Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, Shade 3 Brown Black

Clairol Natural Instincts is an ammonia-free semi-permanent hair colour in shade 3 Brown Black. The listing describes a 20-minute application and gradual fading, making it a lower-commitment option than permanent colour, but it will not lighten hair or fully cover grey.

At a glance

Ammonia-free semi-permanent colour with coconut oil and aloe vera, according to the listing.
The listed processing time is 20 minutes, followed by rinsing and conditioner.
Colour is described as fading gradually for up to 28 washes.
The listing says it blends greys rather than providing complete grey coverage.

Price

£5.21Save 25%

Reference price: ~~£6.99~~

Price checked: 12 Nov 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Semi-permanent colour offers a less lasting change than permanent dye.
The listing describes a conditioning formula with coconut oil and aloe vera and no ammonia.
Customer feedback describes application as easy and hair as feeling soft and gentle.

Cons

It cannot lighten or lift existing hair colour.
The listing says it does not provide 100% grey coverage.

Technical specifications

14 specifications

Identity
Brand	Clairol
Model	99240014387
Colour	3 Brown Black
Hair colour permanence	Semi-Permanent
Ammonia	Ammonia Free
Hair type	All

Application and formula
Processing time	20 Minutes
Naturally derived ingredients	80 Percent naturally derived ingredients
Material features	Natural, Vegan
Item form	Stick

Dimensions and installation
Dimensions listed	6 x 9 x 16 cm; 240 g
Weight listed	0.24 Kilograms

Package details
Package information	Box
Number of items	1

What to know before buying

Listing details to confirm

Shade is presented as 3 Dark Brown in the title but 3 Brown Black in the colour details. The listed item form is Stick, while the directions describe mixing contents from bottles and applying a crème. The listing also calls the product semi-permanent in some places and demi-permanent in others. Confirm the selected shade and formulation details before purchase. Apply to dry, unwashed hair, do an allergy alert test 48 hours beforehand, and follow the supplied directions. The listing says not to shampoo for 24 hours after colouring and advises a strand test. It cannot lighten hair, and darker shades may take longer to fade.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

People seeking a temporary dark shade or a colour refresh rather than permanent hair colour.
Buyers who want an ammonia-free formula and are comfortable with partial rather than complete grey blending.

Less suited to

Anyone seeking to lighten their current hair colour.
Anyone requiring complete grey coverage or a permanent result.

Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, Shade 3 Brown Black · photo 2 — Additional product photo 2

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.3 / 5 · 3,665 ratings

5 stars69%69%
4 stars13%13%
3 stars8%8%
2 stars3%3%
1 star7%7%

Customer feedback highlights ease of use and a soft, gentle feel, while opinions are mixed on the shade, effectiveness, lasting power, value and grey coverage. Some find the colour very dark or say it does not wash out as expected, while others report a lasting result. For buyers seeking shade 3 Brown Black, the shade feedback is especially relevant. The listing itself says the colour fades over washes and does not fully cover grey. Aggregate ratings lean positive overall, but do not resolve these differences in individual experiences.

Positive themes

Customers describe the dye as easy to use and say hair feels soft and gentle afterwards.

Mixed feedback

Shade feedback is mixed, with some customers finding the colour very dark.
Opinions differ on effectiveness, grey coverage, longevity and value for money.

Frequently asked questions

Is Clairol Natural Instincts shade 3 permanent?

No. The listing describes it as semi-permanent, with colour fading gradually for up to 28 washes. It also uses the term demi-permanent elsewhere, so the product terminology is inconsistent.

Will this dye fully cover grey hair?

The listing says it does not cover grey 100%. It is described as blending greys, so choose another product if full coverage is essential.

Can this colour lighten my hair?

No. The directions state that semi-permanent colour cannot lighten or lift existing colour.

How long does application take?

The listed processing time is 20 minutes. The directions say to apply to dry, unwashed hair and rinse when the time has elapsed.

What should I do before using it?

The safety information calls for an allergy alert test 48 hours before each colouring and says to read and follow the instructions. It also recommends a strand test.