Imagine a colour with the sophistication of forged metal: Gems 18 Iron is a dark, cool shade with metallic undertones reminiscent of polished steel or burnished iron.
Use and safety note
Direct pigment product: it deposits colour and does not lighten, so the final result always depends on your starting colour.
Carry out a strand test and a sensitivity test 48 hours before application. If you are unsure about your starting level, consult clichAIr or a professional before use.
What is Gems 18 Iron
Gems 18 Iron is a semi-permanent toning mask from the CODE ZERO Gems Collection. Its ammonia-free, ready-to-use formula deposits direct pigments for a dark, metallic grey with cool depth. It colours without lightening, no oxidiser is required, and the shade fades gradually after a few washes, letting you experiment without long-term commitment.
Who it is for
Ideal for anyone who wants a dark metallic grey with cool reflections. On pre-lightened hair the iron grey reads clearly and evenly; on natural or dark hair the product deposits a cool reflection only, because it does not lift the base. Formulated for professional salon use. At-home application is possible when your starting base matches the result you expect.
Key ingredients
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Basic Blue 99, Basic Red 76 and Basic Yellow 87: the direct pigment blend that builds a cool metallic grey and neutralises unwanted warmth.
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Lotus Flower Extract (Nymphaea Coerulea): moisturises and soothes the hair.
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Baobab Oil (Adansonia Digitata): nourishes and protects the hair fibre for soft, shiny results.
Specifications
| Type |
Semi-permanent toning mask |
| Shade |
18 Iron (dark cool metallic grey) |
| Ammonia / oxidiser |
Ammonia-free, no oxidiser needed |
| Best on |
Pre-lightened hair for a true iron grey; natural hair for a cool reflection only |
| Availability |
In stock in Switzerland |
Results
A dark, cool iron grey with metallic depth, even coverage without unwanted undertones and a sophisticated, modern shine. The intensity always depends on the starting base.
How to use
- Wash with a gentle shampoo and towel-dry to remove excess water. Do not apply conditioner or masks beforehand, so the pigment adheres perfectly.
- On natural, untreated hair, apply the mask evenly throughout, leaving on 5 to 15 minutes for a cool reflection over the existing base.
- On pre-lightened or highlighted hair, leave on 15-20 minutes for a deeper, longer-lasting iron grey. If the base still shows residual yellow, neutralise it before toning.
- Distribute with a comb for a uniform result without pigment buildup.
- Add a little lukewarm water and gently massage to emulsify, then rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear, avoiding shampoo to preserve the deposited pigments.
Pairs well with
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Gems C Clear: mix in for softer shades and pastel reflections on pre-lightened bases.
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Stabilizer pH 3.5: apply after treatment to seal the cuticle, lock in pigments and preserve colour depth.
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Gems 11 Pearl Grey: a lighter cool nuance for a frosty silver result.
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Gems 118 Graphite: a similar deep, smoky grey alternative.
FAQ
Do I need an oxidiser? No. It is ready to use and works without ammonia or developer.
Will it turn my dark hair grey? No. Direct pigments deposit colour but do not lighten, so on a dark base you get a cool metallic reflection, not a visible iron grey. A pre-lightened base is required for the full shade.
What happens if my base is still yellow? The blue component deposited over residual yellow warmth can read as green. Neutralise the base before toning, and run a strand test first.
How do I get softer, pastel reflections? Mix Gems 18 Iron with Gems C Clear on a pre-lightened base.
Full ingredients (INCI)
Aqua (Water), Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-25, Laureth-2, Cetrimonium Chloride, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Triethanolamine, Oleth-4 Phosphate, Oleyi Phosphate, Polyquaternium-7, Polyquaternium-11, Propylene Glycol, Nymphaea Coerulea Flower Extract, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Tetrasodium EDTA, Parfum (Fragrance), Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, Basic Yellow 87, Basic Red 76, Basic Blue 99.
