If you’ve flirted with the idea of dyeing your hair but aren’t a fan of the chemicals in standard dyes, natural at-home hair color options do exist. Like conventional hair dye, natural hair dye deposits color onto the hair—temporarily or permanently, depending on the formula—but typically contains fewer chemicals. Sometimes, they’re made with entirely plant-based ingredients.
If using something natural is number one on your priority list, henna is the safest option, says Krystel Cuadra, senior colorist at Fekkai in New York. You can also seek out vegetable-based hair dyes made from plants like carrots, beets, and lemon juice, adds Felicia Dosso, lead colorist at Nunzio Saviano Salon. There are also more natural options, or conventional dyes that contain smaller amounts of chemicals, like ammonia and P-phenylenediamine (PPD), which can cause skin irritation for some, our experts say.
To make finding a natural or organic hair dye easier—whether you’ve dyed your hair before or are looking to continue coloring with more organic dyes—we evaluated the top-rated natural hair dyes on the market.
Best Natural Hair Dyes
What to consider
Type
While they may all deposit color, not all hair dyes deliver long-lasting results. In general, there are four types of hair dye: temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent. Temporary is exactly what it sounds like–the color deposited washes out within a wash or two. Semi-permanent formulas are ammonia-free and can only go the same shade or darker, since they can’t lighten. They don’t cover gray hair, either. Demi-permanent is mixed with a peroxide developer and is great for root-touch ups or darkening your hair. It can also help blend grays. Finally, permanent hair color has a stronger ammonia base that gives the dye more versatility—it can be used to lift, tone, and even completely cover grays.
Ingredients
If you’re looking to take the most natural route when it comes to hair dye, you should probably steer clear of ammonia. “There are hair dyes that are ammonia and alcohol-free, which are drastically more gentle on the hair,” Cuadra says. “Most hair dyes contain p-phenylenediamine to help open the hair cuticle, but there are options to avoid this particular chemical, too. When looking for a more natural or clean hair dye, Dosso says to make sure to look for labels that say “cruelty-free” or “leaping bunny-certified,” as these often have fewer harsh chemicals.
Shade range
If matching your hair color is an important consideration—say for covering grays or deepening a brown that’s oxidizing—make sure to seek out brands who manufacture a wider range of colors. Some brands only offer a handful of hues, while others may offer 30 or more for maximum flexibility.
How we chose
Health AI Expert editors, including editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert and beauty director Brian Underwood, vetted the bestselling, top-rated natural hair dyes based on the advice of three hairstylists who specialize in color. We evaluated each expert recommendation, considering ingredients, shade range, efficacy, and permanence. Our top hair products include options from well-known brands like Christophe Robin, as well as popular beauty subscription services like Madison Reed, but they all have one thing in common: We’re confident they’re the best natural hair dyes on the market.
