15 Expert-Approved Hair Dyes For Coloring Your Hair At Home

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If you've flirted with the idea of dyeing your hair but aren't a fan of the chemicals in standard dyes, you're not alone. Natural hair dyes and other natural at-home hair color options do exist, though they may take a little more research to find. And hopefully, this article will give you a better understanding of how they all work.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many chemical-free options on the market, but there are ways to work around that. “If using something natural is number one on your priority list, henna is the safest option as it is all-natural," says Krystel Cuadra, senior colorist at Fekkai in New York. You can also seek out vegetable-based hair dyes, adds Felicia Dosso, lead colorist at Nunzio Saviano Salon. “There are actual vegetables that will color hair, such as carrots, beets, and lemon juice."

Meet the experts: Krystel Cuadra is a senior colorist at Fekkai in New York. Felicia Dosso is a lead colorist at Nunzio Saviano Salon. Terri Rehkopf is the founder and owner of Ippodaro Salon. Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women's Health.

Aside from these all-natural options, there are many other dyes that contain smaller amounts of chemicals, like ammonia and P-phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause skin irritation to some, per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

To make finding a natural or organic hair dye easier—whether you’ve dyed your hair before or are looking to continue coloring with more organic dyes—see below for the 15 best natural hair dyes, according to customer reviews.

Natural Hair Color

You should add Khadi's natural hair dye to your cart if you’re looking for something made with 100 percent natural and vegan ingredients. The dye is made with finely-ground plant powder that naturally darkens your hair while adding shine.

Reviewers say this dye left their hair feeling super soft and shiny. They also note that the color lasts long and that the dye doesn't stain bathroom appliances. A few users also liked the product's earthy smell, which they preferred over the ammonia scent in standard dyes.

Rave Review: “This Khadi powder is absolutely the best product ever. The color is subtle and perfect. Plus, it leaves your hair so shiny and healthy after a few days. The main thing is to seriously follow all the directions and advice. It is totally vegan which is major, too.”

Radiant Hair Color Kit

If you’re okay with spending a little extra cash to color your hair, grab this hair dye kit from Madison Reed. "It's free of all of the harshest ingredients that are commonly found in hair color products and is leaping bunny-certified," says Dosso. Plus, it contains argan oil which moisturizes hair and adds shine.

Many reviewers say this kit left their hair feeling soft and shiny. Some even say they couldn't tell the difference between the at-home kit and a salon visit. In addition to great results, users also note that the simplicity of the directions makes the application process easy.

Rave Review:“It is a great relief to have found a hair dye that covers gray hair well without irritation, swelling, or itching. I am sensitive to chemicals. If I can use this dye, you probably might be able to use it, too.”

Simply Color Hair Color

Schwarzkopf knows that scalp irritation and allergic reactions are unfortunately not uncommon when it comes to many hair dyes, so they've formulated theirs to be as gentle on the scalp as possible. This dermatologist-tested dye is free of ammonia, silicone, and other harsh chemicals. Plus, it contains soy protein which works to strengthen hair.

Users with allergies to hair dye praise this product for how gentle it was on their scalps. And while some felt that the color washed out too quickly, others felt that the color lasted longer than leading brands. Reviewers also note that it worked especially well for hiding gray hairs.

Rave Review: “The scent is not even close to being as strong as other hair-coloring products. It was gentle enough [that I didn't] feel a burning sensation. It also washed out very well, as other dyes seem to take forever to wash out after the first application. The best part??? NO allergic reaction! No lumps! No irritated scalp!!! The coverage was full and my hair feels so good!"

Temporary Color Gel

If you're looking to switch up your hair color for a few days or weeks, Christophe Robin’s Temporary Color Gel is a viable option. The hair color gel is made with 92 percent natural-origin ingredients, like oat flakes, which help to protect the scalp, and inula flower, which will help brighten your hair color.

Reviewers say this product worked well as a touch-up in between salon visits. Some also say that it works well covering gray hairs, while others say it washed out too quickly. One caveat is that many users report that the hair dye can dry out your strands and scalp, so extra conditioner is recommended.

Rave Review: "I have dark brown hair with a few pesky grays that I like to keep covered between salon visits. Salon trips are expensive, and this helps me squeeze out a few weeks (or more if necessary) between visits. It’s easy and I love the fact that it’s not permanent."

Herbal Hair Dye

If you’re looking for hair dye that keeps plants and botanicals at the forefront, look no further than Naturcolor’s Permanent Herbal-Based Hair Color Gel. It's made with herbal ingredients, like chamomile and sage, and will give you a new look in under an hour.

Users love that this product eliminates orange and brassy tones while leaving hair soft and shiny. It doesn't fully cover gray hairs, but reviewers were still satisfied with the results. They also note that the smell was not harsh like standard dyes.

Rave Review: “This is likely the most natural-looking hair color outside of a salon I've ever used. The smell is not as intense or unpleasant as other hair colors. I have a fair amount of gray. I used the blonde N6 and it covered the gray completely. At this point, I highly recommend this product.”

Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye

When you dye your hair at home, you can forget about having to budget hundreds of dollars for a professional treatment. Even the at-home hair dye you buy doesn't have to be expensive, since you can shop Clairol's Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye (demi lasts longer than semi) for under $10—a steal. It's made with 80 percent naturally-derived ingredients and available in over 16 shades.

Many reviewers agree that while this product carries a scent, it's fairly light. Some people also love how easy it is to follow the application instructions. Another plus— users say it left their hair feeling silky and looking shiny.

Rave Review: “I love this hair dye. I have been using it for years. It goes on easily and makes my hair look great. The colors are perfect. I love that it is demi-permanent, since I have to do my roots every three weeks.”

Total Color Permanent Hair Color

If you’re looking for a long-lasting cleaner hair dye, Revlon’s Total Color Permanent Hair Color is also a great pick. The hair dye is available at a lower price point than others, but its cream formula still produces a rich color that's advertised to last for up to six weeks. It's also formulated to be non-drip, so you can forget about having to intensely scrub your scalp to remove leftover color.

Users claim this dye is free of harsh fragrances, making it a great option for those with hair dye allergies. Reviewers are also impressed with its ability to cover gray hair. It has received lots of praise for adding volume and shine to hair with ease.

Rave Review: “This is probably the best dye for this color! I've tried other vegan dyes and they fade away after only one or one and a half weeks. This one lasts at least three to four weeks, so I dye my hair about once a month!”

Color Refresh

Hair dye that's also a hair mask? Yes please. This Maria Nila semi-permanent hair dye will rejuvenate your hair color without harsh chemicals. It's formulated with argan oil to infuse your hair with moisture and reduce frizz.

Some users love how this product added shine and softness to their hair. Unfortunately, this might not be the best dye to fully cover grays. Reviewers note that it won't eliminate them, but it can make for a solid touch-up.

Rave Review: “This product does not cover gray hair, but it brightens up my darker hair color between sessions. The color is natural, shiny, and healthy. It also lasts through more than one wash and is a great investment.”

SuperNatural Hair Dye

If you want to support a brand that does not test on animals and still produces amazing dye, you should give Manic Panic’s Supernatural Shades a try. This semi-permanent hair dye is both vegan and cruelty-free and made without PPD or ammonia.

Many reviewers praise this dye for its even coverage. Others are obsessed over how natural it looks. One reviewer, in particular, said, "It fades nicely and not too quickly. I get compliments on all stages of its color. "

Rave Review: “I loved the results and it was so easy to use—not messy and didn’t stain. I had Manic Panic After Midnight Blue highlights in my dark brown hair that were fading so I wanted to cover them with something more natural. I wasn’t sure how I would cover the blue, but the dye worked amazingly! The color looks so natural and it covered evenly."

Hair Color

Made with natural flower oils, Garnier’s Olia hair dye will color your hair while adding shine and showering it in a flowery scent. If the harsh smell of your typical hair dye puts you off, you def won't hold your nose with this one.

In fact, reviewers say this dye is great for those seeking hypoallergenic options. Plus, users were wowed by how soft their hair felt afterwards. Customers do recommend that the product be left on slightly longer that the instructions state for it to work, though.

Rave Review: “I love Olia. I have curly hair and this product leaves it so moisturized and bouncy. I can't say enough about the color. It’s so rich and vibrant. I am going on six months loving Olia.”

Permanent Hair Color

If you don't love how hard your locks may feel after a dye job, grab this box from Naturtint. It's designed to simultaneously color and smoothen hair, since it's infused with oleic acid (derived from olives) and meadowfoam seed oil.

Reviewers love that this dye has little-to-no scent compared to other big brand names. The ingredients also left some users feeling like their hair color looked more natural than with other options. Many also noted that it was easy to apply.

Rave Review: “I'm glad I found a product that I feel comfortable using on a monthly basis. I'm not sure I’ve found anything safer to use in terms of chemicals.”

Henna Hair & Beard Color

When it comes to finding options that are 100 percent natural, look no further than henna. It colors hair using natural herbs, so it's safe for use on all hair types. It's a great option for those who have chemically-treated their hair.

Some reviewers say they felt that the henna gave them softer and shinier hair, one user in particular saying that their hair, "was in good shape before the henna, but now it feels great." One thing to note: Many reviews mentioned that henna can get messy, so be careful during the application process.

Rave Review: “I have dyed my hair with henna-based products several times, and this product definitely produced the most vibrant color of the ones that I've used. The coverage that this product provides is great!”

Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Yes, it's possible for hair dyes in fun colors—like pink and purple—to be free of ammonia, parabens, and PPD. Pulp Riot makes better-for-you options in a large range of vivid and pastel hair colors. The best part? Your color job may last up to 42 washes.

As expected, users were obsessed with the vibrant color of the dye. However, reviewers also indicated that how long the color lasted was different for everyone. While some customers' results only lasted a week, others' lasted for up to four weeks.

Rave Review: “It’s a great vibrant color that smells good, and doesn't dry out hair. It's long lasting for a semi-permanent [dye job] and fades true to color."

Heat-Activated Hair Dye

If you don't mind a little heat, you may enjoy using this hair dye from Onc NaturalColors. The hair dye’s low pH formula works with heat instead of harsh chemicals to raise the hair’s pH level to allow color to penetrate the cuticle. With 32 available shades, it’s not likely you’ll run into any trouble finding the perfect color for you.

Many users who had a hard time finding hypoallergenic dyes raved that this one checked all their boxes. Reviewers found the product easy to use and long-lasting. However, they also note that a generous amount of dye needs be used for it to work.

Rave Review: “Having colored my hair for 30 plus years at home, I suffered so much damage. I came across ONC Natural Organic Colors. It was delivered today. Wow, I just did my hair, and soft and shiny is an understatement—trust me. Never ever have I had that with any other dye.”

Permanent Hair Color

Phyto's hair dye is made from a blend of five botanical pigments and oils which aim to nourish the hair. The formula is gentle on the scalp, but delivers intense, vibrant color to hair, so only grab this one if you're willing to commit to a new shade.

Many users loved the quality of this dye for the price. Unfortunately, a few reviewers noted that this product can stain your walls if you're not careful. Overall, they were satisfied with the shiny, healthy-looking finish after using it.

Rave Review: “I started getting gray hairs fairly young and now have quite a lot. I’ve used other box dyes and they never covered the grays very well. I also don’t like going to the salon for root touch-ups due to the cost. This is the only box dye that completely covered the grays. It did come out darker as other reviewers have said, but I chose based on that. Very pleased!"

How we chose the best natural hair dyes

Women’s Health editors, including editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert and beauty director Brian Underwood, vetted the bestselling, top-rated natural hair dyes. Our team consulted several hair stylists and then evaluated hundreds of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best natural hair dyes for a wide range of needs and preferences.

What should I look for in a natural hair dye?

There are a few things you should keep in mind the next time you're shopping for hair dye.

Coverage

When it comes to natural hair dyes, you’re going to have to settle for less coverage, Dosso says. “It's always best to expect more translucent coverage with more natural dyes, as they don’t have certain chemicals to fully saturate the hair's cuticle,” Cuadra adds.

Additionally, Dosso notes that it's important to keep in mind that natural hair dyes may not cover gray hairs as well as chemical-based dyes can.

Ingredients

If you’re looking to take the most natural route when it comes to hair dye, you should probably steer clear of ammonia. "There are hair dyes that are ammonia and alcohol-free, which are drastically more gentle on the hair," Cuadra says. "Most hair dyes contain p-phenylenediamine to help open the hair cuticle, but there are options to avoid this particular chemical, too."

When looking for a more natural or clean hair dye, Dosso says to make sure to look for labels that say ‘cruelty-free’ or ‘leaping bunny-certified,' as these often steer clear of harsh chemicals.

Side note: Just because something is cruelty-free doesn't mean it's free of ammonia all together, so be sure to double-check the label.

Do all hair dyes have chemicals in them?

The bad new is that yes, all hair dyes—except for henna and vegetable-based dyes—contain chemicals. However, chemicals have varying levels of harshness. For example, PPD is one of the harsher chemicals since it's a petroleum-derived ingredient that can cause skin irritation, Cuadra says. Before committing to a dye, you can do a patch test on somewhere like your inner elbow to make sure it won't irritate you.

What can I dye my hair with naturally?

As Dosso previously mentioned, you can use foods such as carrots, beets, and lemon juice to dye your hair. Some tried-and-true methods include Kool Aid and even coffee. Additionally, you can use henna or Hairprint, says Terri Rehkopf, the founder and owner of Ippodaro Salon.

How can I color my gray hair naturally?

Coloring gray hair might seem like more of a hassle, but it's definitely possible. While it is a longer process, Rehkopf says you can use coffee grounds to dye your grays.

She also suggests using Hairprint, which can be done at home or at the salon with three to four rounds of application. If either of those aren't up your alley, consider using a semi-permanent dye. "It requires no peroxide, and it's just a stain that can go into the root," Rehkopf says.

Is hair dye dangerous?

The main difference between natural hair dyes and standard hair dyes is that natural dyes do not have ammonia. In standard hair dyes, ammonia can cause hair loss and irritation, Rehkopf says.

Many brunettes tend to develop dermatitis on the scalp from using dark dyes because they contain PPD (paraphenylenediamine), which is harsher on people's scalps and can cause thinning, she says. "People allergic to PPD can get welts, itchiness, and burning on their scalp, or their eyes [get swollen]," Rehkopf explains.

It's also important to note that people with inflammatory scalp conditions, like dandruff or psoriasis, are likely at a greater risk of irritation from PPD and should try to avoid if possible, says Women's Health beauty director Brian Underwood. If you're unsure how you'll react to natural dyes, simply do a patch test to see how you feel, he suggests.

If you show any signs of a rash, hives, or sudden itchiness after dye-ing your hair, contact your dermatologist as soon as possible.

How can I dye my hair without damaging it at home?

First and foremost, if you're absolutely set on dying your hair at home, make sure to run it by your stylist first. You can also schedule a consult to talk it over with them before doing it on your own.

Another way to ensure your hair will remain undamaged is by reading the ingredients label of the products to make sure it has clean ingredients and is free from ammonia. Additionally, Rehkopf suggests staying away from boxed bye and leaving any bleaching to professionals.

Read more about the best hair coloring options

Best Hair Colors | Best Gray Hair Dyes | Hair Color Removers | Hair Dyes for Black Hair | How to Highlight Your Own Hair

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