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Colorists charge a premium for their services because they're professionals; they know the ins and outs of hair color more than the average person. Still, that level of expertise comes at a certain price, which—depending on how often you switch up your hair hue or touch up your roots—can add up fast. The good news is you can DIY your hair color without ever leaving home with boxed dye available at the drugstore. Just make sure to carefully read the instructions and do your best to be precise. Celebrity hairstylist and Olaplex ambassador Christin Brown recommends doing the following before you hit the bottle. “First, read the instructions fully and completely,” she says. Next, and while this may seem obvious, follow those instructions to a T. Do exactly what they say, says Brown—in other words, now is not the time to be taking creative license. And finally, in related news, don’t leave the color on for longer than is recommended, she warns. Following this simple advice can go a long way toward ensuring you end up with your desired result.
Whether you're looking to save some money or are unable to make it to the salon, we've rounded up the best drugstore hair dyes worth trying.
Best Overall: Clairol Natural Instincts
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Works in just 10 minutes
Conditioning formula
Ammonia-free
Not permanent
Coloring your hair at home can be intimidating, especially if you're worried about damaging your hair. But with Clairol Natural Instincts, you can put all of your boxed dye fears at ease. The conditioning formula is ammonia-free and boasts a blend of coconut oil, aloe, and vitamins. The result is hair that looks radiant with enhanced color and shine. As for timing, 10 minutes is all it takes for it to work its magic, leaving you with color that will last for 28 washes, covering grays and roots. That's way less time than it would take in the salon chair, so really, it's a no-brainer.
Type: Semi-permanent | Size: 1 application | Application Type: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Brunette: John Frieda Precision Foam Colour
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Easy-to-use foam formula
Processing time is longer than most
This kit makes at-home coloring a cinch, and the unique foam formula simplifies precision color application so you can deposit color exactly where you want it. The even saturation includes 100 percent gray coverage and leaves you with vibrant color.
Type: Permanent | Size: 1 application | Application Type: Foam | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Blonde: Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme
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Conditioning formula
Can be a bit drippy
This little box does it all: You can cover grays, lighten dark roots, or get a new hue altogether. The permanent formula goes easy on your hair and nourishes with grape seed, shea butter, and avocado oil. This conditioning action helps hair hold onto the color from root to tip, extending the life of the shade, leaving you with a rich, bold color.
Type: Permanent | Size: 1 application | Application Type: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Black: Clairol Nice ‘n Easy
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Smells better than many other formulas
Non-drip formula
Contains ammonia
When you have dark raven hair, covering grays can be challenging. Luckily, this formula is up to the task. Boasting 100 percent gray coverage, it makes it look natural with a range of luminous tones and highlights. Even though it’s heavy-duty, you don’t have to worry about that chemical smell—this one has a fresh, floral fragrance instead. It conditions along the way, leaving hair shinier and softer than when you started. Plus, the non-drip formula won’t make a mess of your entire bathroom.
Type: Permanent | Size: 1 application | Application Type: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Red: Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color Permanent Hair Color
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Has a built-in UV protectant
Conditioning formula
Processing time is longer than most
Red hair dye tends to fade fast, so you’ll want a formula with major staying power, and this one does the trick. Thanks to Revlon 3D Color Gel Technology, the permanent dye delivers a natural look from root to tip with a boost from the multi-tonal color that gives dimension. The combination of silk proteins conditions to leave hair shiny and soft. Plus, the dye is infused with UV defense to protect color from the sun and extend its vibrancy.
Type: Permanent | Size: 1 application | Application Type: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Root Touch-Ups: Clairol Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up
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Easy-to-use for roots
Works in just 10 minutes
Shade range could be more expansive
Whether you always opt for at-home color or prefer to see a professional for root touch-ups, this kit will stretch your hue between colorings. The permanent color seamlessly blends into your shade to deliver 100 percent gray coverage. The precision brush makes it a cinch to apply and speeds up the process. It only takes 10 minutes to color roots and grays, but the hue lasts up to three weeks.
Type: Permanent | Size: 1 application | Application Type: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Permanent: Garnier Olia Oil Permanent Hair Color
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Ammonia-free
Very moisturizing
Shade range could be more expansive
This formula is not only ammonia-free, but it's also is made of 60 percent moisturizing oils. The result? An intensely nourishing formula that not only colors beautifully and evenly (including covering grays completely), but also leaves hair super hydrated and shiny, a surefire way to make your hue look even better, no matter which color you choose.
Type: Permanent | Size: 1 application | Application Type: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Semi-Permanent: Schwarzkopf Color Boost Vibrancy Booster
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Easy-to-use
Customizable
Shade range could be more expansive
No matter whether you’re a DIY newbie or want to give your color a little extra TLC but not necessarily change it, semi-permanent formula is the way to go. This is one of our favorites, largely for how easy it is to use—and how customizable it is. How it works: Simply add in anywhere between one to five drops, depending on how intense of an effect you want, into your standard conditioner, and leave it on for five minutes. The effect is increased vibrancy and enhanced tone—a great option to use in between full-on colorings or just on its own—and the results last up to 20 washes.
Type: Semi-permanent | Size: Multiple applications | Application Type: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Temporary: Mysteek Naturals Color Pop
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Shades that work on all hair colors
Minimal, chemical-free ingredient list
Can be a little messy
This color wax is excellent for those that want to experiment with new colors without the commitment. It's chemical-free and comes out in one wash, so you can play with bright and bold colors to see which one is right for you. Users say that the pigments are vibrant enough to bring color to even the darkest hair.
Type: Wash-out | Size: Multiple applications | Application Type: Wax | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Highlights: L'Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach Highlights
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Unique applicator system
Can cause damage if not used properly
First, a big caveat: Highlighting your own hair is definitely trickier than applying a single process and really is a technique best left up to the pros. That being said, if you feel extremely confident in your DIY abilities, this is the product to use. It comes with a unique, three-pronged brush/comb hybrid that lets you comb the lightening formula through hair for the most natural effect possible. And it is meant to be used with the brand’s semi-permanent vibrant color line, which you can then apply after the fact if you want to rock a bold rainbow hue.
Type: Bleach | Size: 1 application | Application Type: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Gloss: Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss
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Wide variety of shades for a gloss
Ammonia-free
Won’t actually deposit new color
True story: Glosses are one of the pros’ top secrets to scoring beautifully shiny, healthy color. Think of it almost as a top coat for nail polish, a must to ensure the end result is as pretty as possible. This ammonia- and silicone-free formula does exactly that, helping to keep color shiny and vibrant while also helping to neutralize unwanted tones (think brassy ones on brown hair or yellowish ones on platinum hair) but without necessarily changing your color; results last three to four weeks.
Type: Semi-permanent | Size: 1 application | Application Type: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best Ammonia-Free: Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Color
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Ammonia-free
Gentle on hair
Shade range could be more expansive
Ammonia is an effective hair color ingredient—in both at-home and in-salon color— but not only can it take a toll on your hair, but it’s also a very common skin sensitizing ingredient. Enter this pick, which is ammonia-, silicone-, and alcohol-free (all ingredients that can potentially damage your hair) yet still imparts long-lasting permanent color and complete gray coverage. Bonus points for the addition of oat milk, soy protein, and argan oil to help keep hair extra healthy.
Type: Permanent | Size: 1 application | Application Type: Liquid | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
Final Verdict
Clairol Natural Instincts hair dye (view at Ulta) earns our highest seal of approval. It's a gentle, ammonia-free color that works in just 10 minutes and lasts up to 28 shampoos. If you’re simply looking to touch up your roots, try another one of the brand’s options, Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Root Touch-Up (view at Ulta). If you prefer a permanent color, check out either the Garnier Olia Brilliant Color (view at Target) or Schwarzkopf Simply Color (view at Target). (Both also happen to be ammonia-free formulas that are gentle on both hair and skin.) And for those who want to experiment with fun or trendy hues in a commitment-free way, a temporary color wax like Mysteek Naturals Color Pop (view at Walmart) is a great choice.
What to Look for in a Drugstore Hair Dye
Ammonia-Free
Ammonia is a powerful hair-lightening ingredient, but the chemical can also irritate the skin: “Finding an ammonia-free hair dye can be beneficial for both sensitive skin types and for novices who are coloring their hair for the first time,” advises Brown. Pay attention to the guidelines on the box that show the end result on different base colors, and make sure that it matches your natural hair as closely as possible, too.
Level of Permanence
Not all hair dyes are created equal. Permanent color will stay put until it grows out, while semi- or demi-permanent shades gradually fade or wash out. (How long they last will be indicated on the box.) While the latter two options will yield more subtle results, they’re also a good way to go if you’re not entirely sure of the color you want or if don’t want to end up with an end result you hate (and then have to wait for it to grow out).
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Is drugstore hair dye safe for all hair types?
Yes, in theory. That being said, if your hair is super damaged or overprocessed, you may want to take a pass. Improper application can quickly end up taking a toll on your hair, so it may not be the best idea for you.
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How long does drugstore hair dye last?
It depends on the formula. Permanent color lasts until it grows out, demi- or semi-permanent will fade over the course of a few weeks (most usually last about 28 washes), while temporary hair dye only lasts until you shampoo it out.
Why Trust Byrdie?
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Since she has her hair professionally colored, she relied on the input of experts and plenty of consumer reviews to compile this list.
Meet the Expert
Christin Brown is a celebrity hairstylist and the owner of Full Spiral Salon in Santa Barbara. She’s an Olaplex ambassador and a Deva Certified Curl Specialist.
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