The 15 Best Hair Dyes For Natural Hair – 2023
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Leata A. WilliamsBoard-certified Trichologist
Expertise: Trichology (Hair and Scalp Science) and Cosmetology
Leata A. Williams is the founder of Mane Theory, Inc. She is a L’ Oreal trained licensed cosmetologist who began styling hair at a very young age. Leata’s love for hair came about once she realized the versatility of styles that can be ... more
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience,... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Anjali SayeeCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Hairstyles, Hair Care, & Skin Care
Experience: 7 years
Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy ... more
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Are you looking for the best salon-quality hair dye for natural hair to give yourself that awesome makeover? Then look no further. Today, brands have come up with clean hair dye products made from plant-based ingredients that make their use safe. Ghanima A, a cosmetologist and hair expert, says, “At-home hair coloring kits are affordable. You can get a kit that has everything you need for coloring your hair at home for as low as $20. Salon coloring can easily cost ten times as much. In addition, there is a wide variety of color choices, and, if needed, tools that come with the kit will help you color your hair without damaging your hair or scalp.” Sold at affordable prices, you can save yourself that expensive trip to the salon. Whether you’re feeling experimental or just want to look plain excellent, natural dyes are your go-to choice. We have compiled a list of the top 15 natural dyes you can try quickly at home. Scroll down for more information.
In This Article
The 15 Best Hair Dyes For Natural Hair – 2023
1. Best Non-Drip Formula:Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Color Creme
Image: Garnier What’s unique about the Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Color Creme is that it not only adds rich color to your hair but also offers a boost of hydration. The formula has some of the best moisture-rich ingredients, like a blend of triple fruit oils (avocado, olive, and shea). The non-drip creme spreads quickly on application and has a pleasant fragrance. The after-color moisture-locking conditioner keeps your hair silky and nourished. The ultra-reflective formula transforms even the darkest of hair colors to your desired hair color. You can also check this video out for a brief review of the product.
Pros
- Works well on dark hair
- Available in 23 shades
- Easy to apply
- Non-drip formula
Cons
- Fades fast
- Not for gray coverage
Pro Tip2. Best For Adding Shine:L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Color + Shine System
Image: L’oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-defying Color + Shine System The L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Color + Shine System is a preferred at-home hair coloring kit that delivers super shiny and luxurious hair color. This long-lasting gel hair dye gives you shiny strands from root to tip, irrespective of your natural hair color. The package includes Care Supreme Conditioner with Shine Serum that maintains color vibrancy and provides silky and shiny hair. The professional-grade product offers a wide spectrum of shades, including various hues of blondes, browns, and reds making it one of the best hair dyes for natural hair. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this YouTuber’s video on the merits and demerits of the product.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Good gray coverage
- Available in 52 shades
- Offers maximum shine
Cons
None
3. Best Ammonia-Free:Bigen Permanent Powder Hair Color
Image: Bigen Usa The Bigen Permanent Powder Hair Color is excellent for those who want to enhance their natural hair tone. The powder formula is easy to mix with water and apply and it ensures maximum gray hair coverage. The ammonia-free formula is very gentle on the scalp and gives a natural-looking shine to your hair. This long-lasting formula does not lighten your hair so you can apply it without any worry. To know more about this dye, check this honest review on YouTube.
Pros
- Grey hair coverage
- Easy to apply
- Harsh odor-free
- Long-lasting
- Ammonia-free
Cons
None
4. Best Mess-Free Application:John Frieda Precision Foam Color
Image: John Frieda Getting flawless, salon-perfect coverage and hair color are now easier than ever with the John Frieda Precision Foam Color. It has a thick, saturating, and foaming formula that deposits the color for intense saturation and helps lock moisture. This non-drip, moisturizing hair color spreads quickly for complete coverage without patchiness. It is fade-resistant and offers 100% gray coverage. The after-color conditioner seals your hair color and provides long-lasting tonal richness.
Pros
- Non-drip formula
- Mess-free application
- Long-lasting
- 100% gray coverage
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might fade fast
Caution5. Best Long-Lasting Results:Manic Panic Ultra Violet Hair Color Amplified
Image: Manic Panic The Manic Panic Ultra Violet Hair Color Amplified is a fantastic, blue-toned, violet hair dye that offers you the perfect hue and lasts for 4-6 weeks. You can combine any formula to create custom shades, and the best part is, you don’t even require a developer. It has 30% more pigment than other commercial hair dyes and is long-lasting. You need one jar or bottle for short hair, two bottles for medium-length hair, and 2-3 bottles for thick hair. For long hair, you may need three or more jars. The product is available in more than 23 shades.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Ammonia-free
- PPD-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- Resorcinol-free
Cons
- Color might transfer
Pro Tip6. Best Affordable:Clairol Natural Instincts
Image: Clairol If you are looking for one of the best hair dyes for natural hair available at drugstore then you can try Clairol. The Clairol Natural Instincts hair color is formulated with 80% natural ingredients specially developed for relaxed and natural hair. It enhances the natural hair color and makes it appear radiant, healthy-looking, and shiny. The product is enriched with coconut and aloe vera, and the no-drip creme formula feels like a conditioner on application. The color stays put for up to 28 washes. The product is available in 38 natural shades of blonde, brown, black, and red tones.
Pros
- 80% natural ingredients
- Long-lasting
- Ammonia-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-drip formula
Cons
- Not for gray coverage
7. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Revlon Total Color
Image: Revlon The Revlon Total Color has a nourishing formula that offers 100% gray hair coverage. It adds vibrant color that lasts for up to 6 weeks. The formula contains hemp seed oil and other shade-specific botanical extracts like sesame oil for brunettes, black tea extract for dark hair, cranberry for red shades, and chamomile for blondes. The non-toxic product has a non-drip, cream formula and is available in 16 shades.
Pros
- 100% gray coverage
- Long-lasting
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Gluten-free
- Ammonia-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
None
8. Best Gray Coverage:Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Color
This permanent hair color by Schwarzkopf has a nourishing formula that offers up to 100% gray coverage. It is enriched with botanical oat milk, soy protein, and argan oil and provides vibrant color from root to tip. The formula is dermatologist-tested and maintains the health of your hair and scalp. If your hair is longer than shoulder length, use two Simply Color hair dye boxes for the best results.
Pros
- 100% gray coverage
- Ammonia-free
- Silicone-free
- Alcohol-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Might be drying
9. Best Deep Conditioning:dpHUE Gloss+ Semi-Permanent Hair Color
The dpHUE Gloss+ Semi-Permanent Hair Color adds shine and softness to your hair on application. You can mix it with other pigmented shades to customize and create your favorite color. This semi-permanent hair color has a deep conditioning base and rich pigments that stain the outside of your hair. In addition, it is rich in hydrating ingredients that leave the hair soft and shiny. This hydrating hair dye is gentle on natural hair and works on both natural and color-treated hair, providing customizable shades for a personalized look.
Pros
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- No peroxides
Cons
- No gray coverage
10. Best Fade-Resistant:Just 5 Permanent Hair Color
Image: Just 5 Permanent Hair Color As the name suggests, Just 5 Permanent Hair Color takes just 5 minutes to color your hair and lasts for up to 6 weeks. Its ammonia-free formula efficiently covers all the gray hair, and the color blends effortlessly. The conditioning base of the product protects and revitalizes your hair, makes it shiny, and boosts its body and manageability. The formula is gentle, and the color won’t fade away even if you shampoo frequently.
Pros
- Fade-resistant
- Enhances hair volume
- Blendable
- No ammonia
Cons
- Might be drying
11. Best Shade Range: ONC NaturalColors
Image: Onc Naturalcolors The ONC NaturalColors permanent hair dye is formulated with naturally derived ingredients like argan oil, aloe vera, orange extracts, chamomile, coconut oil, and vitamins that make your hair shiny, silky, and soft. The hair color covers stubborn gray strands and gives you the perfect, desirable hair color with no damage. It is available in more than 30 shades.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply
- pH-balanced
- Ammonia-free
- Paraben-free
- Resorcinol-free
- Sulfate-free
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
Cons
None
12. Best Plant-Based Formula:naturcolor Haircolor With Plant Extracts
Image: Natur Color The naturcolor Haircolor With Plant Extracts is a high-quality dye that offers long-lasting, vibrant color without damaging your hair. It is made of natural plant-based ingredients and the finest Italian pigments that strengthen and nourish your hair. It is free of any harmful chemicals making it safe and gentle on the scalp and hair. It’s an easy-to-use gel formula that takes less than an hour for the complete application. This hair dye is also safe to use on color-treated or permed hair. It is available in 31 beautiful shades ranging from deep browns to intense reds.
Pros
- Suitable color-treated and permed hair
- Easy to apply
- Ammonia-free
- Paraben-free
- Resorcinol-free
- Available in 31 shades
Cons
- Expensive
13. Best Hydrating:Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
Image: Arctic Fox Looking for a vibrant hue without bleach? Try out the Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Dye. Unlike other chemical-based hair colors, this hair dye is chemical-free, formulated with vegan ingredients. The color shows up well in brassy tones and gives dark, dimensional tints to darker hair. The brand recommends doing a strand test before coloring.
Pros
- Hydrating
- Vegan
- Ammonia-free
- Alcohol-free
- Zero damage
- No harsh chemicals
Cons
- Fades easily
14. Best For Relaxed Hair:Soft Sheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist
Image: Soft Sheen The Soft Sheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist is an intensely pigmented hair color. It is infused with shea, avocado, and olive oil that nourish your relaxed hair and protect it against free radical damage. This non-drip hair color provides ultimate gray coverage, prevents hair breakage for colored hair, and lasts up to 8 weeks. It does not dry out your hair post-coloring, instead, it leaves your hair softer and silkier. This dye is also enriched with argan oil and vitamin E that coats each strand with moisture. This dye is available in a variety of unique shades.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin tones
- Value for money
- Non-drip formula
- Non-drying
- Long-lasting
- Fade-resistant
- Available in 18 shades
Cons
- May cause itchiness
15. Best For Sensitive Skin:Herbatint – 1N Black
The Herbatint in 1N Black is enriched with eight certified herbal extracts. It improves hair health by offering enhanced color and better shine. The formula of this hair color features ingredients like vitamins A, C, E, aloe vera, enzymes, polysaccharides, and salt minerals that soothe the scalp. It is easy and safe to use, provides long-lasting color, and can be used on sensitive skin.
Pros
- Safe on sensitive skin
- 100% gray coverage
- Dermatologically-tested
- Alcohol-free
- Ammonia-free
- Paraben-free
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Might dry out the hair
Note: Ghanima A suggests, “Always read the cautions of a box hair dye carefully before you leave the store. The instructions will let you know what color your hair will become with the dye, based on your hair’s color before you dye. It will also let you know if you can re-dye your hair with the product and how long you should wait to dye it after any other chemical treatment. Then, go through the instructions carefully when you get home. Try to follow the instructions as carefully as possible. If anything is unclear, try to find a video by the company that explains the process.”
So, this was the list of best hair dyes for natural hair. Not all hues may complement your natural hair color or your skin tone. There are several factors you need to consider to ensure meeting your hair color goal. Let’s take a look at them.
The Best Hair Dyes For Natural Hair – Buying Guide to Pick The Best
- Determine Your Skin’s Undertone
To choose the best hair dyes for natural hair, you need to determine your skin undertone, and then pick a shade that neutralizes it. For example, if your skin has yellow hues, you have a warm undertone; a pinkish hue means you have a cool undertone, and if you can’t tell, that means you might have a neutral undertone. Blonde shades like platinum, sand, and beige go well with warm undertones. For cool undertones, you can pick shades like gold, caramel, and amber. For neutral undertones, pick shades like rust, copper, and amber. It’s important to choose hair dyes that are gentle on natural hair to maintain its health and integrity.
- Choose Your Style
Before coloring your natural hair, you will find choices between highlights, lowlights, ombre, global, or balayage. If you are confused about which one to choose, consult a professional who will guide you through and help you make the right choice. This will also help you pick the right hair dye that will go well with your natural hair.
- Check The Ingredients
Look for products enriched with beneficial ingredients like avocado, shea butter, glycerin, and olive oil. These ingredients will provide nourishment to your hair while coloring. Read the product label thoroughly and avoid buying products that contain PPD, ammonia, sulfates, and other harmful ingredients that might cause allergic reactions.
- Pick Permanent Or Temporary Hair Colors
There are different types of hair color treatments available on the market. If you want to experiment with a color for a few weeks, go for semi-permanent hair colors. But if you want to cover grays or maintain a hair color for a long time, choose a permanent hair color. In the case of permanent hair color, you will only have to get root touch-ups every few weeks to match your roots to the rest of your hair.
Note: No matter which hair dye you choose, professionals recommend that you perform a patch test on your arms by using one drop of the hair color. If your skin develops allergic reactions to the ingredients, stop using the product immediately.
So, now that you are aware of the best hair dyes for natural hair and how to pick the right one. Now, let’s get into how to dye natural hair. Before dyeing natural hair at home, you need to be well aware of the process and the steps of coloring your hair. Here are a few tips.
How To Dye Natural Hair At Home
- Wash your hair 3-4 days before dyeing your hair. This will ensure that your hair is free from dirt, oil, and buildup but has enough oils to protect it during the dyeing process.
- Perform a patch test to ensure that the hair color does not cause any allergic reactions.
- Protect your clothing and skin by draping your shoulders with an old towel and applying petroleum jelly to prevent staining your skin.
- Wear the gloves provided in the coloring kit and divide your hair into equal and manageable sections.
- Bleach and tone your hair if you are going for a pastel or a blonde shade.
- Now that you are all set, prepare the dye by following the instructions given in the package.
- Apply the dye to your hair, starting from the mid-lengths to the ends. Make sure that the dye is saturated throughout the hair.
- Repeat the process and then comb the dye through your hair.
- Use the applicator bottle’s nozzle and apply the dye to the hair roots.
- Wrap the hair sections with pieces of aluminum foil. Wrap a towel around your head or wear a shower cap for better results.
- Allow the color to develop and let it sit for at least 20-45 minutes.
- Rinse the dye thoroughly with lukewarm water. Do not use shampoo or hot water.
- Apply the conditioner in the kit to your hair and keep it for 2 to 3 minutes. Wash it off with cool water. You can also use any color-safe conditioner.
Infographic: Tips To Select The Right Hair Dye For Natural Hair
There is an overwhelming number of hair color shades available on the market. Which of those is for you? Of course, it depends on what you are in the mood for. But there are a few things that you might want to consider before narrowing down on one shade. The infographic below will give you some tips on how you can select the right shade to dye your hair. Take a peek! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Hair dyes can help you change your look completely! There are many at-home hair coloring kits available that can be great for your experiments with hair colors! These coloring kits are enriched with moisture-rich ingredients that can make your hair look shinier and silkier. Available in blonde, brown, and red shades, these hair colors offer maximum shine to your hair and make your strands look flawless. You can explore options such as the Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Color Nourishing Color Creme for it boosts hydration and has a mild fragrance, the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Color + Shine System for color vibrancy and smoothing of the strands, and the Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Color, which promotes optimal hair health and offers maximum gray coverage. However, while choosing the best hair dyes, you should opt for the ones that leave your locks silky smooth. Also, you should make sure that the hair dye also provides complete coverage without any signs of patchiness.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
StyleCraze articles are backed by expert opinions and suggestions from certified professionals. Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author, is a hair color enthusiast and has sifted through hundreds of products and reviews and consulted with hair care professionals to ensure nothing but the best picks for the readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dye for natural African American hair?
The Soft Sheen Carson Dark And Lovely Fade-Resistant Rich Conditioning Color and the Shea Moisture Nourishing Moisture-Rich Color Creme are suitable for natural African American hair.
What color can I dye my black hair without bleaching?
If you want to dye your black hair and change its look without bleaching, go for magenta, red, deep red, or violet shades.
What color can I dye my dark brown hair without bleaching?
You can dye dark brown hair without bleaching it if you go for hair dyes specially crafted for dark brown or any other dark-colored hair.
Can you color dark hair without bleaching it?
Yes, you can color dark hair without bleaching it if you use temporary or semi-permanent hair color.
For natural hair, which hair dye is safe for pregnant women?
A hair dye with natural and plant-based ingredients and the least chemical ingredients is safe for pregnant women. The Clarins Natural Instincts hair color is perfect. It has an ammonia-free formula with 80% natural ingredients.
What is the longest-lasting hair dye for natural hair?
If you’re looking for long-lasting hair dye, go for permanent hair colors. Lime Crime, Schwarzkopf, dpHue, and Just 5 have some excellent options.
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