Dong-a Pharm Tone
DONG-A PHARM's Vigen Cream Tone range delivers professional hair color at home. Each cream formula blends evenly from root to tip, covering gray in as little as 10 minutes and developing a smooth, consistent shade without harsh drips or mess.
By Skinsli editorial Updated
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Buying guide
How to Use DONG-A PHARM Vigen Cream Tone
DONG-A PHARM's Vigen Cream Tone is a cream-based hair color trusted by Korean pharmacies for decades. The thick consistency clings to each strand, delivering even color from roots to ends with minimal drip.
What Is Vigen Cream Tone?
Vigen Cream Tone is DONG-A PHARM's flagship at-home hair dye line. It combines a conditioning cream base with permanent color pigments, making it suitable for covering gray, refreshing faded color, or shifting your natural shade. Sizes include 40 g single-use sachets and 60 g larger tubes for longer hair.
Choosing the Right Shade
The range uses a numbered shade system. Lower numbers (3G, 4G) produce deep browns, while higher numbers (6G) give lighter, warm natural-brown tones. When in doubt, start one shade lighter than your target - cream dyes tend to develop slightly deeper on coarse or resistant gray hair.
Patch Test First
Apply a small amount of mixed color behind your ear 48 hours before full application. Rinse off after 30 minutes. If redness, itching, or swelling appears, do not proceed. This step is non-negotiable for first-time users and anyone switching shades.
Step-by-Step Application
- Mix the cream color and developer in the provided tray until uniform.
- Section dry, unwashed hair and apply from roots outward using the included brush.
- Work quickly to keep processing time consistent across all sections.
- Leave on for 10 minutes (quick-dyeing variants) or up to 30 minutes for full gray coverage.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water, then shampoo and condition.
Root Touch-Up Tips
For root regrowth only, apply color exclusively to the new growth area. Avoid overlapping onto previously colored hair - repeated application on the same section leads to uneven buildup and can cause banding. The 40 g size is ideal for targeted touch-ups every 4 to 6 weeks.
Post-Color Hair Care
Wait 48 hours before washing your hair after coloring. Use a sulfate-free or color-safe shampoo to preserve vibrancy and reduce fade. Deep conditioning once a week helps maintain the smooth, soft texture the cream base promotes during application.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store unopened sachets and tubes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once the two components are mixed, the formula must be used immediately and any leftover mixture discarded. Keeping unmixed components separate maintains stability for the full printed shelf life.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What makes DONG-A PHARM Cream Tone products different from other hair dyes?
Vigen Cream Tone is a permanent cream hair dye made by DONG-A PHARM, a South Korean pharmaceutical company. The cream formula clings evenly to hair strands, covering gray and delivering consistent color from roots to ends.
How long does the toning process take with DONG-A PHARM cream color?
The quick-dyeing variants process in about 10 minutes. Standard formulas are typically left on for 20 to 30 minutes for thorough gray coverage. Always follow the timing on the specific product you purchased, as development times vary between variants.
Does Vigen Cream Tone cover gray hair effectively?
Yes. The formula is designed for 100% gray coverage. For very resistant or thick gray hair, apply to dry, unwashed hair and leave on for the maximum recommended time. Rinsing with cool water after processing also helps seal the cuticle and lock in color.
What is the difference between the 40 g and 60 g sizes?
The 40 g size is designed for short to medium hair or targeted root touch-ups. The 60 g size provides more product for long hair or full coverage applications. Both contain the same cream formula; choose based on the length and thickness of your hair.
What does the shade number mean (3G, 4G, 6G)?
The number indicates depth of color: lower numbers produce darker shades (3G is a deep brown), while higher numbers produce lighter tones (6G is a natural light brown). The letter G generally refers to a golden undertone in the Vigen system.
Can I use Vigen Cream Tone on bleached or chemically treated hair?
Use caution on heavily bleached or chemically damaged hair. Permanent dye on porous, bleached hair can develop unevenly or look darker than expected. Do a strand test first and consult the product instructions. Conditioning treatments beforehand can help even out porosity.
Do I need to do a patch test before using Vigen Cream Tone?
Yes, a patch test is strongly recommended before each use, especially if you have sensitive skin or are using the product for the first time. Apply a small amount behind your ear 48 hours before full application and check for any reaction.
What is the quick-dyeing variant and how is it different?
The quick-dyeing variant (labeled "Fast Dyeing" or "Quick Dyeing" in the product name) uses an accelerated formula that processes in around 10 minutes instead of 20 to 30. It is designed for efficient root touch-ups and for users who want to minimize time spent waiting.
How long does the color from Vigen Cream Tone last?
As a permanent dye, the color does not wash out, but it will fade gradually with repeated washing. Expect vibrant results for 4 to 6 weeks before roots appear and color starts to soften. Using color-safe shampoo and minimizing heat styling prolongs the life of the shade.
Is the Vigen Cream Tone sold on skinsli authentic?
Yes. skinsli sources DONG-A PHARM products directly from Korean wholesale suppliers. All products are genuine Korean market editions, not reformulations or third-party repackaging.
Is Vigen Cream Tone vegan or cruelty-free?
DONG-A PHARM has not made a certified vegan or cruelty-free claim for the Vigen Cream Tone line. If this is important to you, we recommend checking the most current product packaging or reaching out to the brand directly.
Is Vigen Cream Tone suitable for sensitive scalps?
The cream base is gentler than liquid dyes due to its lower drip potential, reducing accidental skin contact. However, all permanent hair dyes contain developers that can irritate sensitive scalps. Always do a patch test, and consider wearing gloves and applying petroleum jelly along your hairline before coloring.