My longtime blog readers know that I have used Clairol Natural Instincts haircolor for decades. There aren’t a lot of semi-permanent haircolors out there that work well, and I’ve been a Natural Instincts bottle-brunette since 1996! I’ve been pretty loyal to this product too. It took me 15 years to try any other brand of haircolor.
Back in 2011, Natural Instincts changed to a “new and improved” formula that simply wasn’t either one of those things — it was awful, and the color didn’t last nearly as long as it used to. Clairol’s website erupted with negative reviews as these “improved” formulas hit the shelves. I ran around buying up all of the old-formula Natural Instincts I could find, and when I finally ran out of those boxes, I switched to the now-defunct Garnier Herbashine for a while.
By 2014, Natural Instincts had gone back to their previous haircolor formula, aside from some changes to the moisturizing ingredients (adding coconut and safflower oil, among others.) I resumed using Natural Instincts when they brought the former formula back, and I have continued to use it ever since — even when that one rogue box turned my hair orange in 2015…
Suffice it to say that I’m quite loyal to Natural Instincts. So, when a reader sent me the following email, I sighed and thought, “Not again…”
“They’re at it again. There’s a small sticker on current boxes of Natural Instincts that reads: ‘Coming soon! New look & formula.’ There’s [also] a new suggested color scheme to replace the current numbering system.”
My reader also sent a link to a review from someone who’s used the new version of Natural Instincts. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a positive one:
“New improved formula is AWFUL! Did NOT cover my gray, made the gray hair an awful reddish color! Never did either of these things before! I will not use this again. I need to go and find as many boxes of the original formula as I can or I don’t know what I will use! It’s a chore to color my hair and takes 2 boxes of color and for it to end up looking awful is just frustrating and disappointing! It smells better and it is easier to use, but it DIDN’T WORK!”
Oh, Natural Instincts. WHY did you have to go do something like this again? I should have noticed that this week’s new coupons show a completely different box design than last month’s — compare them in the image above.
Clairol’s Facebook page is already receiving negative reviews of this new Natural Instincts formula too.
For those that don’t know, Procter & Gamble sold the Clairol brand, along with other formerly-P&G beauty brands, to Coty back in 2016. At the time, I was fearful that Coty would change the Natural Instincts formula that I’d come to rely on for decades, but aside from a manufacturer change on the packaging, nothing else was different.
After the beauty brands acquisition, Coty noted that the Clairol brand wasn’t performing as well as they’d like. Their previous quarterly earnings report notes that while other brands enjoyed “solid revenue growth,” Clairol “remained under pressure.”
So, what’s a been-around-forever brand to do: Market itself as the reliable, consistent product it’s been for years, or radically overhaul itself into something new and hope to gain more market share?
Unfortunately, Coty has gone with option #2. The “new” Natural Instincts is no longer a liquid haircolor — it’s a creme. It’s a completely different formulation featuring a different kind of dye molecule that takes 20 minutes to develop instead of 10. It’s a dry-hair application instead of a damp-hair application. They’ve also discontinued some of the previous Natural Instincts colors. You can browse a full list of the changes to the product on Clairol’s Natural Instincts website. (UPDATE: Readers have noted in the comments that Clairol has also changed the formula of Nice & Easy haircolor as well.)
As much as I like picking up my Clairol Natural Instincts during great sales, today I was in “at any price” mode, and I went out armed with multiple $5-off-2 and $2 coupons from this week’s 1/27/19 SS newspaper insert. My goal? Stock up on as many boxes of old, good Natural Instincts as I could.
First stop: Meijer. Natural Instincts is currently on sale 2-for-$13.99. Mperks has a $5-off-2 ecoupon for Clairol haircolor too. I found six boxes of what I consider to be “my browns” here and grabbed them for $4.50 each after coupons. (I buy multiple shades of brown, as I like to go a little darker in fall and winter and a little lighter in spring and summer.)
As you can see above, the Algonquin Meijer’s shelves are a mix of old and new Natural Instincts boxes at the moment. The browns are also slightly less stocked now, thanks to me…
Next stop: CVS/pharmacy. Natural Instincts was on sale 2-for-$14.. My Algonquin CVS was a treasure trove of old Natural Instincts — not a new green box in sight! They even had some of the now-discontinued shades of Brass Free Brunette, which I always like to have on hand in case things start to go a little too red or golden. I used my remaining $5-off-2 coupons, as well as all of my $2 coupons, grabbing these for $4.50 and $5 per box.
Plus, CVS has the added bonus of their ongoing “Buy 7 boxes of haircolor, get the 8th free” sale, so I’ll get a coupon on my next visit for another free box. (Which of course I’ll pick up sooner than later!)
I now have 14 boxes of good-old Natural Instincts, which will last me at least a year. If you’re a loyal Natural Instincts user, consider this your heads-up to go and shop before your shades are off the shelves too! (And Coty… if you see a Natural Instincts sales boom this quarter, how will you know if it’s due to the new formula… or due to highly-change-resistant people like me who are stocking up on the old stuff?)
A big thank-you to reader “T” for bringing the Natural Instincts changes to my attention.
If you’re a Natural Instincts fan hunting for the old formula, Amazon also currently has old-style Natural Instincts in stock.
wolverine70 says
Was the last formula change the one where your Mom commented that your hair looked orange? I think Clairol’s issues are that Coty has abandoned a lot of the marketing support. I’m glad there were $5 off 2 coupons to be had, but these are less frequent, and TV advertising is almost nonexistent for the brand.
Coupon Maven says
The last formula change was in 2011 — they had added a second “color refresher” packet that you were supposed to re-color with two weeks after the first, “main” haircolor process. There were a couple problems with this — one, the new formula was already fading at the two week mark. I know every person’s hair is different, but the old/current formula of Natural Instincts has always lasted 6 to 8 weeks for me. Who wants to have to re-color two weeks in?!
Two, the color refresher packet, no matter what color you actually dyed your hair. was very orange-toned. It also stained everything it touched — skin, bathtub, shower walls. The online reviews were overwhelmingly negative and more than a little hilarious to read (if they weren’t so sad) — people were writing things like “just throw that packet away!”
You can see the “color refresher” box in this old photo – lower left corner:
The time my hair -actually- turned orange was in 2015, when Natural Instincts had already gone back to its original formula for close to two years. To this day, I still have no idea what went wrong, as I have been using Natural Instincts for decades (!) and did nothing different than I normally do, and it was one of my usual brown colors that I buy. I imagine it must just have been a bad batch or box of “Toasted Almond.”
That was the year I discovered the “Brass Free Brunette” line of Natural Instincts, which is what I used to turn the orange on the left back to the brown on right — photos taken in same lighting, same room.
I agree with this. The coupons are always appreciated, but I haven’t seen any kind of marketing beyond that. Of course, they’ve got their PR machine in full swing now with beauty magazines touting how much “better” the new formula is:
https://www.allure.com/story/clairol-natural-instincts-at-home-hair-dye-update
Calibabydolly says
This is so funny, I was coming here to ask you about your hair color today since I just noticed issues with mine! I have used all of the Clairol colors, from Nice n Easy to Natural Instincts to the touch up kits. Today, since we are closed inside on frozen tundra quarantine, I decided to color my hair and get come cleaning done. I mix 2 colors and since I am actually a licensed hairdresser, I “assume” I know what I am doing. Ha! I went to assemble my color of the month and low and behold….the packages are different! I planned on using Nice n Easy today, since I did just the touch up kit last month, and I see the new is also a cream in a tube. I actually prefer brush and bowl application, so I was thrilled. Then I read on package the new stuff does NOT contain ammonia. The liquid does. I also pulled out some OLD boxes of Natural Instincts from my stash and those say “no ammonia” on boxes. I am guessing the “new” Nice n Easy will be more like the “old” Natural Instincts? (as a side note; I don’t think non permanent colors cover gray well on me) I was so thrilled with the touch up kit I used last month, which are new boxes of that, yet feel they are such a rip off since they are SO TINY! They cost the same as the full sized boxes too. Anyway, I looked online at the Clairol forums and read you CANNOT mix the liquid with the cream BECAUSE of the ammonia issue. So, I just put those boxes back in stash and decided to mix 2 Natural Instincts today. I am not expecting good coverage, but this is all I have. Do you always apply yours to damp hair? I never did that even though it says to on box, because I feared it would dilute it too much. Possibly today I will try it and see since you say the new ones say not to apply damp. I hope I don’t come out ORANGE!
I wish they would stop changing the stuff we get used to. I may switch around to Loreal and Revlon until I find the ones that work best for me. I have some of them in my stash as well! I saw MyMixx has $8/2 Nice n Easy touch up kits! I may have to use that until I find my dream color!?
Coupon Maven says
I was just reading comments on Clairol’s Facebook page again, and yes, it looks like they have also changed the formula of Nice & Easy, as there are complaints about that too going back to the fall of 2018. I’ve never used Nice & Easy, but wow — I can’t believe they would overhaul ALL the Clairol lines so dramatically.
So… liquid Natural Instincts. I do always apply it to damp hair (again using the 2018 and previous formulas which are liquids.) Don’t worry – it doesn’t dilute it at all — in fact, I think the water in your hair has a wicking effect that helps pull the color IN. I usually hop in the shower, wet my hair, towel dry it, and then start coloring.
In all my years, I’ve only come out orange ONCE. Good luck!
Calibabydolly says
It turned out very pretty…..too bad I will never end up with this result again! I just ran a comb run under faucet all over and kind of scrunched water all over the ends with hands before starting. I bet your shower method and towel drying left it more evenly dampened. Baby steps here! I am betting since water slightly opens the cuticle, and since there is no ammonia, that is how it penetrates so color molecules get through cuticle of hair. It still didn’t cover well in my hairline where it is very gray, but this should hopefully last me until next month when I use a permanent color. (glad Feb. is a shorter month!)
I am going to be on the hunt for some old Nice & Easy too. Check your Meijer on the end caps near the outer areas of store. I saw lots of clearance colors of all brands last time I had time to really shop after Christmas there. It was not right near the hair stuff either. I wasn’t armed with coupons that day and when I went back they were gone several days later! I also spotted clearance color at Dollar General last time. I am thinking they were purging their old packaging to fill shelves with new formulas?
Coupon Maven says
Thanks for letting me know how it turned out – glad it worked well! Yes, I’ll be watching clearance endcaps too — Dollar General is a good idea as well, as closeouts do end up at the dollar stores at times.
I think Dollar Tree is still selling -last- week’s newspapers for $1 on Sundays – I may try to go get some more Clairol coupons from the 1/27 papers that way too as I don’t even want to try the new version of this.
Patti says
This is a shock to me! I have to read more or research more! I used the new formula 8 weeks ago and for the first time color has not faded! And my hair is lifeless and dull!? No shine at all! I’m waiting now for a call back from clairol. Or Coty?!
I use natural intinsincts because it does not penetrate the hair shaft. It costs the hair making it thicker. That’s why I use it. It did not do the job this time! I have looked on ebay and found lots of old product at a good price! Sometimes 5 for $20! Now I’m scared to use anything! I’ve been using this product for over 20 years!
Best wishes to everyone on this intersting journey!
Coupon Maven says
Patti, yes, this change happened almost a whole year ago. It’s awful – in addition to the comments here, I get a lot of email from unhappy users of the new formulas too! Glad you can find some at decent prices on Ebay.
Yes, Coty is the current parent company of Clairol. Clairol was previously owned by Procter & Gamble.
I too am scared to use anything else, and I spent a lot of time hunting down new-old-stock Natural Instincts in early 2019. I have gotten really lucky and still find boxes here and there. I always cut the Clairol coupons and carry them with me just in case I find more. As the haircolor has (at least) a five-year shelf life according to the manufacturers, I have purchased at least that much. Hopefully five years from now, there will be a similar product. I truly do not even want to try the new version after all the horror stories I’ve heard!
One of my readers suggested Bed, Bath, and Beyond to me, and just last month (12/4/19) I went there to purchase something else. I found SIX boxes of the shades of browns that I use and snapped them right up! On the same day in December, I had just come from Mariano’s supermarket (a Kroger affiliated store) where I found three more boxes of the old, good stuff. It was like hitting the old-Natural-Instincts lottery! :)
Erica says
Did you catch this part??
** “Demi-permanent color has no need for ammonia and PPD/PTD because this type of color just deposits pigment on the surface of the hair,” she explains. “Ammonia forces the cuticle open to deposit the color into the hair strands. PPD/PTD is responsible for color development. Neither of these steps is needed for dyes that just deposit color on the surface.” **
Remember Clairol Loving Care? It was a temporary haircolor that would last 1-2 weeks. It was really temporary because it didn’t open the cuticule of your hair, sat on the surface & just washed out.
It sounds like this new Natural Instincts is just a redone version of what Loving Care used to do. If the new formula isn’t opening the hair’s cuticule at all to deposit color, then it will wash out very quickly & won’t cover grays well at all. My sister is a hairdresser and she said a product like this is no better than a Fanci Full color rinse.
Appreciate you puting this on Facebook. As soon as the weather warms up I am off to stock up on my Dark Blonde!
Coupon Maven says
Ohhh boy. I kind of skimmed it as it seemed like a feel-good piece about how much more “natural” the haircolor is. (I have to be honest — I don’t care one bit whether or not it is made from natural ingredients. I always assumed “Natural Instincts” meant that the color LOOKED natural!)
All of this is making me want to make another old-box haircolor run when it warms back up..!
Deborah says
I used the new Natural instincts Demi color on July 3rd and am very disappointed, it isn’t washing out as the old one did, instead I’m left with roots and plan to use a color remover to get rid of the issue. So disappointed in my old faithful for gray hair covering that lightened as you washed your hair through the weeks, what a disaster.
Cold in chicago says
Ugh, Thank you for the information need to go stock up!!
Coupon Maven says
Well, I went shopping again! I had used up all my coupons earlier in the week, but our library has a coupon swap area where you can trade coupons you don’t want for ones you do from the library’s own newspaper inserts. I brought in all my Pampers coupons and left with two more $5-off-2 and $2-off-1 Clairol coupons today :)
So then, of course, it was off to CVS again!
This really worked out to be a GOOD trip! I scanned my CVS card at the coupon machine in store and got a $6 off $30 coupon, $3 Extrabucks for spending $30 on beauty products earlier this week, and my coupon for a free haircolor for buying 7 last week!
My pre-coupon total: $49.49
After the $6-off-$30, $5-off-2s, two $2s, $3 ExtraBucks, and coupon for one free box of haircolor, I paid $17.49 + $2.52 in tax = $20.01! Their “free haircolor” coupon automatically takes $9 off when it’s scanned.
I will get another $3 back for spending more than $30 on beauty items again, and I am now one box away from -another- free box of haircolor too :D
Coupon Maven says
Another update: We’re scheduled to get an $8-off-2 Clairol haircolor coupon in the 2/10 inserts.
Calibabydolly says
That’s the same high value $8/2 I have on MyMixx, Walgreens & Dollar General so far!
Coupon Maven says
I am starting to wonder if the ecoupons are getting more targeted. When you first posted about it on MyMixx, I looked there, and I don’t have it. I am going to check my Wags and Dollar General ecoupons…
Update: Nada on either for me..! Weird.
Calibabydolly says
I think they only offer them for a short time digitally and they run out, first come first serve. But….I actually thought I clipped the $8/2 on my Wags, but I was mixing that up with the new high value $4/2 Colgate. Go check Wags again because I JUST clipped mine 2 minutes ago! I went on a wild goose chase to DG last night because I printed some Colgate coupons and saw the digital one and online stock was saying they had the sensitive toothpaste on clearance that would have made it a MM. None to be found anywhere. Clearance ended last night and all was left was a messy pile of picked over junk! I should have figured. No hair color left in clearance either. I think DG got rid of Natural Instincts as well, new or old.
Id check back on MyMixx after we get the paper coupon, I bet it reappears? I clipped mine on DG yesterday too.
Coupon Maven says
I was at Mariano’s today (Kroger for my non-Chicagoland readers) and spotted both bronze brown and dark reddish brown Natural Instincts (old kind) on clearance for $4.24 each. Good price – even better if you have the $2 coupons…
cASSIE says
Nice and Easy changed in summer 2018. Even when the change just happened, I couldn’t find any leftovers of the old formula. I’ve begrudgingly been using the new version but it is nowhere near as good as the old. Doesn’t cover grey well enough and doesn’t last as long. Uggh. I’ve been using the same 2 or 3 colors for at least 15 years. Very nervous to try something else. Thanks for the suggestion of Dollar Tree. Never thought of them for hair color.
Calibabydolly says
I forgot to add, I see Dollar General is having a 50% off CLEARANCE right now thru tomorrow Sunday Feb 3rd! You can also use coupons plus add the ones they offer to acct digitally.
I checked my Meijer again and they have not a box of color in clearance right now. I see in the new ad starting tomorrow, it says they will have a $3 digital for Nice & Easy, making 1 box only $3.99 with that coupon. You need to load it asap in the morning to see the details but I was hoping they include the touch up kits. There is a brand new ibotta for $6/2 Nice n Easy permanent touch up kits. (also a separate ibotta for the same with the temp. one)
I also need to check Jewel for those because I have a MyMixx for a whopping $8/2 Nice & Easy touch ups! My husband did NOT have it in his, so I am wondering if it was offered shortly or it is because I have bought those colors under my acct recently? The kits are the only new ones I have used and those seem to cover my gray beautifully….only negative is they are so small, you will need 2 kits to be able to cover any more than 1/2 inch outgrowth!
seachicago says
I used Natural Instincts for a few years, but it didn’t cover my grays well, so I just switched to Nice & Easy. I’m using the “new” version, so I have nothing to compare it to, but it seems to work fine for me. The only problem I have is that the color dyes my skin and won’t come off until I shampoo a couple days later! I have to be *very* careful with the application, otherwise I have purplish-brown stains (on my forehead, behind my ears, etc.). I looked online and saw a lot of complaints about the same thing, and this is apparently an issue with the “new” formula of Nice & Easy..
You might check Bed Bath & Beyond for the old versions of your haircolor. Some of the stores have a really extensive selection of “personal care” items, believe it or not. I use a very unusual shade (apparently) of Nice & Easy, which I can’t even always find online, but they carry it in-store at my local BBB. I don’t know if they take manufacturer qs, but you can always use your 20% BBB qs (maybe you can even stack?).
Coupon Maven says
Bed, Bath, and Beyond is a GREAT tip, and I didn’t even think about it — but you’r eright, they do have a pretty large cosmetics and beauty department. Thanks for sharing that!
J. ROBERTSON says
Both my sister and I have used Natural Instincts for years, this formula takes longer to develop, is noticeably not as vibrant and does not cover greys as well as the old formula.” If it aint broke don’t fix it”. I’m so disappointed, it’s the only dye that does not damage my relaxed hair.
Coupon Maven says
J, thanks for the report. I’ve read so many negative reviews of the reformulated versions that I don’t even want to try it.
I’m still running around town buying up as much of my old-stock Natural Instinct colors as I can!
Eve says
I am jealous I can not find any old boxes anywhere around here and I am so angry I left Lots of comments to Clairol on facebook.Please everyone comment…maybe they will bring it back
Coupon Maven says
I am (almost!) afraid to share how many I have now. I have gone to every CVS/pharmacy (Buy 7 get 8th box free, ongoing – my favorite place to buy it) and grocery store in the area. I’ve also gotten some on clearance at Mariano’s with coupons, and I found some at Meijer during a larger “Buy X, Save Y” sale they were having on haircolor.
I have had personalized prices on Natural Instincts at Jewel-Osco ever since their JustForU ecoupons went into effect, and Jewel also allows you to pair a Buy One Get One FREE coupon with a dollars-off coupon, so I have been scoring it pretty cheap the past few weeks. I found two more boxes at the Algonquin Jewel yesterday: $6.43 + $2 coupon + B1G1F coupon on the 2nd box meant I paid $4.43 for two, or about $2.22 per box.
All in all…
After almost three months buying “my colors” wherever I found them, I have more than 50 boxes now..! It should last me close to 5 years.
I am afraid to buy more than that, as the oldest box I have ever used was five years old — so I know it is shelf-stable for at least that long. Hopefully in five years, they will go back to their old formula or I will find something else I like.
Rosemary B says
questions:
1. should I be looking for the P&G brands only?
2. obviously color in the liquid bottles, correct?
please, wish us luck, the late to the meeting,
Gosh I am annoyed
mike says
The new product 5c is worthless
I could have left it on 24 hours and it would not have worked on 30% grays
Coupon Maven says
:( I’m really sorry to hear this, but it is in line with all of the other “new and improved” reviews I’m reading. :(
Eve says
Do you know if in the formulation if the problem is with the color or in the processor. The reason I am asking is I have two old liquid color bottles but no processor . If i used the liquid with the current processing creme , do you think it would work? I read somewhere they changed a molecule , but it didn’t say in which product..some lame Bs. I also read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal and I am afraid Coty may not have bought the formulas and we are just plain stuck. BUT why would they change the conditioner which I think is fabulous. If they would bottle the old one I would buy it!
Coupon Maven says
Eve, I honestly don’t know. From what I have read, the new formula is NOT a semi-permanent at all — it’s more akin to what the old Lovin’ Care used to be: a color rinse that washes out quickly vs. penetrates the molecule. I wouldn’t mix the two.
As far as the formulas, Coty has been making the “old” formulas for several years now since the P&G sale of the Clairol brand. I believe this complete change in their formula is their choice alone to make. :(
Maureen says
I scored 8 boxes of medium COOL brown and medium brown from Sobeys. Not on sale but I didn’t care. 🤸♂️
Carole Johnson says
The NEW formula for Clairol Natural Instincts is a joke. I am so disappointed and after using the new formula for the second time I’m done. It did nothing to my hair but turn it lighter without any color (used 6A). I used the older formula for years and was well pleased and now I’ve wasted money on two boxes. No more Clairol for me. And to Clairol—you have lost a long and loyal customer.
Patricia Kurz says
I am sorry I did not read your blog before. I did not think at all that they would change, again, the formula for Natural Instincts. Since I could not stock many boxes of the old one, and they are now gone,is there an alternative you would recommend for a semi permanent, really covering grays? The new formula not only made my gray hair kind of orange highlights instead of covering them, but it washed away after a couple of shampoos only! I do not want to permanently dye my hair, as I do not have that many grays, and I know once you get there you are stock forever.
I wrote to Clairol/Coty to complain, but I doubt they will do anything about it.
Any advise you might have on the issue would be greatly appreciated!
Coupon Maven says
Patricia, I have no idea what to use aside from this. The old one worked so well or my hair for so long. Instead of looking for a replacement, I started stocking up on new-old-stock Natural Instincts in the beige and brown boxes. I figured whenever I run out (5+years from now, seriously – I bought that many) then I will deal with this question then.
There are MANY complaints on their Facebook page too.
I am still finding occasional old-formula boxes around. My local Jewel-Osco grocery store is remodeling, and suddenly 6 more boxes of my brown appeared on the clearance shelf this week. I bought them all!
Alison says
Hi! I just tried the new formula and am really unhappy. Don’t like the smell, my scalp was tingly-painful, and when I dried my hair, there was barely any color even though I left it on for double the time. I’ve just bought 15 boxes of my usual Light Cool Brown from Amazon and I’ll look for the Brass Free in CVS tomorrow. I saw some today when I bought the dud new boxes. Boo! I hope they change it back.
Coupon Maven says
Thank you for sharing your experience. After reading other people’s bad reviews, I was afraid to even try it. SO happy you found 15 boxes of the “good stuff!” I have been really, really lucky finding the old-stock boxes at a variety of CVS locations.
Elle says
Hello!
I was just wondering if you have come across anything that works as well as the old Natural Instincts yet. Sure wish they’d bring back the original formula.
Coupon Maven says
Elle, I have not tried anything else & don’t plan to. I have at least a 5-year supply of old-formula Natural Instincts here that I’ve been stocking up on since January. Instead of trying to find something new, I opted to run around to pretty much every store in my area and buy up my shades of brown. Hopefully, when I run out of this, maybe they’ll go back to the old formula…
Lois Pike says
I’m glad to have found your blog. I wasn’t aware Clairol was making this change until I had to purchase a new box a few weeks ago. I had a number of boxes on hand since I was able to purchase with coupons, etc. I was very disappointed with the creme Natural Instincts. I have been looking for old stock and haven’t been successful with the shade of dark brown being nutmeg. Any ideas? I did look at Amazon and it looks like that particular shade is new product. Thanks so much!!
Coupon Maven says
Lois, I have had the best luck at CVS/pharmacy. I live in the suburbs of Chicago, and I am still finding new-old-stock Natural Instincts on occasion. I cut all the Clairol coupons and carry them with me, just in case.
Today I stopped into CVS to pick up something else, and there were two more boxes of one of my shade of brown on the shelf! Both boxes were really in sad shape, like they’d been beat up in the back room or on the back of the shelf. They were not there the last time I stopped in about two weeks ago though. Anyway, I did buy them because I got a $4-off-2 Clairol haircolor store coupon from the CVS coupon machine. I paired that with the Buy One Get One Free coupon from this weekend’s paper. They were 2-for-$15, so I paid $3.50 for two more boxes. Even though they were beat up, it’s hard to beat $1.75 per box.
I should add too that the new Clairol coupons from the paper do not automatically scan on the old Clairol boxes anymore at CVS. The cashier had to manually ring them through. What she ended up doing was scanning a NEW box of Natural Instincts two times, then scanning all the coupons, because it just wouldn’t recognize the old-stock boxes. That way, I got the deal and also got credit toward CVS’ “Buy 6, Get the 7th Free” ongoing haircolor promo.
M DaYl says
It burns, takes longer, & the issue persists that they sell to China with continued cruel animal testing. I hope you discover something better.
Thank you!
Cindy Roberts says
L’Oreal discontinued my favorite hair color — first, Natural Match and then, Healthy Effects. I didn’t know where to turn after that heartbreaking demise, so I tried Natural Instincts for the first time — the old formulation in the reddish-brownish box. I used Dark Blond, 7 and it didn’t cover ANY grays (I’m 15% gray only around my hair line). I did not know it was the old formulation when I bought it. When I called Clairol, they told me there is a new and improved formulation (in the white box). Now I hear people are complaining the new formulation isn’t covering gray? WTH!
Coupon Maven says
Wow, I’m surprised to hear that the old formulation didn’t work for you. I use brown (several different shades depending on season) and it has always covered really well for me. Still terrified to try the new stuff!
Joan W. says
Not happy with the new formula either. I have used Natural Instincts for many years and always had good, consistent results. Bought a box of this new formula in my usual Dark Brown and applied per instructions for 20 minutes. In the past, the color has always developed fairly quickly, and covered my 80% gray very well. Not this stuff :( After 20 minutes it had barely changed from creamy white to a dark blonde color and you could still see the gray roots from the previous coloring. I seriously thought the box had the wrong color tube in it, so I went out and bought another box. Same thing happened :( I even left it on for almost an hour this time. It did finally get a little darker…but never reached the “dark brown” stage that the old formula did. It will be interesting to see how long it lasts…
Paul says
I don’t know what all the fuss is about. I tried the new formula and so far I am very happy with it. I stopped using all chemical dyes due to an allergic reaction. i was intrigued by this new formula which is supposed to be less allergenic.
1. Ease of mixing. It’s not hard! Slightly more work than a liquid, but it is easy to squeeze the paste in to the bottle.
2. The frothy white mixture looked alarming, but it does get dark!
3. I agree the smell is slightly gross, tho not overly strong.
4. Results: I used the Light brown and the color looks great.
5. After several shampoos – no change in color. I expect it will fade gradually as before. I am keeping my fingers crossed I don’t get a reaction.
Lori P says
Hey “Paul” your post glows in the dark : paid Clairol shill. No one is “intrigued” with this new formula. It’s garbage that does not look anywhere near as natural as the old NI did. It looks like someone poured brown tempra paint in my hair. Dull, lifeless, feels like straw. Old NI looked so natural and made my greys look like bronze highlights. Really pretty. This is monotone and looks like when an old lady dyes her hair too dark. Flat and horrible! Now I will pay my hairdresser to fix this MESS
Rosemary B says
I found your blog, I read all of this, and most of these comments below.
Holy moly, I was busy (and still am) taking care of my 95 year old adorable daddy and hubbs too of course. Too busy
I bought one of the new kits bc my stash ran out.
Yes indeed the new stuff is horrible. I emailed the company and they told me they are not planning on improving this “formula” or whatever it is
So, I am going to re read your blog. I need to know which boxes of Natural Instincts are good, and which ones are inferior.
Then I will go on my own hunting expedition asap.
Thank you for this information shared.
Have you specified which “editions” of this hair glop is acceptable and which ones to ignore.
I assume all of the “creme” versions are garbage obviously.
Thanks for this, albeit too late for me.
I really need to know what to look for though, in the darkest corners of the shelves. I must have 100 stores of various styles and venues here that carry this brand. I am ready to hunt.
Karen says
Agree with all comments! Plus:
1. The tube additive opens up the chance for spills as you try to squeeze it into the bottle. Like a metal tube of toothpaste getting the last bits out.
2. It does NOT thicken nor change color like the original, and mixing is much more difficult.
3. (I’ve not seen this mentioned) This new formula has started staining my towels. I have always waited 4 days to shampoo after using Natural Instincts and have never had a problem until now. My nice beige towels have darker streaks in them that will not wash out.
Am looking for a replacement option like so many others.
Rosemary-B says
I have tried to leave a comment here three times. I am not certain why it did not post unless you have moderation
Anyway… I did not know about this horrific dilemma with Natural Instincts until I bought this new stupid box and tried it, of course it was
completely worthless.
I have been now (late to the party, wish me luck) on the look out for boxes.
Since 2013 I have been taking care of my parents. Mom had a stroke and I have been caring for my peeps since then.
Well, of course I was not alert to any of this Natural Instincts drama over the years and now I regret that. I really could have stock piled for my lifetime. *drats*
I have to have the old boxes.
I use #4 dark brown.
I have questions:
When you are buying these…. is there a difference between the company on the side label? Coty vs Proctor and Gamble?
Is there an old lot out there that is also not good. some that were ineffective? or is it just this new product??
I need to know.
Thank you so much for any help, Jill.
I am so happy to have found your blog
Coupon Maven says
Hi there! Yes, there is moderation when it’s the first comment or series of comments — it helps keep the spam down. (Not that you’re a spammer!)
You need to be looking for the older, orange/tan colors of the boxes. It doesn’t matter if they are P&G or Coty – they are the same formula if they are in the old color boxes.
Here’s the difference:
Any creme ones in the new green and white boxes are the ones to avoid. It doesn’t matter if the orange/tan boxes are made by either brand — they are the good ones.
Rosemary-B says
Dear Jill, thank you for helping me, by providing this information. Now, I am on a crusade.
I live in Northern Virginia, and you would imagine everyone here is on the “up and up” regarding this dilemma, but my feeling is that most people here in Loudoun County go to a salon. Their wallets are bursting with $$$ and they spend it.
I would rather spend my meager $ on fabric and do my hair my way.
Similar your experience, I have been using this hair color at the advice of my long ago, already retired hair cutter. That was 20 years ago.
I did email Clairol and very politely inquired about their product and their future plans for Natural Instincts.
The respondent at Clairol sent me a pithy reply stating they had no plans at all.
Happy Week-end. I will be hunting and shopping
Lynne Weaver says
Haven’t been able to find the shade of Natural Instincts I use for a few years now in any stores. I’ve been buying it on Amazon, but it has now doubled to $42 for a pack of three, about the same as the list price on the N.I. website. I found it on e-bay for $30/3-pack, so I guess I’ll have to do that. Is there any other semi-permanent hair color on the market?
Coupon Maven says
Lynne, unfortunately I am not aware of one. Years ago, both Garnier and L’Oreal also had semi-permanents, but they discontinued both. :(
Lynnie Henderson says
Sure wish I’d seen this last week! But of course I didn’t search for “problems with natural instincts” until it turned my hair red. New formula – white box. Clairol helpfully recommended I use a different color. Sheesh. Tell us on the box if the color is different from the one I’ve used for 20 years. I’m going on a search for the old formula and bookmarking the page in case you find a new product that works like NI used to!
Coupon Maven says
Lynnie, good luck with your search! Don’t be afraid to go all the way to the back of the shelf too — I’ve found some old boxes in the back at stores that didn’t rotate their old stock to the front.
As far as finding something else that works as well – honestly, it will be five years before I have to find out. I have been stocking up for more than six months..! I hope that either NI goes back to its original formula in that time, or another company steps up and fills the hole in the market that NI has chosen to leave behind.
Jori says
Have you seen how much the old formula boxes are going for on eBay right now??
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=old+natural+instincts&_sacat=0
$20 to $25 per box, and some deals are 5 boxes for $75!
You were smart to stock up when you did. I can’t believe Clairol is sticking with this horrible formula.
I am here because I found your blog after searching how bad the new Natural Instincts is. It feels horrible when you put it on. Like putting Crisco in your hair. It is greasy and disgusting and the color is flat. There is no shimmer to it, no shine, no gloss at all. They should not even put the same name on this garbage. Never never again.
I hope it is not to late to find some old boxes myself in stores.
Erica says
I haven’t colored my hair in several years, and just picked up some Natural Instincts. I was looking online for tips on using it, and found your website. Ugh, a new formula–but I never used this brand before so maybe I won’t know what I’m missing.
Anyway, what I wanted to let you know about. On youtube, I came across a video by Clairol promoting their Natural Instincts for Men. It’s only supposed to take 10 minutes. I wonder if that uses the same formula that the old 10-minute “ladies’ version” did. I imagine there is less product in the package, since most men have short hair. There are a couple of reviews on Amazon from short-haired women who like using it. Just thought it might be a good replacement for someone, although it only comes in a few colors.
Barbara Bruckner says
Do you have any idea where I can purchase the Natural Instincts Crema Keratina? It was in the demi-permanent category and covered much better.
Coupon Maven says
The Crema Keratina was discontinued when Natural Instincts reformulated their products for 2019. :(
Louise says
Well said. I too am struggling with the situation. I love NI old formula.
I am buying what I can afford on ebay and it is very expensive. What are we all going to do down the road? Has anyone tried garnier? What other product compares to NI?
Lois soergel says
Any chance there are any Ulta light blonde like #11 anywhere? I am almost all natural white but want a little “blonde” but semi-permanent. Tired of hairdresser giving me light brown roots & then highlights for $100. Plus!
Sue says
I noticed sometime in the summer that you posted the bad news about the Natural Instincts liquid original line being reformulated. I then scoured the stores for any of my medium and light browns I could get my hands on. I actually paid a lot of $ on ebay to get two more out of desperation. I have two more boxes left and went walking the aisles of Sally’s Beauty Supply and left not sure what to get or what the results would be… They basically have demi perm color but no good options for semi perm color like our beloved Natural Instincts liquid formula. Who needs the stress!!!!! If anyone has come up with a good (non permanent) replacement please post on Jill’s site. BTW love following your site!
Belinda Fallon says
I absolutely hate the new formula and the main reason is it leaves your hair felling and looking like an oil pit. My hair looked like I had not shampooed in two weeks and felt heavy..I literally had to get back in the shower and shampoo my hair thus defeating the purpose. Yes I rinsed my hair properly, even longer than I ever had because it felt oily. After 15 minutes of rinsing I gave up. I will definitely be changing brands. I do not have time or patience for this after having been extremely happy with the previous formula for years.
Cheryl Mire says
I have used the lightest blond color of Natural Instinct for at least 10 years. I have medium brown hair with only scattered gray strands — no gray roots (age 73). Everyone thinks I have my hair professionally highlighted; even the hairdresser who cuts my hair says I couldn’t get any better results in a salon. UNTIL NOW
The latest formula has turned my hair a weird golden brown — not a natural looking color at all. I managed to find 6 of the old color fomula on Amazon, but clearly I will need a better solution. I don’t care if it’s permanent; just want the same result. Don’t want to look like a bleached blonde. Just want highlights which cover the grey.
Viv says
It appears Coty have changed the formulations of Nice n Easy AND Natural Instincts. I’ve used Nice n Easy for 25 years… mixing colours and always pleased with the results, and the condition of my hair. HOWEVER, like many others l continued using the new formulation expecting similar good results… but no!!! Awful! The hair condition was strawlike, went lank very quickly, and the colour had none of the vibrancy or depth or ‘multi tonal’ that l’d previously enjoyed, as well as scalp reactions of itchy and discomfort. My daughter’s wedding was coming up and my hair looked and felt awful… awful!! Previously l was always receiving compliments on my hair colour, including from hairdressers. Not any more!
Since then l’ve researched and researched, and while doing so have been using Nutrisse which gives good condition, but cannot get the lovely multi-tonal colour of the old Nice n Easy. In the end, and after several months of growth, l’ve cut 4 inches off to get rid of the ‘straw’ left from the Nice n Easy.
So l’m still looking, and researching 😕😕😕 Hoping to find something similar.
Eve says
Has anyone heard any new Coty news?? I noticed it does not seem to be moving off the shelf I hope they will return to the old formula as they did in the past in regards to their change of conditioner formula. Everyone complained and they changed back. I think it is worth it for everyone to pile on the Natural Instincts facebook page again and complain.
Coupon Maven says
I get a fair amount of email about this. Everyone who has called to complain about the formula change, and then has written to me afterward, has said that Coty informed them that they’re sticking by the product change and has no plans to go back to the other formula.
Sandra Anne Tills says
After using up all of my stored supply of the old formula of Natural Instincts, I have found an alternative brand. It is Garnier Olia. The colors are a little different, but it is gentler on my hair than the new formula of Natural Instincts. The new formula of Natural Instincts nearly destroyed my hair when it became severly damaged from that product. I gave up on buying the older version of Natural Instincts when the ebay prices reached as much as $20. per box. I am now satisfied with Garnier Olia.
Cynthia Rose says
The “New” Natural Instincts SUCKS. It leaves my hair looking like straw….it doesn’t last beyond 2 washes….and it doesn’t leave my hair glossy and shiny like the old formula did. The “conditioner” is a joke….barely can get my fingers thru my hair, post coloring. Why would you mess with a good thing! This WAS the best semi/demi permanent color on the market…easy to use, and fantastic results. What is WRONG with you people? Give us what we want…an excellent semi-permanent color at a decent price.
shirley l hertzberg says
does anyone know where i can find the old boxes of cLAIROL natural instincts, in the color medium brown. lilquid form. this new stuff made my head itch real bad and the color was so off. you can email me at: purplerose7511@gmail.com. thank you
JaX says
Well I’m a late comer. I noticed the color wasn’t the same but as usual I figured I just messed up, my fault. But after3 applications and it still turned out wrong, I found many others were complaining as well. So, can I still find the old formula somewhere? Or can anyone recommend another semi-perm brand? My roots are begging for help!
Additionally, until I find a better option, which medium brown color has no red tint? I do not want red hair. Thanks, JTj
Coupon Maven says
The last time I spotted an old-formula box was over a year ago on 12/4/19 (my post is in the comments below) and that was at Bed, Bath, & Beyond on a reader’s suggestion. The new formula hit the shelves in January 2019, so unfortunately the odds of finding new-old-stock boxes in stores are really diminishing, as we’re nearly at the 2-year mark for the new formula being on the shelves.
There are plenty of sellers offering the old formula Natural Instincts on Ebay, but be prepared to pay $15-$30 per box..!
Nicola says
Hey, all. Now that it’s been so long since the change came in, has anyone discovered another brand of semi permanent hair dye they would recommend?
Susan says
I think I bought the last medium and light brown brass free formulas from ebay! So I have one lonely box left. I checked out Sally’s Beauty but didn’t see anything I felt was a good replacement. Like the previous commenter, I am wondering if any one has a suggestion – I am going to have to do something! Sally’s has a Beautiful Color semi permanent but the reviews on them stated that they ran too red. Help!
Tara Schleifer says
Is there any updates to this? I have been in mourning after they discontinued old NI. I let my hair go gray but I would rather color it and I haven’t found a substitute. Hoping they change it back!
Reena says
I heard that Madison Reed has a semi-permanent hair dye? Anyone know anything about it?
Mary Pocket says
Wow these reviews have really been eye opening. I was not aware that Clairol had been sold to Cody and I’ve been having difficulty finding any natural instincts at Meijer they must have discontinued it.
Today I am in desperate need of a new box so we’ll try to check out more than one store and price as I’ve always noticed that places like Kroger overprice it and see what I can do
Something that I complain to the company about I while back was the use of teeny tiny lettering at the very bottom of the box to denote semi-permanent or permanent coloring after I had accidentally purchased a permanent color box. That was 5 years ago and they still have not corrected that issue!
I also like to mix two colors as an experiment to see what works best carefully without doing any harm .
I generally use various Brown shades but my last box of which I have most of the product I bought just for fun and it is a dark red which I mixed with some brown. It came out much too red and I only used or mixed maybe a quarter of the red into the brown it is also one of the cream type and now that you mention it it says that it lasts 28 shampoos but it also says no ammonia now this is all getting really confusing this particular box says it is color 4rr.
Maybe I will continue this post after I go shopping today and see what is available on the shelves thank you for this enlightenment.
Mary Pocket says
I tried to check out the coupons for this product online today and everywhere I went from the natural instincts website and beyond every one of them said it was an error and the site was no longer available
So are there really any coupons as discussed further up thread?
Coupon Maven says
You are responding to a post written in January of 2019 – unfortunately, the coupon links are likely long expired.
Marilynn Greger says
Has anyone came up with an alternate brand … I liked the liquid one in Cinnaberry … then it went to 5R … the last two boxes I have use do not cover the gray & I hate the cream type of color … please help if you know of another brand that is close to NI … Thank you, Marilynn
Tammy Priest says
Wow! Just found this thread….. I’m another disappointed Natural Instincts user. I too loaded up with all the original product I could lid find. I love the 6.5G…… lightest golden brown. So pretty!
I just noticed that our local Wal Mart has greatly reduced the shelf space for the new version of NI to only 5 colors…. My shade is no longer available.
Has anyone found a suitable replacement for the original NI formula that we all knew and LOVED?
R. Seltzer says
I’ve been purchasing the old formula from EBay and Mercari sellers so there is still some out there at least for the shade I use. Walmart also has a seller that carried the old formula in different colors.
Madison Reed is a permanent dye but they recommend and provide a semi permanent color to use for touch ups. I’m wondering whether you could use just the semipermanent one instead. I haven’t tried it yet.
Stephanie A. Causey says
I have been using NI for years, I tried the new formula once and found it to be a very poor substitute for the original formula. I have been buying it anywhere I can ever since. I am a licensed hairdresser (I have not practiced in years but keep an active license. I have never understood why companies mess with a great formula. Just market it the right way and it will succeed. The original covers gray, does not ruin your hair leaves it silky, shiny and soft. I used Nexxus Humectress from the time it first came out on the market. It was the only true Moisturizer for hair ever made. It made the hair soft, shiny and allowed it to stretch without breaking or splitting, Your hair was squeaky clean but soft and tangle free. Not heavy with oils and creams. it was great on black hair too. But Nexxus decided to change the formula to a new one called caviar. It is a very poor substitute to the original. There is nothing like it on the market today. Companies need to listen to their market! Coke did the same thing. If it aint broken don’t fix it!!!!!!!
Karen E. says
Has anyone found an alternate to Natural Instincts original formula? I stocked up from Ebay about 5 years ago when they began discontinuing – I bought about 60 boxes! I’m down to my last 2 boxes – and fretting now! The new formula in the light green box does NOT work on my grays. Can anyone recommend any other semi-permanent that’s effective on tough grays? Thank you so much!
Reena says
eBay may still be your best bet. Another website like it called Mercari also may have sellers of the old NI too. I just did a search on Amazon for semi-permanent hair dye because I probably have a years supply left from what I have bought on eBay and Mercari, and one other possibility is Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection.
Deborah STEVENS says
I have tried Natural Instincts hair color three times. NEVER again. I have grays in the front and around my part line. Not once as this product worked, and on each occasion when I have tried it, I am left with the same gray hair. NO coverage whatsoever, so I absolutely will not be using this product again. It simply does not work for covering gray hair.
W Harrell says
I just listed 24 boxes of the original formula 5C medium brown and 9 boxes of the original formula 6C light brown on EBay. All are the brass free version. All stored in cool dry area in the original shrink wrap or 3 boxes. Perhaps someone else can use them
https://www.ebay.com/itm/166948244738?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=uHvUBR0uT8a&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=uHvUBR0uT8a&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
https://www.ebay.com/itm/166948268776?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=uHvUBR0uT8a&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=uHvUBR0uT8a&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY