Found: 17 At-Home Hair Dyes That Are Truly Hard to Mess Up

At-home hair dyes tend to be less powerful than their pro counterparts, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. At-home dyes also aren’t as customizable, which, again not necessarily a bad thing. There’s a lot of science and skill that goes into mixing hair color, and without the right expertise, things can go wrong quickly.

The bottom line: You’re not getting the same dye used in salons at your local drugstore, but that doesn’t mean the end result can’t be equally great.

There are tons of great hair dye products that can be used at home. Celeb colorist Amanda Lee swears by color-depositing conditioners and masks. “They’re temporary—so there’s less room for error—and they often contains moisturizing and nourishing ingredients that help improve hair health,” says Lee.

If you want something more long-lasting, you can try demi-permanent, semi-permanent, or permanent color. Just know that most colorists will recommend ammonia-free or low ammonia formulas since they tend to be the gentlest on hair.

You also have the option to bleach your hair at home…but it’s risky. Bleach can seriously damage your hair, mess up your color, or irritate your scalp if you don’t follow the instructions perfectly. That being said, all of the bleach kits on this least have been vetted, and when used correctly, can give you amazing results.

If you’re a newbie, you may want to enlist the help of a pro. Either someone that you’re put in touch with through a service (like Madison Reed) or a local colorist that you feel comfortable reaching out to for some tips. They’ll be able to help you find the perfect shade and formula for your hair goals. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt to watch some DIY hair color videos on TikTok or Youtube too.

Pay attention to user reviews.

User reviews will often tell you things about a product that the outer box or packaging won’t, like the color going orange when starting from a certain base or needing more product than expected.

Tester comments on what is or isn’t included in your at-home hair color kit are helpful too. Some reviews will say that the gloves were flimsy or the tool provided wasn’t the best, so that can help you prepare, too.

Know the type of dye you’re working with.

Ammonia-free, low-ammonia, and low-peroxide tend to be the least drying. If you’re worried about the health of your hair, look for a dye that’s infused with moisturizing oils or plant butters. And remember, temporary products will be the most forgiving since you’re not stuck with the outcome for very long.

• Amanda Lee is a hair stylist and colorist based in Los Angeles, CA. Lee is a global color ambassador for Moroccanoil and has worked with celebs like Madelyn Cline and Hailey Bieber.

Lisa DeSantis is a contributing beauty writer at Cosmopolitan who has been in the beauty industry for nearly 10 years, including writing stories like the best lip liners and cleansing conditioner. She has tested thousands of products and considers herself a professional guinea pig who’s always on the search for the next big trends in beauty, wellness, and beyond.