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Three different boxes of drugstore hair dyes on a tan, textured background, including Garnier Olia Oil Permanent Hair Color

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In This Article

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Todays boxed hair dyes have gotten a major upgrade.

But with Clairol Natural Instincts, you might put all your boxed dye fears at ease.

We love that the non-fumey formula is ammonia-free and boasts a conditioning, moisturizing blendcoconut oilandaloe vera.

Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye

PHOTO: Amazon

Hair that looks radiant with enhanced color and shine.

And since it’sdemi-permanent, the results will last roughly 28 washes.

John Frieda’s Precision Foam Colour is different, though.

Garnier Olia Oil Permanent Hair Color

PHOTO: Amazon

It’s available in several natural brunette shades ranging from luminous black tomedium chestnutto cool-tonedlight brown.

Just know the processing time is a bit longer than other kits we’ve tried.

The entire collection has 50 colors to choose from, with almost 20 options being blonde based.

John Frieda Precision Foam Colour

PHOTO: Walmart

The combination ofkeratinandamino acidshelps minimize damage while strengthening hair and leaving it soft and shiny.

My hair looked and felt great.

The color was immediate and there were no patches or uneven areas.

hair dye

PHOTO: L’Oreal Paris

Heather, tester:This actually works as a root fix.

This covered regrowth quickly and easily with less mess.

I’m overall very pleased and will buy this versus other dyes going forward.

Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color

PHOTO: Amazon

This is one of our favorites, as it’s super easy to use and conveniently customizable.

That said, there aren’t a ton of shades available.

This product uses a high-gloss formula to intensely condition and nourish your hair.

Amazon Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Hair Color Magnificent Blacks

PHOTO: Amazon

It hydrated my ends well and helped with my everydayfrizz.

After each software, I noticed my hair was softer and shinier than before.

My hair is healthier, shinier, and better than before.

Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color Permanent Hair Color

PHOTO: Walmart

Unfortunately, it can take a toll on your hair and may irritate sensitive skin.

Schwarzkopf Simply Color is not only free of ammonia but also silicone and alcohol.

It offers great color payoff and 100% gray coverage.

Madison Reed Root Perfection Root Touch-Up Kit

PHOTO: Ulta

Do note that the brand recommends reapplying the kit every four to six weeks to maintain the color.

There is also a collection of beard dyes for any men looking to cover any sparse grays.

What to Look for in Box Dye

Generally speaking, yes.

A before and after photo showing the effects of using the Madison Reed Root Touch Up Kit

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When in doubt, ask a professional.

Over-the-counter hair dyes often have shade charts, either on the box or on the website’s product description.

If, however, you’re using a semi-permanent dye, you won’t be using a developer.

Schwarzkopf Color Boost Vibrancy Booster

PHOTO: Target

For semi-permanent dyes, choose a shade slightly lighter than the color you want to end up with.

With this method, you’re more likely to land on the color you want.

When you do lather up, be sure to use asulfate-free formula, which is less stripping of color.

Amazon Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone Hair Gloss

PHOTO: Amazon

2018;3(10):14173-14180. doi: 10.1021/acsomega.8b01189

Gavazzoni Dias MF.Hair cosmetics: an overview.Int J Trichology.

2015;7(3):259-262. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.157976

Photos of person’s hair before and after using Pureology Color Fanatic Top Coat + Tone Hair Gloss

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Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Color

PHOTO: Walmart

Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit

PHOTO: Amazon

Radico USA Organic Hair Color

PHOTO: Radico USA