14 Best Brown Hair Dyes for Shiny And Glamorous Hair Looks

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 07, 2024
best brown hair dyes
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The change in seasons brings a change in our personal styles, and hair color is no exception to this! Whether you're looking to go bold with a vibrant new shade or simply refresh your natural color, there's no denying the transformative power of a great hair dye. But if you are someone who’s new to experimenting, then the best brown hair dye would be a risk-free choice to go for! 

When asked about the process of using a brown dye, our contributor Ghanima Abdullah, an experienced cosmetologist, says, “Dark hair needs to be lightened before using a brown hair dye, if the brown you wish to achieve is lighter than your natural hair color. Permanent brown hair dyes will use a developer to lighten the hair a few shades while depositing the brown color.”

Thanks to their state-of-the-art advancements, hair colorists have come up with different shades of brown hair dye. Warm caramel, rich chocolate, or a sultry chestnut shade —whatever you want, we've found the top picks for achieving your dream hue. Our diverse research has brought to you a compiled list of thirteen fanciable brown hair dyes, from the best brands to take your tresses to the next level and make your hair look rich, shiny, and most importantly, brown. So let us dive into the blog and find you your perfect shade of brown.

14 Best Brown Hair Dyes

It’s makeover time with Garnier Hair Color Nutrisse Nourishing Creme permanent hair color! This incredible hair color adds stunning mahogany tones to your traditional dark brown results, leaving you with a radiant and long-lasting color that adapts to all hair textures. 

But that's not all - the exclusive fruit oil ampoule and after-color conditioner enriched with 5 responsibly-sourced oils like avocado and argan oil, leaves your hair looking shiny, silky, and nourished. These features make it one of the best brown hair dyes with hair care benefits.

Pros
  • Rich formula
  • Intense color payoff
  • 100% gray coverage
  • Suitable for all hair types
  • Enriched with fruit oils
  • Natural origin conditioner
  • Cruelty-free
Cons
  • Might not last as long as a salon hair dye
  • Best Botanically-derived Formula

    Phyto Phytocolor Permanent Hair Color - Dark Brown

    Phyto Phytocolor Permanent Hair Color - Dark Brown
  • This brown hair dye by Phyto Phytocolor is a Godsend for people who are vulnerable to reactions from hair dyes, particularly from ingredients such as ammonia, or PPD. Instead, the dye employs naturally tinctorial ingredients such as madder root, buckthorn, logwood, dryer’s broom, etc. which are the main coloring component of the product. Adding to that, the product contains hair-loving ingredients such as coconut oil, vitamin E, and jojoba oil — beneficial to nourish your precious locks and conduct the pigments better. And you’ll be surprised to know that this holy grail product is indeed useful for permanent coloring.

    Pros
    • Offers 100% gray coverage
    • Resorcin-free
    • Gentle on hair and scalp
    • Doesn’t damage the hair shaft
    • Doesn’t fade quickly after washing
    • Gives a vibrant shine
    Cons
    • Takes a long-time for pigments to settle
  • Clairol root touch-up by nice'n easy - Medium Brown (Pack of 2)

    Clairol root touch-up by nice'n easy - Medium Brown (Pack of 2)
  • Get ready to achieve perfect hair with these brown dye boxes by Clairol Nice 'n Easy! This incredible pack of 2 comes in a gorgeous shade of medium brown to spruce your hair color. The precision brush included in the kit makes application easy and fast, covering roots or gray hairs in just minutes. With this product, you can say goodbye to unnatural-looking tones. Among the best medium brown hair dyes, this product will make you look no less than a celebrity — it’s a promise!

     

    Pros
    • Easy to apply
    • Lasts up to 3 weeks
    • 100% gray coverage
    • Natural look
    Cons
    • One-time use
  • Rich Permanent Hair Dye - Best Vegan Dye

    Garnier Hair Color Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Dye - Darkest Platinum Brown

    Garnier Hair Color Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Dye - Darkest Platinum Brown
  • Achieving that perfect shade of dark brown hair has never been easier than with this oil-powered permanent hair color by Garnier. This dark brown hair dye is innovatively formulated with a unique combination of strong, ashy reflects for an intensely cool shade with a platinum shine that provides remarkable gray coverage So, if you're looking for a good  brown hair dye for root touch-ups, look no further. You can be rest assured that it is an eco-friendly pick, making this dye everything you want in an awesome hair product!

     

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • No color bleeding
    • Long-lasting
    • Radiant finish
    • 100% gray coverage
    • No Ammonia
    Cons
    • Can be messy while using
  • Best Conditioning Benefits

    SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color - Brown Cinnamon

    SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color - Brown Cinnamon
  • For a rich brown hair dye that not only provides luxurious color but also nourishes and protects your hair, look no further than Softsheen-Carson! Their nourishing color conditioner is infused with shea, avocado, and olive oils to provide intense nourishment from root to tip, all while delivering brilliant gray coverage. This non-drip hair color helps protect colored hair from breakage and leaves it shiny and silky, with results lasting up to eight weeks. 

     

    Pros
    • Fade-resistant color
    • Pleasant smell
    • Rich color pay-off
    • Nice coverage
    Cons
    • Hard to use
  • Best Dermatologist Tested

    Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color - 6.0 Cool Brown

    Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color - 6.0 Cool Brown
  • This shade of Schwarzkopf is among the best cool brown hair dyes, as it gives a great color payoff. It is also free of ingredients such as  PPD and PTD — meaning it is less likely to trigger allergies. You can expect this product to color your hair evenly, from the roots to the tips, for a gorgeous finish. With this cool brown box dye, you can enjoy a long-lasting color that looks just as healthy as it feels. This incredible brown dye might be just what you need to ace a new makeover for the season! 

     

    Pros
    • Natural-looking color
    • Fade-resistant
    • Dermatologist tested
    • Excellent gray coverage
    • Rich formula
    Cons
    • Not as long lasting as other dyes
  • Best Natural Formula

    Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye - Light Brown Hair Color

    Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye - Light Brown Hair Color
  • With a low commitment formula that lasts up to 28 washes, the Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye is a good light brown box hair color. For the free-spirited, you need not settle with just one colour anymore — thanks to this temporary brown hair dye. 

    And with the no-drip creme formula of this demi-permanent brown hair dye, you can be sure that the application process is free of any mess. As it consists of 80% naturally-derived ingredients, the product is very gentle and nourishing for your hair. To boot, the nourishing goodness of coconut and aloe extracts in it boost softness and overall hair quality.

     

    Pros
    • Boosts shine
    • Vegan ingredients
    • Gentle on all hair types and textures
    • Free from ammonia
    • Contains no parabens
    Cons
    • Not suitable for covering grays
  • Best Cruelty-Free Product

    Wella ColorCharm Permanent Gel Haircolor - Medium Neutral Brown

    Wella ColorCharm Permanent Gel Haircolor - Medium Neutral Brown
  • Wella ColorCharm Permanent Gel Haircolor is a wildly popular brown hair dye among many, thanks to its damage-free solution! Enriched with shea butter, the formula nourishes your hair and makes it healthier, while also boosting shine. The high-performance hair dye provides long-lasting color and covers gray hair with ease. 
    The natural brown hair dye is perfect for all hair textures and conceals  those pesky grays effectively and seamlessly. Its conditioning agent transforms lifeless hair into shiny and healthy-looking locks.

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Lasts up to 24 washes
    • Conditioning formula
    • Quick application
    Cons
    • Can be a bit drying
  • Best for Salon-like Hair

    Clairol Nice'n Easy Permanent Hair Dye - Dark Reddish Brown Hair Color

    Clairol Nice'n Easy Permanent Hair Dye - Dark Reddish Brown Hair Color
  • A hair transformation like never before awaits you with this brown hair color by Clairol. This hair dye uses an innovative Color Blend technology that creates three different salon tones and highlights in just one easy step. 

    You can flaunt a multidimensional and natural-looking hair color without having to go through the pain of multiple coloring processes. That too, without breaking the bank. Moreover, the excellent dark brown hair dye has nourishing conditioners built into every step to make your hair soft and shiny. 

     

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Non-drip Color Care cream
    • Makes hair soft
    • Increases luster
    • Consistent coverage
    Cons
    • Washes out easily
  • Naturtint Permanent Hair Color - Light Chestnut Brown

    Naturtint Permanent Hair Color - Light Chestnut Brown
  • Naturtint's permanent hair color provides you with the perfect combination of benefits. Along with providing up to superb gray coverage, this light brown box dye is also free from harsh chemicals such as ammonia, parabens, and heavy metals.

    This natural hair dye is made using an excellent blend of natural and organic ingredients. It also includes plant-based extracts that are not only gentle on your hair but also on your scalp. Win-win situation!

     

    Pros
    • Adds volume
    • Vegan and cruelty-free
    • Natural-looking results
    • Long-lasting
    Cons
    • Might feel sticky or oily
  • Best Gel-based Formula

    L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color - Dark Soft Mahogany Brown

    L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color - Dark Soft Mahogany Brown
  • This permanent hair dye for brown hair by L’Oreal Paris adds some dimensions to your hair, making the color look gorgeous and nuanced. The gel formula is paired with a Care Supreme Conditioner with Shine Serum that helps maintain color vibrancy of your hair, while boosting shine. 

    Furthermore, the fade-defying formula ensures that your color stays true and fresh for weeks on end, making this brown hair dye a favorite of many. This is your ultimate solution for fade-defying and high-shine results.

     

    Pros
    • Gel formula
    • Long-lasting hair color
    • Gray coverage
    • Fade-defying formula
    Cons
    • Might leave stains
  • Revlon Colorsilk Luminista Haircolor - Burgundy Brown

    Revlon Colorsilk Luminista Haircolor - Burgundy Brown
  • The Revlon Colorsilk Luminista Haircolor in Burgundy Brown is specially formulated to provide intense color and shine, while also nourishing and protecting your hair. It is perfect for those who want a bold and vibrant hair color that enhances their natural beauty.

    Infused with the extracts of mango butter, the formula boosts natural shine and moisturizes your hair with its emollient properties. It includes a nourishing conditioner that helps to seal in the color and provide extra shine and softness to your hair.

     

    Pros
    • Affordable price
    • Ammonia-free
    • High-intensity color
    • Covers gray hair
    Cons
    • Not recommended for damaged hair
  • Most Easy to Use

    Mankani MEIDU Herbal Brown Hair Dye Shampoo - Brown

    Mankani MEIDU Herbal Brown Hair Dye Shampoo - Brown
  • Mankani MEIDU Herbal Brown Hair Dye Shampoo is a 3-in-1 hair dye shampoo that provides instant hair color and gray coverage in minutes! This unique formula contains pure plant essences like polygonum multiflorum, Moroccan oil, and ginseng extract that work together to nourish and strengthen your hair from the roots to the tips.

    This hair dye shampoo is free from ammonia and parabens and other harsh chemicals which makes it a safe and healthy choice for your beautiful hair. The warm brown hair dye is without a doubt, an excellent choice for a quick and easy makeover.


     

    Pros
    • Herbal ingredients
    • Provides gray coverage
    • Nourishing formula
    • Affordable price
    Cons
    • May not provide long-lasting results
  • L'Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color- French Roast (Deep Bronzed Brown)

    L'Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color- French Roast (Deep Bronzed Brown)
  • L'Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in shade 45 French Roast is a high-quality hair dye that provides a deep and rich bronzed brown color to your hair.  This brown hair dye is formulated with multi-faceted shimmering color technology to add an edge to your dull hair.

    The 45 French Roast shade is perfect for those who want to add some drama to their look. It's a deep and rich bronzed brown that will turn heads and make people wonder if you're a natural-born goddess.

     

    Pros
    • Three salon tones in one step
    • 100% gray coverage
    • Non-drip formula
    • Contains ME+ molecule to reduce allergies
    Cons
    • The solution might feel thin and runny

    Now that you’ve seen our product recommendations for the best brown hair dyes, let us move on to the shopping guide so you can make an informed shopping decision!

     

    How to Select a Brown Hair Dye?

    Here are some important factors to consider when selecting a brown hair dye:

    Brown hair is a classic and timeless look that never goes out of style. Whether you're going for a subtle change or a dramatic transformation, choosing the right brown hair dye can make all the difference. Here are some tips on how to choose the best brown hair dye for you:

    1. Determine Your Skin Tone: Your skin tone plays a big role in determining which shade of brown will suit you best. Cool skin tones look best with cool-toned browns like ash or mocha, while warm skin tones look great with warmer browns like caramel or golden. Thus, it is important to pick the right shade as per your skin tone.
    2. Consider Your Natural Hair Color: If you're dyeing your hair at home, it’s important to choose a shade that is close to your natural hair color to ensure that the end result looks even and natural. However, choosing a shade too close to natural color may not result in desired color intensity. So, take some time to access your natural hair color.
    3. Decide on a Shade: Brown hair comes in a wide range of shades, from light to dark, and everything in between. If you're unsure which shade to choose, start with a medium brown and go darker or lighter from there.To help you choose a better shade, our contributor Ghanima Abdullah, explains “If your hair was light brown or blonde, the brown will fade back into your original color. If your hair was very dark and developer or bleach was used to lighten it a few phases, then it was toned to a brown color, the brown will fade to a lacklustre color, similar to how it looked after it was lightened.”
    4. Choose a Formula: When selecting a hair dye formula, it's important to take your hair type and desired longevity of the color into consideration. The three main types of hair dye formulas include permanent, semi-permanent, and demi-permanent. Permanent dye is long-lasting, while semi-permanent and demi-permanent dyes gradually fade away over a few weeks. Choose the formula that best suits your hair type and color preferences.

    So, there you have it! The above-mentioned products are some of the best brown hair dyes to suit all your hair coloring needs. Whether you're going for a dramatic change or just a subtle touch-up, these dyes will have you looking like a million bucks (without actually spending that much). We hope that this information is useful for your next hair coloring experiment. Happy shopping!

    Contributor: Ghanima Abdullah, Cosmetologist, The Right Hairstyles

    FAQ's

    What is the healthiest brown hair dye?
    The healthiest brown hair dye would be one that is ammonia-free and contains natural ingredients, such as henna or vegetable-based dyes.
    What brown hair color won't turn brassy?
    To prevent brown hair color from turning brassy, choose a cool-toned shade with ashy or neutral undertones and use a purple shampoo to counteract brassiness.
    Is brown hair dye less damaging?
    Brown hair dye can be less damaging than other hair dyes if it is formulated with nourishing ingredients and is free of harsh chemicals such as ammonia and peroxide.
    What brown hair dye doesn't have red tones?
    If you want a brown hair dye without red tones, look for shades labeled as

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    As someone who has colored her hair several times in the past, our in-house hair expert Alvira recommends the evergreen brown dye to someone who’s new to the coloring game. And she believes that the dyes she has listed in this article are to die for, owing to several reasons! To begin with, most customers of these products have fallen in love with their results and have spoken highly of them in their testimonials. Adding on, Alvira took a deep dive into their formulations, tested them for their application and finishes, and rounded out by categorizing each item on the list as “sublime”!

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More