So, you are ready to take the plunge and dye your hair a different color? 

Whether you have been dying hair for a while or are someone experimenting for the first time, it is best to learn as much about the process as possible. In one of our previous posts, we discussed how to dye hair at home. If you remember the very first step of the process, it was all about choosing the right color. 

Now you know that there are many different types of hair colors and they have their own pros and cons. You can go ammonia-free with semi-permanents; you can choose demi-permanents for better coverage and less risk; you can go for a major transformation with a permanent hair dye. There are other temporary options as well. 

No matter which type of hair dye you choose, the brand can make a real difference. Every brand has its own formulation and the results depend on how great the formula is. 

To further help you in your hair coloring endeavor, we are here with our top five list in two main categories of hair dyes: permanent hair dyes and semi-permanent hair dyes. 

5 Best Permanent Hair Dyes 

1.   Clairol Perfect 10 by Nice ‘N Easy 

Clairol has become one of the heavyweight champions of box dyes over the past few years. It won’t be wrong to give the credit to their Nice ‘n Easy range. The Clairol Perfect 10 Hair Color is part of the same series. It promises to give you a natural looking hair color. It works best for people with grey roots since the coverage is quite even despite the lighter roots. It is called Perfect 10 because it takes ten minutes to properly process. 

Pros

• High gloss shine 
• Easy usage 
• Quick processing 
• Gentle on hair 

Cons 

• Strong smell
• Fades quickly 

2.   L’Oréal Paris Excellence Crème Hair Color

L’Oréal is one of the first brands to come up with cream formulas and Excellence crème hair color is one of their finest range. It is one of the few permanent dyes that don’t leave your hair excessively dry or damaged. The new range contains pro-keratin that gives your hair a lasting shine. The crème formula is easy to apply as it glides over the strands, and the applicator makes it even easier. 

Pros 

• Lasting shine
• Fine range of colors 
• Easy application 

Cons 

• Not good for a drastic change 
• Strong smell 

3.   Schwarzkopf Igora Royal

Schwarzkopf happens to be one brand that actually invests a lot on hair care research and development. Their hair colors are of high quality and often preferred by salons. Igora Royal is one of their popular permanent hair color range. The best thing about it is that it can evenly cover all your white and grey hair without causing any damage. 

Pros 

• Intense and vibrant color
• Great color retention 
• Safe for porous hair 

Cons 

• None

4.   Garnier Olia Hair Color

Garnier has too many ranges of permanent hair dyes to choose from but Olia is hands down the best we have tried. It is a groundbreaking formula that doesn’t contain ammonia yet delivers full and lasting coverage. It is also one of the first box dye that is oil based. Needless, to say it won’t leave you with dry and brittle hair to deal with. 

Pros

• Oil based formula 
• Nice smell 
• Ammonia free 
• Full coverage 

Cons 

• Fades quickly 

 

5.   Vidal Sassoon Salonist Hair Color

You may not heard of this brand because it used to cater to salons only. However, they have ventured into DIY box dyes lately and seems like they are doing great with Vidal Sasson Salonist Hair Color range. This range allows you to follow a two-step process to get salon-like results. First you apply on the roots and then on the lengths to get perfect and complete coverage. 

Pros 

• Nice scent 
• Vibrant colors 
• Includes a brush and tray 

Cons 

• Slightly drying 
• Slightly expensive 

5    Best Semi-Permanent Hair Colors 

1.   L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color 

It is difficult to create a hair color list without a single L’Oréal product. The best thing about Colorista is that it is created specifically for brunettes. For ages, brunettes have been looking for an ammonia-free option that also offers dramatic transformation, and L’Oréal gave us exactly that. From rights to pastel, there is an amazing range to choose from. 

Pros 

• Great pay off 
• Vegan 

Cons 

• Fades with every wash 
• Slightly drying

2.   Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Clairol Natural Instinct is a great hair color option for anyone who is looking for a natural looking coverage. Like the Perfect 10 range, this one also takes 10 minutes to process. The nourishing formula leaves your hair looking healthy, shiny, and beautiful. It is great for dry hair.

Pros 

• Short process time 
• Great coverage 
• Moisturizing formula 

Cons 

• Strong smell 

3.   Arctic Fox Semi Permanent Hair Color

Arctic Fox is a brand founded by a model Kristen Leanne who was apparently appalled by the dearth of cruelty free hair colors. It is free of ammonia and other harsh chemicals that can make hair dry and lifeless. One of the best things about these colors is that they fade beautifully into a pastel shade of the actual color. 

Pros

• Highly pigmented 
• Cruelty-free and vegan 
• Lasting color 
• Conditioning formula

Cons

• None 

4.   Ion Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Ion is another brand that is quite a popular choice for those who don’t want to take the permanent path. This Italian brand has come up with a nourishing formula that contains natural ingredients including argan oil and pequi oil. There is a plethora of colors ranging from natural browns to brights and neons.

Pros

• Highly pigmented 
• Interesting range of colors 
• Nourishing formula 

Cons 

Not best for grey coverage 

5.   Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Manic Panic is the brand that pioneered the concept of vegan and cruelty free hair dyes. Manic Panic hair dyes come in jars and can be conveniently applied like a cream. It is a creative brand and comes up with exciting colors with even more exciting names. These colors have a huge cult following around the world.  

Pros 

• Exciting range of colors
• Easy application 
• Moisturizing formula 
• Gluten free

Cons 

• Doesn’t last long 

Conclusion 

Hair dying can be a truly rewarding experience, only if you manage to find the right product. Try these amazing brands listed above and you will definitely love the results.