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Byrdie / Kristin Kempa
Today's boxed hair dyes have gotten a major upgrade. Unlike the unsophisticated formulas of yesteryear, many contain ingredients to add shine, prevent damage, and condition while you color. This is ideal for those who want to touch up roots at home, cover grays, switch up their hair color often, or simply save money by forgoing expensive salon appointments.
We tapped celebrity hairstylist Christin Brown for advice on using drugstore hair dye at home. Believe it or not, she gives this DIY practice her stamp of approval—with a few caveats. "First, read the instructions fully and completely," she says. Next—and while this may seem obvious—follow those instructions to a T.
With Brown's tips in mind, we conducted hours of research on the best drugstore hair dyes, evaluating each formula on active ingredients, nourishing components, shade range, level of permanence (permanent versus demi-permanent versus semi-permanent), and intended use. We also tried several ourselves to get first-hand experience with potential results. After considering dozens of options for various hair types, textures, and colors, we narrowed it down to all-star formulas worth trying at home.
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Works in just 10 minutes
Moisturizes and conditions
Non-fumey, ammonia-free formula
Contains ethanolamine
Coloring your hair at home can be intimidating, especially if you're worried about potential damage or being stuck with an unintentional permanent hue. But with Clairol Natural Instincts, you can put all your boxed dye fears at ease. We love that the non-fumey formula is ammonia-free and boasts a conditioning, moisturizing blend coconut oil and aloe vera. (Its active ingredient is ethanolamine, which doesn't have the strong smell of ammonia but may still be harsh on hair.)
Ten minutes is all it takes to work its magic—way less time than you'd spend sitting in a salon chair. The result? Hair that looks radiant with enhanced color and shine. And since it's demi-permanent, the results will last roughly 28 washes.
Who It's For
We recommend this fast-acting, demi-permanent hair dye to anyone looking to save time while trying a new color or covering grays at home.
Active Ingredients: Ethanolamine, coconut oil, aloe vera | Type: Demi-permanent | Shades: 38 | Cruelty-Free: No
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Oil-based, ammonia-free formula
Deeply moisturizing
Smells nice
Not as long-lasting as ammonia-based options
Achieving permanent, vibrant hair color without ammonia or ethanolamine is possible, but it really depends on the formula. Garnier Olia is an oil-based drugstore hair dye that uses plant oils to create rich, dimensional color by sending pigments deep into the hair shaft—no strong odors or harsh chemicals necessary. While the results are supposed to be permanent, we should mention that the coverage may not last as long as ammonia-based options.
Who It's For
We suggest this drugstore hair color kit to anyone looking for an affordable, widely available, long lasting color that doesn't contain ammonia.
Active Ingredients: Sunflower oil, meadowfoam oil, passion flower oil, camellia oil | Type: Permanent | Shades: 38 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Excellent natural shade range
Great color payoff
Drip-free, and easy-to-apply foam
Processing time is longer than most
Brunette shades can be tricky to get right with a box dye—the lighter shades especially can skew orange. John Frieda's Precision Foam Colour is different, though. It's available in several natural brunette shades ranging from luminous black to medium chestnut to cool-toned light brown. We like that the unique foam doesn't drip like creams and liquids, allowing for easy application and precise coverage exactly where you want it. Just know the processing time is a bit longer than other kits we've tried.
Who It's For
This drugstore hair dye is for all brunette shades, ranging from the deepest dark to light blondish-brown. It's also a good choice for beginners, as the foam is easy to apply.
Active Ingredients: Ammonium bicarbonate | Type: Permanent | Shades: 13 | Cruelty-Free: No
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Great natural shade range
Excellent gray coverage
Moisturizes and conditions
Can be a bit drippy
Contains ethanolamine
This little box does it all: You can cover grays, lighten dark roots, or try a new hue altogether, but we like it best for blondes. Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Creme comes in 36 colors, including several blonde shades—from golden honey to super-light ash to medium dirty blonde. The permanent formula conditions and nourishes with shea butter, grape seed, and avocado oil to help minimize damage and leave you with soft, shiny, vibrant hair. We have noticed all that oil makes the dye a bit drippy, so be sure you're putting towels down when you apply it.
Who It's For
Calling all light-haired beauties! Available in 36 shades, Garnier Ultra Creme is perfect for people looking to achieve a natural-looking hair color or cover grays, particularly the blonde set.
Active Ingredients: Ethanolamine, plant oils, shea butter | Type: Permanent | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Celebrity stylist Christin Brown tells Byrdie that when using boxed hair dye you should "never leave the color on for longer than is recommended," for best results.
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Several variations of black
Blends multiple tones and highlights
Demi-permanent
Contains ammonia
This kit from Clairol's Nice'n Easy drugstore line comes in 50 shades, including several black hues. Beyond true black, there's comic book-inspired blue black, deep cherry black, plum black, and natural-looking brown black. We like that the clever formula combines three colors to help you achieve a stunning multidimensional effect that shimmers and shines. What's more, the demi-permanent formula lasts only eight weeks, so you won't have to bleach out the super dark shade if you change your mind down the road. Just know this formula does contain ammonia which can be damaging and smell strong.
Who It's For
Want to dye your hair black? This kit comes in numerous black shades, and since it's demi-permanent, you won't be stuck with a super dark hue if you end up changing your mind.
Active Ingredients: Ammonium hydroxide, amino acids | Type: Demi-permanent | Shades: 50 | Cruelty-Free: No
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Excellent staying power
Prevents fading and dulling
Leaves hair soft and shiney
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. Revlon Colorsilk combines multiple active ingredients (ethanolamine and hydrogen peroxide) to deliver a natural look with a multi-tonal color from root to tip. The combination of keratin and amino acids helps minimize damage while strengthening hair and leaving it soft and shiny. That said, hydrogen peroxide can be drying, and the processing time for this color is lengthier than some others we've tried.
Who It's For
If you want to achieve a red color at home that actually lasts without damaging your hair, we highly recommend Revlon Colorsilk.
Active Ingredients: Ethanolamine, hydrogen peroxide, amino acids, keratin | Type: Permanent | Shades: 42 | Cruelty-Free: No
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Easy to apply with precision brush
Works in just 10 minutes
Complete gray coverage
Limited shade range
Contains PPD
Anyone who colors their hair on the regular knows that roots are a pain, and would love to make them disappear. Whether you always opt for at-home color or usually see a professional for root touch-ups, this kit is a stellar DIY option that can help you go longer between treatments. The permanent color cream seamlessly blends into your natural shade and even delivers complete gray coverage at the roots and temples. The precision brush makes it a cinch to apply, and you only have to leave it on for 10 minutes. We just wish there was a wider shade range.
Who It's For
We recommend this easy-to-use kit for anyone looking to touch up their roots, cover grays, or go longer between salon appointments.
Active Ingredients: Cocamide MEA, phenylenediamine | Type: Permanent | Shades: 15 | Cruelty-Free: No
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User-friendly and customizable
Enhances color and tone
Gradually washes out
Very limited shade range
Whether you're a DIY newbie or want to give your color a boost without necessarily changing it much, a semi-permanent formula is the way to go. This is one of our favorites, as it's super easy to use and conveniently customizable. Just add one to five drops of the solution to your regular conditioner, work it through your hair, let it sit for five minutes, then rinse out to reveal a more vibrant color and enhanced tone. That said, there aren't a ton of shades available, so it may not work for you if you have a less common color.
Who It's For
This simple hair color system is deal for those who want a user-friendly, foolproof option that gradually washes out.
Active Ingredients: Pigments | Type: Semi-permanent | Shades: 6 | Cruelty-Free: No
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Washes out in one shampoo
Shades work on all hair colors
Only three ingredients
Can be a little messy
Mysteek Naturals Color Pop is a color-depositing cream that allows you to experiment with bright, bold hues—Gen Z green, silver, and fire-engine red, to name just a few. We love that it works on all existing hair colors (some others only show up on lighter hair) and washes out in a single shampoo. So it's great for a fun night out or event. Not only that, but the simple formula only contains three ingredients: beeswax, petroleum jelly, and natural pigments. It can get messy when applying though, so make sure you've got towels down and gloves on.
Who It's For
This temporary hair color cream works on all existing hair colors (even darker shades) and washes out the next time you shampoo your hair.
Active Ingredients: Beeswax, petrolatum, pigments | Type: Wash-out cream | Shades: 10 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Creates noticeable shine
Extends hair color between appointments
Low-odor ammonia-free formula
Limited shades
Hair gloss technically isn't hair dye. It deposits a wash of pigment onto color-treated strands to extend the life of hair dye, enhance your natural color, or change up your natural color slightly. Glosses also leave a noticeable shine in their wake. We're big fans of this kit from Kristin Ess, which you can use in the shower for a quick dullness fix and color boost. We like that this ammonia-free formula doesn't have a strong chemical odor, but wish it came in more shades.
Who It's For
This hair gloss is a prime choice for those who want to extend the life of their hair color while boosting shine and preventing a dull, faded look.
Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide, cocamide, antioxidant complex | Type: Gloss | Shades: 9 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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No strong odor
Nourishing, protective ingredients
Fade-resistant color
Shade range could be more expansive
Contains ethanolamine
Ammonia is an effective hair color ingredient—in both at-home and in-salon color treatments. It elevates the pH in your hair so the cuticles open on each strand, allowing color to be deposited inside. Unfortunately, it can take a toll on your hair and may irritate sensitive skin.
Schwarzkopf Simply Color is not only free of ammonia but also silicone and alcohol. (Just a heads up, the active ingredient in this hair dye is ethanolamine, which doesn't smell as strong as ammonia, but it can be harsh on strands if left on too long or used frequently.) It offers great color payoff and permanent results that resist fading.
Who It's For
If you want to avoid the smell and potential damaging effects of ammonia (but don't mind ethanolamine), Schwarzkopf is your guy.
Active Ingredients: Ethanolamine, oat milk, soy protein, argan oil | Type: Permanent | Shades: 11 | Cruelty-Free: No
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DIY-friendly
Comprehensive set
Colorist-recommended
Contains ethanolamine and PEGs
"The only at-home hair color I would recommend for use when in a pinch is Madison Reed," says professional colorist Felicia Dosso. She likes that the brand's products are generally gentler than other boxed dyes. This comprehensive kit includes a cream color, a conditioning activator, a squeeze bottle, barrier cream, a cleansing wipe, and single-use shampoo and conditioner. We just don't love that it contains ethanolamine and PEGs (synthetic petrochemicals that enhance absorption).
Who It's For
This comprehensive kit is colorist-approved DIY option for permanent at-home hair color.
Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide, ethanolamine, keratin, argan oil | Type: Permanent | Shades: 36 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Hydrating formula
Full grey coverage
Comes with botanical gloss
Works best on pre-lightened hair
If you're partial to naturally derived, plant-based formulas, this one's for you. Biolage Haircolor is a henna hair dye containing only a few ingredients. This at-home color is also free of harsh substances and preservatives, like ammonia, parabens, sulfates, silicones, and phthalates. Though it works best on pre-lightened or naturally blonde hair, it's perfect for covering greys or trying out a new shade and lasts about six weeks.
Who It's For
For with pre-lightened hair those looking for a botanical-based boxed color free of harsh substances like ammonia, sulfates, and parabens, Biolage is a great choice.
Active Ingredients: Cassia angustifolia leaf (henna), coconut oil, pigments | Type: Henna | Shades: 16 | Cruelty-Free: No
Where We Stand
Overall, our favorite drugstore hair dye is Clairol Natural Instincts. We love how the gentle, ammonia-free formula works in just 10 minutes and lasts up to 28 shampoos. Prefer a permanent color? You can't go wrong with Garnier Olia Brilliant Color.
What to Consider When Buying Drugstore Hair Dye
- Active Ingredients: Ammonia is the active ingredient in many drugstore hair dyes. In addition to having a fumey smell, this chemical can be harsh on hair and potentially irritating to the skin. "Finding an ammonia-free hair dye can be beneficial for both sensitive skin types and novices who are coloring their hair for the first time," says Brown. Schwarzkopf Simply Color is a permanent, ammonia-free option. Its active ingredient is ethanolamine (which is sometimes listed as monoethanolamine or MEA). Some contain plant-based pigments like henna or oils, such as Garnier Olia Brilliant Color.
- Level of Permanence: Permanent color will stay put until it grows out while semi- or demi-permanent shades gradually fade or wash out—for instance, Clairol Natural Instincts lasts about 28 washes. While the latter two options 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 a look you hate (and then have to wait for it to grow out).
- Root Touch-Ups and Grey Coverage: Some people reach for boxed hair dye to touch up their roots or to cover a few greys—which requires a formula specifically designed to cover grey hair. Grey hair often develops at the temples, so covering grays requires a little bit of know-how. Some drugstore hair dyes are designed for this purpose, like Clairol Nice'n Easy Root Touch-Up.
- Color-Depositing Products: If you want to experiment with fun or trendy hues in a commitment-free way, an in-shower, color-depositing conditioner or a temporary color cream, like Mysteek Naturals Color Pop, is a great choice. You might also consider a gloss to revive your hair color between treatments, like Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss.
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. This story was updated with additional tips and insights by Theresa Holland, a commerce writer and product tester specializing in at-home beauty treatments.
- Christin Brown is a celebrity hairstylist and the owner of Full Spiral Salon.
- Felicia Dosso is a hair colorist at Nunzio Saviano Salon.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough drugstore hair dyes from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
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