Best Hair Dye of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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Hair dye is a popular cosmetic product used by people to change the color of their hair. It works by penetrating the hair shaft and depositing color molecules that alter the hair's natural pigment. There are various types of hair dye available, including permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary. Permanent hair dye is the most long-lasting and can completely change the hair's color, while semi-permanent and temporary dyes are less damaging and fade over time. Hair dye comes in a wide range of colors, from natural shades like blonde, brown, and black to more vibrant hues like pink, purple, and blue.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Hair Dye 6A Light Ash Brown Cover #TOP 1
L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Hair Dye 6A Light Ash Brown
ftb score rating icon 9.8
L'Oreal Feria Hair Color Cover #TOP 2
L'Oreal Feria Hair Color
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Clairol Nice'n Easy Perfect 10 Hair Dye Dark Brown Cover #TOP 3
Clairol Nice'n Easy Perfect 10 Hair Dye Dark Brown
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hair Dye

#TOP 1

L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Hair Dye 6A Light Ash Brown

U-HC-3494
6A Light Ash Brown
1 Count (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Hair Dye 6A Light Ash Brown Cover
L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Pro-Keratine Complex for 100% Gray Hair Coverage, 6A Light Ash Brown, 1 Kit

L'Oreal Excellence Hair Dye is designed to give you full gray coverage with a nourishing formula that protects your hair while coloring. It uses a special Pro-Keratine complex to strengthen your hair as it covers even the most stubborn gray strands. After coloring, you can use the caring shampoo to gently remove leftover residue and refresh your scalp, leaving your hair smooth and vibrant. The deep conditioner included provides ongoing care for up to eight weeks, helping your hair stay healthy and radiant. Plus, this non-drip cream formula works well on all hair types and comes in 30 shades, so it's easy to find the perfect color for you.

What We Like
Excellent gray coverage
Soft, nourished hair
Easy at-home application
Natural, vibrant color
Includes quality conditioner
What We Don't Like
Mild ammonia scent
Color may fade for some
#TOP 2

L'Oreal Feria Hair Color

1 Count (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Feria Hair Color Cover
L'Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, B61 Downtown Brown (Hi-Lift Cool Brown), Pack of 1 Hair Dye Kit

L'Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, also known as L'Oreal Feria Hair Color, is a high-quality hair dye that can transform your hair from dull to vibrant. With its multi-tonal, shimmering formula, Feria offers over 50 bold shades inspired by the latest fashion trends. The Power Shimmer Feria Conditioner seals and smooths your hair, ensuring long-lasting and head-turning color. Whether you want to cover gray hair, add highlights, or try an ombre look, L'Oreal Feria Color has got you covered. With its fade-defying formula, you can enjoy beautiful and vibrant hair color for a long time. L'Oreal Paris Feria Hair Color is a reliable and innovative choice for anyone looking to enhance their hair color.

What We Like
Vibrant, multidimensional color
Shiny, soft hair results
Effective on dark or natural hair
Easy application process
Low damage formula
What We Don't Like
Limited gray coverage
Color may fade in weeks
#TOP 3

Clairol Nice'n Easy Perfect 10 Hair Dye Dark Brown

0381519022067
4 Dark Brown
Clairol Nice'n Easy Perfect 10 Hair Dye Dark Brown Cover
Clairol Nice'n Easy Perfect 10 Permanent Hair Dye, 4 Dark Brown Hair Color, Pack of 2

The Clairol Nice'n Easy Dye offers you complete gray coverage, so you can enjoy a fresh, natural look without any unwanted gray strands. It delivers a well-balanced color that blends light and dark tones perfectly, giving your hair a rich and vibrant appearance. This permanent dye lasts up to 60 days, meaning you won’t have to worry about frequent touch-ups. Plus, its non-drip formula with micropearls makes application easy and mess-free while providing a shiny, glossy finish in just ten minutes. It’s a convenient and reliable choice for anyone wanting beautiful, long-lasting color at home.

What We Like
Easy 10-minute application
Excellent gray coverage
Natural, vibrant color results
Gentle on hair
Long-lasting softness
What We Don't Like
Color may fade over weeks
Poor box condition on delivery
#TOP 4

L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Hair Dye 4AR

1 Count (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Hair Dye 4AR Cover
L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Pro-Keratine Complex for 100% Gray Hair Coverage, 4AR Dark Chocolate Brown, 1 Kit

L'Oreal Excellence Hair Color offers a reliable solution for covering gray hair completely, even the most stubborn strands, thanks to its Pro-Keratine complex that nourishes your hair while coloring. This triple care system includes a special shampoo that gently cleans your scalp and removes leftover color, leaving your hair smooth and vibrant. Additionally, the deep conditioner provides lasting care for up to eight weeks, helping maintain your hair’s health and shine. The non-drip crème formula is designed for all hair types and comes in 30 shades, making it easy for you to find the perfect color that suits your style and needs.

What We Like
Excellent gray coverage
Soft, nourished hair
Easy at-home application
Affordable price
No hair damage
What We Don't Like
Slight ammonia scent
May fade after a few weeks

Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Hair Color Cream

COMIND103715
1.4 Sapphire Black
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Hair Color Cream Cover
Schwarzkopf Color Ultime 1.4 Sapphire Black Hair Dye, Permanent Intense Black with Diamond Brilliance, Fade-Resistant, Covers Grays, All Hair Textures

Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Hair Color Cream provides intense and fade-resistant color that lasts for up to 10 weeks. The breakthrough formula delivers vivid color results and incredible shine. Each box includes a tube of color cream, application bottle with developer lotion, conditioning treatment with Diamond Brilliance Serum, gloves, and an instruction leaflet. For hair longer than shoulder length, it is recommended to use 2 boxes of hair dye.

What We Like
Vibrant, long-lasting color
Excellent gray coverage
Shiny, glossy finish
Deep black with blue tones
Easy, even application
What We Don't Like
May stain skin/scalp
Some color bleeding after washes

ARCTIC FOX Purple AF Hair Dye

PURPLE AF
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
ARCTIC FOX Purple AF Hair Dye Cover
Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Ammonia-Free, Conditioning, Long Lasting, Vibrant Purple AF Color, For All Hair Types, Unisex, 4 Fl Oz

ARCTIC FOX Purple AF Hair Dye is a vegan and cruelty-free semi-permanent hair color dye that comes in a 4 fl oz bottle. This versatile deep purple shade works on a variety of base colors from platinum to light brown, giving deep tints of color to darker hair and showing vibrantly on lightened hair. It even works well to cover up other faded colors effectively. ARCTIC FOX Purple AF pairs well with other AF shades, such as Wrath for a burgundy or Poseidon for a deep indigo. Made with vegan ingredients and no harmful chemicals, this hair dye is gentle and conditions your hair as it restores vibrancy. It is long-lasting, smears less, has a sweet scent, and contains no peroxide, ammonia, ethyl alcohol, or PPD.

What We Like
Vibrant, long-lasting color
Soft, shiny hair after use
Easy to apply
Pleasant, mild scent
Works well on pre-lightened hair
What We Don't Like
Stains skin and surfaces
Color fades with frequent washing

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color

12731
3.0 Espresso
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Cover
Schwarzkopf Keratin Permanent Hair Dye Cream, 3.0 Espresso, Professional Quality Color for Up to 100% Gray Coverage, Bond Enforcing System

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Hair Dye is a long-lasting permanent hair color cream that offers 100% gray coverage and vibrant color intensity. Its pre-color serum helps to strengthen and nourish the hair, resulting in strong and healthy-looking hair. With the enhanced K·Bond-Plex formula, this hair dye helps to reduce hair breakage by up to 80% compared to untreated hair. The Pre-Color Serum conditions the hair before coloring, ensuring a more even color result from root to tip. For those with longer hair, it is recommended to use 2 boxes of this hair dye for complete coverage. Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Hair Dye is a reliable choice for achieving rich, even color while caring for your hair.

What We Like
Excellent gray coverage
Soft and shiny hair
Accurate color results
Easy at-home application
Long-lasting color
What We Don't Like
Strong odor
Stubborn gray coverage on some hair
#TOP 8

L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Hair Color, 6AM Light Amber Brown

1 Count (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Hair Color, 6AM Light Amber Brown Cover
L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Luminous Fade-Defying Permanent Hair Color, Hair Dye For Up to 9 Weeks of Radiance, Light Amber Brown 6AM, 1 Hair Dye Kit

L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference is a permanent hair dye kit that delivers fade-defying hair color with dimension. The gel hair dye formula is paired with Care Supreme Conditioner and Shine Serum to maintain color vibrancy and provide silk and shine. With over 50 shades to choose from, you can find the perfect shade for you, from red to blond to black. L'Oreal Paris also offers multiple formulations and styles to deliver long-lasting color, including Feria and Excellence Crème. Get beautiful color that lasts with L'Oréal Paris hair color.

What We Like
Soft and shiny hair
Excellent gray coverage
Long-lasting color results
Easy application process
Affordable salon-quality color
What We Don't Like
Strong ammonia smell
Color may be less vibrant

Arctic Fox Poseidon Blue Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

ARCTIC FOX
POSEIDON
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Arctic Fox Poseidon Blue Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Cover
Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, Vegan & Cruelty-Free, Ammonia-Free, Conditioning Color Cream for All Hair Types, Long Lasting, Poseidon Blue, 4 Fl Oz

The Arctic Fox Poseidon Blue offers a vibrant medium blue shade that really stands out, especially if you lighten your hair to a cool-toned level eight or lighter first. You can easily customize your look by mixing it with Arctic Mist for a soft pastel or adding Purple Rain to reduce brassiness, giving you freedom to create a shade that fits your style. This dye is made with vegan ingredients and avoids harsh chemicals, making it a gentle option that’s safe for frequent use. Plus, it conditions your hair as it colors, leaving your strands feeling soft and healthy while you enjoy a bold new color.

What We Like
Vibrant, long-lasting color
Soft, shiny hair after use
Mild, pleasant scent
Easy application process
Works well on bleached hair
What We Don't Like
Can stain skin or surfaces
Color fades faster with frequent washing
#TOP 10

Clairol Balsam Permanent Hair Dye 618 Black

99240001054
618 Black
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Clairol Balsam Permanent Hair Dye 618 Black Cover
Clairol Balsam Permanent Hair Dye, 618 Black Hair Color, Pack of 1

The Clairol Balsam Black is designed to give you lasting color that stays vibrant for up to eight weeks, so you can enjoy a fresh look without constant touch-ups. It's made for easy use at home, making the coloring process simple and convenient without needing to visit a salon. This product includes conditioning botanicals that help nourish your hair during each application, leaving it feeling soft and healthy. Plus, it offers full coverage for gray hair, even the most stubborn strands, helping you achieve a natural and youthful appearance with confidence.

What We Like
Excellent gray coverage
Vibrant, glossy color result
Long-lasting, fade-resistant
Low odor formula
Soft, conditioned hair feel
What We Don't Like
Possible dryness on pre-bleached hair
Risk of color mismatch
Buying Guide Image

Get the Best Hair Dye

Today there are many women who are looking for a change of look and therefore choose to dye their hair. However, conventional colors cause damage to the hair fiber, often leaving a fragile, dull, dry and brittle mane.

This is why the best option is to opt for hair colors without ammonia. These revolutionary hair coloring products allow you to dye your hair permanently and with proper hydration, which guarantees nutrition and beauty for your hair.

Types

Many times when we see a comparison of colors without ammonia, we don’t know which one to choose, since there is a great diversity in the market. However, to facilitate a choice we can group them in synthetic colors and natural colors.

In the case of synthetic hair colors, they penetrate the hair fiber and permanently fix the color, but if you choose a good brand you will not have to worry about damage caused to your hair, and you can ensure a longer color.

On the other hand, natural dyes are more friendly and respectful of the hair, since the damage they can cause is minimal since they do not penetrate the hair fiber.

However, they have the disadvantage that the coloration is not as intense and lasting. The good thing is that you can use them as often as you want and without risk of mistreating your hair.

Professional advice and color

The process to lighten dark hair is very different from that used to darken blonde hair. In the same way, it is not the same if your hair has been dyed in advance, or if you have a hair to which you have never applied the color.

Therefore, it is advisable to seek the advice of a professional hairdresser expert in hair coloring, who recommends the most appropriate shade according to the pigmentation of your natural hair, the tone of your skin and the color you want to achieve.

If you are thinking of applying the dye yourself at home, it does not matter if it is a change of radical look or just darkening a few gray hairs, it is always advisable to take the advice of beauty experts.

Brand

There are currently a large number of brands on the market that offer hair colors with the promise of leaving your hair spectacular, but the truth is that only the best have been given the task of designing hair-protecting dyes, free of ammonia and with a wide variety of colors.

Therefore, if you want to achieve professional results, you should not risk your precious hair by applying a dye of doubtful origin.

Some of the recognized brands offer you a high-quality guarantee with results of silky and shiny hair, and the best thing is that you will not have to worry how much it costs, since Today you can find very affordable prices in the market.

When it comes to colors without ammonia, we must recognize that it is more complicated to get the color to adhere to the hair fiber, which is why in its formula manufacturers have added natural substances that resemble the function of ammonia, but without causing damage to the hair.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What hair color stays longer?

Brown permanent hair colors tend to be the most long-lasting. On the other hand, red hair colors, especially intense and vibrant red shades, tend to fade the quickest. If you're looking for a longer-lasting red hair color, it is advisable to choose auburn or red-brown tones.

2. Why is professional hair dye better than box dye?

Professional hair dyes are often considered better than box dyes for several reasons. Professional brands provide unique conditioning agents or complexes that help condition the hair while coloring. They can also improve the shine and texture of the hair. Healthy hair tends to hold color better and for a longer duration, which is more likely to be achieved with professional hair dye.

3. What hair dye stays in the longest?

Brown permanent hair colors are known to be the most long-lasting. However, red hair colors, especially intense and vibrant red shades, tend to fade more rapidly. To achieve a longer-lasting red hair color, it is recommended to opt for auburn or red-brown tones.

Editor's Notes

During our hair dye research, we found 48 hair dye products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,706,688 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair dye list. We found that most customers choose hair dye with an average price of $11.96.

The hair dye are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair dye, including L'Oreal Paris, Clairol, Schwarzkopf, ARCTIC FOX. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.

Hair Dye Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand L'Oreal Paris L'Oreal Paris Clairol L'Oreal Paris Schwarzkopf ARCTIC FOX Schwarzkopf L'Oreal Paris ARCTIC FOX Clairol
Color 6A Light Ash Brown B61 Downtown Brown (Hi-Lift Cool Brown) 4 Dark Brown 4AR Dark Chocolate Brown 1.4 Sapphire Black PURPLE AF 3.0 Espresso 6AM Light Amber Brown POSEIDON 618 Black
Package Information Tub or Jar Packet Tube Box Bottle,Tube Bottle Box Box Bottle Tube
Product Benefits 100% Gray Coverage. Even on stubborn grays. Absolutely gorgeous gray hair coverage. Nourishing hair color. Hair Coloring Flawless 100% Gray Coverage. Even on stubborn grays. Absolutely gorgeous gray hair coverage. Nourishing hair color. Long Lasting,Fade Resistant,Conditioning Vivid and vibrant hair color Long-lasting vibrant color and strengthened hair Color Protection Hair Coloring Hair Coloring
Item Form CREAM Kit Cream CREAM Cream Cream Cream Cream Cream Liquid
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.6
Where to Buy