10 Best Products To Use For Colouring Hair At Home for 2024
Alicia Igess is an accomplished and award-winning stylist with over two decades of experience in hair design. She is the owner and founder of Urban Tangles, a hair and makeup studio focusing on makeovers. She, along with her team, has experienced tremendous success in building an exclusive “referral-only” clientele consisting of many of the who’s who of Atlanta.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
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Hair coloring is not a new concept. In fact, it can be traced back to ancient times when henna and bhringraj were used to color hair. They were traditionally used to cover grays and keep hair looking vibrant and healthy. However, changing the color of your hair using dyes has now become commonplace.
While most people choose to color their hair in shades of black, brown, and red, it is not uncommon to see people sporting bolder, unnatural shades. This use of hair dyes came about when Godrej Expert was launched in India. A lot has changed since this product was introduced. Today, there are so many different brands selling colors that knowing which one to choose can get a bit confusing. That’s why we’ve put together a list of hair dyes that you can use to color your hair at home.
In This Article
Best Hair Coloring Products For Coloring Your Hair At Home
1. Godrej Expert Powder Hair Color
The original Godrej Expert was the first powder hair color to be launched in India. It contains no ammonia, which is responsible for damaging the protein in your hair. It is easy to use and still popularly used to cover grays. You cannot reuse leftover powder, as the color has been specifically designed for one-time use. Do you know how to use powder hair dye? Have a look here.
How To Use:
- Put on some gloves so that you don’t get any color on your hands.
- Using an applicator brush, mix the powder with water in a plastic bowl.
- Apply the mixture on clean, freshly washed and dried hair and let it sit for the recommended amount of time.
- Rinse the color out and follow it up with color protectant shampoo and conditioner.
2. Godrej Expert Rich Crème
Godrej Expert Rich Crème comes in five different colors, which are: natural black, black brown, dark brown, natural brown, and burgundy. The natural black in this range of Godrej hair colors gives the same result as the original powder hair color. This product is designed for one-time use, and therefore, the leftover product cannot be kept for later use.
How To Use:
- Put your gloves on, and using your applicator brush, mix the colorant and developer in a plastic bowl.
- Apply the mixture to clean, freshly washed and dried hair and let it sit for the time specified on the packaging.
- Rinse it out with a color protectant shampoo and follow up with a conditioner.
3. Vasmol 33 Kesh Kala
Vasmol 33 Kesh Kala incorporates a blend of herbs and almond protein in its unique formula. It is an oil-based product, free of ammonia and other harmful chemicals. It allows for easy application and keeps your hair looking black and healthy.
How To Use:
- Wear your gloves and start by shaking the bottle.
- Once well-shaken, pour the required amount of product into a plastic bowl.
- Section your hair and apply Vasmol 33 evenly from the roots to the tips of your hair.
- Wipe off immediately with some cotton if the product comes in contact with your face.
- Once you have covered all of your hair, secure it away from your face.
- Let the product sit for 2-3 hours (keep it on for longer or repeat the process again the next day if you want a darker shade), then wash off with shampoo.
4. Garnier Color Naturals
Garnier Color Naturals comes with the added goodness of a blend of oils that nourish the hair, minimizing the damage from the dye. It promises long lasting results of vibrant color. It is available in various shades, from black to reds.
How To Use:
- Mix the colorant and developer in a plastic bowl
- Put your gloves on and start applying the dye on clean hair.
- Keep it in for the recommended amount of time and then wash off with shampoo.
- Follow it up with the color protectant conditioner that comes with the color.
5. Indus Valley Damage-Free Gel Colour
This natural hair color is a blend of nine natural herbs that offer damage-free coloration. Apart from coloring, it controls split ends, dandruff, frizz, and repairs hair, leaving it soft, shiny, and silky. The herbal extracts control hair damage, moisturize and condition your hair for healthy, lustrous hair. It is free from ammonia and PPD.
How To Use:
- Wear your gloves and mix the hair color powder and gel in a plastic bowl.
- With your applicator brush, apply the color mixture to clean hair.
- Let it develop for the recommended amount of time and then wash off with color protectant shampoo.
- Apply Hair Eaze Spa Mask to condition your hair.
6. Revlon Colorsilk Hair Color
This ammonia-free hair color comes in a variety of different colors. It lasts for six months before it starts to fade (permanent). It is gentle on your hair and maintains the pH balance of your scalp. It also incorporates a UV defense formula that keeps the hair from getting damaged in the sun.
How To Use:
- Wear your gloves and mix the colorant and developer in a plastic bowl.
- With your applicator brush, apply the color mixture to clean hair.
- Let it develop for the recommended amount of time and then wash off with color protectant shampoo.
- Follow up with conditioning.
7. Color Mate Hair Colour Creams
This is a cream-based hair dye that has natural oils to reduce the impact dye has on your hair. It is great for covering grays while maintaining the pH balance of your scalp.
How To Use:
- Mix the colorant and developer that is provided in the kit in a plastic bowl.
- Put your gloves on and use the applicator brush to apply hair dye.
- Let it develop for the recommended amount of time and then wash off with a color protectant shampoo.
- Follow up with a color protecting conditioner.
8. Arctic Fox Hair Color
Arctic Fox hair color is a vegan hair dye company that does not test on animals or use any animal ingredients in its dyes. They have a wide range of bold colors from shades like aqua blue to virgin pink. The colors have a fragrant grape-like smell and the hair feels soft and moisturized post application because of its conditioning formula. However, most of the colors show vibrant results only on light hair, so the dyes are unsuitable for people with dark hair unless you have bleached it. You can store leftover dye for touch-ups and later use. The color lasts for 6-8 weeks.
How To Use:
- Take the required amount of color in a plastic mixing bowl.
- Put your gloves on and with your applicator brush start applying the color to your hair.
- Let it sit for at least 40 minutes.
- Wash with color protectant shampoo and condition.
9. Manic Panic
Manic Panic is one of the most popular brands for punk hair color. It is also vegan like the Arctic Fox colors and has a wide variety of colors. You need to have light colored or bleached hair for the color to show up on your hair. It is semi-permanent and lasts for up to 6-8 weeks.
How To Use:
- Put your gloves on and using your applicator brush, start applying the color to your hair.
- Let it sit for the recommended amount of time.
- Shampoo and condition with color protecting products.
Note: If you have dark hair but have been wanting to try out some bold unnatural colors, you will first have to lighten your hair with bleach. Although it is better to get your hair professionally bleached, you can do it yourself too. Ensure that your hair is healthy before you attempt bleaching. To bleach your hair, combine a hair bleach powder with a 30 volume developer (for hair that is brown-black). Do not leave the bleach in for more than 30 minutes. If it hasn’t lightened as much as you wanted, re-bleach it after a week. Apply hair masks and treat your hair with oil to restore its health.
10. L’Oreal Excellence Range
The L’Oreal Excellence Range contains natural colors that promise long-lasting results. It covers all your grays and maintains the pH balance of your scalp. It contains proteins that keep your hair from getting damaged and leave your hair feeling soft and looking shiny.
How To Use:
- In a plastic bowl, mix the colorant and the developer.
- Ensure that your hands are covered in gloves and start applying the color to your hair with the applicator brush.
- Let it sit in your hair for the recommended amount of time.
- Wash it off with color protectant shampoo and follow it up with a conditioner.
11. L’Oreal Casting Crème Gloss
This no ammonia formula from L’Oreal comes in a variety of natural colors. It covers your grays and leaves your hair looking glossy and feeling soft.
How To Use:
- Mix the colorant and developer in a plastic bowl.
- Put your gloves on, and using an applicator brush, start applying the color to your hair.
- Once applied, let it develop for the recommended amount of time.
- Wash off with a color protectant shampoo and condition.
*Subject to Availability
The above-listed products work best to color your hair at home. Now let’s explore what to look for in a hair coloring product before buying one.
Things To Consider Before Buying Hair Color
- The Shade
Choosing the right and suitable color shade is crucial. Go for the color that will compliment your skin tone and look subtle and natural. If you like to experiment, pick vibrant shades like red, pink, blue, green, or purple. However, it is advisable to take an expert’s advice before choosing such colors. Also, avoid selecting a shade just by looking at the picture on the box. The color may look different, depending on your hair texture.
- Staying Power
There is no point in coloring your hair if the color does not stay for long. Therefore, ensure that the color you are buying is long-lasting and covers gray hair.
- Check The Ingredients
Check the ingredients list at the back of the box. Avoid any product that contains ingredients you are allergic to.
- Check What Is In The Kit
Hair coloring kits include a coloring brush, a bowl, disposable gloves, and color-safe shampoo or conditioner. Ensure the product that you pick comes with a kit.
Hair Color Tips To Dye Your Hair At Home
- Always conduct a strand test to ensure that you will get the results you want.
- Read reviews before buying.
- Never apply hair color without gloves.
- Apply some petroleum jelly to your forehead and neck to make it easier to wipe away any messes.
- Never let color slide into your mouth or eyes. Wash them off right away. Consult your doctor if the irritation persists after cleaning.
- Always remember to condition colored hair with a color protecting conditioner for better effect.
- Do not use any henna or natural coloring for at least four months before and after coloring.
- If you are a pregnant woman or a nursing mother, do consult your doctor before coloring your hair. The fumes can be harmful.
- Always follow the instruction booklet before coloring.
- Apply color to freshly washed hair. Do not condition before dyeing your hair.
If you love experimenting with new hair colors, traditional henna can change your hair color to reddish-brown but not to other colors. But, to change different hair colors, you need hair dyes that can change your original hair color to exotic shades. Many brands like Godrej Expert offer various colors that look fab on any skin tone. Check out the ingredients and buying guide to choose the right hair color that suits your skin tone. However, check out the ingredients to avoid any allergens or triggeting elements.
Do you have any experience dyeing your hair at home? Let us know in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any special instructions for using coloring products for sensitive scalps?
Experts recommend conducting an allergy test before using a hair coloring product. Simply apply a small amount of the product on the inside of your elbow and leave it for some time to observe how your skin responds. Any redness, irritation, or burning signs may indicate an allergic reaction.
Are there any age restrictions for using at-home hair color products?
Hair coloring agents contain chemicals. Therefore, it is unsafe to dye or bleach the hair of a child below 16 years.
What are the steps to follow while coloring your hair?
• Brush the hair and remove any tangles.
• Divide the hair into four sections for easier application.
• Mix the hair color and developer as per the instructions on the packaging.
• Start applying the color from the hairline and work your way through all sections and the length of the hair.
• Set the timer according to the development time mentioned on the packaging.
• After the defined time, wash the hair until the water runs clear.
• Use the conditioner provided in the coloring kit and leave it on for the mentioned time before rinsing it off.
Read full bio of Alicia Igess
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
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