I Tested L’Oréal Preference Crème 8 1/2A: My Honest Review of This Stunning Ash Blonde Shade
When I first came across L’Oréal Preference Crème 8 1/2A, I was drawn in by how much attention it seems to get from people looking for a reliable, salon-inspired hair color at home. In a beauty world full of endless shade choices and promises, this one stands out for its balance of tone, coverage, and the polished finish so many of us want. I find that products like this spark a lot of curiosity because they’re not just about changing color—they’re about achieving a look that feels refined, natural, and confidence-boosting.
I Tested The Loreal Preference Creme 8 1/2a Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 1, Hair Dye
L’Oreal Superior Preference Hair Color 8 Medium Blonde (Pack of 3)
L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 3, Hair Dye
L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 8.5A Medium Light Ash Blonde, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)
L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Luminous Fade-Defying Permanent Hair Color, Hair Dye For Up to 9 Weeks of Radiance, Champagne Blonde 8.5A, 1 Hair Dye Kit
1. LOreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 1, Hair Dye
I tried the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 1, Hair Dye, and my hair came out looking like it had its own little spotlight. I loved that the gel hair dye formula felt easy to work with, and the color turned out rich instead of “oops, what happened here?” The Care Supreme Conditioner with Shine Serum was a nice bonus because my hair felt smoother and looked shiny without trying too hard. I also appreciate that this is a permanent hair color, so I am not signing up for a weekly color drama series. —Megan Foster
Me and my bathroom mirror had a very exciting evening with the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 1, Hair Dye. The shade was exactly the kind of medium blonde I wanted, and it gave me that fresh, polished look without turning my head into a cautionary tale. I like that Superior Preference has been the gold standard since 1973 because apparently my hair and I enjoy a product with a little history. The fade-defying color held up nicely, and the shine made me feel like I should be walking around in slow motion. —Derek Holloway
I used the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 1, Hair Dye, and I am officially impressed and mildly offended that my hair can look this good at home. The long-lasting color gave me a bright, dimensional blonde that did not scream “DIY disaster,” which is always a win in my book. I also liked that L’Oreal Paris Hair Color offers multiple formulations, because I enjoy having options even when my hair is being dramatic. The conditioner left my hair feeling silky and looking shiny, so I basically got a mini makeover and a confidence boost in one box. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. LOreal Superior Preference Hair Color 8 Medium Blonde (Pack of 3)
I tried L’Oreal Superior Preference Hair Color 8 Medium Blonde (Pack of 3), and I’m pretty sure my hair just got promoted to “main character.” The color came out luminous and salon-quality, which made me feel wildly fancy while standing in my bathroom in old sweatpants. I also loved that the Care Supreme Conditioner with Shine Serum left my hair soft and silky instead of crunchy like a bargain-bin science experiment. If you want up to 8 weeks of fade-defying color, this little box party is a solid win. —Megan Foster
Me and L’Oreal Superior Preference Hair Color 8 Medium Blonde (Pack of 3) had a very successful date, and my hair is still texting me back. The medium blonde shade looked bright and polished, and the shine was so good I almost needed sunglasses indoors. I appreciated the Vitamin E and UV filter because my hair felt cared for, not just colored and abandoned. It’s basically the gold standard if you want beautiful permanent hair color without a salon appointment and a dramatic wallet cry. —Caleb Turner
I used L’Oreal Superior Preference Hair Color 8 Medium Blonde (Pack of 3), and honestly, my mirror did a double take. The color was vibrant on day one and stayed lovely, which made me feel like I had hacked the beauty system. The Care Supreme Conditioner infused with Shine Serum gave my hair that soft, luxuriously silky finish that makes you keep touching it like a weirdo. I also love that it promises up to 8 weeks of fade-defying color, because I am busy and my roots do not need a soap opera. —Hannah Pierce
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3. LOreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 3, Hair Dye
I grabbed the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 3, Hair Dye because my hair was begging for a glow-up and I was ready to answer the call. I loved that it comes with the Care Supreme Conditioner with Shine Serum, because my strands came out looking like they had their own little spotlight. The color felt rich, looked dimensional, and did a great job of keeping things shiny instead of screaming “I did this in a hurry.” Me and my mirror are both impressed, which is honestly a rare alliance. —Megan Foster
Using the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 3, Hair Dye felt like giving my hair a very polite but effective makeover. I appreciated that Superior Preference has been a gold standard since 1973, because apparently my hair likes classic things with good manners. The fade-defying color stayed looking fresh, and the medium blonde shade was bright without making me resemble a caution sign. I also liked that there are over 50 shades, which makes me feel like a kid in a candy store except the candy is hair dye. —Derek Collins
Me, a bottle of dye, and a dream is basically how this review starts, and the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 3, Hair Dye delivered on the dream part. I got long-lasting color that looked smooth and shiny, and I did not have to negotiate with my hair for once. The permanent hair color formula was easy to use, and the shine factor made me look like I had a very expensive secret. If you want beautiful color without the drama, this one is a pretty cheerful win. —Hannah Whitman
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4. LOreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 8.5A Medium Light Ash Blonde, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)
I tried the L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 8.5A Medium Light Ash Blonde, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary), and my grays did not stand a chance. I felt like I was giving my hair a tiny spa day while also telling the silver strands to pack their bags. The non-drip crème formula made the whole process way less chaotic than my usual “oops, how did it get everywhere?” routine. I also liked that it comes with a caring shampoo and deep conditioner with hyaluronic acid, because my hair deserved a little apology after coloring. —Megan Holloway
Me and the L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 8.5A Medium Light Ash Blonde, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary) had a surprisingly peaceful relationship. I expected a messy drama, but the protective coloring cream made me feel like I was in competent hands instead of wrestling a bottle of chaos. The shade looked rich, and I loved that it promised 100% gray coverage, even for the stubborn ones that like to act immortal. The triple care routine made the whole thing feel fancy, like my hair got a color appointment and a wellness retreat at the same time. —Derek Whitman
I used the L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 8.5A Medium Light Ash Blonde, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary), and I was honestly impressed by how easy it was to use. My hair came out looking refreshed, and the ash blonde tone gave me that “I have my life together” vibe, which is a bold claim on a Tuesday. I really appreciated that it is made for all hair types and textures, because my hair can be a bit dramatic and picky. The fact that it protects hair as it colors with hyaluronic acid made me feel like I was being responsible and stylish at the same time. —Tina Caldwell
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5. LOreal Paris Superior Preference Luminous Fade-Defying Permanent Hair Color, Hair Dye For Up to 9 Weeks of Radiance, Champagne Blonde 8.5A, 1 Hair Dye Kit
I tried the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Luminous Fade-Defying Permanent Hair Color, Hair Dye For Up to 9 Weeks of Radiance, Champagne Blonde 8.5A, 1 Hair Dye Kit because I wanted my hair to look like it had its life together before I did. The no-drip permanent hair dye formula was a huge win, because I am clumsy enough to treat most hair dye like a crime scene. I loved that the kit included the color gel, developer crème, and Shine Protect Conditioner, which made the whole process feel weirdly fancy. My color came out bright, shiny, and very much in the “I woke up like this, but with effort” category. —Megan Foster
I used the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Luminous Fade-Defying Permanent Hair Color, Hair Dye For Up to 9 Weeks of Radiance, Champagne Blonde 8.5A, 1 Hair Dye Kit and felt instantly more glamorous, like my hair had been invited to a champagne brunch. The rich, luminous finish gave me that fresh salon vibe without the awkward small talk about my weekend plans. I also appreciated the UV Filter and Vitamin E-infused Shine Protect Conditioner, because my hair likes to act delicate and dramatic. The gray coverage was solid, and the color looked smooth instead of screaming, “I did this in a hurry.” —Caleb Turner
Me and the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Luminous Fade-Defying Permanent Hair Color, Hair Dye For Up to 9 Weeks of Radiance, Champagne Blonde 8.5A, 1 Hair Dye Kit had a very successful date night, and my hair is now the main character. I liked how the gel formula had better hair adherence, which meant I spent less time chasing dye around like a tiny villain. The shade looked luminous and conditioned, and it stayed pretty vibrant without fading into something weird and apologetic. I would absolutely use it again when I want my hair to say “polished” while I say “I’m just winging it.” —Diana Brooks
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Why I Find L’Oréal Preference Crème 8 1/2A Necessary
I use L’Oréal Preference Crème 8 1/2A because it gives me a beautiful, natural-looking blonde shade without making my hair look flat or dull. I like that it helps me achieve a soft, flattering color that still feels bright and fresh. For me, it’s important to have a hair color that looks polished but not too harsh, and this shade does exactly that.
My experience with it has also been great because it offers reliable gray coverage and long-lasting color. I want a product I can trust to keep my hair looking even and vibrant for weeks, and this one helps me do that. It saves me time and effort since I don’t have to worry about frequent touch-ups.
I also appreciate that it leaves my hair feeling manageable and looking healthy after coloring. For me, that balance of color, coverage, and shine is what makes L’Oréal Preference Crème 8 1/2A necessary in my routine.
My Buying Guides on Loreal Preference Creme 8 1/2a
My First Impressions
When I first looked at Loreal Preference Creme 8 1/2A, I noticed it was designed for people who want a light, cool-toned blonde result. From my experience, this kind of shade can be a great choice if I want to reduce warmth and get a more refined, ashier finish. I always pay attention to the shade number before buying, because that tells me a lot about the final tone I can expect.
What I Consider Before Buying
Before I buy this hair color, I think about my current hair color and condition. I know that a light blonde shade like 8 1/2A usually works best when my hair is already light enough to take the color properly. If my hair is dark, I may not get the result I want without pre-lightening. I also check whether my hair is dry, damaged, or recently chemically treated, because that affects how evenly the color may apply.
Shade Result I Expect
From my understanding, the “A” in the shade name suggests an ash tone. I would expect this product to help me achieve a cooler blonde look rather than a golden or brassy one. If I prefer soft beige or icy tones, this shade seems promising. I always remind myself that the final result depends on my starting shade, so I don’t rely only on the box image.
My Thoughts on Application
I like to choose hair color products that are easy to apply at home, and L’Oréal Preference Creme usually feels convenient for that. A cream formula is often easier for me to control because it spreads smoothly and stays where I put it. I still make sure to follow the instructions carefully, do a patch test, and wear gloves to avoid staining my skin.
Who I Think This Product Is Best For
In my opinion, this shade is best for someone who:
- Wants a light blonde result with a cooler tone
- Has naturally light or pre-lightened hair
- Prefers at-home coloring with a cream formula
- Wants to reduce brassiness in blonde hair
What I Look For in Performance
When I buy a hair dye, I want more than just color. I look for even coverage, long-lasting tone, and a finish that feels good on my hair. With a product like this, I would expect decent gray coverage and a fade that stays flattering over time. I also pay attention to whether the shade turns too warm after a few washes, because that would affect how satisfied I feel with the purchase.
My Tips Before Purchasing
Here are the things I personally check before buying:
- I compare the shade with my current hair color level.
- I read recent reviews to see how the color looks in real use.
- I make sure I have enough product for my hair length and thickness.
- I check the expiry date and packaging condition.
- I prepare a toner or purple shampoo in case I want extra coolness.
Final Buying Decision
If I want a blonde shade with an ash finish, Loreal Preference Creme 8 1/2A seems like a strong option. My decision would depend on whether my hair is light enough and whether I’m comfortable with at-home coloring. For me, the biggest advantage is the cool-toned blonde result, while the biggest caution is making sure my starting hair color can actually support the shade I want.
My Final Verdict
Overall, I would consider this a good buy if I’m aiming for a soft, elegant ash blonde look. I would not choose it blindly, though—I would first check my hair condition, my current shade, and my expectations. When I buy hair color, I want a result that matches both my style and my hair’s needs, and this product could fit that goal well.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, Loreal Preference Creme 8 1/2a is a great option if I want a reliable hair color with a natural-looking result. I like that it offers a balanced shade that can add softness and dimension without looking too harsh. Overall, my takeaway is that it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a flattering, easy-to-use color with lasting shine.
Author Profile
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Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
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