Best Hair Dye for Salon of 2026

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

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Hair dye is an essential product for salons to offer to their clients. It allows individuals to express their unique style and personality by changing their hair color. There are many different types of hair dye available, including permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary options. Permanent hair dye provides long-lasting color that typically does not fade quickly, while semi-permanent and temporary dyes are great for those who want to experiment with different colors without committing to a long-term change. Salons can offer a variety of hair dyes in different shades and formulas to cater to their clients' needs and preferences.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

AGE beautiful Permanent Hair Color Dye 5NN Medium Intense Brown Cover #TOP 1
AGE beautiful Permanent Hair Color Dye 5NN Medium Intense Brown
ftb score rating icon 9.9
AGEbeautiful Permanent Liqui Creme Hair Color Dye Cover #TOP 2
AGEbeautiful Permanent Liqui Creme Hair Color Dye
ftb score rating icon 9.8
AGEbeautiful Permanent Liqui Creme Hair Color Dye Cover #TOP 3
AGEbeautiful Permanent Liqui Creme Hair Color Dye
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Hair Dye for Salon

#TOP 1

AGE beautiful Permanent Hair Color Dye 5NN Medium Intense Brown

2620252
2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
AGE beautiful Permanent Hair Color Dye 5NN Medium Intense Brown Cover
AGE beautiful Permanent Hair Color Dye Liqui Creme | 100% Gray Coverage | Anti-Aging Haircolor | Biotin for Thicker, Fuller Hair | Professional Salon Coloring | 5NN Medium Intense Brown

AGE beautiful Hair Color is designed to help you combat signs of aging hair with ease. It makes thinning hair look instantly fuller and thicker, giving you a boost of confidence. If you struggle with wiry gray strands, this dye softens and smooths your hair for better manageability. You’ll also get complete gray coverage that lasts up to eight weeks, so you can enjoy a fresh, youthful look longer. Plus, it deeply conditions dry hair, leaving it feeling healthier and more nourished. This product combines professional salon quality with anti-aging benefits, making it a convenient choice for at-home hair care.

What We Like
Excellent gray coverage
Natural, vibrant color
Leaves hair soft and shiny
Long-lasting results
Salon-quality at home
What We Don't Like
Developer sold separately
No included instructions
#TOP 2

AGEbeautiful Permanent Liqui Creme Hair Color Dye

2620144
1N Jet Black
2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
AGEbeautiful Permanent Liqui Creme Hair Color Dye Cover
AGE beautiful Permanent Hair Color Dye Liqui Creme | 100% Gray Coverage | Anti-Aging Haircolor | Biotin for Thicker, Fuller Hair | Professional Salon Coloring | 1N Jet Black

AGEbeautiful Hair Dye is a professional salon coloring product that offers 100% gray coverage and fights all 5 signs of aging hair. According to quantitative and qualitative testing, this hair dye is proven to fight thinning, wiry texture, dullness, dryness, and breakage. It's anti-aging formula is perfect for people who want to keep their hair looking youthful. The Jet Black color is perfect for those who want a bold and striking look. With AGEbeautiful Hair Dye, you can achieve a long-lasting and vibrant hair color that looks and feels healthy.

What We Like
Excellent gray coverage
Long-lasting color
Soft and shiny hair
Salon-quality results
Gentle, nourishing formula
What We Don't Like
Developer sold separately
No included instructions
#TOP 3

AGEbeautiful Permanent Liqui Creme Hair Color Dye

2620249
2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
AGEbeautiful Permanent Liqui Creme Hair Color Dye Cover
AGE beautiful Permanent Hair Color Dye Liqui Creme | 100% Gray Coverage | Anti-Aging Haircolor | Biotin for Thicker, Fuller Hair | Professional Salon Coloring | 3NN Darkest Intense Brown

The AGEbeautiful Permanent Liqui Creme Hair Color Dye provides 100% gray coverage and fights all 5 signs of aging hair, including thinning, wiry texture, dullness, dryness, and breakage. This professional salon coloring solution is perfect for those looking for an anti-aging solution that delivers brilliant and long-lasting color.

What We Like
Excellent gray coverage
Natural, long-lasting color
Soft, shiny hair result
Gentle, nourishing formula
Salon-quality at home
What We Don't Like
Developer sold separately
No included instructions
#TOP 4

AGE beautiful Permanent Hair Color Dye 5NRV Medium Neutral Red Violet Brown

2960730
2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
AGE beautiful Permanent Hair Color Dye 5NRV Medium Neutral Red Violet Brown Cover
AGE beautiful Permanent Hair Color Dye Liqui Creme | 100% Gray Coverage | Anti-Aging Haircolor | Biotin for Thicker, Fuller Hair | Professional Salon Coloring | 5NRV Medium Neutral Red Violet Brown

The AGE beautiful Hair Color is designed to help you fight the signs of aging in your hair. It makes thinning hair look instantly thicker and fuller, giving you a more youthful appearance. If you struggle with wiry gray strands, this dye softens them, making your hair easier to manage. It also offers complete gray coverage that lasts up to eight weeks, so you can maintain a fresh, natural look without frequent touch-ups. Additionally, it deeply conditions your hair, reducing dryness and leaving it feeling smooth and healthy. This product combines powerful ingredients to keep your hair looking vibrant and salon-quality right at home.

What We Like
Excellent gray coverage
Long-lasting color retention
Hair looks shiny and healthy
Easy application, non-drip formula
Natural-looking, rich color
What We Don't Like
Color result depends on base hair color
#TOP 5

Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel, 1N Black

ANT-001
1N Black
Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel, 1N Black Cover
Herbatint Permanent Hair Dye For Women - 1N Black - For Up To 100% Gray Coverage - Ammonia-Free, Alcohol-Free & Vegan - Salon Influenced Hair color 5.75 Fl Oz

Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel is an alcohol-free, vegan hair dye that provides 100% grey coverage. It colors white hair from the first application and protects hair structure while giving a deep natural gloss and vibrancy. The formula is specially made from herb extracts, including rosemary, cinchona, and walnut husk, to achieve a natural, subtle color that looks great and feels soft time after time.

What We Like
Healthy hair results
Low-toxicity ingredients
No strong odor
Covers grey effectively
Long-lasting color
What We Don't Like
Color outcome may vary
Opaque packaging inconvenience
#TOP 6

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color Cream

Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color Cream Cover
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color, 10.1 Extra Light Ash Blonde, 1 Application-Salon Inspired Permanent Hair Dye, for up to 80% Less Breakage vs Untreated Hair and up to 100% Gray Coverage

Schwarzkopf Hair Color is a long-lasting permanent hair dye that comes with a pre-color serum to protect and strengthen your hair. With 100% gray coverage and long-lasting color intensity, this hair dye provides even color results from root to tip. It also reduces hair breakage by up to 80% compared to untreated hair. Additionally, it comes with an anti-brass purple conditioner to keep your hair looking healthy and vibrant. If you want to extend the life of your color, you can try Schwarzkopf's Color Boost, which is an in-shower customizable color vibrancy booster. You just need to mix 1-5 drops into your favorite conditioner to increase color intensity between colorings.

What We Like
Natural-looking color results
Gray coverage
Gentle on hair
Long-lasting color
Easy to use
What We Don't Like
Color may differ from box
Some strong smell

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour, Deep Brown Black 3N

16206
3N Deep Brown Black
1 Count (Pack of 1)
John Frieda Precision Foam Colour, Deep Brown Black 3N Cover
John Frieda Precision Foam Colour, Deep Brown Black 3N, Full-coverage Hair Color Kit, Anti-Fade Gray Coverage, Deep Color Saturation Hair Dye, 1 Application

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour is a hair dye kit that provides full coverage, precision foam color at home. Its non-drip foam spreads easily into roots and hard-to-reach areas for precise, all-over 100% grey coverage. The foam is easy to use, spreading quickly and flawlessly covering the hard-to-reach hair on the back of your head, roots, and hairline. The product comes with a nourishing, after-color conditioner that seals in color for long-lasting tonal richness, while keeping hair soft and silky.

What We Like
Easy foam application
Excellent grey coverage
Natural, vibrant color
Soft, shiny hair
Less mess and odor
What We Don't Like
Occasional stubborn gray coverage
Color may appear darker
#TOP 8

eSalon Medium Brown Copper Golden Hair Color Kit

eSalon
eSalon Medium Brown Copper Golden Hair Color Kit Cover
eSalon Permanent Hair Color & Hair Dye Kit - Medium Brown Copper Golden - Professional-Grade Personal Colorist for All Hair Types, Up To 100% Gray Coverage - Ammonia-Free

The eSalon Hair Color Kit lets you color your hair at home with professional results. It’s designed for all hair types and can cover gray hair completely, giving you a rich, multi-dimensional color. Inside the kit, you’ll find everything you need, including the hair dye, developer, shampoo and conditioner sachets, gloves, and stain removal tools, so you can color your hair confidently and easily. The instructions are simple to follow, and the process takes about 35 minutes. Plus, the formula uses ingredients like quinoa and aloe vera to keep your hair strong and shiny, all without harsh chemicals like ammonia.

What We Like
Salon-quality results at home
Gentle, non-harsh formula
Easy application process
Vibrant, long-lasting color
Includes helpful accessories
What We Don't Like
Higher price than typical dyes
Gray coverage may vary
#TOP 9

IGK 6N But First Coffee Hair Dye Kit

IGK
Light Natural Brown
IGK 6N But First Coffee Hair Dye Kit Cover
IGK Permanent Hair Dye Color Kit | 6N But First Coffee - Light Natural Brown | 100% Gray Color Coverage + Strengthen + Shine | Ammonia Free

The IGK But First Coffee Dye offers salon-quality color that’s easy for you to apply at home, giving you vibrant, natural-looking results with full gray coverage. You’ll enjoy healthier hair after coloring, as this formula is proven to make your strands shinier, softer, and stronger while reducing breakage. The nourishing blend includes Squalane to keep your hair moisturized and shiny, Orchid Extract to make it feel soft, and Bamboo Extract to boost strength and resilience. Whether you want to cover roots, gray hair, or refresh your color, this dye works well on all hair types, including treated or processed hair.

What We Like
Salon-quality color
Full gray coverage
Healthier, shinier hair
Moisturizing ingredients
Works on all hair types
What We Don't Like
Some fading after weeks
Occasional stubborn gray coverage
#TOP 10

Good Dye Young Streaks and Strands Semi-Permanent Hair Color Kowabunga

Kowabunga
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Good Dye Young Streaks and Strands Semi-Permanent Hair Color Kowabunga Cover
Good Dye Young Streaks and Strands Semi-Permanent Hair Color (Kowabunga) - UV Protective, Conditioning, PPD-Free, Cruelty-Free & Vegan Green Hair Dye, Lasts 15-24+ Washes

The Good Dye Young Green Dye offers a vibrant, true green color that brightens your hair with salon-quality pigments in a gentle, conditioning formula. This semi-permanent dye is designed to sit on the hair's surface, so it won’t cause damage and gradually fades after 15 to 24 washes, giving you flexibility to change your look. Infused with natural ingredients like bergamot essential oil, it adds a fresh scent and mood boost, while sunflower extract helps protect your hair from sun damage and heat styling. Best results appear on light blonde hair, making it perfect if you want a bold green shade without long-term commitment.

What We Like
Bold vibrant color
Pleasant scent
Easy application
Long-lasting results
Good price
What We Don't Like
Color fades gradually
Small tube size
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of hair dye do salons use?

Salons typically use semi-permanent hair color to add depth, grow out permanent color, or enhance shine and gloss. Semi-permanent color can also create a highlighted look depending on the shade and hair type. It is a better option for your hair compared to permanent hair dye.

2. What do hairdressers use to color hair?

Hairdressers typically use permanent hair dye to color hair. This type of hair dye provides long-lasting results and can be applied in different ways to create various looks. If you prefer a less permanent option, you can discuss it with your hairdresser.

3. Is salon hair dye better than box dye?

Salon hair dye is generally considered better than box dye for several reasons. Salon color provides better coverage and more accurate results. It also contains fewer harsh chemicals that can damage your hair. If you are planning to dye your hair at home, it is important to keep these differences in mind.

4. Is salon dye healthier than box dye?

Salon dye can be considered healthier than box dye because it offers a more personalized and safer hair coloring experience. The formula used in salon dye is tailored to your hair type and desired color, ensuring that the chemicals and dye mixture are proportioned correctly.

5. Is store-bought hair dye as good as salon?

Store-bought hair dye is generally of lesser quality compared to salon hair color. At-home hair color products often contain harsher and more concentrated chemicals, and they may lack the protective ingredients found in salon dyes. For better results and less damage to your hair, it is recommended to opt for salon hair dye.

6. How can I get salon-like hair color at home?

To achieve salon-like hair color at home, you can follow these steps: wash your hair before dyeing, select a color that suits you, protect your skin with Vaseline, wear gloves, mix the dye in a bowl, and use a hair developer. These tips can help you achieve better results when dyeing your hair at home.

7. Why are hairdressers against box dye?

Hairdressers are often against box dye because some formulas can be too harsh for your hair. Additionally, applying hair color without professional knowledge and experience can lead to issues and damage to your hair.

8. Why do hairdressers tell you not to use box dye?

Hairdressers advise against using box dye because it often contains harsh chemicals that can cause damage, discoloration, and irritation if used incorrectly. Some box dyes also contain lower-grade ingredients that do not provide the same results as professional hair color products.

Editor's Notes

During our hair dye for salon research, we found 48 hair dye for salon products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 297,438 customer reviews through our big data system to write the hair dye for salon list. We found that most customers choose hair dye for salon with an average price of $11.54.

The hair dye for salon are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of hair dye for salon, including AGE beautiful, Herbatint, Schwarzkopf, John Frieda, eSalon. 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 for Salon Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand AGE beautiful AGE beautiful AGE beautiful AGE beautiful Herbatint Schwarzkopf John Frieda eSalon IGK Good Dye Young
Color 5NN Medium Intense Brown 1N Jet Black 3NN Darkest Intense Brown 5NRV Medium Neutral Red Violet Brown 1N Black 10.1 Extra Light Ash Blonde 3N Deep Brown Black Medium Brown Copper Golden 5CG Light Natural Brown Kowabunga
Package Information Tube Tube Tube Tube Box Box Box Box Box Tube
Product Benefits First color with melanin, keratin peptide, silk protein and a patented conditioning technology to replenish hair. First color with melanin, keratin peptide, silk protein and a patented conditioning technology to replenish hair. First color with melanin, keratin peptide, silk protein and a patented conditioning technology to replenish hair. First color with melanin, keratin peptide, silk protein and a patented conditioning technology to replenish hair. Hair Coloring Hair Coloring Hair Coloring, Nourishing Achieve salon-worthy hair with the eSalon Personal Colorist Kit. Handcrafted for all hair types, this liquid permanent hair color formula offers multi-dimensional results and can help you achieve full gray coverage. 0% Ammonia. Cruelty-free. Leaves hair 15x shinier and 88% softer and smoother strands with 40% reduced breakage Nourishing, Hair Coloring, Brightening
Item Form Liquid Liquid Cream Liquid Gel Cream Foam Liquid Liquid Cream
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
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 8.9
Where to Buy