The Bzz on Olia

BASIC INFORMATION:
Unlike traditional hair color, Oila uses an exclusive 60% oil blend, with natural flower oils, in the colorant. The unique oil-based formula maximizes the coloring process to achieve permanent color results. It propels colorants deep into hair, without ammonia, for pure, vivid, long-lasting color. Olia visibly improves and restores the look of hair, as oils help to reverse roughness and dullness for softer, shinier hair with bounce.

The information promises 100% gray coverage. Available in 24 different shades.

It comes with a drop-shaped applicator, which is supposed to help you maintain maximum control.

It promises a delicate floral scent and a non-drip creamy texture when applying.

MY REVIEW:
I started with about 30% gray hair and a very mousy brown color.

I don't always perform the "patch test" when I color my hair since I've basically been using the same box for years (with about a year since my last coloring). However, since this is a new product, I did do the test on the inside of my left elbow.

I was a bit concerned with how my skin appeared lighter after I rubbed it on, but that faded really quickly and it does say in the instructions that can happen.

So, 48 hours later, there was no reaction so I got ready for color!!!

This is what you see when you unpack the box. There is an applicator bottle, a developer tube, a colorant tube, a conditioner tube, gloves and instructions. Neat little thing on the box:

There is a flap where you can record the date of coloring and have the number and name of your shade so next time you color you aren't standing there trying to figure out which one you used last! I chose medium golden brown. Seemed like that would be a brighter color than my mouse brown and I was hoping all my grays would end up looking like highlights. I didn't have much choice at my local Albertson's as far as color. However, I have seen large displays at Target and Wal Mart with all 24 colors available.

(Quick warning....when I opened the developer to put into the applicator bottle, it kinda popped out, like there was an air bubble in it. I got a pretty good sized glob of developer on the counter.)

Small thing...I like the gloves.

They fit well and didn't rip during use. I was able to take them off while the color developed and then put them back on for rinsing. Little pleasure, but still makes the whole process a little better.

Okay, after mixing the developer and colorant into the applicator bottle, I started applying to my hair. I worked in sections, starting at the top of my head, working down the sides, then the back and underneath. I found the applicator bottle very slippery and very hard to hold. I dropped it a lot. Thankfully though, only a few drops splashed out each time and I was able to wipe it quickly off the countertop and sink.

There are not pictures of my hair with the colorant on it...no one needs to see that! My kids thought I looked like Medusa with my hair piled on my head! While it was processing, I was able to very easily remove any color that had gotten on the tops of my ears, back of neck and forehead.

Just a note...wear a really junky shirt. As with all coloring products, this stained my shirt and I was not able to remove it at all. No big whoop...expected that.

 So...the verdict...

The color had a lot more red than I was expecting, but I've always loved red hair so this isn't a big deal. It didn't completely cover my grays, but that may have been user error since it's a large patch that isn't covered. I may have missed a spot. The color on my forehead is very bright and the rest is a bit darker. Again, that was user error. I put too much there I guess.

All in all, I'm mostly happy with it. The smell didn't make me want to use the product outside for ventilation. The color isn't what I was expecting but I like it and will be purchasing another box really quickly so I can get the rest of the gray covered.

Sorry about the bathroom mirror/iPhone photo...it was the best I could do!

You can see more information HERE about the different shades available.  There is even a HOW TO section and a short video showing how to apply for both all over color and touch ups.

I received a coupon from BzzAgent for a box of color to test. No additional compensation has been received and I was not required to write a positive review. I am not a professional hair stylist and have been coloring my hair for at least 15 years on my own. All opinions are my own.