15 Best At-Home Hair Color Products
When I want to get a statement-making haircut and color makeover, like when I want to turn my naturally dark hair into a brilliant ruby hue, I begrudgingly fork over $80 or so bucks to make my fantasy of looking like one of these sexy redhead celebrities a reality.
But when it comes to simply updating my hair color (see three ways to update hair color here), covering grays, or best of all -- getting a shiny and soft texture, I always stick to using an at-home box of color. And thanks to a new generation of at-home hair color products, I no longer have to sacrifice the health of my hair to have a gorgeous new hue.
To prove that, I combed through our thousands of reviews of at-home hair color to discover the products real women deem topnotch. Here are some of the 15 best at-home hair color products:
Garnier HerbaShine Color Creme with Bamboo Extract, $7.99
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.1*
Why: Readers say, "I love this hair dye. The formula is thick, creamy and doesn't drip. It's inexpensive and I love how it makes my hair feel so soft. The color has lasted me six weeks -- this never happens with any other brands I have used." Another agrees saying, "I have tried many, many different hair dyes, and Garnier is one of my favorites. The price is reasonable and it does not wash out -- it lasts!" To boot: "Application is easy because it is cream, so it does not drip," says a reader.
Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray, $9.99
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.1*
Why: "'How was the beach?' That's what people will be asking you after using this product," says a reader. "I used another lightening spray years ago, but it not only turned my hair an interesting shade of orange, it turned it to straw. Oh yes, and the smell was terrible! This product is the total opposite. I have medium-blonde hair and this gives true blonde color. You can use it for an all-over look, or you can highlight. The color is pure and almost crystalline in shine. It also leaves my hair soft and conditioned so there is no straw head! And the scent is very pleasant." Other praise for this spray includes: It's "a total keeper," "an amazing product" an "A++ in my opinion" and "a must-have product -- especially between hair coloring."
Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.
L'Oreal Paris Couleur Experte, $14.99
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.2*
Why: One reader says, "if you color your own hair and want extra highlights, this is the product for you. I used this product for the first time and loved the color it gave to my natural hair and the highlights were awesome." Another adds, "I can honestly say the two times I've tried this I have been satisfied. If applied correctly, many would not be aware you did not have your hair done at a salon." One woman claims, "this product is great for those on a budget who want highlights. It comes off with a professional-looking result that lasts for a good amount of time."
Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.
Clairol Natural Instincts, $8.99
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.5*
Why: Reviewers say, "this is a great semi-permanent hair color. Super easy to use even for first-time home colorers. This hair color is rich and shiny and gradually fades -- so no roots!" Another reader gives the product "11 stars" out of 10, and one says it's the "ultimate cover up for color-resistant gray." One woman says it's "very gentle and from my experience gives great results. It's easy, quick, and probably about the best thing I've tried that doesn't ravage my hair. In fact, my hair always comes out in better condition than when I started." And another admits, "after trying many, many hair coloring agents I came across this product in the 1990s in a search for a hair color that would rid myself of stubborn gray roots. [It was] the first time I used it and I was absolutely thrilled with the results I received. I introduced this miracle formula to friends who have gotten so selfish with it they won't tell me when they find it on sale."
Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.
Lush Hair Hennas, $22.95
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.6*
Why: Readers call this the "best hair color for the natural girl." One user says, "I have been using Lush for two years now and it compares to no other hennas out there. It's a lot to get it together, but once you get it down it's no problem and worth the hassle. I guess it's the cocoa butter that they put in them that just makes your hair so soft after you apply it and the colors are very true and beautiful." Another woman says, "it is neater, less crumbly, and faster to rinse out than other natural hennas, and smells fantastic." One woman says, "the best part is that I'm actually doing something good for my hair instead of damaging it with chemicals." One user agrees saying, "henna is a great way to save yourself from the cancer-causing chemical dyes out there, and especially good for when you are pregnant and need a touch up."
Agree? Disagree? Write your review here.
*At time of publication
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