What is Schwarzkopf Igora Royal?
Schwarzkopf Igora Royal isn’t just a color—it’s a whole vibe. If you’ve ever dreamed of salon-quality color at home or you’re a stylist wanting reliable results, Igora Royal is your best friend. It's known for vibrant shades, full grey coverage, and long-lasting performance.
The reason Igora Royal is popular is simple: it delivers. Deep pigmentation, a low-ammonia formula, and a smooth consistency make it a go-to for stylists and clients worldwide.
While it’s pro-level, even confident DIYers can use it with confidence. If you're a beginner, just follow the right steps and you'll get stunning results.
Schwarzkopf Igora Royal Products Breakdown
There’s more than one kind of Igora Royal. Here’s the lowdown:
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Igora Royal Permanent Colors - The classic. Great for full coverage and predictable results.
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Igora Royal Highlifts - Designed to lift natural hair several levels lighter, often with added toning.
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Igora Royal Fashion Shades - Bold, expressive colors—think reds, violets, and copper tones.
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Igora Royal Absolutes - Perfect for mature hair. It’s specially designed to handle coarser, resistant strands with rich shades and added care.
Before You Start Mixing
What You’ll Need
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Igora Royal color tube (50ml)
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Igora Royal developer – 10, 20, 30 or 40 volume
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Non-metallic mixing bowl
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Tint brush
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Gloves
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Old towel or cape
Remember, never skip the patch test, even if you’ve used color before. Mix a tiny amount and apply it behind your ear 48 hours prior to coloring. Better safe than sorry.
Choosing the Right Developer
Each developer level serves a different purpose.
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10 Volume Developer - Use for darkening or refreshing color. No lift—just deposit.
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20 Volume Developer - Ideal for grey coverage or going slightly lighter.
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30 Volume Developer - Lifts more; great for going 2-3 shades lighter on natural hair.
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40 Volume Developer - Reserved for high lifts only—can be damaging on fragile hair.
Mixing Ratios for Schwarzkopf Igora Royal
This is the part where precision matters.
Standard Mixing Ratio - 1:1 – Add one part color to one part developer. For most hair color shades and grey coverage.
Highlift Series Mixing Ratio - 1:2 – One part highlift color to two parts 30 or 40 vol developer.
Grey Coverage Ratio - Use 1:1 with 20 vol developer. For stubborn grey, mix in a natural base like 6-0 or 7-0.
How to Mix Igora Royal Color
Let’s walk through it, easy-style:
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Determine Hair Level and Goal - Know your current hair color shade and what you want. This affects developer choice and color.
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Choose Color Shade - Pick your Igora Royal shade—natural, ash, gold, etc. Use the number guide (e.g., 6-0 is dark blonde natural).
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Select Developer Strength - Based on how much you need to lift or deposit.
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Mix Color and Developer - Use a scale or proper scoop. Mix 1:1 (or 1:2 for highlifts) in a bowl.
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Blend Until Smooth - Use your brush to stir until creamy—no lumps allowed!
Application Tips
Application makes all the difference.
Roots First or Full Application - For touch-ups, do roots first. For a full transformation, apply mid-length to ends first, then roots.
Sectioning Hair Properly - Divide hair into 4 sections: crown, nape, and both sides. Work in ½-inch subsections for even hair color & vibrancy.
Timing and Heat Consideration - Avoid using heat unless directed. Follow timing instructions (usually 30-45 minutes).
Processing Time Guidelines
Follow the timer—not your gut.
Natural Hair vs. Color-Treated Hair - Color takes longer on virgin hair. Previously colored hair processes faster—watch it closely!
Resistant Grey Hair Timing - Leave on for full 45 minutes with 20 vol. Some stylists even add a tiny pinch of heat for extra stubborn greys.
Aftercare and Maintenance
You didn’t just mix like a pro for nothing—keep that color alive!
Rinse and Shampoo Tips
Rinse with cool water. Use color-safe shampoo and skip conditioner on day 1 for better color lock.
Recommended Aftercare Products
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Sulfate-free shampoo
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Deep conditioners
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Leave-in protectants
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Schwarzkopf Color Freeze range
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even pros mess up sometimes. Avoid these:
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Overprocessing - Going over the recommended time? Hello, damage and uneven tones.
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Wrong Developer Selection - Too strong = fried hair. Too weak = no result. Match your goal!
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Inaccurate Mixing - Eyeballing the mixture leads to inconsistent results. Use a scale & scoop.
Expert Pro Tips for Better Results
Strand Testing - Always check and test a small section before going all-in. Saves you from surprises.
Mixing Custom Shades - Get creative. Mix ash with gold for a balanced tone. Or add intensifiers for bold effects.
Pre-toning Tips - Want to go blonde? Pre-tone yellow out first with a violet toner for icy results.
When to Seek a Professional
If your hair’s damaged, you desire drastic changes, or you're nervous—go see a stylist. There's no shame in letting the pros handle it.
Conclusion
Mixing Schwarzkopf Igora Royal doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right tools, ratio, and patience, you can create stunning, salon-worthy color from your own bathroom. Just remember—it’s equal parts science and art. And hey, you’ve got both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix Igora Royal with any developer?
Nope! Always use Igora Royal Developer for best results. It’s designed to work with the formula chemistry.
Can I mix two different Igora Royal shades?
Yes! As long as they’re from the same line (not highlift + regular), you can blend shades to create custom tones and colors.
How do I cover stubborn grey hair?
Use a natural base shade (like 6-0) with 20 vol developer, and let it process the full 45 minutes.
What happens if I leave the hair color on too long?
You might dry out or damage your hair, and the color could turn darker, lighter, or uneven. Stick to the recommended timing!
Can I reuse leftover mixed hair dye?
Nope. Once mixed, the color oxidizes. Toss any leftovers and mix fresh each time.
