Gone are the days when achieving salon-worthy results required expensive salon visits. Today, the best drugstore hair dyes have revolutionized the beauty industry, offering an affordable and convenient solution for anyone seeking a vibrant hair transformation at home. After testing a lot of products, we have specially curated a list of some of them that will give you a new look without burning a hole in your pocket.

From rich browns and fiery reds to bold hair colors and pastel pinks, drugstore hair dyes have evolved to cater to a diverse range of preferences. Whether you're a seasoned hair dye enthusiast or a first-time adventurer, these top picks will ensure that you can confidently embrace a new shade or breathe life into your existing color.

• 1
  Best Overall

  Keracolor color + clenditioner

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Keracolor’s color + clenditioner is a non-damaging and deposit-only hair product that enhances, transforms, and tones the hair color. The product is available in over 20 different shades, including vibrant colors like hot pink, bright purple, mint, teal, and even rose gold. It can be applied to dry hair for a bolder color, and the longer it sits on the hair, the more color it will deposit. The product is a non-lather conditioning cleanser that is designed to instantly infuse color into the hair with every wash. Additionally, it is formulated with ingredients such as shea butter, rose hip oil, and jojoba oil which are safe for the hair. Plus, the Keracolor range is infused with their signature keratin that deeply conditions, strengthens, and nourishes your hair every time that you use it.

2

MOST LONG-LASTING

BETTER NATURED PERMANENT LIQUI-CREME COLOR

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Elevate your hair game with Better Natured’s permanent 5N light natural brown hair dye. This naturally-derived, vegan formula offers more than just a shade change—it's a luxurious experience. Enjoy 100% gray coverage that lasts up to 8 weeks, giving your hair a stylish makeover that stands the test of time. Embrace the confidence of vibrant, natural-looking color, all while knowing you’re making a choice that aligns with your values. Dive into the world of chic hair transformations, effortlessly blending style and sustainability.

3

Most Longlasting

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color

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This permanent keratin-infused hair color from Schwarzkopf is long-lasting, and it provides up to 100% gray coverage. Using K-bond Plex technology, this product helps in reducing breakage by up to 80% when compared to other hair dyes. The product comes with a pre-color serum that conditions the hair before coloring, resulting in a more even color coverage from root to tip, giving you stronger and healthier-looking hair. Additionally, this drugstore hair dye is suitable for all hair types and is ideal for those who want to achieve a hair color that lasts for a long time.

4

Best Non-damaging Hair Dye

Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Aesthetic

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Give your hair a fun makeover with this vegan, cruelty-free, and semi-permanent formula from Lime Crime – it comes in a range of vibrant shades. The formula is DIY-friendly and is ready to use right out of the jar, making it easy to take the dying process into your own hands, right from the comfort of your home. Additionally, it is designed to fade gradually and contains conditioning ingredients that help to boost shine and moisturize the hair, so it doesn't cause damage. Plus, it offers full coverage and is a long-lasting hair color that has a sugary citrus vanilla scent which leaves hair smelling sweet after every use.

5

Best Vegan Formula

Garnier Olia BRILLIANT COLOR

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This is a permanent color product from Garnier that is ammonia-free and oil-rich. The unique, velvety, non-drip formula is made up of a 60% oil blend and the oil-powered technology propels the colorants deep into the hair, giving you a pure, vivid, and long-lasting color. Additionally, it has a vegan formula that delivers brilliant, long-lasting color and 100% gray coverage. The vibrant color pigments in Garnier’s Olia range provide intense, true-to-tone shades that resist fading for up to eight weeks. Plus, this ammonia-free hair dye ensures a pleasant scent during the application, making the coloring experience more enjoyable. It also covers grey hair entirely

6

Most Affordable

REVLON COLORSILK

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This permanent hair color from Revlon is known for its affordability and quality – the product is designed to provide a rich color payoff, delivering 3D effects to the hair, while it also contains keratin for added conditioning benefits. The 3D Color Gel Technology ensures a vibrant, multi-dimensional color that remains true to its tone even after weeks of washing. With over 40 permanent shades to choose from, you will definitely be able to choose one that matches your preferences. Plus, it is also easy to use and drip-free, providing full coverage for gray hair while ensuring seamless and flawless color results.

7

Most Permanent Hair Dye

AGEbeautiful permanent anti-aging haircolor

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Elevate the look of your hair with AGEbeautiful’s permanent anti-aging haircolor – this permanent hair color product provides 100% gray coverage. It is developed to fight all 5 signs of aging hair – it adds volume, moisture, and shine while making the hair more manageable and enhancing the color. Additionally, it contains melanin, keratin peptide, silk protein, and a patented conditioning technology to replenish the hair strands. It also comes with a kit that includes a developer, applicator bottle, shampoo, and conditioner. Moreover, it has a liquid formula that is easy to mix and apply, and the product is also available in a variety of natural colors that can last up to 8 weeks.

8

Most Nourishing Formula

Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit

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Madison Reed’s Radiant Hair Color Kit is a salon-quality product that provides multi-dimensional color with 100% gray coverage. The kit is designed by professional colorists and comes with everything you need to confidently color your hair at home. The kit includes a smart 8-free permanent hair color, which is free from ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, PPD, phthalates, gluten, SLS, and titanium dioxide. It is enriched with hair-loving nutrients such as keratin, argan oil, and ginseng root extract to protect and pamper your hair. The best part is that it’s available in various shades of black, brown, and red, so you can pick one that suits your skin tone.

9

Best Conditioning Formula

Clairol BALAYAGE NATURAL LOOKING personalized highlights

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Upgrade the look of your locks with this hair color product from Clairol – it provides personalized highlights and lowlights in one simple step to enhance natural variations in your hair color. The product comes in two different shades, one for blondes and one for brunettes – both shades are designed to provide natural-looking highlights, while also making the hair smooth. The product comes with a developing creme, hydrogen peroxide, Cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20, steareth, and other ingredients. Plus, the expert brush makes it easy to apply and a CC color seal conditioner enhances shine and smoothness.

10

BEST Shiny FInish

Knight & Wilson COLOR-FREEDOM Semi-Permanent Color Mask

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This purple hair dye from Knight & Wilson is a semi-permanent hair color that provides an ultra-vibrant hue to your hair. The product is vegan, PPD, and ammonia-free, making it gentle and effective on the hair. Additionally, the unique professional formula boosts color penetration and ensures that the user gets long-lasting results. Plus, the Color-Freedom range offers a wide variety of hair colors that include mystic purple, green emerald, metallic glory graphite gray, and more.

11

Best Clean Hair Dye

Mysteek Naturals Color Pop Temporary No-bleach Hair Color

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Mysteek Naturals' Color Pop is a temporary color product that delivers vibrant colors to the hair without the commitment or harsh chemicals that cause damage. It doesn't harm the hair, so it's safe for both adults and kids. Additionally, it can be washed out easily, allowing for hassle-free hair color application. Plus, the product provides a vibrant color payoff that can be used on both dark hair and light hair. Moreover, the formulation is not sticky as it is cream-based, and it does not leave the hair feeling icky or dry.

Now that you have gone through some of the best drugstore hair dyes, it is time to check out the buying guide to rule out all the doubts that you might have while selecting drugstore hair dye formulas.

 

Choosing the best drugstore dyes requires considering several factors. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision:

• Shade Selection: Determine the desired color you want to achieve. Look for a drugstore hair dye brand that offers a wide range of shades to match your preference.
• Hair Type And Condition: Consider your hair type and condition. Look for dyes specifically formulated for your hair type (e.g., dry, damaged hair, or color-treated) to minimize damage and maintain hair health.
• Longevity: Check for information on the dye's longevity. Look for products that offer long-lasting results to minimize frequent touch-ups. Our contributor Ghanima Abdullah who is a certified hair and beauty consultant, says, “A long-lasting hair dye will still be vibrant after the first wash. That means it has adhered well to the hair. If you can manage to extend your hair washing sessions to once every two weeks, a good semi permanent hair dye can go as long as two months, or until the time you need a root touch up, without much change in the color. So, choose one accordingly.” 
• Gray Coverage: If you have gray hair, opt for a hair dye specifically designed to cover grays effectively. Look for products with claims of full or excellent gray coverage.
• Application Ease: Consider the application process. Look for hair dyes that provide clear instructions, are easy-to-use applicators, and create a minimal mess.
• Brand Reputation: Research the reputation of different drugstore hair dye brands. Read customer reviews and consider brands known for quality, customer satisfaction, and reliable results. Consider reviews by professional hair stylists, hair color experts, and celebrity hair stylists.
• Ingredients And Safety: Pay attention to the hair-healthy ingredients used in the hair dye. Look for products that are ammonia-free, sulfate-free, and contain nourishing ingredients to minimize damage and enhance hair health.
• Allergies And Sensitivities: If you have a history of allergies or sensitivities, conduct a patch test before applying the hair dye to ensure that it won't cause adverse reactions.
• Price: Consider your budget. Drugstore hair dyes are generally more affordable than hair salon dyes, so compare prices and choose a product that fits your budget, without compromising on quality.

Conclusion:

By considering these factors, you can select the best drugstore hair dye that suits your needs, preferences, and hair health while achieving vibrant, long-lasting results. Ultimately, it's not just about color; it's about embracing your individuality, boosting your self-confidence, and having fun with your hair. So, go ahead, grab that box of hair dye off the shelf, and embark on a journey of self-expression and transformation, all while staying budget-savvy. Your perfect shade is just a click away.

Contributor: Ghanima Abdullah, Cosmetologist, The Right Hairstyles