Best Hair Dyes

Based on 1,949 reviews
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JoBaz Hair Dye Remover

JoBaz Hair Dye Remover

3.6 Summary
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Lucy2 posts
 

Amazing! Got rid of my red box dye – Amazing product. I have been dying my hair for years with the most recent colour being red. I needed 2 boxes but it was more than enough to cover my… Read more

hair thoroughly. After I applied it I put my hair in a white bin liner as I didn’t have cling film and sat in front of a heated fan for the entire hour (could also use a hair dryer to heat it up). Washed it off and every bit of red came off.

Jessica L.Victoria5 posts
 

I love these drops I’ve been using them for 6 or so years. The little bottle lasts months and the product is easy to use. I put some drops in water… Read more

(in a jug/ container/ bowl) and dip my hair in. So if my hair needs a lot of toning I dip my hair in the water and then re use the water to keep dipping until there is no more toner colour in the water, sometimes focusing on the ends so my hair is whiter at the ends and warmer at the roots. Other times I just tip the toner water over my head. I’ve never got it wrong. It always comes out well.

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Linda2 posts
 

I’ve been using this product for 10 years and literally it gave me Jennifer Anniston Friends hair colour. The new formula is horrid. I can’t even… Read more

blow dry my hair after using the new formula as my hair is a better match colour and texture to my front door mat! Cleverly I thought I’d try and source 40, yes, 40 of the old formula online, but Loreal tricky rat bags even changed the formula within the box as a slow change out so now I’m stuck with 40 of the nasty new formula even tho they put the lovely conditioner with honey in the box, the actual colour formula is changed to the new version. My hair is doormat dull brown now and is dull and lifeless and as I said, I can’t blow dry it as the chemicals Loreal is now using destroys hair. I worked for Loreal for a number of years and suggested they sell the conditioner with honey as it’s so fabulous. Some st^pid answer was given as an affirmative no and now even thats not available. Shame on you Loreal. Over COVID in Sydney Loreal switched formulas as there must have been sourcing problems but it returned back to normal after complaints so all please complain if you are as equally disappointed. Linda in Sydney.

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RaeQLD74 posts
 

Cannot think why this was Discontinued I have used this dye for year's them find out it's out of stock Australia and New Zealand which I managed to… Read more

buy two earlier online in N.Z. but now it's out of stock. Discontinued apparently. Why was this dye discontinued. No one knows. But I would like to know.

Garnier Olia

Garnier Olia

2.3 Summary
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Alex2 posts
 

New formula only lasts 4 weeks and my hair starts going orange. This never happened with original formula Will not be using this product again Show details

Herbatint

Herbatint

2.7 Summary
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Rachelle W.
 

I recently used Herbatint for the first time. After reading reviews about irritation was a bit scared. But found the color extraordinarily rich… Read more

color. Yes deeper tone than on the box but pleasantly surprised. The snafoo came with the conditioner. Since I was in high alert after the other reviews I noticed almost immediately the horrible drying damage and tingle the conditioner was doing I rinsed it off immediately and used Dove deep repair mask. Much better! In my opinion it is a chemical reaction with the conditioner and not the color process. Love my color will use 8R again but totally toss the conditioner. Hope this helps others. Also as I have very fine strawberry blonde hair cut the time down to about ten to 15 minutes. Also the color thickens after a few minutes for better application.

mdcb4037 posts
 

So relieved to have found this fabulous, 100% grey coverage hair colour! After my regular hair colour (a popular brand) changed their formula and… Read more

went from fabulous to applying a green, drying sludge, I tried many other 'at home' hair dye brands without success. None covered greys very well, some left my hair colour looking brassy, and others dried it out, leaving it frizzy. I was getting desperate.

However, from the online reviews showing promise, I firstly tried Tints of Nature 5D Medium Golden Brown.

Wow! Finally found my new 'go-to' brand.

Whilst this particular colour ended up slightly darker than anticipated (I have curly, porous hair) I'm now using shade (6TF) which, on my hair, instead of being 'Dark toffee blonde', ends up a light-medium golden brown which is exactly what I wanted (to replace colour 5G in the previous brand.)

Tints of Nature hair colour is applied a little differently, in that you firstly wash your hair (with the supplied charcoal shampoo), then apply the colour to damp hair. Then you wash off, apply their shampoo and then their conditioner.

It went on easily, no dripping of the dye, no unpleasant scent, all greys were 100% covered (yay!) and it left my hair shiny and looking healthy. Three weeks later and the colour has not faded at all.

LOVE!

Best 'at home' hair colour. I'm so glad to have finally found a replacement for my previous brand.

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Sad NatalieVIC4 posts
 

Below is the email i sent to hello@coverluxesilk.com on 16/01/2026, then id sent another as a follow up on 21/01/2026 as id still not received a… Read more

response - you guessed it, still crickets a week after that too! "A friend gave me some of your product to try (hair lightener), and after only one use, it has dramatically changed the quality of my hair… not in a good way.

I only did the top half of my head as a ‘trial’, and the only notable difference since using the ‘natural’ lightener, is the integrity of my hair being significantly compromised – it is now EXTREMELY dry and frizzy compared to the rest. Adding to this and more concerningly, I don’t recall reading on the application directions that gloves should be worn? After just 5 minutes of drying my hair on warm as recommended, I ended up with painful bleach burns all over my fingers; safe to say I won’t be continuing to use this product. I anticipate the delivery will arrive today and obviously I wont be opening the package, much less using it – can you please process a refund and provide return details so I can post it back to you ASAP. "

Keep your money and go to a professional if you want to lighten your hair without damaging it unnecessarily, and with little result; absolute daylight robbery. This review will be the first of many that i will be leaving, and if still no joy with getting my money back, I'll be seeking intervention from a 3rd party.

Tina D.NSW4 posts
 

Absolutely stoked – I can't believe I haven't seen this dye before; maybe because I always stuck with Brilliance for years, I didn't bother to see anything else. But the… Read more

application of this moose, the wash out, the price, and the lack of stink - I am sold. Colour did not come out exactly as the packet, but it was good enough. My hair was a little multi coloured before applying this, I had bleached it a few times as a total amateur to be able to use the Truffle colour in the brilliance range so the bleach was coming through some areas more. I had damaged it a bit. So areas were brown, orange, greyish and just awful. My greys were also taking over the front. I hoped it would come out a little more mahogany, but I'm just glad it's better than what is was before.

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Moira MullanNew South Wales
 

This is a formal complaint about Schwarzkopf 100% Vegetale natural hair colour – I have used henna for 30 years and i used this vegetale product and my scalp is so bloody itchy and my glands have come up behind my ears on my head,… Read more

this has never ever happened to me ever - this product has caused some sort of internal and external infection causing my body to fight something off - i believe its toxic not natural at all - as natural henna has never done this and has always left my hair in a much better condition. my hair is also dry and it actually feels like its lost its glow, its dull, dry and feels like its been bleached. The lumps behind my ears on the base of my skull really hurt!!!! and i feel unwell - two days off work..

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Renee MVIC
 

Completely ruined my hair! Applied and followed instructions to a tea and was left with neon yellow roots and the colour i was attempting to remove did not budge! Show details

Naturtint

Naturtint

2.7 Summary
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KirstenNSW
 

Misleading claims that is is a natural product. It in fact contains around 15-20% natural ingredients.

Clairol Nice 'n Easy

Clairol Nice 'n Easy

1.7 Summary
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Therese25 posts
 

Not sure if formula has changed. Recently in 2026 have tested stranded sunset copper, beautiful colour but extremely bold. Used 7.0 dark blonde which… Read more

is ok. And now 6.0 again. The light brown is extremely runny, staining and comes out very dark initially.

The 6.0 boxes went pretty far though medium length medium density hair can almost get away with only one box. It's not really good for white/Grey's doesn't penetrate properly. It does have less of a smell and damage is minimal.

Have used 6.0 in the past about 2 years ago in 2024 with no issue, was actually quite impressed with it. Starting point about medium blonde. No colour fill required 6.0 (light brown) came out 5.0 (medium brown) initially but faded to correct colour within a week, say 3 washes. Faded about 80% over extended period. The fading was very even but ran a little warm

Garnier Nutrisse Creme

Garnier Nutrisse Creme

2.0 Summary
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Faina SNSW10 posts
 

Don't know if it's coincidence or the same company owns it, but it's gone down the same path as L'Oréal Excellence - just awful, thick greenish slush!! Will never use again.. Will have to look for a new brand Show details

Rav Grafton NSWNSW2 posts
 

No result by using Schwarzkopf MEN Anti -Grey Colour Gel – I have had excellent experiences with Restoria Express and have been using this product since 2009. Recently, when I went to purchase it again, I… Read more

noticed the MEN Perfect Anti-Grey Colour Gel placed next to Restoria Express MEN. I decided to purchase both products and tried using MEN Perfect a few times. Unfortunately, I didn't see any results, so I had to go back to using Restoria, which shows results much faster—often in less than 3 minutes.

Regrettably, I have decided not to purchase Schwarzkopf MEN Perfect Anti-Grey Colour Gel anymore.

Sincerely, Rav

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Lynn M.
 

I have been using Live hair colour for years . Ultra Violet. Unfortunately I have noticed the colour has changed, it's no longer the rich, glossy colour it once was. Now it's a wishy, washy ,dull colour. What happened!!!!! Show details

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mariQLD
 

I bought orange but it turned out purple, this brand is really trash.

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Vivianne3 posts
 

I found this product to be one of the best products for colouring my hair! It was so easy to use and it didn’t run all over my face or neck, it was… Read more

just so easy to use. This is a product I would highly recommend for anyone who is looking to colour their own hair even if they have never done it before! This is an excellent product highly effective and easy to use and clean up after use! This is my go to for colouring hair products from now on. Highly recommend.

Mee13NSW4 posts
 

Rubbish rubbish rubbish. I bought two of these thinking wow it's exactly what I've been looking for. Put it in waited the recommended 10min and… Read more

added another 20min for good measure, washed it out ( as recommended ) and my greys did not get covered at ALL - don't bother at all with this it's like painting your hair with thick black mascara thinking wow it's going to work then going to the mirror post wash and being like huh what the???

Waste of time and money - no quality control on this product...its a scam.

L'Oréal Magic Retouch

L'Oréal Magic Retouch

2.2 Summary
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KimNSW
 

This is the worst product i’ve ever used. It did absolutely nothing. I left it on for the specified time, no results. Tried again for longer thinking… Read more

it must need longer, no results. A complete waste of money. I don’t know how this product is on the market.

GKR6 posts
 

NOT SEMI PERMANENT! Does NOT wash out. You WILL be left with regrowth. I have used two hair colour removers and clarifying shampoo and it's only… Read more

slightly faded. Now I have regrowth and have ruined my long, previously natural, hair. It's been 4 months. This does NOT wash out. COLOUR: Medium Brown would be more accurately described as "Bogan Red-Black" On the positive side, if you are looking for an almost black dye that's gentle on your hair this will suit your needs.

Bruce J.NSW2 posts
 

Colours bud damages skin – At first I was really happy. Made me look years younger. Everyone I met told me that. But after a while, my face began to itch. And itch. So much it… Read more

kept me awake at night. I can feel sores and scabs under my beard and have bled onto my pillow at night.

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Ashlei H.
 

If I could give it a 0 rating, it would still be too good. I left it in slightly longer than the instructions, rinsed as directed. My greys somehow… Read more

look brighter! Aside from making a huge mess when rinsing, this product did absolutely nothing. My hair has a chemical smell and thats about it. Dont bother.

Still waitingQLD2 posts
 

Does not wash out, do not recommend for brunettes – This is not a semi permanent color. After +20 washes, color has gone from blue to green and still showing in brunette hair that has never been coloured before. Off to the hair dresser to fix. Do not recommend as does not work as per advice. Show details

Gisele adams
 

Very happy – Love this product! Hides my thinning spots on my scalp and makes my hair look thicker. The only negative is that it easily transfers onto my glasses… Read more

when I put them on my head and I end up with black marks on my face when I put my glasses on which I have to remember to wipe off. Still love it enough to order a second lot

Emily
 

It made my hair green!!!! – This color first off was supposed to be blue and my head is green. It said 4-8 shampoos to wash out and I’ve shampooed 10 times with little to no… Read more

fade. I’m very angered by my green hair because I noticed on other reviews this has happened to people as well. I DO NOT. Recommend buying this color at least. I was looking for a change and turned out with seaweed hair:(

Suzi J.VIC3 posts
 

The most nourishing, vibrant colour available! – Dare, hair color, is so easy to use. Apply your chosen colour ,( there's sooo many to choose from!) and after washing, no conditioner needed, leave… Read more

on damp hair and leave it until you decide that yr satisfied with the colour. Rinse off and dry! This is a product you need to pre-bleach first, and the results are your hair is WOW! And it's soft,shiny and beautiful. I've used it for years and I LOVE IT ❤️

Lizzilu3 posts
 

My favourite hair product – Fanci-full is a brilliant temporary hair color which saves me a fortune. When my blonded hair color fades I use "Bashful blonde - #56" on all of my… Read more

hair with "Chocolate Kiss - #13" on the roots and underneath with an occasional streak on top for contrast.

I use less rather than more and then check the following day to see if I need to add some.

It washes out so I can experiment now and then without worrying.

I love love love this product.

Lizzilu

Suzy Q17 posts
 

I am blown away by the results of this product. Used as a conditioner, it deposits colour on your hair so is not permanent but not damaging either.… Read more

Perfect for growing out my colour as I am horrified at the damaging semi and permanent colourants have done to my hair but stripping the colour out will do more damage and growing it out will take forever and look terrible. This is a great solution. Lots of colours in the range and relatively cheap!

htclegend00QLD
 

I have fluro pink hair! – Worst hair dye!! Made my hair fluorescent pink with orange blonde roots! Absolutely horrible. Going to have to dye my hair a darker colour to cover it up :(

Image of blonde hair and a colour chart of hair colours

The last few years have seen the world take on many different hair trends from beachy balayages to Billie Eilish-inspired neon green roots. It’s no wonder you might be inspired to try something new with your hair or perhaps just maintain your roots and banish your greys. No matter the case, there is a dye on the market to help you achieve your goals.

Types of hair dyes

There are a wide variety of hair dyes available to suit your hair, the look you’re going for and the occasion. Each category of hair dye functions differently on a chemical level. Temporary dyes and colours do not penetrate the hair at the follicle but sit on top of it until it is eventually washed away. Permanent hair dyes use peroxide and other chemicals to sink into the hair at the shaft and change the composition of your hair permanently.

Temporary hair colour and wash out colour

These are usually synonyms for each other. As the name suggests, they are temporary and usually come out within 1-2 washes. Because they work by staining the hair instead of changing the composition of your hair, they come in many versatile forms such as chalks, sprays, mascaras and pastes.

Temporary hair dyes can be useful for parties, dress-up events, quickly brushing up greys or roots, weekends getaways or for testing colours on your hair before committing to them.

Because they only deposit colour and do not lift the colour on your head, your hair must already be light enough for them to have any great visible effect - those with light blonde or bleached hair can easily use these products.

Semi-permanent vs. demi-permanent hair colour

Continuing from temporary hair colours, there are other options if you wish to keep your new hair colour for longer than 1-2 days but not alter your hair colour permanently.

Semi-permanent hair colour is one step up from a wash out colour and normally lasts around 3-6 washes or 1-2 weeks. The molecules of semi-permanent hair dye are large and therefore, do not penetrate the hair but act as a stain in the cuticle layer. Semi-permanent dyes can be used to add a refreshing layer of colour to dull hair and to make them appear softer and shinier.

Demi-permanent hair dyes last longer, typically for 24-30 washes or 4-6 weeks depending on the brand and type. They are most suitable for those looking for a more long-term hair change without the use of harsh chemicals such as peroxides or ammonia. Demi-permanent hair dyes can also be used to tone bleached blonde hair.

Toners

Toners are a form of temporary hair colour, usually applied after bleaching. They combat brassy yellow and orange tones by using a blue or violet-dye base.

Toners are either low in ammonia or ammonia-free and are suitable for use on damaged hair. They do use a lifting agent (peroxide), however, to gently lighten the hair. Be careful to follow the instructions on the box carefully as over toning can stain very light blonde hair a blue or purple tone.

If this happens, use a clarifying shampoo and wash it a few times to rinse out the colour. Toners are temporary and usually last between 2-6 weeks.

Permanent hair colour

For the deepest colour deposit and the longest-lasting results, permanent hair dye is the go-to choice. These dyes use ammonia to enter the shaft of the hair, hydrogen peroxide to remove the natural colour of your hair and the dyes which can enter the hair shaft and infuse it with the new colour.

They alter the colour of your hair permanently and cannot be washed away on their own. However, some hair dye removers use a formula which can help unbind these particles, allowing them to be washed out.

What colour to dye your hair

When choosing a colour for your hair, you should first consider your natural hair colour and which shades you could achieve realistically with minimal damage to your hair. Most hairdressers would recommend going 2-3 shades lighter or darker than your natural shade for the best results. You can also use the colour chart which is provided in many box dye packs to compare against your skin tone and decide on the best fit.

Image of girl with pink hair

Types of dye placements and colouring techniques

There are many different ways to style and dye your hair, some people prefer to have a one-toned natural colour applied, however, others prefer to experiment with multiple shades and placements. There are many techniques and terms floating around like ‘babylights’ and ‘wetlights’, but they all typically fall into one of these following categories:

Full head - one colour

This involves dyeing the entirety of the hair in a uniform colour and is a popular choice among many who want to maintain a natural look but simply go a few shades lighter or darker. If you have dark hair and would like to go down 1 or 2 shades without using bleach, you should consider using a permanent box dye since they contain subtle lightening agents.

The full head of colour method is also suitable for those with light hair who want to change their look entirely with a bold, funky colour. Most box dyes can get you this look, provided you are starting with a light base, as it is very simple to apply evenly over the head and get a unified finish.

Full head - split hair dye

A split hair dye is also an achievable look that you can get right at home. It will require sectioning your hair into 2 (or more) parts and applying different coloured dyes to each section of your hair. This look has become particularly popular among the younger crowd with the popularisation of it through TikTok and Gen-Z celebrities.

Roots

As your hair grows, the roots will emerge in your natural hair colour, therefore to maintain the look, many people require a root touch up. This can come in the form of all the aforementioned dye products including a hair mascara, paste, cream or permanent hair dye. If your roots are darker than your dyed hair, then you will need to bleach them first before applying a matching hair dye.

Half head of highlights

Partial highlights can be used to frame the face and lighten the area around it. It leads to a very subtle and natural look. An ombre involves dyeing the bottom half of the hair whilst leaving the roots well alone. There are many highlighting kits available in stores but should only really be attempted at home if you know what you’re doing or have an experienced friend to help you. Otherwise, it’s worth heading to the salon for the best results.

Full head of highlights

Under this category falls highlights, lowlights, wetlights, babylights and all the forms of the balayage. They aim to portray a natural sun-kissed and multi-tonal effect by using dark and light colours to mimic the way the hair changes colour over time in the sun. The lighter parts are achieved using bleach which, in large quantities over a short time, may lead to hair breakage. Since even a professional hairdresser would have trouble achieving this look on themselves at home, it’s worth putting the box dye away and going to a salon for this one.

For those looking to maintain their professionally done balayage, many toners and purple shampoos are available to keep your lightened hair pieces from turning brassy.

Things to consider when buying hair dye products

Box dyes, are for the most part, very safe given that you follow the instructions accurately, but it’s worth checking the ingredients list to see if you may have an allergy to something in it. Even if you can’t spot anything, it’s useful to do a patch test to gauge your skin’s reaction to the harsh chemicals. Wash away colours and semi-permanent dyes do not have harsh chemicals in them and therefore do not require a patch test, but anything with a lifting agent does.

If you have sensitive skin or are simply worried about hair damage, you should consider using a hair dye with organic ingredients. While they may not last as long, they will be far less damaging to your hair.

Parabens, or preservatives, are often found in many beauty products, but there has been debate as to the safety of them. It’s better to be on the safe side and avoid this ingredient where possible.

Hair dyes with a vegan or cruelty-free stamp are something you might want to opt for if you are concerned about animal rights.

Ammonia is a common ingredient in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes as it opens the hair shaft, allowing the dyes to seep in. However, it can be very harsh on your hair and lead to split ends, loss of protein and damaged hair cuticles. For those with sensitive scalps and already damaged hair, choosing an ammonia-free hair dye could be very beneficial.

You can read reviews on our website for the best hair dye products from famous brands such as L'Oréal Paris, Schwarzkopf, Brite and more.