You've seen the box at the drugstore or your local beauty supply. The woman on the front has that perfect, sun-drenched glow—not quite gold, not quite brown, but something warm and expensive-looking. Creme of Nature Honey Blonde is arguably one of the most recognizable hair color kits for textured hair. But honestly? Getting that exact shade to look right on your own head is trickier than the packaging makes it seem. It isn't just a "plug and play" situation where you slather it on and wake up looking like a celebrity.
Hair color is chemistry. Simple as that.
When you’re dealing with the Creme of Nature Moisture-Rich Hair Color with Shea Butter Conditioner, you’re working with a permanent dye system designed specifically for the unique structural needs of melanin-rich, textured hair. If you’ve ever felt like your hair was "fried" after a box dye, it's usually because the developer was too harsh or the post-color care was non-existent. This specific line tries to solve that with a heavy infusion of oils. But does it actually work for everyone? Sorta.
The Science of Going Honey Blonde Without Losing Your Curls
Let’s talk about the lift. Honey Blonde is a Level 8 or 9 tone depending on how it pulls. If your hair is naturally a Level 1 (Jet Black) or Level 2 (Dark Brown), that little box has to do a lot of heavy lifting. It has to strip away your natural pigment and deposit the warm, amber tones of the honey blonde shade all in one go.
Most people mess this up.
They expect the color to look exactly like the swatch on the back of the box, forgetting that their starting point is much darker. In reality, if you apply Creme of Nature Honey Blonde to virgin, pitch-black hair, you might end up with more of a "Cinnamon Spice" or a bright orange-copper rather than a creamy honey. It’s the "hot roots" phenomenon. Your scalp produces heat, which makes the chemicals react faster at the base of your hair than at the ends. You end up with bright yellow roots and muddy brown tips. It's a look, but probably not the one you wanted.
Why the Argan Oil and Shea Butter Matter
Creme of Nature leans heavily on its "Certified Natural Ingredients" marketing. Specifically, the inclusion of Moroccan Argan Oil. Is it a miracle? No. Is it better than the bargain-bin dyes from twenty years ago? Absolutely.
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When the ammonia in the dye opens up your hair cuticle to let the color in, moisture escapes. That’s why hair feels like straw afterward. The Shea Butter conditioner included in the kit is designed to "plug" those holes in the cuticle immediately after the process. It’s a high-pH to low-pH transition. You need that acidity to shut the cuticle back down. If you skip the provided conditioner and just use your regular shower soap, you’re basically leaving your hair's "door" wide open, and the color will wash down the drain in three days.
Real Talk: The Texture Risk
Changing your hair color changes your curl pattern. There, I said it.
Even with a brand like Creme of Nature Honey Blonde that prides itself on moisture, you are altering the protein bonds in your hair. If you have a tight 4C coil, you might notice your curls look a bit "looser" or "limp" after dyeing. This isn't because the curls are magically relaxed; it’s because the hair is damaged.
- Porosity Check: If your hair is high porosity (it drinks up water instantly), it will take the dye fast but lose it even faster.
- Elasticity: Pull a single strand. If it snaps instantly without stretching, don't you dare put blonde dye on it. You need a protein treatment first.
- The "Wait" Rule: If you just relaxed your hair, wait at least two weeks. Two weeks! Doing both at once is the fastest way to see your hair in the sink rather than on your head.
How to Actually Apply It for an Even Finish
Don't just squeeze the bottle and hope for the best. That’s how you get patches.
- Sectioning is life. Divide your hair into four quadrants. Use plastic clips—metal reacts with the dye and can cause a literal chemical burn or weird green tints.
- The "Ends First" Trick. Unless you have significant grey hair, start applying the color about an inch away from your scalp. Work it through the ends. Wait about 15 minutes, then go back and do the roots. Because of the heat from your head, the roots will catch up to the ends perfectly.
- Don't be stingy. If you have thick, shoulder-length hair, one box isn't enough. You’ll run out halfway through and try to "stretch" the dye by adding water or rubbing it thin. Don't. Buy two boxes. It’s cheaper than a $300 "fix-it" appointment at a salon.
The Maintenance Trap
Honey blonde is a high-maintenance color. It’s not a "dye it and forget it" situation. Because it has those warm, yellow-orange undertones, it is incredibly prone to becoming "brassy." After about three weeks, that beautiful honey can start looking like an old penny.
To keep Creme of Nature Honey Blonde looking fresh, you need a sulfate-free shampoo. Sulfates are basically dish soap for your hair; they’ll strip that blonde right out. Also, consider a blue or purple toning mask. While many think purple is only for platinum blonds, a light violet toner helps keep honey blonde from turning into "Construction Cone Orange."
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Misconceptions About the "Natural" Label
The name "Creme of Nature" is clever marketing. While they do include natural oils, this is still a permanent chemical hair dye. It contains PPD (p-Phenylenediamine) and Resorcinol in many of its formulations. These are the standard ingredients that make permanent color stay in the hair.
If you are someone who has severe skin sensitivities or is looking for a "100% plant-based" experience, this isn't it. Always, and I mean always, do a patch test behind your ear 48 hours before. It’s annoying, and nobody wants to wait, but an allergic reaction to hair dye is a genuine medical emergency that involves a swollen face and a trip to the ER. Just do the test.
Comparison: Box Dye vs. The Professional Route
Look, stylists hate box dye. They call it "box pain."
Why? Because box dyes like Creme of Nature Honey Blonde are formulated to be "one size fits all." They use a standard 20 or 30 volume developer to ensure it works on the widest range of people. A professional, however, might use 10 volume on your roots and 30 on your dark ends to get an even lift.
However, we live in the real world. Not everyone can drop $250 every six weeks for a professional colorist. If you’re going the DIY route, this brand is one of the more forgiving ones for textured hair because it doesn't leave the hair feeling as "stripped" as some of the competitors that target straighter hair types.
What to do if it goes wrong
If you rinse out the dye and your hair looks bright orange: Do not dye it again immediately. This is the most common mistake. People freak out, go back to the store, buy a dark brown box, and slap it on top. Your hair is currently in a vulnerable, porous state. Adding more chemicals will lead to breakage. Instead, use a semi-permanent "toner" or a "gloss" in a medium ash blonde or light brown. This will deposit color without the harsh peroxide, neutralizing the orange until your hair is healthy enough for a professional to look at it.
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Actionable Steps for Longevity
To get the most out of your Creme of Nature Honey Blonde experience, follow these specific post-care rules.
First, wait 72 hours before your first real shampoo. The cuticle takes time to fully close and lock in those molecules. If you wash it the next morning, you're literally rinsing money down the drain.
Second, incorporate a "Seal and Shine" product. Since this specific line is built around Argan oil, staying within the product family usually helps because the formulas are designed to work together. A light oil or a silicone-based serum will mimic the look of a healthy cuticle, giving you that "Discovery-ready" glow.
Third, watch the sun. UV rays bleach hair color. If you're going to be outside, a hat or a UV-protectant spray is a must, or your honey blonde will turn into a dull, sandy mess within a week.
Ultimately, this shade is a classic for a reason. It brightens the complexion and adds dimension to curls that can sometimes look "flat" in solid black or dark brown. Just respect the chemistry, take your time with the application, and don't skimp on the deep conditioner. Your hair will thank you, and your selfies will definitely show the difference.
Your Post-Color Checklist
- Deep Condition Weekly: Use a mask with both protein and moisture.
- Cold Water Rinse: Always rinse your hair with cool water to seal the cuticle.
- Silk or Satin Only: Sleep on a silk pillowcase to prevent the friction that leads to frizz and color dullness.
- Limit Heat: Try to air-dry or use low heat. High heat "cooks" the color out of the hair strand.
- Root Touch-ups: Only apply color to the new growth every 6-8 weeks; don't pull the permanent dye through the ends every single time or you'll get "color buildup" which looks dark and muddy.