fast: 3-5 minutes for a refresh, up to 10 minutes for more intense colour
• All shades can be mixed together for custom tones
• Low commitment, fading over about 10-15 washes

Cons

• Semi-permanent only: it won't lighten hair or cover grey like permanent colour
• The result depends heavily on the starting colour and porosity, so a strand test is recommended
• Highly pigmented and can stain skin, clothes and surfaces; gloves are required
• The Canadian range has only six shades