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Clean beauty is everywhere in the makeup, hair, and skin space right now. Think everything from natural deodorant to organic sunscreens lining the drugstore cosmetic aisles and Amazon. And folks, another clean-friendly product has entered the market: natural hair dye. But before you start conjuring images of dyes that don’t contain any toxins, chemicals, or harsh ingredients, I gotta break it to you: that doesn’t actually exist. Yup, sorry. Unless you’re dyeing your hair with henna or literal plants (like beet juice or carrot juice), active chemical ingredients will be in your hair dye formula to allow them to work.
Still, that doesn’t mean you automatically have to settle. There are a ton of hair dyes that are free of ammonia, alcohol, and p-phenylenediamine (PPD, a chemical that helps open up your hair cuticle to let the dye in). These ingredients aren't bad or dangerous, but they can be harsh. PPD, for example, "is a common cause of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis of the scalp," says dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, while ammonia and alcohol can dry out your hair cuticle and skin. So, if you want to limit potential irritants and buy a one-and-done hair dye, we've got what you need to know.
Our top picks for the best natural at-home hair dyes in 2024:
Keep scrolling to find the full list of natural hair dyes to maintain, tone, or tint your hair. Then, read on for everything you need to know about clean hair dyes, including how to choose the best one for you and how often to use it on your hair, according to experts.
Pros
- Aloe vera and chamomile help to moisturize hair
- Good choice for those with sensitive scalps
Cons
- Reviewers say the dyeing process can take up to two hours
- Not everyone loves the scent
"Pure henna-based hair dye is natural and can be great for dandruff and/or scalp conditions," Dr. Lal says. This plant-based hair dye uses henna to color and moisturize your hair, while the formula's aloe vera and chamomile help to soothe your scalp. However, it does take a long time to apply, and many reviewers recommend putting an entire afternoon aside to ensure you get the color and coverage you want.
- Shade(s): 15
- Size: 3.5 oz
- Active ingredients: Henna, aloe vera, chamomile
- Permanent? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "This is the best henna brand I have used thus far! I have been using henna for years and out of the 3 brands I’ve tried, Khadi is truly the best! It mixes to a smooth consistency very easily, rinses out much easier than some, and the color has lasted the longest! Love the natural, safe, nontoxic ingredients—definitely will be buying more!"
2
Best Natural Hair Dye Kit
Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit
Pros
- Long-lasting color that comes with everything you need for an at-home dye
- Leaves hair feeling hydrated, per testers
Cons
- Some testers say color faded faster than they'd expected
- Pricier than other options
This long-lasting hair dye from Madison Reed includes virtually everything you need to expertly color your hair at home. The formula excludes eight of the most common hair dye irritants (including ammonia and PPD), and instead, it's spiked with hydrating and soothing ingredients like argan oil and ginseng root extract. So, yeah, you can actually feel good about this at-home hair dye.
- Shade(s): 36
- Size: 2.5 oz
- Active ingredients: Keratin, argan oil, ginseng root
- Permanent? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I have been coloring my hair for well over 20 years, and this product is a game-changer. The color is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! LOVE the results. No orange or brassiness at all. Everything is included. Simple directions with no smell/odor. I am blown away with the end results. This product is well worth every penny."
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Pros
- 31-color range means you'll find your match
- Application takes less than an hour
Cons
- Color can be darker than pictured
- Tends to fade quickly, per some reviewers
The coolest thing about this hair dye gel is that it's spiked with a ton of moisturizing and soothing ingredients (think: chamomile, shea butter, coconut oil) that help keep your hair soft and shiny throughout the dyeing process. Plus, it comes in 31 shades, so you're basically guaranteed to find a solid color match.
- Shade(s): 31
- Size: 4 oz
- Active ingredients: Burdock root, chamomile, lavender
- Permanent? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I mixed Light Pomegranate Chestnut & Cayenne Red to get a nice wine color. It set beautifully and covered my stubborn grey hairs. I have medium length hair and I had so much product left over. My hair feels so healthy. It didn’t have any harsh smell or cause tingling. I would highly recommend this product."
4
Best Vibrant Natural Hair Dye
Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color
Pros
- Color is highly pigmented and fairly long-lasting
- Most reviewers <3 the smell
Cons
- Testers caution it can bleed a bit in the shower
- May stain fingers a bit during application process
You don't have to go to the salon to get that bright hair color you've been wanting to try. Arctic Fox's highly-pigmented semi-permanent hair dye—recommended by Dr. Lal—comes in various colors, from phantom green to sunset orange. The dye is ammonia-free, PPD-free, and sulfate-free to reduce any potential damage, and the formula even includes hydrolyzed soy protein to add strength.
- Shade(s): 23
- Size: 4 or 8 oz
- Active ingredient: Hydrolyzed soy protein
- Permanent? No, semi-permanent
Glowing Customer Review: "I have never had such a pleasant experience dyeing my hair! This stuff smells great; no need for ventilation because there are no toxic fumes. It is very gentle on skin; no itchy burning sensations. And it did not even stain my skin; it washed right away in the shower! The color on my hair was just as vibrant when I washed it as it was during the application. I am super impressed with this amazing product. "
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5
Best Drugstore Natural Hair Dye
Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye
Pros
- Affordable drugstore hair dye option
- Testers say it's quick and easy to apply
Cons
- Not as long-lasting as some others on this list
- May not fully cover gray hair
DW, choosing to go "natural" with your hair dye doesn't mean you can't shop for it at your local drugstore anymore. This ammonia-free formula from Clairol is made up of 80 percent naturally derived ingredients—and it's legit less than $10.
- Shade(s): 38
- Size: 5.85 oz
- Active ingredients: Coconut oil, aloe vera
- Permanent? No, demi-permanent
Glowing Customer Review: "Bought this to cover up older highlights and it worked really well. The color is nice—maybe a little darker than anticipated (medium bronze brown), but very evenly covered my highlights and my hair feels really healthy and shiny after. Super happy with the outcome for the price."
6
Best Natural Hair Dye for Beginners
Hally Color Cloud
Pros
- Formula is so easy to apply
- V gentle on hair with no pungent smell
Cons
- Results are more subtle than some would like
For a natural foaming formula that won't last much more than a month, give this demi-permanent Color Cloud hair dye a try. Free from ammonia, PPD, and resorcinol—all of which can be drying—this gentle foam is instead packed with hair-loving ingredients like aloe, chamomile, and ginseng. Best of all, you can expect a gradual fade with this one, allowing you to use it on a variety of base tones.
- Shade(s): 7
- Size: 2.5 oz
- Active ingredients: Aloe vera, chamomile, ginseng root
- Permanent? No, demi-permanent
Glowing Customer Review: "Maintaining blonde hair when you aren’t a natural blonde can be expensive…and I’ve found that this product is the perfect way to refresh my blonde in between appointments. I can go longer without going to the salon. This product removes my annoying brassiness without damaging my hair. It is incredible easy to put on and doesn’t have those harmful chemicals that bother your scalp, eyes, etc. I will be using this again and again!"
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7
Best Oil-Based Natural Hair Dye
Garnier Olia Oil-Powered Permanent Hair Color
Pros
- Packed with plant oils to help keep hair from drying out
- Functions as a hair dye and oil treatment all in one
Cons
- Some reviewers note that the dye was too drippy and made a mess
- Achieving even color distribution is a bit tricky
Instead of ammonia or silicones, this natural hair dye is formulated with plant-based oils. Meaning, one less harsh chemical on your head, and no harsh ammonia smell while you’re dyeing your hair. Keep in mind that even though this dye is considered “natural,” you should still patch-test any new dye on your neck or behind your ear, tightly secure the lid so the dye doesn’t dry out, and wait a full 24 hours (seriously, don’t skimp on this) to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
- Shade(s): 34
- Size: 6.3 oz
- Active ingredients: Sunflower and camellia oil
- Permanent? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I’m older, have fine hair with a little gray hair, and growing out my layers, which are dry. A lot of color products I’ve tried either don’t cover the gray or are too heavy or harsh, but not this one. The color came out as shown on the box and left my hair very manageable. The conditioner isn’t heavy, just the right amount, and leaves my hair bouncy. The difference it has made is amazing."
Pros
- Provides bright color on dark hair without bleach
- Shades are so vibrant
Cons
- Color washes out, so only ideal for a temporary look
- May transfer onto linens and clothes, per reviewers
If you love the idea of bright hair colors but don't want to commit to the lengthy bleaching process, Mysteek's Color Pop is a great option. Rather than a dye, this hair wax offers temporary color that doesn't require any bleach. Just rub some of the bright wax between your fingers, coat your hair, and you're good to go. It only lasts up to five days (without washing your hair), but once it washes out, you'll be free to change up your look with another color!
- Shade(s): 12
- Size: 0.25 or 1 oz
- Active ingredients: Petroleum jelly, beeswax, and biotite
- Permanent? No, temporary
Glowing Customer Review: "What better way to brighten your day than to add color to your hair!! I absolutely love being able to change my hair color without worrying if I'm damaging my hair! Comes right out with one wash. Great buy."
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9
Best Permanent Natural Hair Dye
Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Color
Pros
- Testers say it didn't irritate their sensitive scalps
- Impressively long-lasting
Cons
- Not enough dye for thick hair
- Color may turn out a bit different than it appears on the box
Surprise! Permanent hair color doesn't have to require a ton of potentially iffy chemicals, as evidenced by this clean formula from Schwarzkopf. The formula is free of ammonia, silicone, and alcohol, but it still provides you with rich, long-lasting color. Oh, and it's also got a handful of hydrators, like argan oil and oat milk.
- Shade(s): 10
- Size: 2 oz
- Active ingredients: Argan oil, soy protein, botanical oat milk
- Permanent? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I’ve been dyeing my hair black for years, and outside of the salon, I’ve always had trouble finding a good cheap dye that uses natural ingredients, doesn’t cause breakage, and doesn’t fade in one or two washes. This dye has a bold, natural-looking color, hasn’t faded quickly, and my hair still feels hydrated and conditioned. Highly recommend."
Pros
- Made with moisturizing ingredients
- Fades nicely, according to reviews
Cons
- Highly pigmented, so you'll need gloves to apply
- May stain your bathtub
Just like the name implies, this natural hair dye is actually a color-depositing conditioner, and acts more like a temporary demi-permanent dye than a semi-permanent or permanent dye (meaning it will slowly fade with each wash and won’t cover up grays). Apply it to damp hair for 15 minutes and then rinse for a soft color change. It’s buildable, so the more times you apply it, the more vibrant your color will be—and best of all, it’s ammonia-free.
- Shade(s): 32
- Size: 8 oz
- Active ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil
- Permanent? No, demi-permanent
Glowing Customer Review: "Smells good, works beautifully, and fades really nicely. I don't know how it managed to make my brown hair literally completely copper—I was expecting more of a reddish tint, but this stuff blew me away, and it made me hair feel super soft. It fades out in about 6-7 washes but it fades really nicely and still leaves my hair reddish."
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Pros
- Meant to double as a deep conditioning treatment
- Great for refreshing color-treated hair with minimal damage
Cons
- Can be slightly drying, especially for highly-porous hair
- Only for light color-boosting
Think of this gloss from dpHUE as part semi-perm hair dye, part deep conditioner. Formulated without ammonia or peroxide, the dye helps enhance and deepen your hair color while also deeply hydrating it. And though it's only available in a few shades, you can always mix 'em together (or dilute them with Sheer Gloss+) to create your ideal hue.
- Shade(s): 11
- Size: 6.5 oz
- Active ingredients: Triethanolamine, dimethicone
- Permanent? No, semi-permanent
Glowing Customer Review: "This gloss literally saved my blonde!!! I went to the salon and it was way too bright and my hair was so damaged. I’ve used it twice now and my hair is so pretty! The color is amazing and my hair health is coming back. Seriously, buy this!!"
Pros
- Many reviewers say this dye worked well with previously henna-treated hair
- Works to gently nourish and protect strands
Cons
- Requires a heat source, like a blow-dryer, to help it absorb
- Generous amount of dye need for best results
Certified organic ingredients like argan oil, chamomile, and coconut oil make this natural hair dye stand out among the rest. It's ammonia-free, cruelty-free, and even vegan, and it comes in a wide range of colors. It does, however, require a heat source to work, as the heat allows the ingredients in this dye to penetrate the hair, thus depositing color sans ammonia. The official instructions recommend using a heat cap or blow dryer to do the job.
- Shade(s): 32
- Size: 4 oz
- Active ingredients: Wheat protein, aloe leaf juice
- Permanent? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I researched healthier hair colors because I've been covering gray for 30+ years and my hair was fried. I'm losing less than a quarter of the hair I was before and the color looks great. It's downright glossy. Strangers stopped me twice the first time I used it to say how nice my hair looked! Yes, it takes about twice as long as other at home brands. Yes, you need the heat cap! Worth the investment."
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13
Best Natural Hair Dye Mask
Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask
Pros
- Super fast to use
- Leaves hair feeling incredibly hydrated
Cons
- Some reviewers don't like the smell
- Should probs be applied using gloves
If you aren't totally ready to commit to a new hair color—or you're just looking to tone or brighten your current hue—you gotta try this color-depositing mask from Moroccanoil. It's super easy to apply (you legit just comb it through towel-dried hair, let it sit for seven minutes, and rinse) and it's loaded with conditioning ingredients (like argan oil, obvs).
- Shade(s): 9
- Size: 6.7 oz
- Active ingredients: Apricot kernel oil, amino acids
- Permanent? No, temporary
Glowing Customer Review: "This color depositing mask is so easy to use, vibrant, and does not stain my hands or shower. I leave it on under a shower cap for an hour or more each time (though the first time it also worked beautifully leaving it on maybe 15 minutes to just test it out as well). It takes my strawberry blonde hair a rich natural looking copper that lasts 5-6 shampoos. My hair is so soft, shiny, and attention-catching."
Pros
- Effectively colors hair without using ammonia, PPD, or resorcinol
- Thicker formula means relatively mess-free application
Cons
- Can dry out hair, according to some reviews
- Some testers found that color turned out darker than expected
If your skin is too sensitive for traditional hair dye ingredients (like PPD and ammonia), you'll love this ultra-gentle alternative. Instead of harsher chemicals, it contains botanical pigments and nourishing oils, which will gently and safely color your hair with less chance of irritation. And even though it's gentle, it still gives you tons of color payoff and shine. Just make sure you start with a patch test if your scalp is really sensitive, k?
- Shade(s): 15
- Size: 3.53 oz
- Active ingredients: Monoi oil, jojoba oil, botanical pigments
- Permanent? Yes
Glowing Customer Review: "I first found this dye when traveling abroad and was so happy to see that it finally came to the states. It’s one of the few I’ve tried that makes the hair so soft, silky, shiny, and luxurious while covering all my stiff and resistant grays. The formula is really creamy and thick, making it easy to apply and massage around even to the back of the head without any dripping. I’m able to do some light chores while waiting and love that it develops in only 30 minutes."
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Pros
- Great for touch-ups and grays
- Bottle design makes for easy application
Cons
- Testers complain it will be less effective the more grays you have
- Available in limited color options
My favorite thing about this natural hair dye is the thin application tip and gel formula—both of which make it so easy to target specific areas or strands if you aren't looking to color your whole head. Antioxidant-rich oat flakes and color-preserving flower extracts are just a couple of the standout ingredients in this one.
- Shade(s): 4
- Size: 3.38 oz
- Active ingredients: Oat flakes, inula flower extract
- Permanent? No, demi-permanent
Glowing Customer Review: "If you are looking for temporary non-toxic hair dye to cover grays, this is perfection. I'm not 100 percent gray, but i definitely need to go to the salon every month. This is so amazing because it is inexpensive, safe, and it really works. Of course, it doesn't completely eliminate grays, but it really covered mine. I still see them, but they are much more subtle and look blended with my hair."
So...is hair dye dangerous?
Some permanent hair dyes contain harsher ingredients, such as ammonia and alcohol (which can dry out your hair cuticle and skin) and PPD (which can irritate the scalp), but these ingredients aren't necessarily dangerous—just potent. For some folks, ammonia can cause hair loss and irritation, while PPD can cause dermatitis on the scalp (especially if you already have an inflammatory scalp condition, like dandruff or psoriasis).
Luckily, you can find plenty of permanent hair dyes that are free from ammonia, PPD, or harsh chemicals—and if you're unsure how you'll react to natural dyes, make sure you perform a patch test to see how you feel.
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Is there a hair dye without chemicals?
Sorry, hair dye without any chemicals is just not a thing (again, unless you’re working with henna or straight-up plant juice). Dye will always require some chemical-based ingredients to help deposit pigment onto your hair. That said, you can get hair dye that’s made without alcohol, ammonia, or PPD if you want something less harsh, but still want to get in on all the newest hair color trends.
Are natural hair dyes still effective?
Yes, natural hair dyes are still effective—they're just made with gentler, plant-based formulas to help satisfy your clean itch. "You can do everything with an ammonia-free dye that you usually can with ammonia-containing dye,” celebrity hairstylist Meri Kate O’Connor has told Cosmopolitan, adding that these dyes are usually less drying and damaging, especially if you dye your hair often.
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How can I dye my hair at home without damaging it?
Some at-home hair dye kits include accessories like brushes and plastic gloves, but it's always good to have some on hand before you get started, especially if you're worried about staining your skin. Dr. Lal also recommends petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, to protect your face from the dye. "Use this along the hairline to prevent hair dye from getting on your face or hairline," he says.
Another tip? Wash your hair two days before dyeing it. "The oils on your scalp and hair will help naturally lubricate your scalp and hair," Dr. Lal says, adding that you should always do a patch test before getting started. And don't forget: "Oil your hair or condition ASAP after dyeing."
What to look for in a natural hair dye
Look for gentle ingredients
Once again, for the ppl in the back: All hair dyes include some chemicals because that’s what’s required to give your hair a semi-permanent or permanent color change. But there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to keep it as natural as possible: Look for dyes made with moisturizing and protective oils, along with formulas free of alcohol, ammonia, and PPD. These three ingredients can not only dry out hair but potentially lead to skin irritation, so if you see it anywhere on the box and you’re sensitive, just put it back and keep on lookin’.
Find the best coverage
If you're still a little unclear on the difference between permanent, semi-permanent, and demi-permanent hair dyes, here's the basics: With semi-permanent dyes, “there’s no developer, there’s no hydrogen peroxide—the color just sits on the hair’s surface for about 15 washes,” Patty Slattery, AVP of hair color education, training, and testing at L'Oréal Paris, previously told Cosmo.
Demi-permanent dye washes out after three to four weeks and is "great for people who want to amp up their existing color, like making chestnut-brown hair richer and shinier," added Slattery. Neither semi- or demi-permenant dyes are great at covering grays, so if that's your main goal, choose a permanent hair dye instead, which "penetrates deep into the cortex of your hair."
Get the right amount
K, this one sounds obvious, but "almost every person underestimates the thickness of their hair," celebrity hairstylist Cynthia Alvarez has told Cosmo. So check the instructions on how much dye you'll need before you walk out of the store, and if you're on the fence, pick up an extra box of dye in case. "You don't want to be left with a section of hair that's not colored due to lack of product,” she warned.
Corinne Sullivan
Editor
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Siena Gagliano
Associate Editor
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.
Olivia Truffaut-Wong
Editor
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.