Best Hair Dye Creams of 2026

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

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Hair dye creams are a popular and convenient way to change one's hair color. These creams come in a variety of shades and colors, making it easy to find the perfect match for any individual's style and taste. They are easy to apply and typically come with clear instructions, allowing users to achieve professional-looking results from the comfort of their own home. Hair dye creams are also a great alternative to costly salon visits, providing an affordable and accessible option for those looking to switch up their look. With the right product, users can achieve a vibrant and long-lasting color that will leave them feeling confident and stylish.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Framar Dye Defender Hair Color Barrier Cream Cover #TOP 1
Framar Dye Defender Hair Color Barrier Cream
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Cream Cover #TOP 2
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Cream
ftb score rating icon 9.7
COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Color 3NN Dark Brown Cover #TOP 3
COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Color 3NN Dark Brown
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Hair Dye Creams

#TOP 1

Framar Dye Defender Hair Color Barrier Cream

CRM-DD100
Transparent
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Framar Dye Defender Hair Color Barrier Cream Cover
Framar Dye Defender Hair Color Barrier Cream - Hair Color Protector, Color Cream, Stain Barrier Creme, Hair Dye Remover Hairline Protector - 100 ML

Framar Dye Defender Hair Color Barrier Cream protects your skin from staining and irritation caused by hair color, perm solution, and other hair products. It is easy to use and can be applied using your fingertips. It doesn't require color-removing products or scrubbing to rinse off. The airless pump bottle ensures minimal waste while the compact size makes it great for traveling. It has a fresh, clean scent that is not irritating to the eyes or nose.

What We Like
Protects skin from staining and irritation
Easy to use and rinse off
Minimal waste with airless pump bottle
Compact size for travel
Fresh, clean scent that is not irritating
#TOP 2

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Cream

1 Count (Pack of 1)
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Cream Cover
Schwarzkopf Keratin Permanent Hair Dye Cream, 6.33 Light Gold Brown, Professional Quality Color for Up to 100% Gray Coverage, Bond Enforcing System

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color is a premium quality hair dye that offers up to 80% less breakage, long-lasting color, and 100% gray coverage. The K-Bond Plex technology repairs the inner hair structure and coats the hair surface for strong, healthy-looking hair. The pre-color serum conditions the hair before coloring for a more even color result from root to tip. If your hair is longer than shoulder length, it is recommended to use two boxes of Schwarzkopf Keratin Color for the application. With Schwarzkopf Keratin Color, you can achieve a rich, even color while protecting your hair.

What We Like
80% less breakage
Long-lasting color
100% gray coverage
#TOP 3

COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Color 3NN Dark Brown

2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Color 3NN Dark Brown Cover
COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Color, 3NN Intense Dark Brown, 2 oz.

The COLORCHARM Dark Brown Cream offers a new and improved hair coloring experience with its upgraded cream formula. This product not only delivers vibrant, long-lasting color but also cares for your hair during the process. Thanks to its BondGuard technology, it helps protect your hair’s structure, reducing damage and breakage. Additionally, the formula is enriched with five nourishing lipids that provide deep moisturization, leaving your hair soft and smooth. With this hair color, you get both beautiful, intense dark brown results and hair care benefits, making it a convenient choice for anyone looking to cover gray hair while maintaining healthy locks.

What We Like
Bond protection technology
Improved cream formula
Deep moisturization with lipids
Reduces hair breakage
Soft, smooth hair finish

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
#TOP 5

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color Cream

5.0 Medium Brown
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color Cream Cover
Schwarzkopf Keratin Permanent Hair Dye Cream, 5.0 Medium Brown, Professional Quality Color for Up to 100% Gray Coverage, Bond Enforcing System

Banish grays and get youthful-looking hair with Schwarzkopf Keratin Color. This cream hair dye provides up to 100% gray coverage, long-lasting color intensity, and enhanced K·Bond-Plex technology that repairs inner hair structure and coats the hair surface after the coloration process for up to 80% less breakage. The pre-color serum conditions the hair before coloring for a more even color result from root to tip and for strong and healthy-looking hair. For best results, use 2 boxes of Keratin Color hair dye for hair longer than shoulder length.

What We Like
Provides up to 100% gray coverage and long-lasting color intensity
Enhanced K·Bond-Plex technology repairs inner hair structure and coats hair surface for up to 80% less breakage
The pre-color serum conditions hair for a more even color result and strong, healthy-looking hair
#TOP 6

COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Color 5N Light Brown

5N Light Brown
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Color 5N Light Brown Cover
COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Color, 5N Light Brown, 2 oz.

The COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color offers a new cream formula that improves upon the previous gel version, making it easier to apply and better for your hair. It features BondGuard technology, which helps protect your hair's bonds, reducing damage and breakage during coloring. The product also contains five nourishing lipids that moisturize your hair, keeping it soft and smooth. Additionally, ingredients like Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, and Acai Berry Extract work together to condition your hair and add shine, giving you a vibrant, healthy look while covering up to 100% of gray hair.

What We Like
Bond protection technology
Nourishing lipid blend
Moisturizing cream formula
Softens and smooths hair
Shine-enhancing ingredients
#TOP 7

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
#TOP 8

COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Color 6RG

6RG Light Copper
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Color 6RG Cover
COLORCHARM Permanent Cream Hair Color, 6RG Light Copper, 2 oz.

The COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color offers a new and improved cream formula designed to give you beautiful, vibrant hair while caring for its health. Unlike the older gel versions, this cream formula uses advanced technology to provide extra benefits, making your hair stronger and less prone to damage. It includes BondGuard technology that helps protect your hair's natural bonds, reducing breakage and keeping your hair healthier. Additionally, a blend of five nourishing lipids ensures your hair stays moisturized, soft, and smooth after coloring. With COLORCHARM Cream Hair Color, you can enjoy a rich color and healthier hair all in one product.

What We Like
Advanced cream formula
BondGuard technology protection
Moisturizing lipid blend
Reduces hair breakage

Herb Speedy Color Cream (Natural Black)

CAHerb-1-NEWFBA
Natural Black
Herb Speedy Color Cream (Natural Black) Cover
Dongsung Herb Speedy Color Cream Natural Black – Korean Herbal Vegan Hair Dye, PPD-Free, Ammonia-Free, Hypoallergenic – 100% Gray Coverage Odorless Dermatologically Tested Quick 20-Minute Application

Herb Speedy Color Cream (Natural Black) is a revolutionary hair dye that offers satisfactory color result in just 20 minutes. Its special formula does not contain allergy reactants, making it suitable for users with extremely sensitive scalp. The cream is made with natural herbal ingredients, providing rich nutrition to hair and scalp. It also has a patented sunscreen agent to prevent color fading. Made in Korea since 1957.

What We Like
Does not contain allergy reactants such as PPD and Diamine, making it suitable for users with sensitive scalp.
Provides rich nutrition to hair and scalp with natural herbal ingredients.
Offers satisfactory color result in just 20 minutes.

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Ruby Noir

SG_B01829EL32_US
1.8 Ruby Noir
1 Count (Pack of 1)
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Ruby Noir Cover
Schwarzkopf Keratin Permanent Hair Dye Cream, 1.8 Ruby Noir, Professional Quality Color for Up to 100% Gray Coverage, Bond Enforcing System

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color Cream is a great choice for those looking for a long-lasting, vibrant color. It offers 100% gray coverage and up to 80% less hair breakage than untreated hair. The pre-color serum conditions the hair before coloring for a more even color result from root to tip. Customers have reported that it covers white hairs well, but may stain the scalp. It has a low odor and no skin irritation, and the color stays vibrant for weeks.

What We Like
Beautiful color results
Grey coverage
Soft hair
Easy application
Affordable price
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does creme hair color do?

Cream and liquid permanent hair color have the widest range of shades. These formulas can provide lightening or depositing actions allowing for colors from darkest black to platinum silver. These formulas are also some the strongest and are potentially the most damaging to hair.

2. How long does hair color cream last?

Ideally, permanent hair colour would stay just as vibrant as it was the day you coloured it, at least until the roots grow. On most heads of hair, that would mean a good 6-8 weeks between touch-ups.

3. Does creme hair color need developer?

The oxidant creams contain the hydrogen peroxide, which opens the hair cuticle. Color pigments, due to this process, can penetrate deep into the hair fiber and color it. Without the developer you would never achieve a significant changes in the color of your hair.

Editor's Notes

During our hair dye cream research, we found 48 hair dye cream products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 616,923 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair dye creams list. We found that most customers choose hair dye creams with an average price of $8.35.

The hair dye creams are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair dye creams, including FRAMAR, Schwarzkopf, COLORCHARM, ARCTIC FOX, Herb Speedy. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 449 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

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.