When should I color my hair at home?

If you need to do a simple touch-up between hair appointments, and you’re not going more than one to two shades lighter or darker than your original color, then you can opt to try your hand at the process . The caveat? Don’t attempt to touch up your highlights. “Any form of highlighting, balayage, or ombré becomes too challenging for at-home coloring procedures,” says celebrity colorist Ramsay McLean. “Those should be left to the professionals.”

Can I dye my hair lighter at home?

Unless you’re super-skilled and have experience doing so with the aforementioned Good Dye Young formula, most hairstylists recommend going to a professional if you want to dye your hair lighter . Chemicals like bleach and intense lighteners are typically involved in the process, which is best left in the hands of the pros. “There is a lot of science behind hair coloring, you can cause a ton of damage, have unwanted tones, and cause serious injury,” says colorist Ashley Branda.

Is at-home hair color safe to use on all hair types?

In theory, yes, but it isn’t recommended to DIY your own hair color if your hair is already overprocessed or damaged since improper application could exacerbate the situation.

The 14 Best At-home Hair Color Brands of 2023

Scrolling past images of celebrities' flaxen, amber, and raven strands with perfectly painted balayage or face-framing highlights is a study in artistry. But sadly for those of us with fewer decimals on our paychecks, a color appointment that runs a few hundred dollars a session isn't always feasible. That's where less expensive options come in.

Sure, we've all had a store-bought hair color incident when we were younger that maybe rendered us a brassy shade of orange (the memories!), but today's options are more user-friendly than the unreliable formulas we'd sneak into our moms' bathrooms.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

Our top choice in at-home hair color kits is the Schwarzkopf Keratin Intense Caring Color, which is formulated with keratin to prevent breakage and strengthen while giving the hair vibrant color. We also love the budget-friendly L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color because it's easy to use, offers long-lasting color, and comes in almost 50 shades.

To find out which at-home hair color yields the best results, we conducted hours of research—scouring reviews from some of the most beloved brands and consulting an expert and editors for their opinions. We evaluated each pick based on their active ingredients, shade range, and how long-lasting the color was. After considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated formulas to give you the best in show.

Ahead, find the best at-home hair color to try now.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Intense Caring Color at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

L'Oréal Paris Superior Shine Permanent Hair Color at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

Garnier Olia Oil Permanent Hair Color at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Fast-Acting:

Clairol Professional Clairol Perfect 10 Nice'n Easy Hair Color

Jump to Review

Best Foam:

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour at Target

Jump to Review

Best for Highlights:

Clairol Nice'n Easy Permanent Hair Color at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Lightening:

Good Dye Young Hair Lightening Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Natural Hair:

Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Shade Match:

Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit

Jump to Review

Best Conditioning:

Overtone Coloring Conditioner at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look for
FAQ

4.8

Courtesy of Schwarzkopf

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Smells good
Strengthens hair
Adds shine

What We Don't Like

Doesn't cover grays fully

Who else recommends it? Cosmopolitan also picked Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Intense Caring Color.

What do buyers say? 88% of 6,000+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.

One of the biggest gripes with hair color, whether in-salon or at-home, is the nauseating smell that comes with it—but not this formula. It smells great and is formulated with a keratin complex to keep your strands feeling more fortified and looking shinier than before.

Reviewers especially love that there's no pungent odor or stinging when using, and many also noted that the formula felt creamy and concentrated. The color is rich and long-lasting, with some reviewers even saying that the results were almost identical to seeing a professional.

Price at time of publish: $12

L'OrÃ©al Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target

What We Like

Adds shine
Affordable
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Color may not match box color

Since 1973, L'Oréal has been using a fade-defying color system for a long-lasting dye that won't rinse away with each shampoo. The translucent gel formula delivers shine and dimension to encourage the natural shimmer you'd find in untouched strands. One reviewer found that the dye left her hair shiny and didn't fade after just a few washes.

Price at time of publish: $10

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Target View On Walmart

What We Like

Hydrating
Ammonia-free
Smells good

What We Don't Like

Not as long-lasting as other options

Achieving vibrant color without ammonia is completely doable. Case in point: This oil-based formula uses natural flower oils to achieve bright, dimensional color by propelling pigments deep into the hair—no harsh chemicals necessary.

Price at time of publish: $17

Clairol Perfect 10 Nice'n Easy Hair Color

Courtesy of Ulta

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Only takes 10 minutes
Adds shine
Comb applicator for precise application

What We Don't Like

Can be hard to squeeze the bottle

Perfect for those with tight schedules (or just the impatient type), Clairol's aptly-named Perfect 10 takes just 10 minutes to achieve long-lasting, shiny color. The advanced color crème allows for fast penetration into the hair fibers working selectively with the pigments inside the hair shaft, meaning there's less surface damage. One reviewer with stubborn grays and over-processed hair found the coverage to be excellent even still.

Price at time of publish: $50

Courtesy of Walmart

View On Target View On Walmart View On Walgreens

What We Like

Doesn't drip
Great color payoff
Affordable

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

A unique foam texture allows you to get into every square inch of your strands and scalp for precise color coverage and deep saturation. One reviewer describes it as so easy to use it's "almost fool-proof."

Price at time of publish: $13

Type: Permanent | Shades: 13 | Size: 1.08 ounces (colorant), 1.62 ounces (developer), 1.69 ounces (conditioner) | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No

Clairol Nice'n Easy Permanent Hair Color

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Target

What We Like

Great color payoff
Blends three salon tones
Smells good

What We Don't Like

Color may not match box color

Clairol's proprietary Color Care permanent crème conditions within each step for full, reliable coverage—no grays left behind. We love that it comes with three salon tones in one simple step, meaning you can achieve highlights and lowlights throughout your strands for up to eight weeks.

Price at time of publish: $28

The 13 Best Purple Shampoos for Blonde Hair of 2023

Courtesy of Sephora

View On Amazon View On Gooddyeyoung.com View On Sallybeauty.com

What We Like

Vegan
Hydrating
Strengthens hair

What We Don't Like

Must buy color separately

Now, as a professional, Schaudt would never recommend bleaching your own hair at home. “It never turns out like you think it will,” she says, mentioning that improper timing and toning usually leads to less desirable results. However, if you can’t make it to the salon for one reason or another, reviewers have gotten some pretty good results with this kit from Good Dye Young.

Designed for all hair textures and types, the set includes a powder lightener and a cream developer that are both infused with coconut oil to condition the hair and soy protein to protect and strengthen it during the bleaching process. Still, proceed at your own risk.

Price at time of publish: $16

Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, soy protein | Shades: 1 | Size: 1.34 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Hydrating
Great color payoff
Formulated specifically for natural hair

What We Don't Like

Not as long-lasting as other options

When it comes to coloring hair, maintaining moisture is crucial—especially when it comes to natural textures. Formulated specifically for natural and relaxed hair types, Dark and Lovely’s Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color helps protect the hair while it colors it. Infused with shea butter, avocado oil, and olive oil, it nourishes from root to tip while depositing vibrant, permanent pigment that lasts for up to eight weeks.

Price at time of publish: $8

Ulta

View on Ulta View On Amazon

What We Like

Hydrating
Ammonia-free
Works for all hair types

What We Don't Like

Strong smell

While she’s never used these personally, Schaudt recommends Madison Reed’s hair color kits for coloring at home due to the detailed questionnaire that matches you with the brand's wide variety of colors. Even easier than the questionnaire? You can also text "hi" to 34757, then upload a well-lit selfie so you can get instantly shade-matched.

Schaudt is also a fan of the nourishing formula, which boasts keratin and argan oil because it’s also six-free (no ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, PPD, phthalates, and gluten). You can color safely and accurately.

Price at time of publish: $30

Active Ingredients: Keratin, argan oil, ginseng root extract | Type: Permanent | Shades: 56 | Size: 1.7 ounces (Radiant Cream Color), 2.5 ounces (Conditioning Color Activator), 0.7 ounces (Barrier Cream), 0.5 ounces (Color Protecting Shampoo), 0.5 ounces (Color Protecting Conditioner) | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No

Courtesy of Overtone

View On Amazon View On Overtone.co

What We Like

Vegan
Hydrating
Works for all hair types

What We Don't Like

Doesn't cover grays fully

For a dose of color and hydration, Overtone’s color-depositing conditioners are the way to go. “They're semi-permanent conditioners that are safe for all hair types, and they're cruelty-free,” says Schaudt. “If you’re looking for a toner to try at home, these work great and rinse out over time.”

The formula doesn’t lift or lighten the hair but instead deposits a wash of pigment while nourishing it with a blend of shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil. It’s available in 40 shades ranging from ginger to black (including a rainbow assortment of fantasy hues), which are all free from ammonia, bleach, parabens, and sulfates to boot.

Price at time of publish: $32

4.8

Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream.

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sallybeauty.com

What We Like

Vegan
Hydrating
Made in the U.S.A.

What We Don't Like

Works best on pre-lightened hair

If you’re looking to bring some non-traditional hair colors into the mix, you can’t go wrong with Manic Panic. The iconic punk-founded brand’s High Voltage hair dye is semi-permanent, formulated with a conditioning base to prevent damage during the dyeing process. The offering includes a whopping 50+ shades ranging from vibrant jewel tones to bold neons and pastels, so trust that there’s a color for everybody. “These are key for at-home colors,” says Schaudt. “They work best on already bleached blondes and can be the quick change you’re looking for with easy directions.”

Price at time of publish: $15

View On Amazon View On Sallybeauty.com

What We Like

100% gray coverage
Long-lasting
Easy to use

What We Don't Like

Developer isn't included

This permanent hair color comes in almost 70 shades, so it's almost guaranteed you'll find one to match your color. It's popular for being able to cover grays 100%, making it a great choice if that's what you're mostly looking for in an at-home hair dye. Reviewers can attest to this fact, and they also loved that it's affordable with quality results.

Price at time of publish: $8

Courtesy of Target

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Target

What We Like

Ammonia-free
Adds shine
Extends hair color

What We Don't Like

Can be drying

A hair gloss isn't necessarily a hair dye, but it can enhance and extend the life of your color between hair appointments. We love this option from Kristin Ess, which can be used easily in the shower for a quick color boost. It even works to make your natural hair color more vibrant and add shine, so it's not only for those who are color-treated.

Price at time of publish: $15

esalon

View On Esalon.com

What We Like

Unique to your hair
Comes with all materials needed to dye hair
Formulated by licensed colorists

What We Don't Like

Reviewers note it doesn't cover grays that well

If you want a one-of-a-kind hair color or just looking for a more personalized experience, this custom color set from eSalon might be the perfect choice for you. After discussing your hair profile and goals with a personal colorist, you will receive a color kit with a hair color made specifically for you. We love that it comes with everything needed to dye your hair at home, including developer, a tint brush, and even latex gloves.

Price at time of publish: $33

Final Verdict

When it comes to any sort of at-home color, maintaining the integrity of your hair is crucial. With that in mind, we’re giving top honors to Schwarzkopf’s Keratin Color Intense Caring Color for its ability to strengthen the hair as it colors it. And, fine, also for the fact that it doesn’t smell terrible. We’re also big fans of the extremely affordable L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color, which comes in dozens of fade-resistant shades for a vibrant mane.

Meet the Expert

Karissa Schaudt is colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. Her specialty is creating beautiful, natural-looking color through balayage.

What to Look For in At-Home Hair Color Kits

Demi- and Semi-Permanent Formulas

When it comes to at-home color, Schaudt recommends avoiding permanent dyes and instead opting for demi- and semi-permanent formulas. “These are ammonia-free, meaning they are less damaging to the hair strand,” she says. “These are direct dyes that don’t shift your color. They just stain the hair strand with minimal to no damage.”

Conditioning Ingredients

Even if ammonia-free, dyes can still be somewhat damaging to your hair. A great way to avoid this is by shopping for formulas that are chock full of conditioning ingredients—think hydrating oils and nourishing butters. The goal is to leave your hair in better condition than it was before you colored it.

Kits That Include All Tools

If you’ve ever colored your hair at home, chances are you, at least once, accidentally dyed your bathroom sink or hands in the process. To avoid a mess or scrambling to find suitable tools on a whim, Schaudt recommends shopping for kits that come with everything you need. “Developer, color, gloves, a bowl or bottle, and a brush are must-haves in order to mix and apply any color,” she says.

Avoid Formulas That Require Heat

Schaudt warns against any formulas that require heat. “If you’re processing color and it requires heat, it usually means you’re lightening or lifting your natural color,” she says. “This can result in unwanted warm tones.” That said, it’s best to leave lightening and lifting to the pros.

FAQ

When should I color my hair at home?

If you need to do a simple touch-up between hair appointments, and you’re not going more than one to two shades lighter or darker than your original color, then you can opt to try your hand at the process. The caveat? Don’t attempt to touch up your highlights. “Any form of highlighting, balayage, or ombré becomes too challenging for at-home coloring procedures,” says celebrity colorist Ramsay McLean. “Those should be left to the professionals.”
Can I dye my hair lighter at home?

Unless you’re super-skilled and have experience doing so with the aforementioned Good Dye Young formula, most hairstylists recommend going to a professional if you want to dye your hair lighter. Chemicals like bleach and intense lighteners are typically involved in the process, which is best left in the hands of the pros. “There is a lot of science behind hair coloring, you can cause a ton of damage, have unwanted tones, and cause serious injury,” says colorist Ashley Branda.
Is at-home hair color safe to use on all hair types?

In theory, yes, but it isn’t recommended to DIY your own hair color if your hair is already overprocessed or damaged since improper application could exacerbate the situation.

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 at-home hair color brands from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business 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

Updated by Shannon Stubbs

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

17 Best At-Home Hair Colors and Dyes That Look Truly Natural. Cosmopolitan. https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/g28505937/best-at-home-hair-color-dye/

Best Overall

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Intense Caring Color

Best Budget

L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color

Best Drugstore

Garnier Olia Oil Permanent Hair Color

Best Fast-Acting

Clairol Professional Clairol Perfect 10 Nice'n Easy Hair Color

Best Foam

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour

Best for Highlights

Clairol Nice'n Easy Permanent Hair Color

Best Lightening

Good Dye Young Hair Lightening Kit

Best for Natural Hair

Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color

Best Shade Match

Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit

Best Conditioning

Overtone Coloring Conditioner

Best Fantasy Colors

Manic Panic Classic High Voltage Hair Dye Color

Best for Grays

Wella ColorCharm Permanent Liquid Color

Best Enhancing

Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss

Best Custom

eSalon Custom Hair Color Set

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