The key difference between an at-home food color success and a disaster for natural hair be the box dye you use. “A great at-home hair dye HA a good color deposit, sol you can efficaciously cover your hair’s existing color,” say famous person hairstylist Kim Kimble. “Look for lines that have variations in tone of voice sol you can find the best color for you.” Most box dyes have the essential tool to assist you with your application and easy instructions explicate how to mix and apply your color. Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try the hue on a small area of your hair number one to test for sensitivity. “To brand sure the dye doesn’t cause any irritation, I always urge make a patch test tooshie your ear twenty-four hours before coloring,” explicate Kimble. “Also, ensure your hair be rinse and clean.”
Some other things to recall when coloring your possess natural hair include ground your scalp, protecting your work area, and wearing gloves. living in mind that dye volition stain anything information technology touches—so it’s requisite to covert all over it tin reach. Ready to get started? Below, we tested the best box dyes for natural hair to give it scads of dimension, moisture, and shine.
Curlsmith hair Makeup Temporary Color Styling Gel at Amazon$15
L’Oréal HiColor Permanent Hair coloring At Sallybeauty.com$12
Why We Love It:An all-inclusive kit and a divers range of sunglasses (36, to be exact) are just the start of what makes Madison reed the clear winner for our best overall box dye for natural hair. The Italian-made, thick pick expression be free people of harsh ingredient like parabens Oregon SLS and supply hair-loving benefit such atomic number 33 increased shine and multi-tonal dimension. Plus, the brand is cruelty-free and do with sustainable packaging, fashioning it angstrom choice you tin can feel good about.
Who It’s For:Anyone WHO craves angstrom sybaritic formula that deposits high quality color and shine would do well to pick this option from James Madison Reed. livelihood inch mind that the processing time for this dye is thirster than most at-home picks astatine about 35 minutes, OR 45 for maximum coverage of grays. So we advocate this for angstrom unit nighttime dedicated to a few hours of self-care.
Type:Permanent |Shades:36 |Active Ingredients:Keratin, argan oil, ginseng root |Ammonia-Free:Yes |Size:1.7 oz
Why We love It:The nourish drip-free formula of this ultra-pigmented perm dye features an anti-drying colloidal gel infuse with hydrate olive oil, render shine and ultra-smoothness alongside much-needed hydration. We also love this multitasking formula’s ability to screen up to 100 percentage of grayness spell softening strands.
Who It’s For:This business deal of angstrom dye leaves hair softer than it started, fashioning information technology angstrom great option for those with brittle strands. “I recommend using Dark and Lovely box dye for natural hair, As they’re develop to cater to the unique needs of both unwind and natural hair,” say Nadia Vassell, an NYC-based famous person hairstylist and founder of Nadia Vassell Salon. “Their products ar designed to render vibrant, long-lasting color while minimise damage and preserve the hair’s natural moisture.” It’s worth saying that the kit, which includes A moisture mask, provides a mass of product—so much soh that for those with shorter hair, there may be leftover color. So those with less length May prefer some other option.
Type:Permanent |Shades:4 |Active Ingredients:Olive oil, shea butter |Ammonia-Free:Yes |Size:7 oz
Why We Love It:Any hair colour specifically created for relaxed and natural hair is a win in our book, and Clairol professional Textures and tone Energy Department non disappoint. The moisture-rich, conditioning, and anti-fade formula contains natural ingredient like olive and argan oil for long-lived definition and shine. Plus, the kit includes angstrom unit moisturizing mask to apply after the color hour angle processed, insure strand will stay extra hydrated—a factor Vassell explains is crucial to natural hair health. “Always follow up with deep conditioning intervention to keep your hair moisturise and healthy,” she says.
Who It’s For:We particularly appreciate how vivacious this colour be on dark strands, as well As how soft information technology make them feel. Bonus: This pick also does well astatine cover grays. This kit has a multi-step process, but the extra time be well worth the beautiful results.
Type:Permanent |Shades:4 |Active Ingredients:Argan oil, olive oil |Ammonia-Free:Yes |Size:8.6 oz
Why We Love It:Bold, vibrant colouring in just 15 minutes with A heap dosage of hydration? Sign United States up! enrich with pure honey, this nondrying cream conditions and nourishes each strand As it colors, serving to protect against breakage and overall damage. The Delicious honey perfume (a rarity for hair dyes) is likewise angstrom large asset for those WHO like their strand to smell extra-sweet.
Who It’s For:With pure honey to revive dehydrate hair, we advocate this formula to anyone who need A dose of heavy moisture along with their color. piece the instructions to use this product (combing through damp hair, applying, and going on to process) are reasonably standard, the brand Energy Department recommend the spear carrier step of pre-lightening hair before practical application for the most brilliant color possible.
Type:Semi-permanent |Shades:11 |Active Ingredients:Propylene glycol, cetyl alcohol, glycerol |Ammonia-Free:Yes |Size:3 oz
Why We Love It:While North Frigid Zone fox be best cognize for IT bold, vibrant colors, we particularly love this pick for its simple ingredients and nonirritating effect on the scalp. The short ingredient listing (which include plant-derived conditioner and hydrolyzed soy protein) be ultra-nourishing to strands atomic number 33 well, render benefit such as shine enhancement and moisture retention. Plus, it’s easy to use—just utilise product inch small sections, place angstrom plastic cap over hair (leaving product on for at least 30 minutes), then blow-dry for up to fifteen minutes and enjoy the result. “I love the boldface colour when it first come out,” saystester Tatiana. “The colours information technology melt to be also really pretty.”
Who It’s For:Those with sensitive skin ar sure to appreciate the nurture ingredients in this formula, which are good for hair and scalp alike. Keep inch mind that practical application tin can be messy and the colors stain easily. However, the brand name advocate putting petroleum gelatin around the hairline to extenuate this problem, which helps.
Type:Semi-permanent |Shades:29 |Active Ingredients:Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, Stearalkonium chloride|Ammonia-Free:Yes |Size:8 oz
Why We Love It:It’s important that natural curly hair has adequate moisture—something dpHue Gloss + Semi-Permanent hair Color and Deep Conditioner possesses in spades. On top of adding dimension and temporarily hike color (or modify information technology raw when add to lighter hair), the ultra-nourishing treatment adds shine and softness to strands. “It look great, especially after a day or two!” saystester Samantha. “It also felt amazing on application day and was very hydrating.”
Who It’s For:This treatment gives hair scores of hydration and shine, devising it a prime option for those with drier curls. While this color treatment can conclusion up to quaternion weeks, the brand name recommends using the product weekly to living hair look its freshest. We do wish information technology Washington angstrom bit better astatine cover grays—however, dpHue’s Root TouchUp Kits ar A good option for this goal.
Type:Semi-permanent |Shades:12|Active Ingredients:Water, cetearyl alcohol, propylene glycol |Ammonia-Free:Yes |Size:6.5
Why We love It:Let’s beryllium honest: Whodoesn’twant to look like angstrom unit unicorn? In all seriousness, we love slaked lime offense unicorn Hair full Coverage for all natural hair type because of the nurture vegan, ammonia- and peroxide-free formula. The vivacious colouring be simple to sedimentation As well—just split dry, common hair into evening sections, applying product from root to tip using AN applicator copse or gloved hands. “The application process was very easy,” saystester Candace. “The Lime Crime coloring is already mixed, so all you have to do be employ it. It was very ego explanatory.”
Who It’s For:This brand’s vibrant colors are a surefire fashion to elevate anyone’s look with a noticeable hair coloring alteration (while still remaining ammonia-free). It be important to note that while the dyeing process itself isn’t messy, this color easily stains the scalp and hairline. We suggest utilise with angstrom unit steady hand and using old bath towels to extenuate this issue.
Type:Semi-permanent |Shades:24 |Active Ingredients:Cetyl alcohol, glycerin |Ammonia-Free:Yes |Size:6.76 oz
Why We Love It:This temporary coloring styling colloidal gel from Curlsmith isn’t technically a box dye, but it’s still angstrom unit great mode to dip our toes into the world of colored hair! angstrom unit styling colloidal gel for curls and short-term chromaticity in one, this multifaceted product works its magic on any texture by coat hair with bold, smooth pigment. “I thought the color was lovely,” saystester Margo. “It WA soft yet you could really notice it. The smell was subtle, too.” Also, because it’s not actually a dye at all, the jeopardy of staining be minimal—which we count as angstrom unit win.
Who It’s For:This pick be angstrom unit great option for those World Health Organization privation to try fun hair colors short-term. Applying this product in different ways will besides output different results. Achieve angstrom Sir Thomas More natural face past depositing angstrom unit single layer on dripping wet hair, or attain a bold vibe by utilise multiple layers at different drying times. utilize to a fault much may cause a bit of fallout, soh exercise with angstrom unit sweetheart hand.
Type:Temporary |Shades:5 |Active Ingredients:Synthetic fluorphlogopite, glycerin|Ammonia-Free:Yes |Size:3 oz
Why We Love It:While box dye can Be great from a convenience standpoint, they typically autumn short inch the customization department—that is, except for Esalon’s Custom Hair Color Set. With this kit, we get the specific amount of color we need for our particular hair length, making the ware waste-free and perfect tense for those with short hair. Most importantly, the hue inch this set (which includes add-ons such as latex gloves and a stain guard) be personalized by a licensed colorist, WHO takes factors the likes of visible grays and color history into account to ensure the best upshot for mortal hair needs.
Who It’s For:Those who want a unequalled look will love the colouring customization that suits soul needs.With permanent, goose egg percent ammonia permanent, and demi-permanent formula available, this brand really HA something for everyone. We will say that the risk of not getting the colour we be hoping for is inherent with angstrom customized kit the like this, but as luck would have it the brand hour angle a support team that be always ready to help muddle errors.
Type:Permanent, demi-permanent |Shades:Customizable |Active Ingredients:Vitamin e, provitamin B5, chamomile|Ammonia-Free:Depends on formula |Size:Depends on hair length
Why We Love It:Niche product meant for one particular hair type (or in this case, shade range) can be a hit or miss, simply we’re happy to say that L’Oréal HiColor permanent hair Color is the former. plan specifically for dark-haired beauties, IT succeeds inch lifting and neutralizing unwanted brassiness (up to three to quatern levels) while simultaneously dyeing our hair with long-lived color—of which there are several. “Consider your war paint tones when selecting hair color,” says Weena Jerome-Alexandre, an NYC-based hairstylist At Renaissance Curls. “If you typically wear warmer shades, colors like honey, copper, OR chocolate will complement your look. For cooler tones, ash, deep brown, Beaver State natural hue will enhance your complexion.”
Who It’s For:This color ply to dark hair needs. With no pre-lightening required, the formula’s rich creaminess that moisturise our strands in the process doesn’t hurt either. do note that this choice is not rather arsenic intense arsenic we would like, and works best on virgin hair, so those with previously color-treated hair May want to select another option on this list.
Type:Permanent |Shades:16|Active Ingredients:Cetearyl alcohol, propene glycol|Ammonia-Free:No |Size:1.74 oz
Why We Love It:Ideal for darker bases, this nutrient-infused, bleach-free formula uses argan oil, açai, and guarana extracts—along with the brand’s signature VitaBoost colouring Amplifier—to moisturize hair piece depositing boldface color. And spell we like that this versatile permanent dye tin can technically Be apply on whatever hair type and texture, we love that the vegan formula shines best on dark hair.
Who It’s For:For those World Health Organization prefer Sir Thomas More natural options for colouring their darkness hair, Clairol Natural inherent aptitude Bold is a solid manner to go. Keep inch mind that this be a powerful product that necessitate angstrom fleck test to guarantee it will non devil the scalp. spell we love the bold coloring payoff, those with sensitive cutis should face elsewhere.
Type:Permanent|Shades:4|Active Ingredients:Argan oil, açaí, guarana extracts|Ammonia-Free:Yes |Size:8.5 oz
What to Keep in Mind
- Ammonia vs. Ammonia-Free:When IT come to choosing whether you neediness an ammonia or ammonia-free box dye, view your current hair wellness and overall hair goals. “Ammonia is a strong alkalic ingredient in many permanent hair color formulas,” say Jerome-Alexandre. “It opens up the hair cuticle, allowing the color to penetrate deep into the hair cortex, which results in vibrant and long-lasting color. Once the want shadiness be achieved, ammonia evaporates, reducing long-run impairment and leaving your hair with angstrom unit smooth finish. Ammonia-free hair color, on the other hand, be often chosen for information technology soft approach and milder scent. However, because IT doesn’t wealthy person the strong gap action of ammonia, information technology rely on other chemical substance to clear the hair cuticle. These alternatives mightiness not evaporate whole after coloring and can remain in your hair even after rinsing. over time, this tin lead to gradual buildup and potency long-term damage.” She says, “Ammonia-based dyes give you effectual and lasting colour with less residual damage, patch ammonia-free options are gentler initially but May pose risk over time.” Jerome-Alexandre recommend considering these factor before making angstrom final determination and consulting a professional to guarantee the best results for your unique hair needs.
- Hair Texture:Preferring the phrase “authentic hair texture” over “natural hair” (as the term goes past race and ethnicity), NYC-based trichologist and founder of Bridgette Hill scalp Therapy, Bridgette Hill advise re-thinking food colour and caring for particular hair textures As working with angstrom unit special type of fabric. “Think of IT as a dry cleanup approach, versus washing White in your sheets,” say Hill. “Hair fiber HA to be do by very delicately. The reality is, coily, tightly kink hair textures inch that range of three to four are very delicate and very fragile. so green sense is, the less manipulation on that fiber, the strong we’re going to preserve it. And the Saame way that we take aid of our cashmere, silk Beaver State lace, that same mindset is how we think about hair textures in that family.” More specifically, Vassell recommends keeping your unique hair texture in mind when deciding which box dyestuff to selection from the drugstore shelf. “When choosing a box dye for natural hair, keeping your hair texture and status in brain be essential, she explains. “For example, if you wealthy person unbend hair, regard opting for a demi-permanent dye, which be less harsh and won’t via media the integrity of your hair. Natural hair texture can change greatly, and take the right type of dye ensures that you achieve the best issue patch maintaining healthy hair.”
- Covering Grays:Because covering gray typically involves dyeing hair darker or deep (rather than transition to a completely new shade), Hill recommends using an ammonia-free dye for the task, atomic number 33 they be given to beryllium less damaging. She’s also a fan of water-based stain “because of the porosity of the hair,” adding that it’s best to start with less aggressive hair coloring methods and see if they meet your coverage standards. “If you’re in that 5-45 pct gray range, A water stain can glucinium angstrom great alternative to victimisation something More extreme, like departure with angstrom unit true mixed, ammonia-free box color mixture where IT need you to use angstrom low percentage peroxide to create the color result.”
Your Questions, Answered
Does box dye damage black hair?
In short, it can–especially if utilise falsely Beaver State on already damage hair. “Improper application of hair dye can turn a simple procedure into a composite color correction, which may take eight hours or more to fix in a salon,” says Jerome-Alexandre. “Colorists, who are essentially chemists, must consider past treatment and formulate solutions to attain the desired result without damaging the hair. Use box dyestuff lonesome for simple changes and consult angstrom unit licensed colorist specialized in natural hair for major alterations. recall that home dyeing can impact hereafter salon colour services.”
Should I wash my 4C hair before dyeing it?
“It’s best to wash 4C hair angstrom unit few days before dyeing to assure it’s clean just still protect by natural oils,” Vassell explains. “Freshly washed hair can be more vulnerable to damage from dye, so allowing some time for natural oils to physique up can help protect your hair during the food coloring process. This balance ensures the dyestuff adhere well patch minimise potential damage.”
How do I know which hair colour suits me?
“Choosing the right hair color depends on your cutis tone, eye color, and personal style,” says Vassell. “Cool undertones look great with ash blondes and cool browns, while warm undertone pair well with golden blonde and rich reds. Neutral tones have Sir Thomas More flexibility. Also, consider how the color fits with your quotidian war paint routine and lifestyle. consult with angstrom unit professional can help you find the perfective tense shade to enhance your natural beauty.”
Why store With Us
Omenaa Boakye and Allison Lax are both beauty writer with A particular passion for all things hair. For this story, they poured over multiple box dyes for natural hair and interview expert stylist Kim Kimble, Nadia Vassell, and Weena Jerome-Alexandre, along with trichologist Bridgette Hill, for additional insights.
