12 Best At-Home Boxed Hair Dyes, Tested by Color Pros

We updated this article in July 2022 with new product picks (Clairol Nice 'N Easy Root Touch-Up, ESalon and Lime Crime) and based on extensive testing by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab as well as product details and expert commentary.

Color processing at a salon can cost anywhere from $75 to more than $500 — which can be worth it if you want to completely change your look, but for those who just want to add subtle highlights or touch up gray hairs for $10 or less, you can absolutely do it at home. Today's at-home hair color options are easy to use and offer a quick, inexpensive way to update your look without the cost and hassle of a trip to the salon. The best at-home hair dyes from tried-and-true hair color brands last throughout regular shampooing, sun exposure and regular hot tool usage to remain shiny, healthy and vibrant.

But which boxed hair dye is best? To find out, GH Beauty Lab scientists rigorously test at-home hair color kits and products both in the Lab using technical instruments and on consumer testers to gauge their ease of use and effects, including color vibrancy, fading when exposed to water and UV, shine, the look and feel of hair after use and more. Here, the GH Beauty Lab's best-tested at-home hair color products you can buy, plus top-rated editor and consumer picks, including boxed drugstore dyes for professional results and gray coverage on all hair shades.

Our top picks:

Scroll to the bottom of this article for more information on how we test hair color at the GH Beauty Lab, plus tips to keep in mind when shopping for hair color and how to make your DIY dye job last — and be sure to read our foolproof guide to coloring your hair at home, plus color inspo for dark brown hair, auburn hair, blonde color ideas, gorgeous highlight inspo and balayage hair color ideas.