15 Best Drugstore Hair Dyes That Are Worth Trying At Home In 2023
Affordable and mess-free hair colors to add oomph and character to your hair anywhere.
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Pooja is a Mass Communications and Psychology graduate from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and has two years of experience as a content writer. Her education has helped her develop the perf... more
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There is never a perfect time to dye your hair, but the price of going to the salon is heavy. That’s why we have some of the best drugstore hair dyes listed out for you, so you can choose the one that suits your needs. These hair dyes will give you the hair color of your dreams without burning a huge hole in your pocket. But do keep one thing in mind. Please read the instructions behind the label and follow them to the T. And we mean to the T. Now that we have gotten this out of the way take a look at the list of the top drugstore hair dyes available online.
In This Article
Top 15 Drugstore Hair Dyes For Home Use
Best Vibrant Color:Manic Panic High Voltage Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream
If you love experimenting with bright, vibrant, and bold hair colors, here is the ultimate product for you. Manic Panic High Voltage Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream is an extremely pigmented formula that can brighten your hair almost instantly. It is a 100% vegan and cruelty-free semi-permanent hair color that conditions your hair as it applies. It imparts moisture to dry hair and protects it from further damage. To get the best out of these colors, we suggest you lighten your hair to a medium level 7 blonde or lighter. Watch this video to know more about the product.
Pros - Vibrant color
- Ready to use
- No mixing required
- Highlights dark hair
- Color stays vibrant for days
- Fades gracefully
Cons
None
Pro TipBest Conditioning Formula:Arctic Fox Vegan And Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye
Arctic Fox Hair Color is a high-definition semi-permanent direct dye. It does not require a developer, meaning it deposits color directly to your hair. The unique feature of this hair color is that it is formulated to fade within the original color spectrum, so as the color fades, the shades continue to be the same gorgeous hue without turning patchy. This makes your hair color stay vibrant for weeks. But for this to happen, your base color should compliment the hair color that you plan on applying. For long-lasting results, apply it to pre-lightened hair. This video will give you more insights into the product.Pros
- Long-lasting color
- Conditioning formula
- Just a little product required per use
- Does not damage your hair
- Illuminating shine
Cons
None
Did You Know?Best Mess-Free Application:Style Edit Root Concealer
Want to cover those gray strands without changing your hair color completely? If so, Style Edit Root Concealer is the answer! This instant temporary gray root touch-up spray covers gray strands without clogging your hair follicles. It adds vibrancy to dull hair.
It comes with a unique pinpoint applicator that targets the areas that need a color boost.
It is a conditioning formula with naturally derived color-adaptive pigments that self-adjust and match your hair color to provide a lustrous, natural finish.
The highlight of this product is that it contains five color-adjusting formulas that match the darkest to the lightest blonde hair colors.
Pros - Covers gray hair instantly
- Works in seconds
- Just a little product required per use
- Dries in minutes
- Mess-free application
- Washes out with shampoo
Cons
None
Pro TipCrazy Colour Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream
Crazy Color Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cream is a solution that lasts for up to 8 washes. It doesn’t require peroxide to activate and is easy to apply because of its conditioning formula. It comes in a range of fun colors, has a consistent texture, and comes in generous portion sizes.
Pros - Long-lasting
- Value for money
- Easy application
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some users may not like the bright shades it fades into.
Best Long-Lasting Color:John Frieda Precision Foam Color
The rich and long-lasting formula of John Frieda Precision Foam Color adorns your hair with a stunning espresso brown color. It also nourishes the hair strands while protecting them against environmental damage. It is a 100% gray coverage and long-staying hair color. The thick foam consistency ensures maximum product penetration and checks for any dripping. The pack contains a colorant, developer, foamer, gloves, and easy-to-read instructions to facilitate your dyeing experience. The after-color conditioner in the package hydrates your hair and makes it manageable. For a more informed decision, check this video review of this hair dye.
Pros - Available in multiple shades
- Blendable
- Conditioning formula
- Thick consistency
- Fade-resistant
- Does not drip
Cons
- May cause hair fall
Best Great Fragrance:Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Color Cream
Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Color Cream is formulated with color boost technology and a blend of triple fruit oils to deliver boosted hair color. The grapeseed oil in the hair color cream nourishes the hair, whereas avocado, olive oil, and shea oil lock moisture for soft and silky hair. The non-drip color cream spreads evenly. This color cream transforms the darkest hair with a shiny tone and makes it silkier.
Pros
- Great fragrance
- Reasonably priced
- High-impact color
- Shiny look
Cons
- May fade after a few washes
Best Ultra-Nourishing Ingredients:Garnier Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color
Garnier Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color is perfect for dry hair. Its formula is enriched with oil-powered technology that enables the colorants to penetrates hair shafts without ammonia, giving you pure, vibrant, and long-lasting color.
Olia improves and restores the shine and nourishment of your hair as the oils help reverse roughness and damage for a brilliant and healthy look.
It hydrates your hair, making it silky and up to 3X shinier.
Its formula is infused with ultra-nourishing ingredients like avocado, olive, and shea oils that help improve the texture of your hair.
Pros - Easy to apply
- Adds intense shine
- Suitable for getting highlights
- Long-lasting color
- 100% gray hair coverage
Cons
- Takes time to wash out
Best Ammonia-Free Formula:Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color
Revlon ColorSilk is a specially blended permanent hair color formula that includes the patented Revlon 3D Color Gel Technology. It deposits a rich, multi-dimensional color that looks natural and vibrant.
It provides 100% gray coverage, giving your hair a natural look.
Its UV complex helps protect the color from fading, keeping it bright and true till the end.
It also contains nourishing silk proteins that leave your hair hydrated and conditioned.
This ammonia-free formula is available in an array of 41 shades.Pros
- Adds lustrous shine to your hair
- Infused with keratin
- Ammonia-free formula
- Pigmented color
- Blends well
- Adds a natural look
Cons
- Can turn your hair brassy
L'Oréal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color
Want shimmery highlights that dazzle for days? Then try L’Oréal Paris Feria Permanent Hair Color.
Unlike conventional hair colors, this formula is fortified with a multi-faceted shimmering color that delivers intense, bold, and brilliant results.
This product is perfect for those who are looking for edgy hair colors. It comes in attractive shades – from bright red, platinum blonde, rose gold, and metallic brown to blue, black, and brown hair colors. The Feria Multi-Faceted Prismatic Color Spectrum is custom-formulated by L’Oréal master colorists.
To top it all, its power shimmer conditioner ensures to leave your hair silky and smooth while protecting it from fading.
Pros - Smoothens your hair with every application
- Adds illuminating shine
- Long-lasting color
- Improves hair texture
- Includes vibrant shades
Cons
- Artificial smell
Best Pigmented Formula:Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color Cream
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color Cream is specially formulated for stressed and over-processed hair. It is formulated with a unique collagen care complex and skin-flattering pigments that help revive dull and lifeless hair and deliver younger, fuller-looking hair in just 30 minutes. This formula helps repair highly processed and chronically damaged hair and reduces damage up to 80%.
It comes 20 intense colors that deliver 100% gray coverage with low or zero damage.Pros
- Suitable for dry and brittle hair
- Pigmented formula
- Blends well
- Adds intense shine
- Odor-less formula
- Fades gracefully
Cons
- Can form clumps while applying
L'Oréal Paris Excellence Créme Permanent Hair Color
L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème’s Permanent Hair Color is formulated with an exclusive triple protection system that seals, replenishes, protects, and conditions your hair for up to 8 weeks. The non-drip cream formula is available in 38 shades ranging from blonde to dark hair colors that are suitable for both dark and light hair.
The triple protection system is infused with ceramides, a pro-keratin complex, and collagen that deeply nourish dry and damaged hair during and after coloring.
The product also includes a pre-color treatment infused with ceramides that help protect color-treated ends from color build-up and residue.
This color is perfect for covering gray hair, adding highlights, and creating a bold and bright hair color. It blends well and can create an ombre effect.
The kit includes a comb, developer, pre-conditioning treatment, gloves, and an instruction manual.
Pros - Non-drip cream formula
- Conditions your hair as you apply
- Just a little product required per use
- Replenishes dry hair
- Adds intense shine
- Fades gracefully
Cons
- Artificial smell
Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Permanent Root Touch-Up comes in beautiful natural shades. It blends easily with your natural hair color without forming patches. It can be applied in just 10 minutes! The product includes an ergonomically engineered brush that delivers salon-quality application. The best thing about this product is that it can be applied easily so that you don’t have to visit a salon multiple times.Pros
- Lasts up to 3 weeks
- Blends well with your natural hair color
- Prevents hair breakage
- 100% gray coverage
- Non-damaging formula
Cons
- Does not cover white hair
L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color is a perfect choice for those who love to color their hair often. The Colorista collection offers 7 bright shades designed for light blonde/bleached hair and 4 shades designed for brunettes. The best thing about these colors is that you do not have to bleach your tresses to use them.
The color fades in 10 washes, so you can re-apply whenever you want.Pros
- Easy to apply
- Just a little product required per use
- Free of ammonia and peroxide
- Smooth consistency
Cons
- Some shades may not wash out easily
Best Gray Coverage:Surya Brasil Henna Cream
Surya Brasil Henna Cream offers a 100% natural way to cover your gray and white hair. It strengthens your strands and protects your scalp from infections simultaneously.
Its creamy formula glides smoothly on the strands and leaves behind a mild scent that lasts all day.
It contains a blend of nutrient-rich botanical ingredients from Brazil and India that are formulated to color your hair while conditioning it.
This semi-permanent natural color is enriched with chamomile that softens your hair from the root to the tip.
Pros - Nourishes hair
- Moisturizes hair
- Mess-free application
- Revives dry strands
- Adds softness and luster
- Improves hair elasticity
- Protects hair from breakage
Cons
- Availability issues
Best Temporary Hair Color:Mysteek Color Pop Temporary No-Bleach Hair Color
The Mysteek Color Pop Temporary No-Bleach Hair Color is a great option for people who want to change their hair color frequently, but fear the damage. This temporary hair color comes in bold shades that not only provide gray hair coverage but also transform your hair look. The cream-based hair color wax stays on for 3-5 days and can be easily washed off. The hair color goes smoothly on your hair without making it feel sticky or dry.
Pros - Easy to apply
- Washes off easily
- Non-sticky
- Safe for kids
- Blendable
- No harsh chemicals
Cons
- May stain the clothes
Hair coloring is the traditional way of covering your grays. However, with the rise in demand for hair dye, coloring at the salon has become a costly affair, making over-the-counter options a top choice for many. These drugstore hair dyes can transform your hair color without breaking your savings. Whether it is dark black, bold color, light blonde, or simple touch-ups to cover gray, you can do it easily in the convenience of your home. Thus, consider long-lasting hair dyes that condition your hair and lend shine to hair strands.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Pooja Karkala, is a hair care enthusiast who loves trying out different hair styling products. She has researched and reviewed hundreds of products to get her readers the best drugstore hair dyes. This list is of products is for those who like adding an edge to their style quotient. These dyes are rich in pigments, help nourish the strands, and last longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which drugstore hair dye is least damaging?
REVLON Colorsilk is one of the least damaging drugstore hair dyes as it is ammonia-free and contains silk proteins that hydrate and condition the hair.
What’s the safest hair dye to use?
The Herbatint Permanent Herbal Hair Color Gel is the safest hair dye as it is enriched with botanical extracts that are safe to use on the scalp. Moreover, it offers long-lasting results and has a hypoallergenic formula.
Is it better to go lighter or darker to cover gray hair?
It is better to go with one shade lighter than your natural hair color to cover gray hair. Light shades like auburn, golden, or ash brown complement the look.
How often should you color gray hair?
The frequency of coloring depends on the amount of gray hair. Generally, four to six weeks, as the color fades away after six weeks.
How can I cover gray hair without dying it?
You can use alternative natural methods to dye gray hair. Here are some of them.
• Coffee: It is the most convenient method of covering gray hair. When used on regular basis it darkens the hair roots and prevents graying of hair.
• Henna: Applying henna once or twice a month will naturally cover the gray roots.
• Apple cider vinegar: Applying apple cider vinegar to your hair can preserve the melanin content of the hair.
• Onion: Onion is rich in an enzyme called “catalase”. Prolonged usage of onion on hair might darken the hair roots.
- 10 Best Hair Dyes For Natural Hair
- Top 10 Black Hair Dyes
- Top 10 Semi-Permanent Hair Colors
- Temporary Hair Colour – What Is It, How Does It Work, Benefits And Drawbacks?
