How To Use Igora Vibrance By Schwarzkopf!

What is Igora Vibrance?

Igora Vibrance is this awesome ammonia-free demi-permanent hair color with a gel-cream vibe that makes it super easy to apply. It gently adds color while making your hair shine and feel soft. Since it fades out after about 25 washes, it’s perfect if you wanna try something new or just keep your color fresh without the long-term commitment.

Who’s It For?

It’s perfect if you’re:

• New to coloring your hair

• Wanting to freshen up faded shades

• Looking to blend in up to 70% gray hairs

• Glossing or toning your blonde locks

Stylists love it too because it gives solid results without those harsh regrowth lines.

Why Pick It?

Here’s the deal:

• It’s a low-key color that fades gradually over 25 washes

• Blends in those grays without looking harsh

• No obvious roots showing — smooth transitions all the way

• Adds a glossy, shiny finish that makes your hair look healthy

• Great for toning, refreshing, or just a chill color change

• It seeps just under the cuticle — deeper than semi-permanent but way gentler than permanent dyes

• Softens and blends grays so it doesn’t look all blocky or fake

Before You Begin: What to Know and What to Prep

Getting the best results with Igora Vibrance starts with the right prep. A few quick steps can make all the difference in how your color turns out—and how your hair feels afterward.

Do a Strand Test & Allergy Test

• Always patch test 48 hours before use to avoid allergic reactions.

• Do a strand test if you're trying a new shade to preview the outcome.

Choose the Right Shade

• Use the swatch book or chat with your stylist. For cool blonde toning, look for shades ending in:

  • -1 (Ash)

  • -19 (Cendré)

  • -12 (Pearl)

Tools & Supplies You'll Need:

• Color bowl and brush

• Igora Vibrance color tube + Activator

• Gloves

• Timer

• Clips for sectioning hair

How to Mix Igora Vibrance

Getting the mix just right is super important if you want your color to come out looking fab and even. Luckily, Igora Vibrance keeps it pretty simple.

Mixing Ratio You Gotta Know

• It’s a straight-up 1:1 deal — equal parts color and developer

• This combo gives you a creamy, smooth mix that spreads like a dream and sticks where it should

Developer Choices & When to Pick 'Em

• Lotion Developer (1.9%)

  • Perfect for toning, glossing, or just freshening up your color

  • Also great if your scalp’s a bit sensitive

  • Gives you a soft, chill color deposit

• Gel Activator (4%)

  • Go-to for virgin hair or when you want that color to pop and be super vibrant

  • Awesome for full-head coverage or when you want a stronger result

Pro Tip:
Pick your developer based on what you’re after — if you want bold and bright, go Gel Activator. If you’re just looking for a subtle refresh or toner, Lotion Developer’s your bestie.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Igora Vibrance

Applying Igora Vibrance is pretty straightforward once you’re all set up. Here’s my go-to way to get that even, poppin’ color every time.

Step 1 – Section the Hair

• Split your hair into four neat sections

• As you apply the color, continue working through each section in the same manner to ensure even coverage.

• Keeping it tidy makes the whole thing way easier—especially if you’re just touching up roots

Step 2 – Slap on the Color

• If you’re blending grays or doing a full color switch, start at the roots and work your way down

• For toning or just freshening up, hit the mid-lengths and ends first, then go back to the roots if you need to

Step 3 – Work It In and Let It Do Its Thing

• After you’ve got the color on, gently massage your hair (gloves on, of course!)

• This helps spread the color evenly so you don’t end up with patchy spots

• Let it chill for the time the instructions say (usually around 20 minutes)

Processing Time & What to Expect

Knowing how long to leave the color on is a total game-changer—and keeping an eye on your hair while it’s working its magic helps you nail the look you want.

How Long Should You Leave It On?

• About 5–10 minutes if you’re just toning or glossing

• Around 15–20 minutes if you’re blending grays or want a deeper refresh

• Always check your hair as it processes to see how it’s soaking up the color

What You’ll Notice While It’s Processing

• Your hair might darken a bit as the color settles in

• Don’t freak out—that’s not the final shade! It’s just part of the process and will develop into the right tone once you rinse and dry

Rinsing & Aftercare: Keep Your Color Looking Fresh

Taking care of your hair after you’ve colored it with Igora Vibrance is just as key as the actual coloring process. A few easy steps can lock in that shine and keep your color poppin’ for longer.

How I Rinse Without Killing My Color

• I always rinse with lukewarm water—no shampoo right after coloring, trust me on this

• Then I make sure to condition my hair with a color-safe conditioner, like Schwarzkopf Color Freeze, after coloring to maintain hair health and seal that shine in

My Go-To Products to Keep the Color FreshTo keep your color looking on point between touch-ups, I swear by:

• Sulfate-free shampoo to clean without fading the color

• Moisture masks once a week to keep hair soft and hydrated

• Color-refresh sprays or glosses for that extra shine and tone boost

Using Igora Vibrance for Toning Blonde or Highlighted Hair

Toning is where Igora Vibrance really shows off—especially if you’re battling that annoying brassiness after bleaching or highlights. With the right shade and a little know-how, you can get that fresh, icy vibe without any harshness.

My Fave Shades for Blonde Toning
If you want that cool, fresh look, I’d go with:

• 9.5-1 (Pearl Ash)

• 9.5-22 (Intense Cendré)

• 10-12 (Platinum Pearl)
  These shades totally zap those yellow or warm tones you get after bleaching.

Pro Tips to Beat Brassiness

• Slap it on damp hair for the most even color

• Mix with Lotion Developer at a 1:2 ratio for a softer, sheer finish

• Keep an eye on your hair while it’s processing—toners work quick, and a few extra minutes can totally change the game

With a bit of care and the right shades, your blonde will stay fresh, cool, and perfectly toned.

Refreshing Faded Color

To freshen up dull ends without stressing your hair too much:

• Just slap some Igora Vibrance on the mid-lengths and ends during the last 10 minutes of processing

• For a smooth refresh, I like to use permanent color at the roots and Vibrance everywhere else

Pro Tips for Getting the Best Results

To make sure your color comes out on point every time, here are a few quick tips I swear by:

• Keep Your Developer Fresh
  Don’t mess around with old or expired activator—it can totally mess with how your color turns out. Always grab a fresh, unopened, or tightly sealed one.

• Mix Only What You Need
  Once you mix it, the color starts to lose its power pretty fast—so just whip up enough to use within 30 minutes.

• Work Fast—It’s a Cream-Gel Formula
  This creamy gel spreads like a dream but sets quick, so section your hair right and apply with some confidence and speed.

Stick to these tips, and you’ll get vibrant, even color with way less stress!

When to Choose Igora Vibrance vs. Igora Royal

Igora Vibrance is my go-to when I want to add some shine, tone things down, or just switch up my color without making a forever commitment. It’s perfect for when I’m after a chill, fresh vibe.

Igora Royal is more like the heavy hitter—great when you want full-on permanent color, like covering grays or going bold and lasting.

Summary

If you’re after rich color, silky shine, and just a little refresh without locking yourself in forever, Igora Vibrance is totally my fave. Whether I’m glossing up my hair, blending in some grays, or just toning things down, it gives pro-level results that are super easy to nail—whether you’re doing it at home or getting it done in the salon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix Igora Vibrance shades together?

For sure! I’m all about mixing shades to create my own unique color—just remember to keep that 1:1 ratio and use the same developer type so it comes out perfect.

Can I apply it to wet hair?

Yeah, totally! When I’m toning or glossing, I like to work with damp, towel-dried hair—it just helps the color spread way more evenly.

How often can I use Igora Vibrance?

You can totally reapply every 4-6 weeks, or even sooner if you’re just looking to tone or freshen things up.

Is heat required during processing?

Nah, no heat needed—room temp works just fine. But hey, if you wanna speed things up a bit, a little heat can help.

What happens if I leave it on too long?

It won’t totally wreck your hair or anything, but the color might come out a bit darker than you wanted. Just stick to the time they say and you’ll be golden.