Overview

The IGK V Astro Babe Hair Color Kit is IGK's answer to growing demand for at-home color that doesn't compromise on results or hair health. Unlike most permanent dyes, this one skips ammonia entirely — a real draw for anyone who's sat through the sting and smell of a traditional box dye. The shade, light cool lavender, is genuinely pretty, but it comes with an important caveat: it works best on light or pre-lightened hair. If your base is dark and unbleached, the lavender payoff will be minimal. This at-home dye sits at a premium price point, so buyers are expecting more than color alone — they want a conditioning experience to match.

Features & Benefits

The formula behind this lavender color kit is built around three key ingredients: Squalane for moisture replenishment, Orchid Extract for softness, and Bamboo Extract to support strand resilience. IGK also reports some bold numbers — 15x more shine, 40% less breakage, and 88% softer strands — though it's worth noting these are brand-reported figures, not independently verified findings. The cream applies smoothly, and the colorist-developed system is designed to cut down on guesswork for at-home users. Gray coverage is solid, but you'll want to leave it on for the full 45-minute processing time to get the most out of it. The ammonia-free formula also noticeably reduces that sharp chemical smell during application.

Best For

This at-home dye is a genuinely good fit for people with light or bleached hair who want to try a cool lavender tone without committing to a full salon visit. It's also worth considering if you're managing gray roots and want a color treatment that doubles as a conditioning step — not just a pigment deposit. Anyone sensitive to ammonia or prone to scalp irritation with standard box dyes will appreciate the gentler approach. That said, if your hair is naturally dark and you haven't pre-lightened, don't expect vivid lavender. The IGK color kit can deepen or match your existing shade, but it won't lift color — that step needs to happen separately beforehand.

User Feedback

Buyers consistently praise how soft and nourished their hair feels after using this lavender color kit — that part of the formula seems to genuinely deliver. Gray coverage also earns solid marks, particularly from those who leave it on for the full recommended time. Where things get mixed is color vibrancy: users with darker bases frequently report the lavender barely registers, which is a recurring and legitimate complaint. A few reviewers also note the shade fades within four to six weeks, especially with frequent washing. On the application side, the included tools get the job done, though some find the mixing system slightly fiddly. Scent is almost universally seen as a win over traditional ammonia-based dyes.

Pros

  • Ammonia-free formula significantly reduces scalp irritation and that sharp chemical smell during application.
  • Hair genuinely feels softer and more nourished after coloring, not stripped or rough.
  • Gray coverage is reliable, especially when the full 45-minute processing time is respected.
  • Works well on color-treated or chemically processed hair without causing excessive additional damage.
  • The application system is designed for at-home use and helps reduce mess and guesswork.
  • Key ingredients like Squalane and Orchid Extract give the formula a conditioning edge over standard box dyes.
  • The lavender shade reads as a cool, sophisticated tone on light hair — not garish or artificial-looking.
  • Comes from a professional salon brand, so the formulation has real expertise behind it.

Cons

  • Lavender payoff is minimal to nonexistent on medium or dark hair that hasn't been pre-lightened first.
  • Color longevity is limited — many users report noticeable fading within four to six weeks, especially with frequent washing.
  • The price point is hard to justify if the shade doesn't show up on your specific hair color.
  • Clinical performance stats are brand-reported and not independently verified, so take them with some skepticism.
  • Pre-lightening is an unspoken prerequisite for vivid results, which adds time, cost, and potential damage.
  • The included mixing tools work, but some users find the process slightly more fiddly than a standard box dye.
  • This at-home dye cannot lift or deepen color beyond your current base — versatility is limited by design.
  • Results vary enough between hair types that the outcome can feel unpredictable for first-time users.

Ratings

The scores below for the IGK V Astro Babe Hair Color Kit were generated by our AI system after analyzing thousands of verified global buyer reviews, with spam, bot activity, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out. Each category reflects the honest spread of real user experiences — not just the highlights — so both where this kit shines and where it falls short are transparently represented.

Color Vibrancy
63%
37%
On light blonde or pre-lightened hair, the cool lavender reads as a genuinely pretty, dimensional tone that users describe as soft and wearable rather than harsh. Several buyers with platinum bases were pleased with how naturally the shade settled in.
The color vibrancy score takes a significant hit because results are heavily dependent on starting hair color — a fact that catches many buyers off guard. On anything darker than a light brown, the lavender pigment is nearly invisible, which is the single most common complaint in user reviews.
Gray Coverage
81%
19%
Gray coverage is one of the more consistent positives in buyer feedback, particularly from users who committed to the full 45-minute processing window. Those dealing with stubborn silvers at the roots found the formula covered reliably without patchiness.
A handful of users with coarser or more resistant gray hair noted that coverage was uneven when processing time was cut short. Thorough saturation during application seems to matter more with resistant grays than the instructions explicitly convey.
Formula Gentleness
88%
The ammonia-free formula is genuinely appreciated by buyers who have dealt with scalp irritation, burning, or sensitivity from standard box dyes. Many describe the application experience as noticeably calmer — less smell, less stinging — compared to what they were previously using.
While gentler overall, the formula still contains developer, and a small number of users with highly reactive skin reported mild irritation. The absence of ammonia reduces risk but does not eliminate it entirely, which is worth noting for anyone with a history of allergic reactions.
Hair Conditioning Effect
86%
Post-color softness is one of the most consistently praised aspects across buyer reviews. Users repeatedly describe their hair as feeling nourished rather than depleted after coloring, which is unusual enough in the permanent dye category to stand out meaningfully.
The conditioning effect tends to be more noticeable on hair that was in reasonable condition going in. A few users with already very dry or chemically compromised hair felt the improvement was minor, suggesting the formula works best as maintenance rather than a rescue treatment.
Color Longevity
58%
42%
Buyers who used color-safe shampoo and washed in cooler water reported the lavender holding reasonably well for the first few weeks, with gradual and even fading rather than sudden patchiness. The fade tends to move toward a soft, washed-out lavender rather than an unflattering tone.
Most users report noticeable fading between four and six weeks, which is on the shorter end for a product marketed as permanent color. Frequent washing, heat styling, and sun exposure accelerate the fade considerably, making maintenance a recurring cost for those who want to keep the shade vibrant.
Ease of Application
79%
21%
The colorist-developed mixing and application system makes the process more approachable than a generic drugstore kit, and most users found the instructions clear enough to follow without prior experience. The cream consistency makes it easier to control where the product goes.
A portion of buyers found the mixing apparatus slightly fiddly, particularly on a first attempt. The included tools are functional but not exceptional — a few users swapped in their own application brush for more precision, especially around the hairline and roots.
Scent During Application
83%
Compared to ammonia-based dyes, the scent during processing is markedly milder, which buyers in smaller bathrooms or shared spaces particularly appreciated. Many describe the smell as barely noticeable rather than something they needed to ventilate aggressively against.
The scent is not entirely neutral — there is still a chemical undertone from the developer that some users found mildly unpleasant, even if it was a clear improvement over traditional formulas. Fragrance-sensitive individuals should still plan for some ventilation.
Ingredient Quality
84%
The inclusion of Squalane, Orchid Extract, and Bamboo Extract gives this kit a noticeably more considered ingredient profile than most at-home color products. Buyers who pay attention to what goes on their hair appreciate that the formula prioritizes both color and care simultaneously.
The brand-reported performance figures — 15x shine, 88% softer strands — are based on internal testing and have not been independently verified. Buyers who researched these claims carefully tend to treat them as directional rather than definitive, which slightly undercuts confidence in the ingredient narrative.
Value for Money
66%
34%
For buyers with the right hair base who get strong lavender payoff and notice the conditioning difference, the price feels justifiable relative to a salon visit. The formula quality is genuinely a step above budget drugstore alternatives, and that gap is usually evident in the results.
For buyers whose hair color makes the lavender invisible, the premium price is very difficult to justify, and this is a recurring theme in negative reviews. The value proposition collapses quickly when the core deliverable — visible color — does not materialize as expected.
Packaging & Kit Contents
74%
26%
The box is compact and well-organized, making it easy to understand what goes where even for first-time users. Everything needed for a single session is included, and the packaging itself feels more upscale than a typical drugstore box, which matters to buyers who are paying a premium.
Some users noted the kit contains enough product for one standard application but may fall short for very thick or long hair. There is no built-in provision for a second application, which can be inconvenient if coverage is uneven and a second pass is needed.
Shade Accuracy
61%
39%
On the right hair base, the light cool lavender shade closely matches the product imagery — a soft, slightly muted purple with cool undertones rather than a bright or neon purple. Buyers with platinum or very light blonde hair tend to feel the shade delivered what they expected.
For anyone whose hair falls outside the ideal light base range, the actual shade result can deviate significantly from the packaging, leading to disappointment. The disconnect between marketing visuals and real-world outcomes on darker hair is one of the more frustrating patterns in buyer feedback.
Scalp Comfort
82%
18%
Users who switched to this lavender color kit after struggling with itching or burning from other permanent dyes frequently report a meaningfully more comfortable experience. The ammonia-free chemistry seems to make the biggest difference for those with mild sensitivity rather than full allergies.
The improvement in scalp comfort is real but not universal — users with clinically diagnosed dye allergies or very reactive skin should not assume this formula is safe without patch testing first. A small number of reviews do mention residual tingling, particularly around the hairline.
Instructions Clarity
77%
23%
The included instructions cover the core steps clearly enough that most buyers feel confident proceeding without prior coloring experience. The guidance on processing time and application technique is specific enough to be actionable, which reduces common beginner mistakes.
A few nuances — like the requirement for pre-lightened hair to achieve visible lavender, and advice for very thick or long hair — are either briefly mentioned or absent entirely from the included instructions. Buyers who do not research these points independently are more likely to be caught off guard.

Suitable for:

The IGK V Astro Babe Hair Color Kit is a strong pick for anyone with naturally light, blonde, or previously bleached hair who wants to experiment with a cool lavender tone at home without booking a salon appointment. It's particularly well-suited to people who have had bad experiences with ammonia-based dyes — whether that's scalp sensitivity, harsh smell, or the post-color dryness that comes with more aggressive formulas. If you're dealing with gray coverage and want a dye that conditions while it colors rather than leaving your strands feeling stripped, this lavender color kit addresses both concerns in a single step. Color-treated or chemically processed hair is not a dealbreaker here — the formula is designed to work on previously processed strands, which is genuinely useful for anyone maintaining an existing color routine. At-home colorists who want a more professional application experience, with a developer system that's been designed to minimize mistakes, will also find this kit more approachable than generic drugstore options.

Not suitable for:

The IGK V Astro Babe Hair Color Kit has a hard limitation that's worth being completely upfront about: it cannot lift or lighten hair. If your natural base is medium brown or darker and you haven't pre-lightened, the lavender pigment in this at-home dye simply won't show up in any meaningful way — and that's a common source of frustration in buyer reviews. People hoping for a vivid, punchy lavender result on darker hair should look elsewhere or budget for a bleaching step first, which adds both cost and effort to the process. This kit also isn't the right call for budget-conscious shoppers; the price is firmly in premium territory, and if the lavender doesn't show on your base color, that cost is hard to justify. Those expecting a dramatic color transformation on a single application — without the prep work — are likely to be disappointed by the more subtle, conditioning-forward approach this product takes.

Specifications

  • Shade: The color is Light Cool Lavender, a soft, muted purple tone designed for use on light or pre-lightened hair.
  • Color Type: This is a permanent hair color, meaning it bonds to the hair shaft and will not wash out like a semi-permanent or temporary dye.
  • Formula: The dye uses an ammonia-free cream formula, making it gentler on the scalp and less harsh-smelling than conventional permanent color.
  • Gray Coverage: The kit is formulated to deliver full, 100% gray coverage when applied correctly and processed for the recommended time.
  • Processing Time: IGK recommends a processing time of 45 minutes for maximum gray coverage and optimal color deposit.
  • Key Ingredients: The formula contains Squalane for moisture, Orchid Extract for softness, and Bamboo Extract to support strand strength and resilience.
  • Shine Claim: IGK reports a brand-tested improvement of 15x more shine compared to uncolored hair, though this figure is not independently verified.
  • Breakage Claim: The brand reports 40% less breakage after coloring compared to a baseline, based on their own internal testing.
  • Softness Claim: IGK also reports that strands are 88% softer and smoother after use, again based on brand-conducted clinical assessment.
  • Hair Compatibility: The formula is suitable for all hair types and textures, including chemically processed, color-treated, and natural hair.
  • Lightening Ability: This kit cannot lift or lighten hair — it is designed only to match or deepen existing color tone, not to bleach.
  • Item Form: The product is packaged as a cream, which typically allows for more controlled, even application compared to liquid formulas.
  • Package Format: The product ships as a complete box kit containing the color components and application tools needed for a single coloring session.
  • Item Weight: The full kit weighs 8.16 oz, making it a compact and easy-to-handle package for at-home use.
  • Dimensions: The box measures 4 x 2.38 x 7.56 inches, fitting easily in a bathroom cabinet or drawer for storage.
  • Brand Tier: IGK is a professional salon-origin brand with a presence in upscale salons, positioning this kit above standard drugstore color products.
  • UPC: The product's Universal Product Code is 810021402772, which can be used to verify authenticity at point of purchase.
  • Manufacturer: The product is manufactured by IGK, a brand known for its salon-professional hair care and color lines.

Related Reviews

IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit
IGK 9NA Permanent Hair Color Kit
81%
78%
Gray Coverage
91%
Hair Condition Post-Color
83%
Color Accuracy
86%
Application Experience
93%
Scent & Fumes
More
IGK Permanent Hair Dye Color Kit Set of Two | 5N Back To Brown
IGK Permanent Hair Dye Color Kit Set of Two | 5N Back To Brown
85%
94%
Gray Coverage
88%
Ease of Application
82%
Long-Lasting Results
90%
Ingredient Quality
91%
Ammonia-Free Formula
More
eSalon Personal Colorist Permanent Hair Color Kit
eSalon Personal Colorist Permanent Hair Color Kit
78%
74%
Gray Coverage
63%
Color Accuracy
88%
Ingredient Quality
83%
Ease of Application
86%
Kit Completeness
More
IGK Color Bright One Step Bleach & Color Kit ICE BREAKER - Cool Blonde, 4 Oz
IGK Color Bright One Step Bleach & Color Kit ICE BREAKER - Cool Blonde, 4 Oz
83%
88%
Lightening Effectiveness
92%
Ease of Use
85%
Hair Texture Compatibility
76%
Moisture Retention
79%
Nourishment & Hydration
More
Simpler Hair Color Brown Black Foam Dye
Simpler Hair Color Brown Black Foam Dye
79%
89%
Gray Coverage
91%
Application Ease
87%
Formula Safety
67%
Color Accuracy
72%
Beard Performance
More
Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit 5RV Rimini Garnet
Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit 5RV Rimini Garnet
86%
94%
Gray Coverage Effectiveness
91%
Color Vibrancy & Richness
88%
Scalp Sensitivity & Comfort
85%
Long-Lasting Results
80%
Application Ease
More
Godefroy Hair Color Tint Kit, Medium Brown, 20 Applications
Godefroy Hair Color Tint Kit, Medium Brown, 20 Applications
82%
88%
Ease of Application
91%
Gray Coverage
84%
Longevity of Results
80%
Suitability for Sensitive Scalps
92%
Value for Money
More
Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit
Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit
79%
83%
Gray Coverage
81%
Color Vibrancy
92%
Formula Safety
71%
Value for Money
63%
Shade Accuracy
More
IGK Hair Gloss Toner & Color Depositing Mask Pink 2000
IGK Hair Gloss Toner & Color Depositing Mask Pink 2000
86%
88%
Color Intensity & Longevity
91%
Ease of Use
85%
Hydration & Conditioning
76%
Fragrance
95%
Vegan & Cruelty-Free Claims
More
Simpler Hair Color Medium Brown Mustache and Beard Dye Kit
Simpler Hair Color Medium Brown Mustache and Beard Dye Kit
87%
91%
Ease of Use
88%
Long-lasting Results
89%
Precision of Application
87%
Natural Look
83%
Skin Sensitivity
More

FAQ

That depends almost entirely on your starting hair color. If your hair is blonde, light brown, or already bleached, you should see a noticeable cool lavender tone. On medium to dark hair that hasn't been pre-lightened, the color will likely be too subtle to see. Pre-lightening is essentially a prerequisite for vivid results with any pastel shade like this.

It is a permanent formula, which means it penetrates the hair shaft rather than just coating it. That said, cooler and lighter shades like lavender tend to fade faster than deeper tones regardless of permanence — many users report visible fading within four to six weeks, especially with frequent washing or exposure to heat styling.

The ammonia-free formula does make this a gentler option than most permanent dyes, and many people with scalp sensitivity find it more comfortable. That said, everyone's skin is different, and the kit still contains developer and other active ingredients. If you have a history of reactions to hair color, a patch test 48 hours before full application is always the right call.

IGK recommends the full 45 minutes for maximum gray coverage and color depth. Cutting the processing time short is one of the most common reasons people end up with uneven or underwhelming results, especially on grays. If you are not covering grays, you can follow the timing in the included instructions for your specific hair situation.

Yes, but with an important caveat — this kit can match or deepen your existing tone, but it cannot lighten previously colored hair. If your hair is already a darker artificial color, applying this over it will add the lavender pigment on top of whatever base is already there, which may not produce the result you are expecting. On previously lightened or blonde-colored hair, it should work well.

Yes, the formula is designed to work across all hair types and textures, including coarser or thicker strands. You may need to be particularly thorough during application to ensure even saturation, and the full 45-minute processing time becomes even more important for complete coverage on dense hair.

The kit is a complete, self-contained coloring set that includes the color cream, developer, and the tools needed to mix and apply the dye. Everything you need for a single application session is included, though some users choose to use their own brush or gloves if they prefer a different application style.

The main advantages are cost and convenience — this lavender color kit brings an IGK-formulated product into your bathroom at a fraction of what a salon visit would cost. The trade-off is that you are doing it yourself, which means technique matters. The system is designed to minimize mistakes, but a professional colorist can still deliver more precise results, particularly for complex applications or heavily textured hair.

Most users report the opposite — hair tends to feel notably softer and more moisturized after coloring with this kit, which is one of its most consistently praised qualities. The Squalane, Orchid Extract, and Bamboo Extract in the formula do seem to help offset the drying effect that coloring can sometimes cause. It is one area where this at-home dye holds up to its conditioning claims.

It works for both. Root touch-ups are a perfectly valid use case, and the cream formula makes targeted application manageable. Just keep in mind that if your lengths are a different shade or have faded since your last coloring, blending root touch-up results with older color can sometimes look uneven — so full application every few sessions is worth considering.