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Fresh haircolor can boost your confidence and make you feel on top of the world, but if not done correctly, it can also leave you feeling quite the opposite. Shopping for at-home haircolor can be overwhelming when a mere $10 can turn your hair green and leave a trail of tears. Before starting your hair journey, we'll share everything you should know so it's a smooth and trauma-free transition—because no one has time to sob over haircolor.
Fortunately, color expert Layla Rasheed at Oscar Blandi salon in New York has graciously shared tips and brands for the best color, texture, and that special wow factor that'll leave you feeling salon fresh. Before getting started, she recommends, "prep with a towel, gloves, and vaseline (or cream) to protect the skin around the hairline, so your skin doesn't also change shades." For newbies, Layla says to start with an applicator bottle for even distribution. She has several years of experience, so when she says, "if you're new to dying your hair, pick a color close to your natural shade to test it out," heed her wisdom. Whether you're looking for the best blonde color for dark skin, covering grays, or needing a natural-based formula, we've found a product for you.
1
Best Semi-Permanent Hair Color
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Tint Semi-Permanent Hair Color
Why We Love It
- Ultra conditioning
What to Consider
- Not great for changing colors drastically
For brittle, dried hair, this product conditions it back to health while leaving a beautiful semi-permanent tint. Perfect for flirting with a new color without committing too long.
Why We Love It
- Tailored to your hair
What to Consider
- May take longer to arrive
Find the perfect match! Tailored to you, eSalon provides a 100 percent color happiness guarantee, so you can take the guesswork off your to-do list.
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3
Best Professional At-Home Haircolor
Madison Reed
Why We Love It
- Free of harsh chemicals
What to Consider
- Could use a wider shade range for bolder colors
Rated Best of Beauty by Allure in 2021, this product offers salon-quality colors that you can apply from the convenience of your home.
4
Best Demi-Permanent Hair Color
Redken Shades EQ Demi-Permanent Equalizing Conditioning Color Gloss
Why We Love It
- Best for a high gloss
What to Consider
- Doesn't lift color
This highly rated demi-permanent works as an allover color, color-corrector, or shine booster.
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Why We Love It
- Long-lasting color
What to Consider
- If not a good color match, it's not going anywhere soon
This easy-to-mix full-coverage dye will give your hair plenty of shine and vibrant color.
6
Best Color to Cover Gray
Wella ColorCharm® Gel Permanent Hair Color
Now 25% Off
Why We Love It
- Comes with a help hotline
What to Consider
- Can burn a little during application
Looking for a glossy finish? This trusted product gives vibrancy to your hair and covers the most stubborn of grays.
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7
Best Natural Haircolor
Rainbow Research Rainbow Research Henna Hair Color & Conditioner
Now 13% Off
Why We Love It
- Chemical-free
What to Consider
- Not long-lasting
Henna is a safe, natural way to dye your hair with rich, silky results.
8
Best Color for Dark Hair
L'Oréal Paris Superior Preference Permanent Hair Color
Why We Love It
- Ideal for dying dark hair
What to Consider
- Strong smells of ammonia
Infused with camelina seed oil for a satiny finish, this product is best for dark hair, leaving long-lasting, fade-resistant color.
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9
Best Color for Blondes
John Frieda Precision Full-Coverage Hair Color Kit
Why We Love It
- Provides even coverage
What to Consider
- Not curly-hair friendly
The beauty of this Amazon Choice product is the no-drip application designed with thick foam for deep color saturation to keep your blonde locks, well, blonde.
Why We Love It
- Perfect choice for bleaching hair
What to Consider
- Not great for a neutral outcome
If you're feeling spunky and ready for a transformation, this product will give you a white canvas to paint in vibrant colors.
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Why We Love It
- Gentle process
What to Consider
- Not as long-lasting as harsher products
This is a great option to extend the life of your hair between salon visits or just to color your hair at home. With ArganID™ in the formula, it repairs damaged hair and leaves it with a healthy sheen.
Emma Sutton-Williams
Freelancer
Emma is a New York-based writer focused on beauty, lifestyle, and fashion. When she’s not scribbling novel ideas (pun intended), she’s off performing on Broadway and recording movie scores as a Juilliard-trained violinist. Her bylines have appeared in Rolling Stone, Parents, InStyle, Oprah Daily, and well, you get the idea.