9 Best Hair Dyes for Dark Hair, Tested and Reviewed for 2023
Ask any colorist, and they’ll tell you that lightening your hair at home is risky. Hell, tell a colorist you want to dye your dark hair at home, period, and they’ll try to ward you off it altogether. But that’s not to say it can’t be done, especially true if you have dark hair.
Don't DIY your hair color without one of these picks.
Ask any colorist, and they’ll tell you that lightening your hair at home is risky. Hell, tell a colorist you want to dye your dark hair at home, period, and they’ll try to ward you off it altogether. But that’s not to say it can’t be done, especially true if you have dark hair. I'm a natural brunette, and while I would never bleach or highlight my hair at home, I've definitely gone a few shades darker and played around with tints and tones, thanks to the abundance of hair dyes for dark hair on the market now.
And to help you narrow down all the best hair dyes for dark hair, I reached out to hairstylist Jenny Balding and colorist Jonathan Colombini to round up the best at-home hair dyes for dark hair of 2023, based on real testing and reviews.
Top picks for the best hair dyes for dark hair of 2023:
Keep reading for the entire list of dark hair dye picks, plus helpful tips from hair pros to streamline and simplify the at-home hair dye process.

1
Best Overall Hair Dye for Dark Hair
IGK Permanent Color Kit
PROS
• It doesn’t have a strong smell from ammonia
• Color looks realistic
CONS
• Some reviewers felt there was not enough hair dye to cover all their hair
One of my biggest issues with DIY hair dye is the lack of dimension in the color; many can feel like they fall flat, which makes hair look kind of blah—especially if you have darker hair like me. To the rescue: this color kit, formulated by the brilliant colorists behind IGK salon. They made it their mission to create salon-level dimensionality at home. Additionally, this permanent formula also conditions the hair with hydrating squalane and strengthening bamboo extract.
THE REVIEWS: “This is my new favorite hair dye," writes a reviewer. "The brown color is gorgeous and my hair came out softer and more healthy than it was before I colored it. "I definitely won’t go back to any other hair dye after using this," writes another tester, adding that "the results are incredible."

2
Best Dark Hair Dye for Touch-Ups
dpHUE Color Boosting Gloss + Deep Conditioning Treatment
PROS
• Helps buy you time between hair color appointments
CONS
• The darker colors can stain your hands or shower walls
Nothing cramps my style more than when my hair color starts to fade. Like, when it becomes dull and lackluster but it’s not quite time for a full color touch-up. This in-shower hair gloss is the answer. It’s basically a conditioning mask, but infused with color pigments to enhance your color for that fresh from the salon look (without the fresh from the salon price tag). I shampoo first and then leave this on for about ten minutes to reveal smoother, shinier hair for up to four weeks.
THE REVIEWS: “This deep conditioning treatment is the best," writes a tester. "It gave my hair an amazing color boost and made it feel very soft and look very shiny too—I would 10/10 recommend this product.”

PROS
• Temporary formula allows you to play around with trendy colors sans commitment
CONS
• Some reviewers mentioned the color bleeding during application
Newsflash: You don't need to bleach your hair before experimenting with a fun, vibrant hair color like rose gold or bright blue. I love using Overtone for playing around with trendy shades without lifting my natural color. Their pigmented conditioners (they're crafted specifically for brown hair) come in seven shades, from rose gold to green, and alter the tone of your hair for up to ten washes.
THE REVIEWS: “This stuff is the best," one reviewer writes. "I mixed the purple and pink for brown hair in equal parts and it turned out amazing!”

PROS
• Budget-friendly option
• Good for those with reactive skin
CONS
• Some shades can be hard to find in-stock
This one's for all you guys with allergies or super sensitive skin. It took Clairol twenty years of research, but they crafted a molecule called Me+ that reduces the risk of allergies significantly, and this formula touts that very molecule. This is a good reminder that no matter what hair dye you choose, you should always do a small patch test first to make sure you don’t have a reaction.
THE REVIEWS: “So far I am really impressed by this hair color—and that is saying a lot for box color," one review reads. "This is easy to apply and the color is nice for my hair—plus the scent is quite pleasant too," another tester writes.

PROS
• The color kit is delivered to your home
CONS
• Some reviewers wished their color lasted longer
This brand could not keep their products in stock during the pandemic and with good reason. Madison Reed offers you live access to professional colorists, either by phone, message, or on video. This kind of service is essential if you’re a newbie, or you’re just in need of a little extra help on your at-home hair coloring journey. Plus, their permanent formula packs super-pigmented color that covers even the most stubborn of grays. And it’s eight-free, so it’s formulated without certain ingredients like ammonia, but with nourishing ones like keratin and argan oil.
THE REVIEWS: “This is the only hair dye I'll use at home," writes a tester. "I use the black dye and it seamlessly covers my grays and looks very natural too."

6
Best Long-Lasting Hair Dye for Dark
Hair
L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color
PROS
• Excellent shade range for dark hair colors
CONS
• Some reviewers didn’t like the reformulation
With over 50 shades to choose from, this collection from L’Oréal Paris has been a mainstay for the brand since 1973. There is a wide selection of shades within the dark color family so you can find your exact tone and level of warmth—and the color lasts a good six to eight weeks too. If you want a sneak peek of what your hair will look like, the L’Oréal website offers a virtual try-on tool.
THE REVIEWS: “I have been using this box dye for 10 years," reads one review. "People are always shocked when I tell them it’s not my true color because it looks so natural—and you can't beat the price!"

7
Best Wash-Out Hair Dye for Dark Hair
Good Dye Young Poser Paste Temporary Hair Makeup
PROS
• Temporary color can be easily washed out
CONS
• Some reviewers didn’t like the waxy texture or thickness
If you’re following your ex’s lead and not tryna commit, this is the temporary hair color for you. It’s a paste texture that offers both hold and color and is perfect for achieving peek-a-boo strands or an ombre effect You can always layer on for more vibrancy, but be mindful as you apply because the formula dries quickly and has a thick consistency. When you’re over it, just wash it out!
THE REVIEWS: “I used Poser Paste on my dark brown hair and was amazed at the level of coverage," reads one tester review. "I recommend this to anyone wanting to make a statement with their hair or experiment with color that isn't permanent," reads another tester's review.

8
Best Dark Hair Dye for Damaged Hair
Garnier Olia Ammonia-Free Brilliant Color Oil-Rich Permanent Hair Dye
PROS
• Helps improve hair health and boost moisture levels
CONS
• Some reviewers had trouble with color distribution
If your hair is on the drier side or frequently style it using a curling iron or flat iron, show it some love with this nourishing formula that functions as hair dye and an an oil treatment in one. It's made with plant-based oils to help boost shine while delivering pigment deep within the hair shaft sans damage.
THE REVIEWS: “I really loved the clean, natural feel and smell of this hair color," says a tester, adding that "when I applied it I didn't feel like I was damaging my hair like I have with some other hair color I've used."

PROS
• Easy to apply and rinse out
CONS
• The spoolie can get caught in thick, curly hair
The unique spoolie applicator allows you to brush on color sans mess. Give yourself bold highlights in orange, purple, pink, blue or red. The tube also has a handy compartment on the bottom where there’s a hidden comb that you can use to sheer out the pigment or to distribute the color through the length of your strands. The spoolie is great for smoothing down flyaways, too, if you want to keep baby hairs out of your face with a little pop of color.
THE REVIEWS: “I love how easy this color is to use and how quickly it washes out," one reviewer says. "The hot pink color payoff on my super dark hair was incredibly impressive," writes another tester.
Can you dye dark hair at home?
Yes, you can dye your dark hair at home—but there are a few rules to keep in mind. The first? "Don’t attempt to bleach or highlight your hair at home because you don't know what color it will lift, or lighten, to,” says Balding. There's a ton of science and skill behind hair bleaching and it should absolutely be left to the pros.
The second? Don’t bother using a semi or demi-permanent dye in a lighter shade than what you have because it’s not going to do anything—except maybe tint your roots if they’re lighter or gray.
What hair dye works best on dark hair?
“If you want to stay dark and just add a little shine and warmth, opt for a semi or demi-permanent hair dye,” says hair colorist Johnathan Colombini. “This will prevent any brassy undertones from peeking through and will keep your hair healthy and damage to a minimum.” And make sure to read instructions because depending on the color you want (like some of the real vibrant ones), the site or packaging may say that it’s best to use it on pre-lightened hair.
What hair dye shows up on dark brown hair?
“Permanent hair color is going to be your heavy hitter in giving the most visible results,” says Colombini. That said, there are plenty of temporary options that will show up on your dark hair, like if you're going a shade or two darker or adding in a deep pop of color, like burgundy or midnight blue, to your hair.
Which hair dye is least damaging?
As a rule, any hair dye with words like "moisturizing“ or "nourishing" will be gentler on your hair, says Balding. In general, semi or demi permanent hair dyes with low ammonia and peroxide as well as gloss formulas are usually the least damaging, says Colombini.
How to choose the best hair dye for dark hair:
Keep it in the (color) family.
If you already have dark hair, there are plenty of options for you to try in terms of color. There is always the opportunity to go darker. Just realize that the color on the box may come out even darker than expected, so if your hair is medium brown, you don’t necessarily need to go for the darkest shade to see a dramatic result. Instead, try playing with tone. You can try a more blue-based shade for something cooler and ashier or a more red-based one for something warmer and brassier.
Try out something temporary.
The easiest way to skip bleaching is to try some of the temporary colors that are intended for use on dark hair. Since they’re not permanent, you don’t have to worry about causing any long-term damage to your hair, so they’re good for experimenting. If you decide you do like a brighter shade, I highly recommend going to a salon and leaving the lightening to a professional before committing to a more permanent pastel or vivid color.
Know your color quantity.
Many reviewers for boxed dyes complain that they didn’t have enough color for even shoulder-length hair, which is why Colombini recommends buying two boxes of the same hair dye when coloring the your entire head.
As for application, you should always start with the roots first because that hair is the healthiest and won’t soak up the dye as quickly– it’s also likely the part of your hair that needs the most color. Save your lengths and ends for last because they tend to be drier and more damaged, which causes them to absorb the color much quicker. Doing your whole head at once is an easy way to wind up with a line of demarcation from where your grown out hair was previously colored.
Meet the experts:
Jenny Balding is a hairstylist and co-owner of Cutler Salon Arlo Soho in New York, NY.
Jonathan Colombini is a celebrity hair colorist and owner of John Henry Salon in Malibu, CA. Colombini is the creative director of style & color for L’Oréal Paris and has worked with celebs like Faith Hill and Christie Brinkley.
Lisa DeSantis is a beauty writer at Cosmopolitan with eight years of experience writing about hair, makeup, nails, and skin, including cleansing conditioners and protein treatments. She chatted with hairstylists and tested dyes on her own hair to find the best hair dyes for dark hair.
Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly ten years.
20 Chestnut Hair Colors to Inspire Your Next Salon Visit
To learn about the varying shades of chestnut hair, industry pros Jonathan Colombini and Aura Friedman share their favorite A-list sources of chestnut hair color inspiration ahead.
Originally published @ Byrdie | August 25, 2021 by Michelle Rostamian and Kaitlyn McClintock
When it comes to hair, we're often told to go lighter when the spring season rolls around. And while we love that seasonal shift, this year we're thinking of turning it on its head and going for something richer and deeper. After all, chestnut colors have taken over all of Pinterest and our favorite celebs. To learn about the varying shades of chestnut hair, we turned to two pros in the hair industry: Jonathan Colombini and Aura Friedman. See our favorite A-list sources of chestnut hair color inspiration ahead.
FAST FACTS
Choosing a Shade: According to Friedman, you can choose a shade of chestnut by using the same principles makeup artists apply. "Look at skin tone, eye color, and eyebrow color—the goal is to enhance your best features and neutralize skin that's red or pink." To decide between richer or darker chestnut, determine your level of desired contrast between your skin and hair color.
Maintenance Level: Colombini notes that chestnut hair maintenance depends on your natural hair color. "If you’re a natural brunette, it'll be very low maintenance, but if you have gray hair, you may have a bit more regular maintenance, depending on the percentage of gray," he says. "If your natural hair color is much lighter than the hair color chosen, it'll be more high-maintenance.
Goes Great With: A red lip complements brunette hair colors as do warm bronze tones.
Similar Shades: Brunette, warm brown, cool brown, caramel, honey.
Price: Full color can range from $75 to $200. Highlights range anywhere from $80 to $350.

1 of 20 • Elizabeth Olsen
Elizabeth Olsen's chestnut hair, which resembles a shiny chestnut waterfall, is a warm, multi-dimensional brunette. Colombini notes that the darker roots give it a more natural look, and that while the style is smooth and polished, it features a slight bend to showcase dimension. We approve.
<br>Colombini recommends L'Oreal Paris's EverPure Deep Moisture Hair Sheet Mask ($5) for shine and lightweight smoothness. | Photo: Jason Merritt / Getty Images

02 of 20 • Gabrielle Union
We're heart-eyed for these big chestnut curls, which feature a cooler brunette base that graduates to lighter warmer tones on the ends. "There's beautiful natural texture here," says Colombini. "This look is best achieved without heat and without disturbing natural texture. Set it and forget it." | Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

03 of 20 • Jessica Alba
We'll never get sick of seeing Old Hollywood hair on the red carpet, but when it's paired with Jessica Alba's chestnut locks, we're even more inspired. "She has a cooler brunette base with honey tones from the mid-shafts to the ends," says Colombini. "The Old Hollywood look can be achieved with a marcel set and then brushing it out." | Photo: JB Lacroix / Getty Images

04 of 20 • Lily Collins
We love Lily Collins's red-tinged locks. If this look is your vibe, ask your colorist for a medium brown base with lighter cooper ends. Throw on a floral silk head wrap, add a slight bend to strands mid-shaft, and you've got yourself a boho look. | Photo: Kelly Sullivan / Getty Images

05 of 20 • Anne Hathaway
Equal parts chocolate and chestnut, this winning color combo has a few sun-kissed warmer golden hues through the crown for dimension. Paired with a choppy cut, Colombini describes this as a lived-in 'do. | Photo: Jason Merritt / Getty Images

06 of 20 • Beyoncé
Queen Bey always knows how to serve trend-setting hairstyles, and these chestnut strands rival any other spring hue. Conair's Infiniti Pro Texture Styling Hair Dryer ($34) is perfect for a style like this—it's made specifically for drying curly hair and maintaining the hair's natural curl pattern without the frizz.

07 of 20 • Kate Beckinsale
Kate Beckinsale is our OG celeb hair inspiration. This dimensional chestnut hair color features a cool-toned chestnut hue with both cooler tones and warmer tones throughout for dimension, according to Colombini. We're digging the beachy wave and center part, too. | Photo : JB Lacroix / Getty Images

08 of 20 • Olivia Culpo
Take a page out of Olivia Culpo's book and go for this deep chestnut shade, which is sure to look stunning on similar olive skin tones. Here, she's sporting a cool dark brunette hue with very few warmer ends to break up the solid color. "A center-parted lob with a slight bend and a tuck behind the ears showcases a fresh face," notes Colombini.

09 of 20 • Rihanna
Riri's voluminous waves are complemented perfectly with these auburn highlights that add a multi-dimensional, playful element to her overall look. | Photo: Steve Granitz / Getty Images

10 of 20 • Felicity Jones
Felicity Jones's hair is right on the edge of the chestnut spectrum, nearing a deep mahogany shade. This 'do leans towards being a cool brunette with a touch of warmth and cooler copper tones added throughout for dimension. We love the addition of a curtain fringe—très chic. | Photo: Joe Scarnici / Getty Images

11 of 20 • Rachel McAdams
Can we petition Rachel McAdams to always keep her hair this vibrant mix of chestnut and auburn? Colombini describes it as a multi-dimensional warm copper brunette with an off-duty messy top knot. "The added silk ribbon headband gives a bit more formal look to the messy knot," he notes. | Photo: Jason LaVeris / Getty Images

12 of 20 • Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Ray is another celeb who walks the fine line between auburn and chestnut with her red-brown locks. To achieve this hue, ask your colorist for a warmer chestnut base with warm copper highlights dispersed throughout. Pair with a bouffant for a mod '60s vibe. | Photo: Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images

13 of 20 • Jada Pinkett Smith
We're getting cozy fall vibes with Jada Pinkett Smith's steaming chestnut locks. Paired with a jaw-length lob and light layers, the 'do screams fierce freshness. If your hair is lacking volume, use a texturizing product like Sun Bum's Dry Texture Spray ($15) for hold and breezy volume. | Photo: Mike Marsland / Getty Images

14 of 20 • Olivia Palermo
Not ready to go full-on chestnut? Make like Olivia Palermo, whose hair starts with a deep chocolate brown color and slowly transitions to chestnut at the ends. "This has a cool dark brunette base with caramel tips to break up the darkness, giving a softness to the skin tone," says Colombini. "The straight side part gives a very '90s feel." | Photo: Dominique Charriau / Getty Images

15 of 20 • Jamie Chung
Apparently, ombré chestnut hair is alive and well (and extremely flattering). Colombini describes this look as a "cool dark brunette base ombréd into golden honey highlights throughout the ends." Plus, the half-up-half-down loose curls pay tribute to the Brigitte Bardot era, which we dig. | Photo: Ben Gabbe / Getty Images

16 of 20 • Ciara
Ciara's espresso locks border black and are as sultry as they are rock and roll. To protect the color, Friedman recommends avoiding shampooing too often and keeping hair in tip-top shape with the KHairPep K18Peptide Masque ($75)—"it repairs, strengthens, and doesn't weigh down the hair," she says. | Photo: Gregg DeGuire / Getty Images

17 of 20 • Julia Roberts
We get all the Pretty Woman feels with Julia Roberts's vivid red-brown hue. Colombini says to ask for a "warm brunette chestnut base mixed with lighter golden tones for dimension" if you're aiming for this look. Throw on a center part with loose, lived-in waves for an effortless, I-just-woke-up-like-this vibe. | Photo: Jeff Kravitz / Getty Images

18 of 20 • Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Priyanka Chopra Jonas's honeyed chestnut locks are oozing with dimension. "Someone that has warmer olive skin tones can look great in both warm and cool hair color hues, and vice versa with cooler skin tones," says Colombini. "The key is to have dimension—that, and a multi-tonal hair color, is complementary to any skin tone."

19 of 20 • Serena Williams
Can't settle on just one hair color? Make like Serena Williams and incorporate two: chestnut at the roots that ombrés to a eye-catching auburn. | Photo: Taylor Hil / Getty Images

20 of 20 • Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen dabbles with ever-so-perfect chestnut hair that incorporates chocolate, copper, and hues. A middle part and off-duty bends make this look both effortless and chic.