Kota Hair Color Cream Metal - Ash Grey

Embrace one of the most striking and fashion-forward hair colour trends of recent years with the Kota Hair Color Cream in Metal – Ash Grey  a cool-toned, sophisticated, and undeniably modern ash grey hair colour cream from the trusted Thai hair care brand Kota, delivering the sleek, metallic, cool-grey aesthetic that has taken the global hair colour world by storm  a shade that reads simultaneously edgy and elegant, youthful and sophisticated, and as at home in a high-fashion editorial as in everyday street style. Ash Grey — also referred to as Metal Grey or Metallic Ash  is a cool, silver-toned grey with minimal warm or yellow undertones, giving the hair a sleek, polished, almost metallic appearance that catches the light beautifully and projects a confident, deliberate style statement. The “Metal” descriptor in this Kota shade name captures exactly this quality  the cool, reflective, silver-like luminosity that sets a true ash grey apart from warmer or more muted grey shades and gives the colour its characteristic modern, high-fashion edge. Grey hair colour sits firmly in the fashion/fantasy colour category  it is not a natural hair colour that can be deposited onto pigmented hair without first removing the existing colour and warmth. This means that achieving a true, cool, authentic ash grey result from dark or medium brown hair requires significant pre-lightening (bleaching) as a mandatory first step, followed by toning to neutralize any remaining warm (yellow or orange) tones, before the ash grey cream colour is applied. Without adequate pre-lightening, the grey pigment in the colour cream will be overwhelmed by the existing warm pigments in the hair, and the result will read as a muted, olive, or brown-grey rather than a clean, cool ash grey. The Kota Ash Grey cream formula provides smooth, controlled application with conditioning agents to help maintain the hair’s condition through the colouring process  important for hair that has already undergone pre-lightening. For those with naturally very light or already pre-lightened blonde hair, the ash grey can be applied more directly for excellent results.

Important: Ash Grey is an advanced fashion colour that requires significant pre-lightening for dark and medium hair. Results on unprepared dark hair will not be grey. Read the full shade result guidance below carefully before purchasing.

Key Features

• Metal – Ash Grey shade — cool, silver-toned ash grey with minimal warm undertones; sleek, metallic, modern appearance
• Fashion-forward colour — one of the most trending and distinctive hair colour aesthetics globally
• Cream formula — smooth, controlled application without dripping for even, precise coverage
• Conditioning formula — conditions as it colours to help maintain hair softness after the colouring process
• Grey coverage — blends natural grey hairs into a uniform cool ash grey tone
• At-home use — suitable for at-home application; pre-lightening is required for dark and medium hair
• From Kota — trusted Thai hair care brand with a strong following across Southeast Asia

Expected Results by Starting Hair Colour

Ash Grey is the most technically demanding shade in the Kota range. Results depend entirely on starting hair colour and pre-lightening level:

• Black or very dark brown hair: The ash grey will not show — you will likely see a slightly muted or olive-tinted dark shade. Significant pre-lightening (multiple bleaching sessions) to pale yellow or near-white is required before ash grey can be achieved. This is an advanced, multi-step process that is best done by a professional colourist.
• Medium or dark brown hair: A grey result will not be visible without pre-lightening. Pre-lightening to at least a light yellow blonde or pale blonde is required before applying ash grey for a recognizable cool-grey result.
• Light brown or dark blonde hair: Pre-lightening to a pale/light blonde level is still recommended for the ash grey to read cleanly as a cool grey rather than a warm or muted grey-brown.
• Light blonde or pale yellow pre-lightened hair: Good ash grey result — the cool grey tone will show clearly. A toning step to neutralize any remaining yellow or warm tones before applying the ash grey will significantly improve the result.
• Near-white or platinum pre-lightened hair: Excellent, true ash grey result — the full cool metallic ash grey will show in its most accurate, vibrant, and clean form.
• Natural white or grey hair: Good result — the ash grey cream will tone and unify natural white and grey hair into a cool, uniform ash grey tone.

Patch Test — Important Safety Step

Always perform a skin allergy patch test 48 hours before every colour application, even if you have used this product or other hair colour products before. Apply a small amount of the mixed colour behind your ear or on the inner elbow. Wait 48 hours. If you experience redness, itching, swelling, or any skin reaction, do not proceed. Hair colour products contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Note: if pre-lightening is also required, a separate patch test for the bleach/developer must also be performed.

How to Use

Step 1 — Pre-lighten if required: For dark or medium hair, pre-lighten (bleach) to a pale yellow or near-white level before applying the ash grey colour. Allow the scalp and hair to rest for at least a few days between bleaching and colouring sessions where possible. A professional colourist is strongly recommended for the pre-lightening stage on dark hair.

Step 2 — Tone (optional but recommended): After pre-lightening, apply a violet or blue toner to neutralize any remaining yellow or warm tones before applying the ash grey for the cleanest, coolest result.

Step 3 — Apply Kota Ash Grey: Mix the colour cream with the developer in the ratio specified in the package instructions. Perform a strand test first. Apply to pre-lightened, dry hair starting at the roots and working through mid-lengths and ends. Leave for the recommended development time (typically 20–35 minutes). Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Follow with a colour-protecting conditioner.

Maintenance tips: Grey/ash colours fade faster than warm colours — use a purple/silver shampoo regularly to prevent brassiness and maintain the cool ash tone. Avoid washing hair daily. Avoid hot water when rinsing. Avoid washing hair for 24–48 hours after colouring to allow the colour to fully set.

Brand: Kota | Shade: Metal – Ash Grey | Type: Permanent Hair Colour Cream | SKU: KHCC-MET |