Most professional color lines feature liquid and creme hair color. Color developer also comes in liquid and creme form. The main difference between the two is the consistency or thickness of the color.
Selection
When it comes to selection, liquid and creme hair color share equal footing. Generally, all colors of most professional lines are available in both forms. Specialized lines, however, may only come in one form or the other.
Packaging
Liquid color is packaged in small 2-oz. bottles. Creme color is packaged in tubes that are squeezed from the bottom much like toothpaste. Creme color tubes usually contain 2.5 to 3 oz. of color.
Consistency
Liquid hair color is thin and liquid. When mixed with liquid developer, it thickens a little but still flows freely. Creme color is thicker in consistency. Once mixed, it stays put.
Application
Liquid color is applied using a color bottle. It is most often used in color applications where one color is desired. Creme color is difficult to apply using a bottle. Brush applications are most popular for this type of color. Because it is less likely to be absorbed by surrounding hair, cream color is most often used in applications where only parts of the hair are colored, such as highlights and lowlights.
Results
The results obtained from each type of color are identical.