Product Review - eSalon

I was recently asked to test and review a new hair color system by eSalon.  Have you heard of them?  Well, if you haven't yet, believe me, you will.

I've been dyeing my hair for close to 37 years- gulp!  Shush, don't repeat that!  My natural color is a sort of dirty, mousy brown, so I usually dye it blonder in the summer months and go a little darker during the winter months.  I've been hankering to go a little darker, and when I heard about eSalon and their review offer, I was ready.

The unique thing about eSalon is that they offer the salon experience at home.  Now I admit, I am a box blonde, meaning I'm a do-it-myself girl.  I haven't stepped foot in a salon for a professional dye job in probably 30 years.  The prices around Chicago are just too high for me, and besides, I prefer to do it at home, at my own convenience.

Convenience is the accurate word when it comes to eSalon.  They offer professional grade dyes like those used in the high end salons and you can choose from demi-permanent or permanent haircolor.  The dye is $ 19.95 per application plus shipping and handling, but get this - each application is specifically formulated for you, based on information that you input onto your order form.  Here's how it works.....

First, go to their very user friendly website at eSalon  Once there you're going to input some basic information, such as your natural haircolor, what percentage of your hair is grey, if you currently color your hair, how often you color your hair, current length and style, and then you choose your new desired color results from an extensive color chart.  Once you do all that you have the option of up loading a current photo of yourself.  Then you submit your order.  It's all pretty quick and very easy to do, let me tell you.

After their colorists reviewed my profile, color choice and photo, I received an email back from them suggesting that I go with a slightly lighter color.  They felt my desired color was too much of a jump and asked me what I'd like to do.  I went with their recommendation and chose a new color, darker than what I was currently using, but not as dark as I wanted to go.  4 days later I received my order through the mail, complete with tracking number.

Check out my personally created hair color and instruction booklet with my name on it.....

The entire kit comes complete with hair dye, application brush, gloves, conditioner, stain guard, stain remover and cotton pads.  First I'll show you a really unattractive photo of the top of my head - yes, I was due for a dye job....

I enlisted Chablis to help with the application process.  I usually use an applicator tip for the dye bottle, and since they supplied a brush, I needed help.  She quickly applied the color and in 15 minutes we were finished.  One thing I noticed right away was the relatively light scent.  My usual store purchased dye has that strong ammonia smell that I hate and this dye was more subtle - a definite improvement.  I let it set on my hair for the recommended 20 minutes and hopped in the shower to wash and rinse. 

Look at the finished product....

I love the color - it doesn't have any of the brassy undertones I often get.  My hair felt lighter, didn't have that "after you dye it" smell and Chablis summed it up perfectly when she said the color was vibrant! 

Pros -  I have to say that the whole eSalon experience was top notch from the moment I signed into their website until I dried my hair after I colored it.  I was very happy with their customer service and their product.  Adding my name to the bottle and instruction sheet really gives it a personal touch.  I would recommend this product and I will certainly use it again.

Cons - I have 2 suggestions and these are merely a matter of personal preference and have nothing to do with the coloring product itself. 

1) I prefer to use an applicator tip on my coloring bottle, similar to this one below.  It would be nice if they could include that as an option.

2)  I think they could supply a little more of the conditioning product.  It's only a small sample and for me, it didn't have any detangle properties.  Again, this is a personal preference on my part.  I added a little of my own detangle product and my hair combed out just fine.  But if you have more hair than I do, then I don't think it would be enough conditioner. 

I think eSalon earned high marks for a really nice product.  Visit their website for more information, how to video's and their easy to use ordering guide. 

*** NEWS FLASH - THIS JUST IN:       "Right now, eSalon has a special 50% off deal for first time customers, where you can get a complete hair profile and custom color kit delivered to your door for just $9.95 (plus $4.95 s&h) with a satisfaction guarantee or your money back  . Go here to give it a try."

I'd like to thank eSalon for the review opportunity.  I was given free product in exchange for my honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.