Lakme Ultra Fast Color: When You Need Speed
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There is a specific moment in every salon day when time wins. A walk-in, a double-book, a wedding party that ran long, a client who called from the parking lot asking if you can fit them in before pickup. That is when Lakme Ultra Fast earns its place on the shelf. Ten minute processing, professional-grade pigment, and no compromise on gray coverage. Here is how to use it right.
What Ultra Fast Is
Ultra Fast is a permanent cream color with an accelerated oxidation system. The formula uses a higher ammonia level than Collage (around 3 percent) paired with a specialized developer to push the cuticle open faster and deposit pigment in a fraction of the time. You get 10 minute processing versus the 35 minute window on a standard permanent.
What It Is Not
Ultra Fast is not a demi or a gloss. It is a full permanent color that lifts, deposits, and covers gray. The speed comes from the chemistry, not from a reduction in commitment. Grow-out still shows a line, fade still happens over the normal four to six week window.
Mixing Ratio
Ultra Fast mixes at 1:1 with Lakme Ultra Fast developer. For every 60 ml of color you use 60 ml of developer. This is different from the 1:1.5 ratio on Collage and is critical to get right. The thicker consistency is intentional because the processing window is so short that the product needs to stay exactly where you place it.
- 10 volume developer: Deposit only, tone refresh
- 20 volume developer: Gray coverage, one level of lift (standard)
- 30 volume: Not recommended with Ultra Fast
Processing Time
10 minutes flat. Do not extend the time looking for more lift or darker deposit. The chemistry is designed to complete oxidation in that window, and overprocessing will just push pigment out of the cuticle and dry the hair.
Best Use Cases
Root Retouch Under 30 Minutes
This is the killer application. Apply Ultra Fast to new growth, process 10 minutes, rinse. You can run a full retouch service in under 30 minutes including consultation, application, rinse, and blow-dry. For a busy stylist that is one to two extra appointment slots a day.
Walk-Ins and Emergencies
When a client shows up with 20 minutes before an event, Ultra Fast is the only permanent color that will deliver a real result in that window. Pair with a fast blow-dry and they are out the door on schedule.
Gray-Coverage Speed Services
Market a 30-minute gray coverage service at a slight premium. Ultra Fast makes the math work, and clients will pay for the convenience.
Color Correction Fill Step
When you are filling before a corrective color, Ultra Fast can deposit pigment quickly before the second application. This is a pro-only use case and requires strong color theory fundamentals.
What Ultra Fast Is Not Best For
- High-lift work: Use Collage 1000 series with 40 volume and i-Plex
- Balayage or hand-painted highlights: Use lightener with i-Plex, then Chroma to tone
- Mid-length and ends refresh: Use Chroma demi, it is gentler and the pigment stays true longer
- Sensitive scalps: The higher ammonia can irritate. Use Collage instead
Pairing With i-Plex
Even though processing is short, Ultra Fast still benefits from i-Plex in the bowl. Add 5 ml of i-Plex Step 1 per 60 ml of color. The bond protection is active throughout the 10 minute window and protects the cortex on clients who color every four weeks.
Pricing the Service
Do not discount Ultra Fast services just because they are faster. You are selling the client time, not hours in your chair. Price a 30-minute Ultra Fast retouch at 80 to 100 percent of your standard retouch price. The faster turn lets you book more clients per day, which is where the revenue actually lives.
Shop Lakme at Hair Color USA
Hair Color USA stocks Ultra Fast in the full shade range along with Ultra Fast developer, Collage Creme, Chroma, i-Plex, and Teknia aftercare. Build a speed-service shelf and price a premium express menu. Shop all Lakme products and ship same-day from Jackson, Michigan.
Try Ultra Fast on your next root retouch and time yourself from mix to rinse. You will understand the business case the moment the second client of the morning sits in your chair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Lakme different from other professional brands?
Every professional brand has unique formulation chemistry, shade ranges, and application characteristics. Lakme has built its reputation on specific strengths that appeal to professional stylists. The best way to evaluate is through hands-on experience with the product line and attending brand education.
Where can I buy Lakme products?
Hair Color USA carries the full professional Lakme line and ships nationwide. Professional hair color is designed for licensed cosmetologists and beauty professionals, but knowledgeable home colorists can also purchase from authorized professional retailers.
How do I get the best results with professional hair color?
Start with a thorough consultation and analysis of the hair's current condition and history. Choose the right product, developer volume, and processing time. Do a strand test when trying a new formula or working on compromised hair. Follow up with professional aftercare products to maintain the result.