Best Ammonia-Free Hair Dye of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Ammonia-free hair dye is a popular choice among those who want to color their hair without damaging it. Unlike traditional hair dyes that contain ammonia, these products are gentler on the hair and scalp. They are made with natural ingredients that are less harsh and have fewer side effects. Ammonia-free hair dyes come in a variety of shades and are suitable for all hair types. They are easy to use and provide long-lasting results that look natural. Whether you want to cover up gray hair or try a new color, ammonia-free hair dye is a great option for anyone who wants to keep their hair healthy and beautiful.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Garnier Hair Color Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Dye Cover #TOP 1
Garnier Hair Color Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Dye
ftb score rating icon 9.9
L’Oréal Paris Universal Nudes Hair Color Kit Cover #TOP 2
L’Oréal Paris Universal Nudes Hair Color Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color Cover #TOP 3
Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Ammonia-Free Hair Dye

#TOP 1

Garnier Hair Color Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Dye

653543
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Garnier Hair Color Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Dye Cover
Garnier Hair Color Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Dye, 3.11 Darkest Platinum Brown, 1 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Garnier Hair Color Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Dye is an ammonia-free hair dye kit that uses an exclusive 60 percent oil blend with natural flower oils. It has a unique no drip cream formula and offers 34 shades to meet your color needs. Customers have praised its pleasant smell, easy application, and long-lasting color.

What We Like
Ammonia-free
Excellent gray hair coverage
Leaves hair feeling soft
Easy to use
Mild smell
#TOP 2

L’Oréal Paris Universal Nudes Hair Color Kit

0071249647240
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
L’Oréal Paris Universal Nudes Hair Color Kit Cover
L’Oréal Paris Excellence Universal Nudes Permanent Hair Color, Ammonia Free Hair Dye for Gray Hair Coverage, 6N Natural Light Brown, 1 Hair Dye Kit

L’Oréal Universal Nudes Hair Dye is a gentle ammonia-free hair color that provides 100% gray coverage. The natural reflect in the dye enhances warm and cool tones, while the Pro-Keratin Complex protects and nourishes your hair during coloring. The kit includes a Caring Gentle Shampoo and Deep Conditioner with ceramides for scalp cleansing and hair nourishment. With L’Oréal Universal Nudes Hair Dye, you can cover grays, enhance your hair color, and enjoy a triple care color routine.

What We Like
Ammonia-free
100% gray coverage
Nourishing Pro-Keratin Complex
#TOP 3

Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color

1.0 Jet Black
4 Piece Set
Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color Cover
Schwarzkopf Simply Color Hair Color 1.0 Jet Black, 1 Application - Permanent Hair Dye for Healthy Looking Hair without Ammonia or Silicone, Dermatologist Tested, No PPD & PTD

Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color is a gentle and caring formula that offers beautiful, vibrant color results that are even from root to tip. It is gentle on your scalp, free from both PPD & PTD, and offers up to 100% gray coverage. Additionally, the formula is enriched with botanical oat milk, soy protein, and argan oil, leaving your hair visibly healthy-looking.

What We Like
Gentle on scalp and free from both PPD & PTD
Provides intense, even color and up to 100% gray coverage
Enriched with botanical oat milk, soy protein, and argan oil for visibly healthy-looking hair
#TOP 4

Revlon Permanent Brown Hair Dye with 100% Gray Coverage

20 Brown/Black
Revlon Permanent Brown Hair Dye with 100% Gray Coverage Cover
Permanent Hair Color by Revlon, Permanent Brown Hair Dye, Colorsilk with 100% Gray Coverage, Ammonia-Free, Keratin and Amino Acids, Brown Shades, 20 Brown/Black (Pack of 3)

Revlon Permanent Hair Color is a salon-quality at-home hair dye kit co-developed with salon experts for long-lasting results. The Keratin enriched formula nourishes hair and leaves it in better condition than before coloring. With 100% gray coverage, 3D Color Gel Technology delivers rich natural-looking multidimensional color with long-lasting shine. The new no-mess, non-drip formula and precision applicator make it easy to use at home from root to tip. Available in 41 natural-looking shades from blonde to ultra-light, and now new trend shades available.

What We Like
Salon-quality at-home hair dye kit
Keratin enriched formula nourishes hair and leaves it in better condition
100% gray coverage
Easy-to-use no-mess, non-drip formula and precision applicator
Available in 41 natural-looking shades, including new trend shades
#TOP 5

Naturtint Permanent Hair Color - Ammonia Free, Vegan, Cruelty Free

NAT5NX45
Naturtint Permanent Hair Color - Ammonia Free, Vegan, Cruelty Free Cover
Naturtint 5N Light Chestnut Brown Permanent Hair Color (Pack of 1), Ammonia Free, Vegan, Cruelty Free, up to 100% Gray Coverage, Long Lasting Results (Packaging may vary)

Naturtint Permanent Hair Color offers better ingredients for better color and better you. It is free from harsh chemicals and enriched with nourishing plant ingredients for added softness and shine. With up to 100% gray coverage and 32 mixable shades to choose from, this hair dye delivers long-lasting, natural-looking results. Plus, it is vegan and cruelty-free, making it an ethical choice for conscious consumers.

What We Like
Free from harsh chemicals like ammonia, parabens, and sulfates
Enriched with nourishing plant ingredients for added softness and shine
Offers up to 100% gray coverage with long-lasting, natural-looking results
Comes in 32 mixable shades to choose from
Vegan and cruelty-free for conscious consumers
#TOP 6

Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit

RH6NCG-AMZ
6NCG - Sardinia Red
Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit Cover
Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit, Medium Amaretto Red for 100% Gray Coverage, Ammonia-Free, 6NCG Sardinia Red, Permanent Hair Dye, Pack of 1

Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit is a permanent hair dye that delivers high-quality color for multi-tonal and natural-looking results. It is 100% ammonia-free, PPD-free, resorcinol-free, paraben-free, pthalates-free, SLS-free, gluten-free, titanium-dioxide-free, and cruelty-free. The cream-based formula is keratin enriched, which improves the condition of your hair, and it provides long-lasting 100% gray coverage. The kit includes everything you need to color at home with confidence, such as gloves, cap, barrier cream, cleansing wipe, Color Protecting Shampoo & Conditioner, and instruction booklet.

What We Like
High-quality permanent hair color
100% gray coverage
Infused with hair-loving ingredients
Easy to apply with precise coverage
Includes everything you need to color at home
#TOP 7

Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye, Pack of 3

GP-BUTTY6181
Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye, Pack of 3 Cover
Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye, 5C Brass Free Medium Brown Hair Color, Pack of 3

Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye is a low-commitment, no-ammonia hair color that lasts up to 28 washes. It contains coconut and aloe vera to give you shiny, healthy-looking hair while blending away gray hairs. The creme formula is gentle on all hair types and textures with 80% naturally derived vegan ingredients, making it the most gentle color for your hair.

What We Like
Contains coconut and aloe vera for radiant, healthy-looking hair
Blends away gray hairs
Gentle on all hair types and textures with 80% naturally derived vegan ingredients
#TOP 8

Revlon Colorsilk 070 Medium Ash Blonde

shelf24/4902
Revlon Colorsilk 070 Medium Ash Blonde Cover
Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color Permanent Hair Color, Long-Lasting High-Definition Color, Shine & Silky Softness with 100% Gray Coverage, Ammonia Free, 070 Medium Ash Blonde, 1 Pack

Revlon Colorsilk Hair Dye offers a salon-quality experience right at home. The ammonia-free formula is enriched with Keratin and Silk Amino Acids, ensuring your hair feels healthier after coloring. With its advanced 3D Color Gel Technology, you can achieve 100% gray coverage and enjoy a rich, multidimensional color that shines. The easy-to-use kit features a no-mess, non-drip formula and a precision applicator, making it simple for you to apply color evenly from roots to tips. You’ll appreciate the convenience and lasting results, giving your hair a beautiful, vibrant look.

What We Like
Salon-quality results
Ammonia-free formula
Easy application
100% gray coverage
#TOP 9

L'Oreal Paris Excellence Universal Nudes 7NR

0071249692684
Core Natural Copper
1 Ounce (Pack of 1)
L'Oreal Paris Excellence Universal Nudes 7NR Cover
L'Oreal Paris Excellence Universal Nudes Permanent Hair Color, Ammonia Free Hair Dye for Gray Hair Coverage, 7NR Natural Copper, 1 Hair Dye Kit

L'Oreal Paris Hair Color is designed for those seeking complete gray coverage without ammonia. This gentle formula not only provides vibrant color but also enhances both warm and cool tones for a natural look. With its Pro-Keratin Complex, it helps protect your hair while coloring, ensuring it remains healthy and strong. The included Triple Care Color routine features a caring shampoo and deep conditioner infused with ceramides, which cleanse and nourish your hair, making your coloring experience more pleasant and effective.

What We Like
Ammonia-free formula
100% gray coverage
Protects and nourishes hair
Includes caring shampoo and conditioner
#TOP 10

Revlon Colorsilk Permanent Hair Color, Black Shades

10 Black
Revlon Colorsilk Permanent Hair Color, Black Shades Cover
Permanent Hair Color by Revlon, Permanent Black Hair Dye, Colorsilk with 100% Gray Coverage, Ammonia-Free, Keratin and Amino Acids, Black Shades, 10 Black (Pack of 3)

Revlon Colorsilk Permanent Hair Color is a salon-quality hair dye kit co-developed with salon experts for convenient at-home use. This Keratin enriched, ammonia-free hair color formula is infused with silk amino acid to leave your hair in better condition than before coloring. The 3D Color Gel Technology offers 100% gray coverage with multidimensional color and long-lasting shine. The non-drip formula and precision applicator make it easy to use, and the product offers 41 natural-looking shades to choose from.

What We Like
Vibrant color
Affordable price
Effective gray coverage
Gentle formula
Consistent results
Buying Guide Image

A Guide to Selecting the Best Ammonia-Free Hair Dye

Introduction

Coloring your hair can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to choose the right hair dye for your needs. One type of hair dye that has gained popularity in recent years is ammonia-free hair dye. Ammonia-free hair dye is a gentler alternative to traditional hair dyes that contain ammonia, which can be harsh on the hair and scalp. In this article, we'll discuss what ammonia-free hair dye is and how to choose the right one for you.

What is Ammonia-Free Hair Dye?

Ammonia is a common ingredient in hair dyes because it helps the hair dye penetrate the hair shaft and deposit color. However, ammonia can be harsh and damaging to the hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and even hair loss. Ammonia-free hair dyes, on the other hand, use alternative ingredients to deposit color without the use of ammonia. These ingredients are typically gentler on the hair and can help to minimize damage and maintain the hair's natural moisture and shine.

How to Choose Ammonia-Free Hair Dye

When choosing an ammonia-free hair dye, there are a few key factors to consider. These include:

  1. The brand and ingredients: Not all ammonia-free hair dyes are created equal. Some brands may use gentler ingredients than others, so it's important to read the label and look for brands that use natural and organic ingredients. Avoid hair dyes that contain harsh chemicals, such as peroxide, which can still be damaging to the hair.

  2. The color: Ammonia-free hair dyes are available in a wide range of colors, from natural shades to bold, vibrant hues. When choosing a color, consider your natural hair color and skin tone, and choose a shade that complements your features.

  3. The type of hair dye: Ammonia-free hair dyes come in different forms, including permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary. Permanent hair dyes are the most long-lasting and will cover gray hairs, but they can also be the most damaging to the hair. Semi-permanent and temporary dyes are gentler on the hair and can be a good option for those with damaged or sensitive hair.

  4. Your hair condition: If you have damaged, dry, or sensitive hair, it's important to choose a hair dye that will be gentle on your hair and won't further damage it. Look for hair dyes that contain conditioning ingredients, such as nourishing oils and vitamins, to help repair and protect your hair.

Conclusion

Ammonia-free hair dyes are a great option for those looking to color their hair without damaging it. By considering the brand, color, type of hair dye, and your hair condition, you can find the right ammonia-free hair dye for your needs. With a little research and care, you can enjoy beautiful, vibrant hair without sacrificing the health of your locks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is ammonia-free hair dye better for your hair?

Ammonia-free hair dye may not necessarily be better for your hair. Scientific studies show that ammonia protects the hair structure better than the alternative ingredient, MEA, particularly for permanent color performance and gray coverage. While ammonia-free dyes may have their advantages, it's important to consider the specific needs and goals for your hair color before making a decision.

2. Is ammonia-free dye damaging?

Ammonia-free hair dyes, also known as semi-permanent hair dyes, do not open the cuticle for long-lasting results. Instead, they coat the outer layer of hair strands with color. In a study, ethanolamine was found to be more damaging compared to ammonia. It's important to be aware of the potential effects of different ingredients and choose a dye that aligns with your hair's health and needs.

3. What does ammonia-free hair dye do?

Ammonia-free hair dye does not contain ammonia but uses alternative ingredients to impart color to the hair. These dyes typically include coloring agents and emollient oils to prevent protein and moisture loss from the hair cuticles during the coloring process. They offer an alternative option for those who prefer to avoid ammonia in their hair dye.

4. Does ammonia-free dye cover gray?

Yes, certain ammonia-free hair dye formulas, such as demi-permanent hair gloss, can provide temporary color change and gray coverage. These formulas typically last for four to six weeks, allowing you to try a new hair color for gray hair without a long-term commitment.

5. What is the disadvantage of ammonia-free hair dye?

One disadvantage of ammonia-free hair dye is that the color coating it provides washes off relatively quickly compared to ammonia-based dyes. Since the hair does not absorb the color in the same way, it does not remain as long. However, ammonia-free products offer versatility and may be suitable for certain hair color needs or preferences.

Editor's Notes

During our ammonia-free hair dye research, we found 48 ammonia-free hair dye products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 336,953 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ammonia-free hair dye list. We found that most customers choose ammonia-free hair dye with an average price of $11.83.

The ammonia-free hair dye are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ammonia-free hair dye, including Garnier, Schwarzkopf, REVLON, Naturtint, Madison Reed. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 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.