IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit

IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit — image 1
IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit — image 2
IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit — image 3
IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit — image 4
IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit — image 5
IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit — image 6
IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit — image 7
81%
19%
78%
Gray Coverage
91%
Hair Condition Post-Color
83%
Color Accuracy
86%
Application Experience
93%
Scent & Fumes
67%
Value for Money
74%
Longevity & Fade
81%
Packaging & Kit Completeness
62%
Shade Range Context
88%
Ingredient Quality
84%
Ease of Use for Beginners
79%
Skin & Scalp Comfort
More

Overview

The IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit brings a real salon brand into your bathroom without the ammonia smell that makes most at-home coloring feel like a chore. IGK operates professional salons, so the formula here isn't just repackaged drugstore chemistry — it's built around the same color philosophy their colorists use in-chair. Shade 9NA is a light cool blonde, leaning ashy rather than warm, which tends to flatter fair-to-medium complexions and works well on naturally blonde or light brown bases. One thing to set straight upfront: this at-home coloring kit matches or deepens your existing tone. If your hair has been previously colored, don't expect it to lift.

Features & Benefits

The formula relies on Squalane, Orchid Extract, and Bamboo Extract — a trio that addresses moisture, softness, and structural strength respectively. That combination matters because permanent color, even without ammonia, puts real stress on hair. What you actually notice in practice is that strands feel softer and look noticeably shinier after coloring rather than dried out or brittle, which is the usual complaint with box dye. The 45-minute processing time is standard for thorough gray coverage, and the cream consistency makes application relatively clean and controlled. Everything you need comes in the box, and the colorist-developed instructions keep the process straightforward even if you have never done this before.

Best For

This IGK color kit is genuinely well-suited to a few specific situations. If you are dealing with stubborn gray roots but hate the chemical smell that fills your bathroom for hours, the ammonia-free formula is a real relief. It is also a strong option for anyone with dry, fragile, or chemically processed hair who cannot afford more damage from coloring. People already loyal to IGK salons often pick it up to stretch the time between professional appointments. The cool, ashy tone of 9NA works best on fair to medium skin tones and pairs well with an existing light blonde base. Anyone expecting it to brighten heavily darkened hair will be disappointed.

User Feedback

Buyers consistently highlight post-color softness as the standout takeaway — many note it is the first time a box dye left their hair feeling better rather than worse. Shine also gets mentioned often. On the flip side, a handful of users with very coarse or dense white hair report that gray coverage is not always complete with a single application, which is worth knowing. Color accuracy for 9NA gets generally positive marks, with most describing the result as cool and blonde rather than yellow or brassy. The price point draws occasional pushback, though buyers who frame it against the cost of a salon visit tend to see it differently. Fade rate appears reasonable for a permanent formula.

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Pros

  • Ammonia-free formula means no harsh chemical smell during application.
  • Hair feels noticeably softer and looks shinier after coloring, not stripped or dull.
  • Squalane and botanical extracts make this one of the more conditioning permanent dyes available.
  • Full gray coverage is achievable in a single 45-minute session for most hair types.
  • Works on color-treated and chemically processed hair without excessive added damage.
  • The cream consistency is easy to apply cleanly and evenly at home.
  • Colorist-developed instructions make the process approachable even for first-timers.
  • The cool, ashy blonde result resists brassiness better than many comparable at-home shades.
  • Everything needed for a complete application is included in one compact kit.
  • For those skipping salon visits, the cost-per-use compares reasonably against professional coloring.

Cons

  • The price is significantly higher than most drugstore permanent hair color options.
  • Cannot lighten previously colored hair, which limits versatility for many buyers.
  • Very coarse or dense white hair may need more than one application for complete coverage.
  • The 9NA cool tone is a narrow fit — warm blonde or deeper skin tones may find it unflattering.
  • No developer strength options are offered, reducing customization for experienced home colorists.
  • Results can vary noticeably depending on starting hair color and porosity.
  • The kit contains only enough product for one full application with little to no leftover.
  • Fade rate, while acceptable, may disappoint those expecting long-lasting salon-level staying power.

Ratings

The scores below reflect AI analysis of verified buyer reviews for the IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit, collected globally and filtered to remove incentivized, duplicate, and bot-generated submissions. Both the genuine strengths and the recurring frustrations are represented here — nothing has been smoothed over to make the product look better than it performs in real use.

Gray Coverage
78%
22%
Most users with moderate gray coverage report solid, even results after the full 45-minute process — a meaningful upgrade from cheaper dyes that leave patchy or translucent-looking roots. For scattered grays mixed into lighter base hair, the coverage is consistently described as natural and blended.
Buyers with dense, coarse, or fully white hair report more inconsistency, sometimes needing a second application to fully cover resistant patches. A 45-minute processing time leaves little room for error if you rush, and some users found coverage noticeably thinner at the roots compared to the mid-lengths.
Hair Condition Post-Color
91%
This is where the ammonia-free hair dye genuinely stands out for real users. People with previously over-processed or dry hair describe a clear difference in how their strands feel the day after coloring — softer, smoother, and without the straw-like texture that follows most permanent dyes.
A small number of users with very fine hair noted some flatness or heaviness after the conditioning treatment phase, suggesting the formula may be slightly too rich for certain hair types. Results are less dramatic for people whose hair was already in good condition going into the process.
Color Accuracy
83%
The 9NA shade delivers on its cool, ashy blonde promise for most buyers — it reads as dimensional and natural rather than flat or artificial in daylight. Users who started from a light blonde or light brown base consistently describe results that are close to the packaging reference.
On hair with warm underlying tones or significant brassiness, the cool ash does not always fully neutralize without a pre-toning step, which the kit does not include. A few reviewers noted the result photographed cooler or darker than expected indoors under artificial lighting.
Application Experience
86%
The cream consistency is thick enough to stay in place during application without dripping, which users doing their own roots especially appreciate. Instructions are written clearly enough that first-timers regularly report feeling confident through the whole process without needing supplemental video tutorials.
The applicator bottle works well for root touch-ups but feels slightly awkward for full all-over coverage on longer hair, where a brush and bowl setup would give more control. A few users also noted the kit does not include a dedicated sectioning clip, which is a minor but real omission.
Scent & Fumes
93%
Removing ammonia from the formula makes an immediate, tangible difference in how tolerable the coloring process is, and buyers mention this unprompted more than almost any other feature. People who color their hair in small bathrooms or have sensitivities to chemical smells describe the experience as genuinely comfortable by comparison.
The dye is not entirely odorless — there is still a mild chemical scent from the developer — so buyers expecting a completely neutral experience may be slightly surprised. The smell dissipates quickly and is far less lingering than traditional dye, but it is worth setting realistic expectations.
Value for Money
67%
33%
Buyers who frame the cost against a salon visit tend to see this at-home coloring kit as reasonable, especially when factoring in the conditioning ingredients and IGK brand credibility. For people maintaining a regular color schedule, the per-use cost relative to in-salon pricing makes the math work fairly easily.
Compared directly to drugstore permanent dye, the price difference is hard to ignore for buyers who are primarily focused on coverage rather than hair health outcomes. Users who do not notice a meaningful improvement in hair texture often leave reviews expressing that the premium is not justified for their specific use case.
Longevity & Fade
74%
26%
For a permanent ammonia-free formula, color retention is generally solid across the first three to four weeks. Users who follow up with sulfate-free shampoo and cold water rinses report that the cool blonde tone holds without going brassy or washing out quickly.
Around the five to six week mark, some fading and warmth creeping back in is commonly reported, particularly by users with high-porosity hair or those in hard-water areas. The ammonia-free chemistry, while gentler, does sometimes result in slightly less tenacious color deposit than traditional formulas.
Packaging & Kit Completeness
81%
19%
The compact box format means everything you need for one full application is in a single, tidy package — no hunting for a separate developer or worrying about ratios. The box is sturdy enough to survive shipping without the product leaking, which is a basic but appreciated reliability marker.
The kit is sized for one application only, with very little product left over for touching up any missed spots after the main session. Those with longer or thicker hair may also find the quantity just barely sufficient for full coverage, which adds a layer of stress to the application process.
Shade Range Context
62%
38%
Within the 9NA shade specifically, IGK has calibrated the tone thoughtfully for cool blonde results that wear naturally across fair and medium complexions. Buyers who know exactly what an ash blonde looks like generally receive what they expected.
As a single shade review, the inability of this formula to lift previously colored hair significantly narrows who the product actually works for, which is a structural limitation rather than a formulation flaw. Buyers who did not read the shade guidance carefully before purchasing account for a notable share of disappointed reviews.
Ingredient Quality
88%
Squalane, Orchid Extract, and Bamboo Extract are not filler ingredients — they each serve a functional role in moisture retention, softness, and strand resilience, and users with ingredient-aware routines appreciate seeing them in a color kit. The absence of ammonia also signals a cleaner formulation philosophy overall.
The ingredient list is not fully disclosed in a way that allows sensitive buyers to easily cross-check every component, which some buyers flag as a transparency gap. People with specific botanical allergies should review the full list carefully before use, as the extracts are active rather than trace-level additions.
Ease of Use for Beginners
84%
The colorist-developed application method has clearly been refined to reduce common at-home mistakes — instruction clarity comes up repeatedly in positive reviews from first-time home colorers. The cream formula is forgiving during application and gives enough working time to section and apply without rushing.
Users who expect a fully foolproof experience may still find the root-to-length blending step tricky without prior practice. The instructions assume a basic familiarity with hair sectioning, which could be a hurdle for complete beginners working without a mirror setup.
Skin & Scalp Comfort
79%
21%
The ammonia-free formulation reduces scalp irritation for the majority of users, and the cream consistency minimizes the dripping onto skin that causes staining and discomfort with thinner dye formulas. Most buyers report no significant sensitivity reactions during normal application.
A small percentage of users with reactive scalps still report mild tingling or temporary redness, which is expected with any oxidative dye regardless of ammonia content. Anyone with a history of dye allergies should still perform a patch test well before a full application.

Suitable for:

The IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit is a strong fit for anyone who wants reliable gray coverage but has grown tired of the harsh smell and drying aftereffects that come with most conventional at-home dyes. It particularly suits people with fair to medium complexions who want a cool, ashy blonde result rather than something warm or brassy. If your hair is already light blonde or a muted light brown, the 9NA shade will land closest to what you see on the packaging. It is also a practical pick for those with dry, chemically processed, or color-treated hair, since the conditioning ingredients — Squalane, Orchid Extract, and Bamboo Extract — genuinely reduce the post-color roughness that more aggressive formulas leave behind. Existing IGK salon clients will find it a convenient and consistent way to bridge the gap between professional appointments without sacrificing color quality.

Not suitable for:

The IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit is not the right tool if your goal is to go lighter. This formula will not lift previously colored hair, so if your hair has been darkened over time and you are hoping to brighten it back toward blonde, this kit simply cannot do that. It also may not deliver full, even coverage in a single application for people with very dense or coarse white hair, which can be a real frustration at this price point. Budget-conscious buyers comparing it strictly to drugstore options may find the cost harder to justify unless they are already sold on the conditioning angle. And if your skin tone runs deeper or you prefer warm golden tones, the cool ashy profile of 9NA is likely to feel off for your complexion. Anyone expecting a dramatic color change or a lightening effect should look elsewhere entirely.

Specifications

  • Brand: This color kit is manufactured and sold by IGK, a professional salon brand with locations across the United States.
  • Shade: The 9NA designation indicates a Level 9 Natural Ash blonde, producing a light, cool-toned blonde result with minimal warmth.
  • Color Type: The formula is a permanent hair color, meaning it penetrates the hair cortex and will not wash out over time like a semi-permanent dye.
  • Gray Coverage: The formula is designed to deliver 100% gray coverage when applied and processed correctly for the full recommended duration.
  • Formula Type: The dye is an ammonia-free cream, which reduces the harsh chemical odor and limits some of the structural damage associated with traditional oxidative color.
  • Key Ingredients: Active conditioning ingredients include Squalane for moisture retention, Orchid Extract for softness, and Bamboo Extract for structural strength and resilience.
  • Processing Time: A 45-minute development time is recommended for complete gray coverage and optimal color deposit.
  • Hair Compatibility: The kit is suitable for all hair types and textures, including previously color-treated, bleached, or chemically processed hair.
  • Lightening Ability: This formula cannot lift or lighten previously colored hair; it is designed only to match or deepen an existing tone.
  • Package Format: The product ships as a complete box kit containing all components needed for a single full application.
  • Package Dimensions: The box measures 7.72 x 5.12 x 4.17 inches, making it compact enough to store easily in a bathroom cabinet.
  • Weight: The complete kit weighs approximately 1.06 pounds as packaged and shipped.
  • Shine Result: Clinical testing cited by the brand indicates hair appears measurably shinier after a single coloring session compared to before application.
  • Breakage Result: The brand reports a clinically observed reduction in hair breakage following use, attributed to the nourishing ingredient blend.
  • Softness Result: Users in clinical testing reported hair feeling noticeably softer and smoother after coloring with this formula.
  • Application Design: The system was developed with professional colorists to simplify at-home use and reduce the likelihood of uneven application or missed sections.
  • UPC: The product UPC is 810021405421, which can be used to verify authenticity when purchasing from third-party sellers.

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FAQ

For most people, yes — the formula is designed for full gray coverage with a 45-minute processing time. That said, very coarse or resistant white hair can sometimes need a touch more time or a second pass in dense areas. Following the timing instructions closely gives you the best shot at even, complete coverage.

No, and this is worth being very clear about: the IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit cannot lift previously colored hair. If your hair has been dyed darker over time, this kit will only match or deepen your existing tone. To go lighter from previously colored hair, you would need a separate lightening process first.

Not necessarily. Ammonia-free permanent dyes still use an oxidative process that deposits color into the hair shaft, so the result is genuinely permanent rather than temporary. Longevity depends more on your hair porosity, how often you wash, and your water type than on whether ammonia is present.

This at-home coloring kit is one of the more suitable options for color-treated or damaged hair, specifically because of the Squalane, Orchid Extract, and Bamboo Extract in the formula. These ingredients work to condition during the color process rather than just stripping and depositing. That said, if your hair is severely over-processed or breaking, it is worth consulting a stylist before applying any permanent color at home.

9NA is a cool, ashy light blonde — the A stands for Ash. It leans away from any gold or yellow tones, which is great if you want a more muted, natural-looking blonde rather than something bright or warm. It tends to work best on fair to medium complexions and on hair that is already in the light blonde to light brown range.

Everything required for a complete application is included in the box. You will not need to purchase developer, a mixing bowl, or a separate applicator. The one thing most people add on their own is a set of gloves if they prefer thicker protection than what is provided.

From mixing to rinsing, plan for about an hour total. The recommended development time is 45 minutes, and you will need a few minutes before that to section and apply, plus rinsing and conditioning time afterward. It is a manageable at-home process, especially if you have colored your hair before.

The 9NA shade is really optimized for fair to medium complexions. On deeper or olive skin tones, a cool ashy blonde can sometimes look stark or read as an unnatural contrast. If that is a concern, it may be worth testing a strand first or consulting a colorist about whether a warmer blonde shade would be a better match for your complexion.

The main differences come down to the formula and the brand background. Most drugstore dyes rely on ammonia as the primary alkaline agent and contain fewer conditioning ingredients. This ammonia-free hair dye replaces that with gentler chemistry and adds Squalane and botanical extracts to actively condition during coloring. The application system was also developed by professional colorists, which tends to translate into clearer instructions and a more forgiving process.

For most people, gray roots become noticeable again somewhere between four and six weeks, which is fairly standard for permanent color. How quickly color fades at the lengths and ends depends on factors like washing frequency, water hardness, and whether you use color-safe shampoo. Using sulfate-free products after coloring generally helps the result hold longer.