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15 Best Natural Hair Dyes for Long-Lasting Color in 2023

At-home hair color has never been simpler.

By Olivia Truffaut-Wong, Sami Roberts and Chloe Metzger
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Nicolas Balcazar / EyeEmCreative

It’s no secret that the clean beauty movement has basically taken over the hair, skin, and makeup world. From natural deodorant to organic sunscreens, the market is now filled with a surprisingly large selection of clean-friendly formulas, and that includes natural at-home hair dye. But before you start conjuring images of dyes that don’t contain any toxins, chemicals, or harsh ingredients, I gotta break it to you: that doesn’t actually exist. Yup, sorry.

Unless you’re dyeing your hair with henna or literal plants (like beet juice or carrot juice), active chemical ingredients will be in your hair dye formula to allow them to work. Still, that doesn’t mean you automatically have to settle. There are still a ton of hair dyes that are free of ammonia, alcohol, and p-phenylenediamine (PPD, a chemical that helps open up your hair cuticle to let the dye in). These ingredients aren't bad or dangerous, but they can be hrash. PPD, for example, "is a common cause of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis of the scalp," says dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, while ammonia and alcohol can dry out your hair cuticle and skin. So if you want to limit potential irritants and buy a one-and-done hair dye, here's what you need to know.


✔️ P.S., This is new, up-to-date info, bb. We updated this article in April 2023 to add new natural hair dyes that the internet won't stop talking about, deleted outdated oldies, and checked in with experts for the latest products and advice, just for you.


Our top picks for the best natural at-home hair dyes:

  • 1
    Natural Hair Color Plant-Based Hair Dye

    Best Vegan Natural Hair Dye

    Khadi Natural Hair Color Plant-Based Hair Dye

    $22 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye

    Best Jewel-Toned PPD-free Hair Dye

    Arctic Fox Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye

    Read more
  • 3
    Simply Color Permanent Hair Color

    Best Permanent Natural Hair Dye

    Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color

    Read more
  • 4
    Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color

    Best Oil-Based Hair Dye

    Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color

    Read more
  • 5
    Permanent Herbal Based Hair Color Gel

    Quickest Natural Hair Dye

    Naturcolor Permanent Herbal Based Hair Color Gel

    Read more

Before you ask, yes, natural hair dyes are still effective—they're just made with gentler, plant-based formulas to help satisfy your clean itch. "You can do everything with an ammonia-free dye that you usually can with ammonia-containing dye,” celebrity hairstylist Meri Kate O’Connor has told Cosmopolitan, adding that these dyes are usually less drying and damaging, especially if you dye your hair often. So, no, these may not be as organic as dunking your hair in some plant juice, but you’ve still got some options here—keep scrolling and see for yourself. Just promise me you'll read the instructions 10 times first, okay?

1
Best Vegan Natural Hair Dye

Khadi Natural Hair Color Plant-Based Hair Dye

Natural Hair Color Plant-Based Hair Dye
1
Best Vegan Natural Hair Dye

Khadi Natural Hair Color Plant-Based Hair Dye

$22 at Amazon
Credit: Khadi/Amazon
Pros
  • Ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile should also boost hair moisture and softness
Cons
  • Reviewers say the dyeing process can take up to two hours

"Pure henna-based hair dye is natural and can be great for dandruff and/or scalp conditions," Dr. Lal says. This plant-based hair dye uses henna to color and moisturize your hair, while the formula's aloe vera and chamomile helps to soothe your scalp. However, it does take a long time to apply, and many reviewers recommend putting an entire afternoon aside to ensure you get the color and coverage you want.

THE REVIEW: "I have serious allergies to hair color with chemicals, so I researched and found Khadi. I do like the results and my hair is much healthier," writes a reviewer. "It is a process. I use the Khadi hair prep first and leave in an hour and then use the Khadi dark brown hair color."

2
Best Jewel-Toned PPD-free Hair Dye

Arctic Fox Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye

Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye
2
Best Jewel-Toned PPD-free Hair Dye

Arctic Fox Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye

Credit: Arctic Fox
Pros
  • Bright colors should work on light-brown hair
Cons
  • Reviewers caution it can bleed a bit in the shower

You don't have to go to the salon to get that bright hair color you've been wanting to try. Arctic Fox's semi-permanent hair dye — recommended by Dr. Lal — comes in various colors, from blue to hot pink. The dye is ammonia-free, PPD-free, and sulfate-free to reduce any potential damage and is made with hydrolyzed soy protein to add strength.

THE REVIEW: "Anytime I want to color my hair, I go for this brand. It actually colors over dark hair without bleach," one reviewer writes. "You do have to leave this dye in for a long time if you want it to deeply color your hair and stay colored for a while."

3
Best Permanent Natural Hair Dye

Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color

Simply Color Permanent Hair Color
3
Best Permanent Natural Hair Dye

Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Testers say it didn't irritate their sensitive scalps
Cons
  • Not enough dye for thick hair

Surprise! Permanent hair color doesn't have to require a ton of potentially iffy chemicals, as evidenced by this clean formula from Schwarzkopf. The formula is free of amonia, silicone, and alcohol, but it still provides you with rich, long-lasting color. Oh, and it's also got a handful of hydrators, like argan oil and oat milk.

THE REVIEW: "We tried a lot of hair dyes, and all of them promised no harsh chemicals with no reactions," one reviewer writes. "After trying this out, trust me, this is the one... No bad ammonia, no bad itching, no red scalp or face."

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4
Best Oil-Based Hair Dye

Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color

Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color
4
Best Oil-Based Hair Dye

Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color

Now 23% Off
Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Packed with plant oils to help keep hair from drying out
Cons
  • Some reviewers note that the dye was too drippy and made a mess

Instead of ammonia or silicones, this natural hair dye is formulated with plant-based oils. Meaning, one less harsh chemical on your head, and no harsh ammonia smell while you’re dyeing your hair. Keep in mind that even though this dye is considered “natural,” you should still patch-test any new dye on your neck or behind your ear, tightly secure the lid so the dye doesn’t dry out, and wait a full 24 hours (seriously, don’t skimp on this) to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction.

THE REVIEW: "This was simple to use," one reviewer writes. "The BEST part was any area of skin it got on, including my counter top, it did not stain at all. I simply wiped it off with some paper towels and water... I now have fresh dyed locks without stained skin, it covered my hair perfectly and the after smell is fantastic!"

5
Quickest Natural Hair Dye

Naturcolor Permanent Herbal Based Hair Color Gel

Amazon’s Choice
Permanent Herbal Based Hair Color Gel
5
Quickest Natural Hair Dye

Naturcolor Permanent Herbal Based Hair Color Gel

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • 31-color range means you'll find your match
Cons
  • Color can be darker than pictured

The coolest thing about this hair dye gel is that it's spiked with a ton of hydrating and soothing ingredients (think: chamomile, shea butter, coconut oil) that help keep your hair soft and shiny throughout the dyeing process. Plus, it comes in 31 shades so you're basically guaranteed to find a solid color match.

THE REVIEW: "This is much more gentle on my fine hair than the chemical [dyes]. It does cover my grey roots well," one user writes. "It does have some henna in it, so I do get a slightly red color on my light brown hair, but it is the most beautiful color! I love and get up to 3 touch ups from one box."

6
Best Natural Hair Dye for Gray Hair

Revlon Total Color Permanent Hair Color

Total Color Permanent Hair Color
6
Best Natural Hair Dye for Gray Hair

Revlon Total Color Permanent Hair Color

Pros
  • Ammonia-free permanent color
Cons
  • Some testers say it dried their hair

Not only is this vegan hair dye an MVP at covering gray hairs, but it's also free of ammonia, sulfates, silicones, and mineral. What you will find in it, though, is soothing botanicals (like sesame oil, black-tea extract, and chamomile) and vibrant, long-lasting color. Pretty much everything you could want from a drugstore natural dye, right?

THE REVIEW: "I am allergic to soooo many things and this is the only hair color that doesn't give me a nasty rash. Also, it doesn't smell horrible," one user writes. "And the conditioner that comes with it is fantastic!"

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7
Best Natural Hair Dye Mask

Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask

Color Depositing Mask
7
Best Natural Hair Dye Mask

Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Super fast to use and moisturizing
Cons
  • Some reviewers don't like the smell

If you aren't totally ready to commit to a new summer hair color—or you're just looking to tone or brighten your current hue—you gotta try this color-depositing mask from Moroccanoil. It's super easy to apply (you legit just comb it through towel-dried hair, let it sit for seven minutes, and rinse) and it's loaded with conditioning ingredients (like argan oil, obvs).

THE REVIEW: "My stylist recommended this in between tones and I really love it," one reviewer writes. "It only takes a few minutes, so you just do it with a cap on during your shave or something and then by the time you're done, you're good to go!"

8
Best Drugstore Natural Hair Dye

Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Color
8
Best Drugstore Natural Hair Dye

Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Affordable drugstore hair dye option
Cons
  • Not as long-lasting as some others on this list

DW, choosing to go "natural" with your hair dye doesn't mean you can't shop for it at your local drugstore anymore. This ammonia-free formula from Clairol is made up of 80 percent naturally derived ingredients—and it's legit less than $10.

THE REVIEW: "I don't like to put permanent hair color in my hair, so Natural Instincts is my way to go 100%," writes a user. "It is so good at covering up the gray without changing your hair color. I would recommend it to anyone."

9
Best Natural Hair Dye Kit

Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit

Radiant Hair Color Kit
9
Best Natural Hair Dye Kit

Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Long-lasting color that comes with everything you need for an at-home dye
Cons
  • More expensive

This long-lasting hair dye from Madison Reed includes virtually everything you need to expertly color your hair at home. The formula excludes eight of the most common hair dye irritants (including ammonia and PPD), and instead, it's spiked with hydrating and soothing ingredients like argan oil and ginseng root extract. So, yeah, you can actually feel good about this at-home hair dye.

THE REVIEW: "First time buying Madison Reed and will definitely buy again. I often have issues with hair color drying out my hair and giving me headaches," writes one reviewer. "While I always wish there was more conditioner included, the kit is easy to use and color very nice."

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10
Best Natural Color-Depositing Conditioner

Overtone Haircare Semi-Permanent Color Depositing Conditioner

Haircare Semi-Permanent Color Depositing Conditioner
10
Best Natural Color-Depositing Conditioner

Overtone Haircare Semi-Permanent Color Depositing Conditioner

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Made with moisturizing ingredients
Cons
  • Highly pigmented, so you'll need gloves to apply

Just like the name implies, this natural hair dye is actually a color-depositing conditioner, and acts more like a temporary demi-permanent dye than a semi-permanent or permanent dye (meaning it will slowly fade with each wash and won’t cover up grays). Apply it to damp hair for 15 minutes and then rinse for a soft color change. It’s buildable, so the more times you apply it, the more vibrant your color will be, and Overtone even has a special line specifically made to work on brown hair. The best part? It’s ammonia-free.

THE REVIEW: "I have been using solely Overtone in my hair, both shampoo, conditioner, and color, for around 3 years and I have never been disappointed," writes one user. "The color is always true to their description and it's very nourishing in your hair."

11
Best Heat-Activated Natural Hair Dye

Onc NaturalColors Healthier Permanent Hair Color

Healthier Permanent Hair Color
11
Best Heat-Activated Natural Hair Dye

Onc NaturalColors Healthier Permanent Hair Color

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Many reviewers say this dye worked well with previously henna-treated hair
Cons
  • Requires a heat source, like a blow-dryer, to help it absorb

Certified organic ingredients like argan oil, chamomile, and coconut oil make this natural hair dye stand out among the rest. It's ammonia-free, cruelty-free, and even vegan, and it comes in a wide range of colors (see: Fiery Red, Rich Copper Brown, and Honey Blonde). It does, however, require a heat source to work, as the heat allows the ingredients in this dye to penetrate the hair, thus depositing color sans amonia. The official instructions recommend using a heat cap or blow dryer to do the job.

THE REVIEW: "Other natural hair colors were causing my hair to fall out due to the ammonia alternative enthanolamine which they use," one reviewer writes. "It's not hard to use. Did the root first, put the heat cap on, which I bought from them, then mixed up another small batch to color the ends to even it out." They add, "No irritation to my scalp at all. No itchiness, no redness at all."

12
Best Natural Hair Dye for Sensitive Scalps

Herb Speedy Color Cream

Color Cream
12
Best Natural Hair Dye for Sensitive Scalps

Herb Speedy Color Cream

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Only takes 20 minutes to dye your hair
Cons
  • Can dry out hair, according to some reviews

If your skin is too sensitive for traditional hair dye ingredients (like PPD and ammonia), you'll love this ultra-gentle alternative. And even though it's gentle, it still gives you tons of color payoff and shine. Just make sure you start with a patch test if your scalp is really sensitive, k?

THE REVIEW: "My scalp is extremely sensitive and I was hella afraid to use it because of all previous experience I had before, and I gotta say this product went beyond my expectations and I would use it again 100%," one reviewer writes. "No rush, no itching, nothing."

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13
Best Vibrant Natural Hair Color For Curly Hair

Mysteek Naturals Color Pop Temporary No-Bleach Hair Color

Color Pop Temporary No-Bleach Hair Color
13
Best Vibrant Natural Hair Color For Curly Hair

Mysteek Naturals Color Pop Temporary No-Bleach Hair Color

Credit: Mysteek Naturals
Pros
  • Provides bright color on dark hair without bleach
Cons
  • Color washes out, so only ideal for a temporary look

If you love the idea of bright hair colors but don't want to commit to the lengthy bleaching process that can leave your hair damaged, Mysteek's Color Pop is a great option. Rather than a dye, this is a hair wax offering temporary color that doesn't require any bleach. You just rub some of the bright wax between your fingers, coat your hair, and you're good to go. It can get heavy, especially on thinner hair, and only lasts up to five days (without washing your hair), but once it washes out, you'll be free to change up your look with another color!

THE REVIEW: "Love the ease of use and the color is so vibrant," writes one customer. "It leaves my hair soft and moisturized."

14
Best Natural Hair Dye Gloss

dpHUE Color Boosting Gloss + Deep Conditioning Treatment

Color Boosting Gloss + Deep Conditioning Treatment
14
Best Natural Hair Dye Gloss

dpHUE Color Boosting Gloss + Deep Conditioning Treatment

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Meant to double as a deep conditioning treatment
  • Reviewers love how shiny it left their hair
Cons
  • Only for light color-boosting

Think of this gloss from DpHue as part semi-perm hair dye, part deep conditioner. Formulated without ammonia or peroxide, the dye helps enhance and deepen your hair color while also deeply hydrating it.

THE REVIEW: "Very subtle, which is what I like. I use it to maintain between salon visits," one product reviewer writes. "Softens and adds a pop of hue."

15
Best Natural Hair Dye Gel

Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel

Temporary Color Gel
15
Best Natural Hair Dye Gel

Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel

Credit: Courtesy Image
Pros
  • Great for touch-ups and grays
Cons
  • Testers complain it will be less effective the more grays you have

My favorite thing about this natural hair dye is the thin application tip and gel formula—both of which make it so easy to target specific areas or strands if you aren't looking to color your whole head. Antioxidant-rich oat flakes and color-preserving flower extracts are just a couple of the standout ingredients in this one.

THE REVIEW: "I was able to get really good coverage for my roots (about 4-5 inches) with this product," writes one tester. "The grays became brown/reddish highlights and the rest of my hair didn't get darker. It was easy to apply with a toothbrush and didn't stain the tub at all when washed out."

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16
Best post-dye hair oil

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Oil Everyday Gloss

Hair Oil Everyday Gloss
16
Best post-dye hair oil

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Oil Everyday Gloss

Credit: Bread
Pros
  • Helps to give your hair an instant shine
Cons
  • Some reviewers cautioned it can get greasy, so start with a small amount

"You really should use oils after dyeing to help moisturize your hair that is chemically altered during the dyeing process," Dr. Lal says. This hair oil features a combo of safflower seed oil, castor oil, argan oil, soybean oil, and more, to help moisturize damaged hair to leave it looking and feeling healthier.

THE REVIEW: "This oil saved my hair," raves one reviewer. "My hair is so silky and shiny. It has made such a drastic improvement in my hair, I will continue purchasing this forever!"

Is there a hair dye without chemicals?

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Sorry, hair dye without any chemicals is just not a thing (again, unless you’re working with henna or straight-up plant juice). Dye will always require some chemical-based ingredients to help deposit pigment onto your hair. That being said, you can get hair dye that’s made without alcohol, ammonia, or PPD if you want something less harsh, but still want to get in on all the newest hair color trends.

What to look for in a natural hair dye

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Gentle ingredients

Once again, for the ppl in the back: All hair dyes include some chemicals, because that’s what’s required to give your hair a semi-permanent or permanent color change. But there are a few things to keep in mind if you want to keep it as natural as possible: Look for dyes made with moisturizing and protective oils, along with formulas free of alcohol, ammonia, and PPD. These three ingredients can not only dry out hair but potentially lead to skin irritation, so if you see it anywhere on the box and you’re sensitive, just put it back and keep on lookin’.

The coverage

If you're still a little unclear on the difference between permanent, semi-permanent, and demi-permanent hair dyes, here's the basics: With semi-permanent dyes, “there’s no developer, there’s no hydrogen peroxide—the color just sits on the hair’s surface for about 15 washes,” Patty Slattery, AVP of hair color education, training, and testing at L'Oréal Paris, has told Cosmo.

Demi-permanent dye washes out after three to four weeks and is "great for people who want to amp up their existing color, like making chestnut-brown hair richer and shinier," added Slattery. Neither semi- or demi- or glosses are great at covering grays, so if that's your main goal, choose a permanent hair dye instead, which "penetrates deep into the cortex of your hair."

The amount

K, this one sounds obvious, but "almost every person underestimates the thickness of their hair," celebrity hairstylist Cynthia Alvarez has told Cosmo. So check the instructions on how much dye you'll need before you walk out of the store, and if you're on the fence, pick up an extra box of dye in case. "You don't want to be left with a section of hair that's not colored due to lack of product,” she warned.

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What supplies do you need to dye your hair at home?

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Some at-home hair dye kits include accessories like brushes and plastic gloves, but it's always good to have some on hand before you get started, especially if you're worried about staining your skin. Dr. Lal also recommends petroleum jelly, like Vaseline, to protect your face from the dye. "Use this along the hair line to prevent hair dye from getting on your face or hairline," he says.

Another tip? Wash your hair two days before dyeing. "The oils on your scalp and hair will help naturally lubricate your scalp and hair," Dr. Lal says, adding that you should always do a patch test before getting started. And, don't forget: "Oil your hair or condition ASAP after dyeing."

Meet the experts

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  • Karan Lal, MD, is a board-certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist based in Arizona.
  • Patty Slattery, AVP of hair color education, training, and testing at L'Oréal Paris. Slattery has spoken with Cosmopolitan on the topic of dyeing your hair at home.
  • Cynthia Alvarez is a bi-coastal celebrity hairstylist who works with clients such as Saniyya Sidney and Rachel Lindsay. Alvarez has spoken with Cosmo on the topic of dyeing natural hair.
  • Meri Kate O’Connor is a hairstylist and colorist at Cooper Weho salon in Los Angeles. O’Connor has spoken with Cosmo on the topic of ammonia-free hair dye.
Headshot of Olivia Truffaut-Wong
Olivia Truffaut-Wong
Editor

Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an entertainment and culture writer and editor who will never turn down a romance or superhero movie. Her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.  

Headshot of Sami Roberts

Sami Roberts was the previous beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan. Keep up with her cat-filled life in New York on Instagram

Headshot of Chloe Metzger
Deputy Beauty Director

Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.

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