Pravana Chromasilk express tones - smokey silver hair color 3 oz unisex, 3 Ounce (I0097559) (Pack of 2)

Holy cow this product works and does what it claims to do! The transformation was shocking for me. I used the the silver but may opt for a different color next time as the grayish tone doesn't suit my complexion as well as I hoped. It definitely knocked out the warm orangey yellow tones which was what I was going for. I used 20 vol developer because I couldn't find my no lift and left on a little longer than the 5 mins recommended time .

Two years ago I had the remaining dark box dye color bleached out of my hair, the stylist then used pravana Smokey silver tonner with zero lift to color the bleached hair without damaging it further. I liked the color so much, and it is so easy to use. I have continued using it even though the bleached portion is all grown out. My hair is shoulder length, white silver. but i prefer the darker tone and the dimension of the Smokey silver color. I leave it on for 12-15 min at the most, the color grabs differently on the varied textures and color variations in my white/gray hair giving it a very natural updated look. Then the color fads naturally over the next month. I like that the product does not turn purple when applied to your hair. It is dark especially for the first or second washing. But I have to say after using the same box dye for 32 years, it is kinda fun having hair that is not always the same exact color.

I normally use the Pravana Vivids, but decided to give the Express Tones a try. I'm very happy with the results. The pictures show before and after. I wanted my hair to be darker and the Smokey Silver did not disappoint. I mixed it with Pravana Zero Lift. 1:1.5 ratio and left it on for 15 minutes. I have very fine hair, so the zero lift developer is good without damaging my hair. Initially, I had just bought the Express tone. But after reading some reviews that said a developer must be used, I ordered the developer.

Update: I had given up on this product and was just going to let it collect dust in my bathroom. However after a strand test of Overtone Vibrant silver on my existing hair color it was clear I needed some toning. I attempted a strand test of just the express tones, no developer as someone had mentioned in the Q&A section (it mislead me on my initial purchase.) 5+ minutes no change. Get a developer! I happened to have another brand and stronger developer (wella vol 20 ) I only mixed it 1:1 since I was concerned the developer would be too strong. Strand test worked well.I tried it on my whole head and got a much more cool blue silver I liked it a lot. Now I feel confident adding color over it. My hair also feels much softer and healthier. It has noticeably faded after about 3-4 washes and I am not sure if the green undertones are coming back.I used a full tube I have long hair, it falls to my bra strap in the back. Get a buddy and/or work fast, they say 5 min, they mean 5 min. I had a hard time covering my hair before the cure time was up.I added a before (black square photo) and after oval photo as well as the instructions from the box for anyone on the fence.Original review: I am not a hair colorist. I have used pravana products in the past, and I forgot that the instructions for the usage are INSIDE the box (like printed to the backside of the cardboard type of inside). I thought I read through all the product info on amazon and you could use this stand alone, but the instructions upon receiving this say it needs to be mixed with a "Zero lift Chromasilk Creme Developer" . I was willing to buy it, but amazon at least did not have any sellers for under $14 for the developer. I am sure its a large bottle, but for someone testing a new product, that's not what I need. If I end up doing a test I will try to update this, but right now I am not sure if I even want to. Maybe I will bite the bullet and try Overtone since this + the developer will cost close to the same as one tub of conditioner from them anyway.

During my first application the product never changed color which I thought was weird, had it on for 20 minutes before I decided to take it off. I tried again mixing a little bit of developer and rubbing it. Immediate change in color. I quickly started applying it starting at my roots and used my fingers to rub it down to the ends of my hair. I wanted to go forna darker gray so I kept it on for about 30 minutes. As you can see from the photos my roots turned into a blue that transition to a blue gray and finally my ends turned into a brown gray color. This was due to my ends not being properly bleached. I rebleached my ends and the toner came off within 5 minutes. Kept it on longer to try to get as much of the orange as I could and am currently toning the ends again. Overall the color I have so far I really like and I've already bought another tube as a back up for the future.

This has become my signature color and go-to product. It lasts several weeks and as it fades it still looks nice.

I thought I was getting the regular pearl and what a disaster the dark was. Hair had to be completely stripped with bleach.

I love Pravana hair products. the colors are true to their swatches and easy to use

Very strong doesn’t need to stay longIf your hair is dark u need to bleach it to white before applyingSo won’t be working on dark color hair