If you’re considering updating your look at home without the hassle of a full dye kit or salon visit, you may have come across the product name Shihuanuo, a “hair-colour shampoo” that promises to cover greys and refresh your colour with minimal fuss.
What Is Shihuanuo and How Does It Work
Brand & Product Overview:
Shihuanuo is a brand produced by Shihuanuo (Guangdong) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a firm based in China that states it has over 20 years’ experience in hair-dye manufacturing. The product we’re focusing on is the “3 in 1 Hair Dye Shampoo (for grey hair coverage)” which claims to act as shampoo + dye + conditioner in one.
How It Works:
Unlike a permanent dye that opens the hair shaft and deposits new pigment deep inside, these kinds of shampoo dyes deposit colour more on the surface or upper layers of hair. According to a general explanation on how colouring shampoos work: they act fast, require less mixing, avoid heavy chemical steps like bleaching or peroxide processing. For Shihuanuo, marketing mentions herbal extracts (camellia, macadamia, ginseng, ganoderma) and “no ammonia” in some versions.
What It Claims To Do:
- Cover grey hairs or at least blend them better so they become less noticeable.
- Provide a conditioner-like effect alongside colouring (so less drying).
- Offer an easier at-home method: basically wash your hair with it like you would shampoo.
- Possibly less harsh than traditional dye systems.
Safety and Realistic Expectations
Many Colour Shampoos Are Considered Safer:
Compared to traditional permanent hair dyes (which often contain ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, strong oxidants, and penetrate the hair shaft deeply), shampoo-based colour systems claim lower risk of damage and irritation. For example, the Salon de Au Ville blog says: “Most hair colour shampoos are less damaging than traditional dyes because they contain fewer harsh chemicals.” Because Shihuanuo claims fewer harsh chemicals (or “ammonia-free” in some adverts), it aligns with that safer-looking category.
New Research on Potential Risks
Here’s where we go deeper than most: a literature review found that certain “colouring shampoos” especially those containing 1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene (THB) can have detrimental effects on the scalp’s skin barrier if used frequently.
- These effects include reduced scalp barrier function, which might lead to increased irritation, hair-loss or scalp conditions.
- The risk is tied to frequent use and unknown dosage/standards.
- Many blogs gloss over this entirely; we’re bringing it to your attention.
We cannot confirm if Shihuanuo uses THB (the brand doesn’t publish full independent ingredient disclosure publicly). That means as a user you should assume caution rather than assume “all good”.
Practical Safety & Expectation Advice
- Patch test: Before full use, apply behind your ear or inner arm 24 hrs ahead check for redness, itching.
- Read the ingredient list: If you’ve ever reacted to hair colour products, check for direct dyes, PPD (paraphenylenediamine), strong fragrances.
- Manage expectations: If you have very heavy grey coverage (lots of white hairs) expect: the colour may not fully “cover” like a salon permanent dye. Many blogs remark on this limitation.
- Monitor scalp health: If your scalp is already irritated, inflamed, or you use this product very often, you might risk scalp barrier weakening (based on the THB-study).
- Follow instructions: Use gloves, apply as directed, rinse thoroughly, avoid more frequent than recommended unless brand explicitly says so
How Shihuanuo Performs in Real Life
What Users Are Saying:
On product listings, users report: For the Shihuanuo “Black Hair Dye Shampoo 3-in-1 for Grey Hair”, some say it “received glowing feedback, ease of use and effectiveness in covering greys.” Another listing says it includes herbal essences and is “gentle and non-irritating”. That said, users also note that the coverage may not equal a salon permanent dye, and colour fades with washing.
Strengths vs Limitations (in Real Use):
Strengths:
- Easy application (shampoo form) good for at-home, low-fuss use.
- Gentle aroma, herbal-style marketing appeal for those who dislike strong chemical smell.
- Good for refreshing colour or blending greys rather than full dramatic change.
Limitations:
- If you have very white/very grey hair, you may not get 100% coverage in one go or might need repeated use.
- Colour longevity may be shorter than permanent dyes – expect fading with frequent washes.
- If the scalp is sensitive, the assumption of “gentler” doesn’t guarantee zero reaction.
- Some of the broader risk research isn’t addressed in brand adverts.
At-a-Glance Table Key Facts
| Feature | What to Know |
| Product Type | Shihuanuo “3-in-1” hair-dye shampoo (shampoo + colour + conditioner) |
| Company & Background | Chinese manufacturer, 20+ years, large production capacity. |
| How It Works | Deposits pigment + conditions hair – less deep penetration than permanent dyes |
| Main Claims | Grey coverage, easier use, gentler formula |
| Realistic Coverage | Good for blending greys/refreshing colour; full heavy grey coverage may be limited |
| Safety Profile | Generally gentler than traditional dyes, but still needs caution |
| Notable Risk/Research | Literature review shows colouring shampoos with THB may harm the scalp barrier. |
| Best Use Case | At-home maintenance, moderate greys, healthy scalp |
| Less Ideal For | Heavy greys coverage, drastic colour changes, sensitive scalp |
FAQs
Is Shihuanuo really safe to use?
Yes, in many cases it will be safe and likely safer than many traditional permanent dyes but “safe for you” depends on your individual scalp and hair, your history of reactions, and how carefully you use it. Always do a patch test and check your scalp condition.
Q2: How long does the colour last with Shihuanuo?
Since it’s a deposit-type shampoo rather than full permanent dye, the colour will typically fade with washes. Some listings suggest “more than 3 weeks” for certain shades under optimal conditions.
Q3: Can it cover white or grey hair fully?
It may help cover or blend greys, but if you have a lot of white hair the coverage may not be perfect in one application. This limitation is common among colour-shampoos (not unique to Shihuanuo).
Q4: Can I use it on chemically treated hair (bleached, permed, previously coloured)?
Yes, but with caution. Chemically treated hair often has higher porosity, which may absorb pigment differently and fade faster. A strand test is wise before applying to the whole head.
Q5: What ingredients should I watch out for?
Look for direct-dyes, strong oxidising agents, PPD (paraphenylenediamine), heavy fragrances, and any ingredient you’ve reacted to before. Also monitor how your scalp behaves after application (irritation, itching). The THB research reminds us that even “colour-shampoo” formulas may carry risk.
Q6: If I stop using it, will my hair colour revert back?
Yes. Because the pigmentation is surface-level, as you wash your hair and new hair grows, your natural colour (including greys) will gradually show through again. This is normal.
Final Thoughts
So here’s where we land: “Shihuanuo: The Truth About Hair Color Shampoo and Safety” has given you a deeper dive than most articles out there. You know what Shihuanuo is, how it works, what it claims, and what the realistic benefits and risks are. You also know that while many blogs say “colour-shampoos are safe”, they often stop short of deeper scrutiny especially around ingredients and scalp barrier health. If your goal is simple: refresh your hair, blend greys, do it at home with minimal fuss, and your scalp/hair are healthy then Shihuanuo is a viable option. But if you want dramatic change, full grey coverage, or have scalp sensitivity approach with caution and realistic expectations.