Garnier's Nutrisse Ultra Color range has built a solid reputation for delivering punchy fashion shades without the salon price tag, and this Ultra Violet 4.26 is no exception. The formula's main selling point is the 5-oil conditioner blend—biotin, avocado, argan, olive, and jojoba—which genuinely helps counteract the drying effect that permanent dyes usually inflict. Since it's vegan, you're not dealing with animal-derived ingredients, which matters if that's important to you.
The colour itself is bold. This isn't a subtle mauve; it's an electrifying violet that demands attention. The 8-week fade claim is realistic—I'd expect noticeable fade by week 6-7, typical for fashion shades. The up-to-100% grey coverage is decent, though full coverage depends heavily on your hair texture and porosity. If you're going over existing colour or have resistant greys, you might need to process it longer.
What I appreciate is that Garnier doesn't oversell. The permanent classification is accurate; you're not getting it out without colour-safe fade or dye remover. The application is straightforward—standard creamy consistency, mixes easily with the developer.
Potential downsides: the smell is chemical-heavy (normal for permanents), and if your hair's already damaged, this won't repair it, only condition during the process. You'll also need to maintain it with purple-toning shampoo to keep the vibrancy.
At £4.17, this represents genuine value. High-street alternatives cost twice as much for comparable results. It's ideal for committed fashion-colour enthusiasts or anyone wanting to test bold shades without investment. The vegan angle and conditioning promise actually deliver here, making it a solid choice rather than just a cheap gamble.