Permanent Hair Colour NZ | Salon Dye & Developer | Zilion NZ
Permanent Hair Colour in New Zealand
Permanent hair colour is what salons reach for when the goal is full grey coverage, a real change of shade or colour that only grows out rather than washing out. It is mixed with a developer, works inside the hair shaft, and stays until new growth comes through. This collection holds close to 900 professional shades and developers, from natural browns and blacks to high-lift blondes, coppers, reds and corrector tones.
Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every colour brand in this collection, including Schwarzkopf Professional, Wella Professionals, Joico, FarmaVita, Echosline, Natural Look, Fascinelle, Color On, Mood and Crema Color. Every tube is genuine and sent from within New Zealand, which matters with colour, where batch, storage and freshness all affect the result.
About Our Permanent Hair Colour Collection
Most professional colour lines use the same basic numbering. The first number is the level, or depth, running from 1 (black) up to 10 (lightest blonde), with high-lift shades going beyond that. The number after the dot or slash describes the tone. In most systems .1 is ash, .3 is gold and .4 is copper, but every brand has its own chart, so check the shade card for the line you are using.
Shades are sold as individual tubes, usually 60ml, 65ml, 74ml or 100ml. You will need a developer from the same brand, mixed at that brand's ratio. Use the filters beside the grid to shop by brand, or browse by colour family below.
Permanent Colour by Shade and Need
Blondes and high lifts. From dark blonde through to platinum and special high-lift shades. See Blonde Hair Colour for toners, glosses and lighteners as well.
Browns. Natural, ash, golden, chocolate and mahogany browns are grouped in Brunette Hair Colour.
Blacks. Natural, blue and violet blacks are in Black Hair Colour.
Reds and coppers. Fade-resistant reds such as Joico Lumishine RR shades, plus copper blondes and auburns, sit in Red Hair Colour and Copper Hair Colour.
Correctors and mixtones. Fascinelle Meche colours, ash correctors and clear concentrates intensify or neutralise tone when mixed with other shades.
Developers. Developer holds the peroxide creams that activate permanent colour, usually in 10, 20, 30 and 40 volume.
Tools and aftercare. Bowls, brushes, gloves and foils are in Hair Colour Accessories, and colour-safe shampoos and masks are in Colour Treated Hair Care.
Brands in This Category
These are the colour brands with the most permanent shades at Zilion. Each link opens the brand's full range:
- FarmaVita: Life Color Plus permanent cream colour in a wide range of levels and tones.
- Natural Look: Luminart permanent colour, including ammonia-free shades and Candy Contrast high lifts.
- Joico: Lumishine Permanent Creme Color, including fade-resistant reds and high-lift blondes.
- Echosline: Echos Permanent Colour in 100g tubes, from PURE naturals to platinum blondes.
- Fascinelle: permanent colour creams, Meche intensifiers and correctors.
- Color On: oil-enriched permanent colour from black to ultra-platinum blonde.
- Mood: a vegan, plant-based permanent colour range.
- Schwarzkopf Professional: Igora Royal, Igora Royal Absolutes, Fashion Lights and Highlifts.
- Wella Professionals: Illumina Color and other professional colour lines.
- Crema Color: Italian permanent colour in 65ml tubes with matching Oxy Developers.
Top 10 Permanent Hair Colour Products
- Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Royal 6-0 60ml: a natural dark blonde from one of the most widely used salon colour lines.
- Joico Lumishine Permanent Creme Color XLN 74ml: a high-lift lightest natural blonde for lifting and toning in one step.
- Wella Professionals Illumina Color 7/31 60ml: a soft medium gold-ash blonde from Wella's shine-focused Illumina line.
- FarmaVita Life Color Plus 10.0 Platinum Blonde 100ml: a clean, natural platinum in a generous 100ml tube.
- Echosline Echos Permanent Colour 6.0 PURE Dark Blonde 100g: a natural dark blonde from Echosline's PURE series.
- Natural Look Luminart Ammonia Free 4/0 Medium Brown 100ml: an ammonia-free natural brown for permanent coverage.
- Color On Permanent Hair Colour 1.00 Black 100ml: a deep, oil-enriched black.
- Mood 6 Dark Blonde 100ml: a dark blonde from Mood's vegan, plant-based range.
- Fascinelle A/C Ash Corrector 100ml: an ash corrector used to cool down warm tones in a mix.
- Crema Color 20 Vol Oxy Developer 65ml: the everyday 6% developer for grey coverage and one to two levels of lift.
Best Sellers at Zilion
- Crema Color 20 Vol Oxy Developer 65ml ($7.50)
- Crema Color 10 Vol Oxy Developer 65ml ($7.50)
- Crema Color 30 Vol Oxy Developer 65ml ($7.50)
- Crema Color 7MR Ginger 65ml ($15.50)
- Crema Color 8C (8.1) Light Ash Blonde 65ml ($15.50)
- Crema Color 10N (10.0) Swedish Blonde 65ml ($15.50)
- Crema Color 1N Black 65ml ($15.50)
- Crema Color 9N Very Light Blonde 65ml ($15.50)
- Crema Color 9T (9.2) Very Light Tobacco 65ml ($15.50)
- FarmaVita Life Color Plus 8.4 Light Copper Blonde 100ml ($24.21)
Benefits of Permanent Hair Colour
- Full grey coverage. Permanent colour is the most reliable way to cover grey, especially resistant grey at the temples and hairline.
- Lasting results. The colour stays in the hair until it grows out, so only the regrowth needs redoing.
- Real changes of shade. Go darker, warmer, cooler, or lift a natural shade by a few levels.
- Precise tone control. Professional lines offer dozens of tones per level, and correctors let you fine-tune a mix.
- Salon-level shine. Modern creams are made to leave hair glossy, not dull.
- Cost per colour. Professional tubes and developers are economical, especially when you colour regularly.
- Options for sensitive clients. Ammonia-free and plant-based ranges, such as Luminart Ammonia Free and Mood, are available.
Permanent Hair Colour Buying Guide
Know your starting level. Compare your natural colour to the brand's shade chart to find its level. Permanent colour can lighten natural hair by a few levels with the right developer, but it cannot lighten previously coloured hair. That needs Bleach or a Colour Remover.
Choose the developer. As a general guide, 10 volume (3%) deposits colour with little or no lift, 20 volume (6%) gives grey coverage and up to about two levels of lift, and 30 volume (9%) lifts further. Always follow the brand's own instructions and mixing ratio.
Stay within one brand. Colour and developer from the same brand are made to work together. Mixing brands can change the result and the processing time.
Plan for grey. For more than about half grey, many colourists add a natural (N or .0) shade to the formula so the coverage is even.
Do a skin and strand test. Do a skin allergy test 48 hours before every colour, even with a brand you have used before, and a strand test to check the result.
Look after it afterwards. Use sulfate-free, colour-safe shampoo and conditioner and keep heat styling in check so the tone lasts.
Why Shop Permanent Hair Colour at Zilion
- Official NZ stockist. Zilion is an official stockist of every colour brand we sell, so every tube is genuine.
- Huge shade choice. Close to 900 permanent shades and developers across ten brands.
- Free shipping over $85. Orders under $85 ship for a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
- Afterpay and Zip. Spread the cost of a salon restock.
- Same-day dispatch. In-stock orders placed before 9am leave our warehouse the same business day.
- Everything for the service. Shades, developers, lighteners, tools and aftercare in one order.
- Help when you need it. Email care@zilion.co.nz with your brand and shade questions.
Delivery Across New Zealand
We deliver hair colour to salons and home colourists across New Zealand, including Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown, as well as rural addresses in every region. Metro orders usually arrive in 1 to 4 business days and rural orders in 3 to 7. Some developers and lighteners travel as dangerous goods, which can add a little time.
Permanent Hair Colour FAQs
What is permanent hair colour?
Permanent colour is mixed with a developer and works inside the hair shaft, so it does not wash out. It lasts until the hair grows out or is cut off.
What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent colour?
Permanent colour uses a developer, can lighten natural hair and gives full grey coverage. Semi-permanent colour sits on the surface and fades over several washes.
What do the numbers on hair colour mean?
The first number is the level, from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde) and beyond for high lifts. The number after the dot or slash shows the tone, which varies by brand.
What does ash mean in hair colour?
Ash tones are cool, usually with a blue, green or violet base, and are used to counter warmth. In many systems ash is shown as .1.
What does N or .0 mean?
N or .0 usually means a natural tone, which gives balanced, neutral results and the best grey coverage.
What developer do I need?
Use the developer from the same brand as your colour. As a general guide, 10 volume deposits with little lift, 20 volume suits grey coverage and up to two levels of lift, and 30 volume lifts further.
What is 10 volume developer used for?
10 volume (3%) is used for depositing colour, toning, going darker or adding tone without lift.
What is 20 volume developer used for?
20 volume (6%) is the most common strength, used for grey coverage and up to about two levels of lift.
What is 30 volume developer used for?
30 volume (9%) gives more lift, usually around two to three levels on natural hair. Follow the brand's instructions.
What mixing ratio should I use?
It depends on the brand and product. Many lines mix at 1:1, while high lifts often use 1:2. Always check the instructions for your colour line.
Can I mix different brands of colour?
It is best not to. Colour and developer from the same brand are made to work together, and mixing brands can change the result.
Can permanent colour lighten my hair?
Yes, it can lighten natural, uncoloured hair by a few levels, depending on the shade and developer. It cannot lift previous artificial colour.
How do I lighten hair that has been coloured?
Colour does not lift colour, so you will need a lightener or colour remover. See our Bleach and Colour Remover collections, and consider professional help.
What are high-lift colours?
High-lift shades are designed to lift and tone natural hair to very light blonde in one step, usually with a stronger developer.
How do I cover stubborn grey hair?
Use a natural shade or add a natural shade to your formula, use 20 volume developer, and allow the full processing time.
Do I need a skin allergy test?
Yes. Do a skin allergy test 48 hours before every colour, even if you have used the product before, following the instructions in the pack.
How long should I leave permanent colour on?
Processing time depends on the brand and service, often 30 to 45 minutes. Follow the manufacturer's directions.
Should I colour clean or dirty hair?
Most colour is applied to dry, unwashed hair, but some brands differ. Check your product's instructions.
How much colour do I need?
Short hair often needs one tube plus developer, while long or thick hair may need two. Regrowth applications use less.
How often should I colour my roots?
Many people retouch roots every four to eight weeks, depending on how fast their hair grows and how much grey shows.
What is an ammonia-free colour?
Ammonia-free colours use a different alkaliser to open the cuticle. Natural Look Luminart Ammonia Free is one option.
Is Mood hair colour vegan?
Mood describes its colour range as vegan and plant-based. Check each product page for details.
What are Fascinelle Meche colours?
Meche colours are concentrated intensifiers, such as Magenta, Copper and Red Violet, used to boost or adjust tone in a mix.
What is a corrector or mixtone?
A corrector adds or neutralises tone in a formula. Ash correctors cool warmth; red or copper intensifiers boost warmth.
What is Joico Lumishine?
Joico Lumishine Permanent Creme Color is a professional line in 74ml tubes, including fade-resistant reds and high-lift blondes.
What is Igora Royal?
Igora Royal is Schwarzkopf Professional's permanent colour line in 60ml tubes, with Absolutes, Fashion Lights and Highlifts in the family.
What is Wella Illumina Color?
Illumina Color is a Wella Professionals permanent colour known for its shine, in 60ml tubes.
What is Crema Color?
Crema Color is an Italian permanent colour in 65ml tubes, with 10, 20 and 30 volume Oxy Developers to match.
Can I colour my hair at home with professional colour?
Many people do, but professional colour needs care with formulas and developers. If you are unsure, or making a big change, see a colourist.
How do I make my colour last longer?
Use sulfate-free, colour-safe shampoo and conditioner, wash in lukewarm water, use heat protection and limit sun exposure.
Why has my colour gone brassy?
Lightened hair reveals warm pigments as the colour fades. Toning shampoos and masks help between colours.
Can I use permanent colour after bleaching?
Yes, but bleached hair is very porous and can grab colour fast. Strand test first and consider a lower developer.
Is permanent colour safe for pregnant women?
Speak with your doctor or midwife before colouring during pregnancy.
Can men use permanent hair colour?
Yes. Many men use natural shades to blend or cover grey.
Do you sell hair colour tools?
Yes. Bowls, brushes, gloves, foils and capes are in our Hair Colour Accessories collection.
Is Zilion an official stockist of these colour brands?
Yes. Zilion is an official NZ stockist of every brand in our permanent hair colour collection.
Are your hair colours genuine?
Yes. As an official stockist we only sell genuine products.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping is free on NZ orders over $85. Orders under $85 cost a flat $7.99 to metro and rural addresses.
How long does delivery take?
In-stock orders placed before 9am are dispatched the same business day. Metro deliveries take 1 to 4 business days and rural deliveries 3 to 7.
Why might developer take longer to arrive?
Some developers and lighteners travel as dangerous goods, which can add a little transit time.
Can I pay with Afterpay or Zip?
Yes. Afterpay and Zip are both available at checkout.
Can I return opened hair colour?
No. For hygiene and safety reasons, opened or used products cannot be returned unless they are faulty.
What is your returns policy for unopened colour?
Unopened, unused items in original packaging can be returned within 30 days for a change of mind. Return postage and a restocking fee of $10 or 10% (whichever is less) apply.
What if my order arrives damaged or leaking?
Email care@zilion.co.nz within 5 days of delivery with your order number and photos, and we will arrange a replacement or refund.
Do you deliver to PO Boxes or overseas?
No. Our couriers do not deliver cosmetics to PO Boxes, and we ship within New Zealand only.
Can I track my order?
Yes. Once your order is dispatched you will receive an email with a tracking link.
Do you supply salons?
Yes. Email care@zilion.co.nz about regular or larger colour orders for your salon.
How should I store hair colour?
Store tubes and developers in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, with caps closed. Never store mixed colour.
Can I save leftover mixed colour?
No. Once colour is mixed with developer it must be used straight away and any leftovers discarded.
Who can I ask for hair colour advice?
Email care@zilion.co.nz with your current colour, the result you want and the brand you use, and our team will help.
Explore every shade in All Hair Colour, try a no-commitment change with Semi-Permanent Hair Colour, or touch up between colours with Root Touch Up.