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Kevin Murphy Color Bug Review

October 18, 2011 By Hair Romance 98 Comments

Kevin Murphy Color Bug in Pink

Ombre hair is the trend that won’t quit.

First it was natural balayage colour that became a stronger blonde/brunette ombre trend. Then pastel hair was a runway feature at NYFW and now coloured ombre hair has become a mainstream trend since Lauren Conrad dyed her tips.

Kevin Murphy was ahead of the game when he tinted the beautiful Abbey Lee for this Vogue shoot last year and now he has commercially released his hair pigments. Color Bug is like shadow for your hair, allowing you to get in on the ombre hair trend but without regret.

Color Bug is available in pink, purple and orange and Kevin Murphy shows you how easy it is to use in this video here. So is that easy in real life? I ordered the pink from Adore Beauty (I have always loved pink hair) and couldn’t wait to try it.

Color Bug application – Tip: wear gloves or wash your hands quickly!

I was so keen to try it I didn’t style my hair for this shoot. My hair is a bit dirty and I found this made it easier to apply the product. If your hair is squeaky clean, I would spray some dry shampoo or texture spray onto your hair first to help the colour stick.

Ombre hair for one night only!

You can apply it quite lightly for a washed out colour or keep adding more for a vibrant pink. Gently rub the colour through the ends of your hair for an even finish. I thought it would be harder to apply but it took to my hair really easily. It’s quite opaque so I think it would work in dark hair as easily as it does in Kevin’s how-to video.

I found the packaging a little awkward to hold and easy to drop. It’s pretty sturdy but it finally broke the third time it hit the bathroom floor. It was a pink explosion. Enough stayed in the container though for me to keep using it.

Color Bug does exactly what it says on the box. It’s a bit messy but loads of fun and a great way to dip your hair into the ombre trend without a big spend or damage to your hair. Ombre hair for one night only, no regrets.

Pink ombre hair

Application tips:

 

  • Second day hair is good for this product. Otherwise try a dry shampoo or texture spray on the ends of your hair.
  • Cover your clothes – wear something old or put a towel over your shoulders.
  • Hold the container carefully. It’s a bit awkward to hold and easy to drop.
  • Layer the product on your hair for a more vibrant colour.
  • Wear gloves, or wash your hands as soon as you finish.
  • Add a little hairspray at the end to help set the colour.
  • Don’t wear white! The colour will come off on your clothes but should wash out.

Kevin Murphy’s Color Bug retails for AUD$24.95 for 5g. I’d guess I’ll get at least 10 wears out of this packet so it’s ombre hair for more than one night!

Would you wear pink hair?

Filed Under: Hair Products, Hair Romance, Hair Style Advice, My Hair

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Comments

  1. Zildy says

    May 16, 2012 at 4:27 am

    Hello, can you tell me…when you say apply product, or dry shampoo…what do you mean? Is there a particular product you could direct me to? Also, has anyone found a similar experience to Julie where it only lasted for a few hours? I think this applies mostly to those with dark hair, since I think it is pretty clear that on blonde hair it will last for a lot longer. Please help!

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      May 16, 2012 at 2:55 pm

      Hi Zildy, applying a product first helps the hair powder stick on better. There are lots of dry shampoos on the market – eg Batiste or Klorane are both great – and they are a matte powder spray. Anything matte will add grip to your hair to help the color bug stick. I also like texture sprays such as sea salt sprays – try O&M, David Babaii, KMS – or texture prods like evo Mr Fantastic or KMS makeover spray. I’ve seen great results in dark hair with color bug. Have fun!

      Reply
    • Sara says

      November 3, 2012 at 11:03 pm

      They have a similar product that’s 10$$ at Sally’s beauty stores!

      Reply
      • Hair Romance says

        November 4, 2012 at 10:31 am

        Thanks Sara!

        Reply
  2. danni says

    May 1, 2012 at 4:49 am

    if i put the pink one, on black hair would it work?

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      May 1, 2012 at 11:28 pm

      Hi Dani, yes, it’s fine on dark hair

      Reply
  3. martha says

    April 27, 2012 at 6:29 am

    I’d love to try it some time!

    Reply
  4. Sandra says

    April 26, 2012 at 4:48 pm

    In this blog the girl has translated and copied half of your article 🙁

    http://classnottrash.com/2012/02/29/orange-dynamite-purple-haze-el-color-bug-de-kevin-murphy/

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      April 26, 2012 at 6:20 pm

      Thanks for letting me know Sandra x

      Reply
  5. iluvsparkles says

    April 26, 2012 at 8:22 am

    I have a medium blonde hair. Would it stain that??? My mom won’t let me dip dye it so I want this instead. The website I looked on priced it at $24.95, is there a website that priced it cheaper???

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      April 26, 2012 at 11:33 am

      It should be fine, but use a little leave in conditioner on your ends first to protect them. That’s the price I paid but I know you can use artists pastel chalks to achieve a similar effect (soft pastels – not oil based)

      Reply
  6. Nancy says

    April 18, 2012 at 11:49 am

    You can get the same results by using a high quality chalk, like from an arts & crafts store, and there is a bigger variety of colors to choose from like blues and greens. Plus it is cheaper to buy it this way. Just make sure you buy regular chalk nothing oil or wax based

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      April 18, 2012 at 12:10 pm

      great tip Nancy!

      Reply
  7. Olive says

    April 1, 2012 at 6:05 pm

    Kevin Murphy Color Bug is awesome! I have the pink one and it shows up great even in my dark hair but works best if you have product in your hair. I bought my color bug online here http://www.luxelist.com.au/products/Kevin-Murphy-Color-Bug.html

    Reply
  8. Benjina says

    March 30, 2012 at 5:29 pm

    Look great!!!! This is the great way to try out a trend for just one day. Look like easy to be a chic. I want this!!!

    Reply
  9. Smileyfacegirl:D says

    March 14, 2012 at 12:10 pm

    Omg, ur blog is so inspiring plus also I’ve always wanted totally pink hair..is that weird? 🙂 :….(

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      March 15, 2012 at 1:10 pm

      Not weird at all x

      Reply
  10. Melissa Wong says

    February 29, 2012 at 1:36 pm

    I saw this at a salon near me and was wondering if it would show up on black hair? I would really want to buy the pink one!!!

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      February 29, 2012 at 2:29 pm

      Hi Melissa, it works well on dark hair. I’d spray a texture spray or hairspray where you want to apply it on your hair to help it stick. It’s a really fun product.

      Reply
  11. Araya Villari says

    February 1, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    What about for brunettes??

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      February 1, 2012 at 3:12 pm

      Hi Araya, I’ve seen this on brunettes and it looks great. If your hair is really dark I would suggest using hairspray or a dry shampoo to prep where you want to apply the product so it holds better and will show up more. At least you won’t have any problems with colour staining!

      Reply
  12. Kat Skull says

    January 27, 2012 at 9:05 am

    Where can I buy this? I don’t see a salon near me – is it available online?

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      January 28, 2012 at 9:02 am

      Hi Kat, you can buy it online at adorebeauty.com.au and they ship internationally

      Reply
      • ANGRY PERSON WANTS COLOR BUG says

        June 15, 2012 at 12:04 pm

        LIAR THEY DONT SHIP TO THE US

        Reply
        • Hair Romance says

          June 15, 2012 at 3:04 pm

          Hi Angry Person, Adore Beauty do ship to the US, or find your local Kevin Murphy salon on their website here – http://kevinmurphy.com.au/findus/findus.salon.php

          Reply
  13. Caro saß says

    January 15, 2012 at 7:15 am

    how long does it stay in your hair? Does it go Away when you washed your hair?

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      January 15, 2012 at 5:04 pm

      It stayed in my hair for a couple of days and came out when I washed my hair. It you have bleached hair or are very fair use some hairspray first as it can be harder to remove. Bleached hair is really porous so I’ve heard the colour sticks and it will take a few shampoos to remove it, but it won’t do any damage to your hair.

      Reply
  14. PINK!!!! says

    January 14, 2012 at 7:53 pm

    I loved the pink!!! It looked so cool in my hair, the only thing was it came out all over my top… I need a way to stop that happening!

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      January 15, 2012 at 4:55 pm

      Isn’t it great? I found hairspray on top of the pink helped to set it in my hair, and the initial colour fallout was bad but afterwards was fine. Wear something dark while putting the colour in and do it an hour or so before you want to go out. Then get changed just before you go and it should be fine x

      Reply
  15. nicola lynde says

    January 5, 2012 at 8:42 am

    What a great idea. I saw a year with the most amazing lilac tips today and couldn’t help but think how fun it would be. Love Kevin Murphy.

    Reply
  16. Julie says

    December 24, 2011 at 12:20 pm

    I tried this product for the first time yesterday. The process was a little messy as foretold and I didn’t wear gloves but I used some makeup remover wipes on my hands when I was done and the powder came right off, so if you don’t have gloves I highly suggest that. I have auburn hair and I used the purple color and it came out looking really cute. However, even though I used hairspray the color came out within a few hours which was dissapointing. Maybe I didn’t use enough for it to last so I’m going to try lay it on thick next time, but if this keeps up this product will be very disappointing.

    Reply
  17. The Girlie Blogger says

    December 15, 2011 at 10:59 am

    Too cool! I want one.
    http://www.thegirlieblog.com

    Reply
  18. Pamela S. says

    November 25, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    Hi,
    I have been considering to buy this but i’m worried that the color of my hair (dark brown) would be too dark to show the color.

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      November 25, 2011 at 11:00 pm

      Hi Pamela
      I think it does work on dark hair, and using dry shampoo before make it brighter
      Ask if you can test it at a salon near you before you buy.
      Christina x

      Reply
  19. Dawn S. says

    November 13, 2011 at 4:22 am

    Where can you purchase the Color Bug product in the United States? I am interested in the pink.

    Thank you,
    Dawn

    Reply
    • Hair Romance says

      November 14, 2011 at 6:17 am

      Hi Dawn
      I know adorebeauty.com.au ship to the US or you can search for a local salon on the kevin murphy site too
      Christina x

      Reply
    • Nakayla says

      January 10, 2012 at 5:23 pm

      Is this color bug available in the USA? I want it to badly!

      Reply
      • Hair Romance says

        January 10, 2012 at 7:33 pm

        Yes, I think it is but only from Kevin Murphy salons. Think there is a salon finder on their website kevinmurphy.com.au

        Reply
      • Hair Romance says

        January 10, 2012 at 7:33 pm

        or adorebeauty.com.au ships to the USA x

        Reply
  20. Hair Romance says

    November 7, 2011 at 12:58 am

    @Anonymous – I know it's available in the US but may be a bit hard to find, check the Kevin Murphy site for a salon near you or you can buy from adorebeauty.com.au and they ship to the US

    Reply
  21. Anonymous says

    November 6, 2011 at 8:13 pm

    where did you get this??? i have been looking all around for it i want the pink kind… would anyone tell me where to get it? i live in the united states any stores or online sites???

    Reply
  22. Hair Romance says

    November 2, 2011 at 9:41 am

    @DivaHopeful – Merci beaucoup!

    @Esia – I haven't tried it but it sounds like it won't be as bright. I would spray dry shampoo on the sections you want to colour first, then this powder will stick and show up more

    Reply
  23. Esla says

    November 2, 2011 at 6:47 am

    will this show up on brunette hair?

    Reply
  24. DivaHopeful says

    October 30, 2011 at 7:36 pm

    C'est une superbe idée !

    Reply
  25. Hair Romance says

    October 30, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    @Anonymous – Oh no! My hair is coloured but not completely bleached and came out in one wash. Hope it's not permanent, I would wash your hair again with conditioner and if that doesn't remove it, go back to the salon for advice. Let me know how you go xx

    Reply
  26. Anonymous says

    October 27, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    I bought this at my salon a few weeks ago. I have blond hair, some of it bleached. I have tried this several times and it definitely stains my hair and I'm not using a lot. I have washed it now three times and still, my hair is stained. Anyone else have this problem? What to do? I have permanent pink hair now it seems!

    Reply
  27. Hair Romance says

    October 25, 2011 at 8:45 pm

    @Cylas – I bought mine from Adore Beauty http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/kevin-murphy/kevin-murphy-color-bug.html or check the Kevin Murphy site to find a salon near you http://www.kevinmurphy.com.au/findus/findus.salon.php

    Reply
  28. Cylas says

    October 25, 2011 at 8:15 pm

    where can you order?

    Reply
  29. Hair Romance says

    October 25, 2011 at 12:55 pm

    @alyssa – I agree, so worth it!

    @S + T – the colour is pretty good. I haven't tested it on darker hair but it worked on my hair exactly as in the video so I think it would look great

    Reply
  30. S + T says

    October 23, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    This looks amaxing- I want to try this!! I have brown hair, but the Kevin Murphy youtube tutorials show it on a brunette model so i'm gonna try 🙂

    xx S

    Reply
  31. alyssa says

    October 20, 2011 at 11:52 am

    It looks gorgeous, even if it was a pain in the ass!

    xx
    alyssa
    http://wereaucourant.blogspot.com

    Reply
  32. Kimberley - Dream. Delight. Inspire. says

    October 20, 2011 at 6:56 am

    I've been waiting for a blonde to test these out! Looks fantastic and thanks for the tip re dropping it and causing a pink explosion. Will be very careful. 🙂

    Reply
  33. Bianca says

    October 20, 2011 at 2:08 am

    Hey! Does anyone know where I can buy this?

    Reply
  34. Hair Romance says

    October 19, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    @Violet LeBeaux – I was thinking of you with this product! Pink hair all the way!

    @Anonymous – good tip, there is mention on the packaging that it can stain bleached or over processed hair, as it is so porous. They recommend using a leave in conditioner underneath before applying the colour.

    @Melody – this would be great for Halloween! They need to bring out a green pigment!

    Reply
  35. Melody says

    October 19, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    I saw color bug somewhere else too, and super-duper want to try it! I should have ordered some for halloween!

    Reply
  36. Anonymous says

    October 19, 2011 at 5:17 am

    Be careful with this! I used the pink on bleached blond hair and it did not totally wash out!

    Reply
  37. Violet LeBeaux says

    October 19, 2011 at 3:25 am

    Argh so cute on you! This is such an awesome idea, pink hair for the win!

    Reply
  38. Celeste @ Becoming Beautiful says

    October 19, 2011 at 3:23 am

    Perfect! Need to get my hands on this so I can rock coloured hair without fear of regretting it big time.

    Reply
  39. Hair Romance says

    October 19, 2011 at 3:23 am

    @Me, my best and I – The colour does wash off pretty easily with soap. My nails are Glam Nails in Express Yourself x

    @Angela – it is heaps of fun! I want to try the orange to see if I can get that Lauren Conrad peachy hair

    Reply
  40. Angela says

    October 19, 2011 at 12:58 am

    Ahhhh I want this!

    Reply
  41. Me, my best and I says

    October 19, 2011 at 12:17 am

    Hot out!! Love this!! How did you get it off your hands!! Be very cool for a summer festival alright! PS Hot nail polish to match- what is that?

    Reply
  42. Hair Romance says

    October 18, 2011 at 11:32 pm

    @Shannon – the purple looks great doesn't it?

    @Aurelie D – It really is a fun way to try colour. There's no damage to your hair, it's kind of like putting eye shadow on your hair.

    @Hot Kool Aid – You will freak your mum out with this! Then tell her it washes out 😉

    @Megan – I noticed colour coming off on my navy tshirt but most of it brushed off with a tissue. I would be cautious especially with delicate fabrics. I sprayed hairspray to set the colour after I noticed this and that seemed to help.

    Reply
  43. Tegan McIntosh says

    October 18, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    WOW! this looks amazing! I am very intrigued, but I think I would be worried about it getting on my clothes, even though it does wash out. Such a cool concept though, love Kevin Murphy!

    Reply
  44. Megan says

    October 18, 2011 at 11:05 pm

    nice! Looks great. You said the color is pretty opaque…do you the think the rubbing-off-on-clothes issue would happen on any clothes? Or just something light?

    Reply
  45. Hot Kool Aid says

    October 18, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS! I'm ordering all three colors. I've always wanted either ombre or color-dyed hair but my mom is afraid of me bleaching my hair, even though it'd be professionally done. This is great because it's temporary and requires no bleach!

    Reply
  46. Aurelie D. says

    October 18, 2011 at 9:21 pm

    Wow, what a great way to try out a trend for just one day. I would never dye my hair but would probably give this a try!

    Reply
  47. Shannon says

    October 18, 2011 at 9:01 pm

    I love this idea… save for the wearing off on my clothes.

    I've been seriously contemplating purple…

    Reply
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