If you have a sensitive scalp, Santiago says this Clairol dye is gentle on the hair and scalp “yet still delivers full gray coverage without harsh chemicals.” This pick is proof that drugstore hair dye has changed a lot. The box dye kit is ammonia-free and provides excellent gray coverage while also supporting hair health with AHAs and a bonding treatment for post-hair-dye care. The drugstore hair dye is available in 18 different shades, including plenty of blond options for low-maintenance gray coverage as well as several brunette tones and gorgeous copper colors.
Best for Men: Just for Men Shampoo-In Color
Courtesy of brand
Just for Men Shampoo-In Color
- Pros: Easy-to-use shampoo-in formula; long-lasting gray coverage; application takes five minutes
- Cons: Amazon only carries the dye in four black and brown shades
This long-lasting permanent hair dye features a shampoo-in formula that is “easy to use and blends gray naturally in five minutes,” says Santiago. Thanks to its ease of use and quick application process, it’s a fabulous beginner-friendly choice for men who haven’t colored before. It’s also enriched with strengthening and hydrating ingredients such as keratin, olive oil, and vitamin E to support aging hair and works well with all hair types.
Best Spray Cover-Up: dpHue Color Touch-Up Spray
Courtesy of brand
dpHue Color Touch-Up Spray
- Pros: Great for instant root touch-up; quick-drying
- Cons: Washes out (but doesn’t wear off)
This hairspray formula is enriched with biotin to strengthen strands and is great for those in-a-pinch moments when you can’t get in to see your colorist (or are in between appointments) and need some believable coverage. Santiago likes this option because it offers “instant [and] temporary root coverage that washes out.” And, despite its washable nature, it is quick-drying and doesn’t wear off unless you introduce water, so you don’t have to worry about it getting on your clothes or bedding.
Best Demi-Permanent Hair Color: Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Hair Color
Courtesy of brand
Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Hair Color
- Pros: 100% gray coverage; hair-strengthening formula; easy application process; long-lasting color up to 10 weeks
- Cons: Not a permanent hair dye
While this option is technically permanent, it’s actually closer to a demi-permanent hair color, since it lasts up to 10 weeks. Santiago says it’s a great choice for full gray coverage and has “built-in keratin to strengthen and protect hair.” This box dye is the best hair color for DIY gray coverage, thanks to its easy application process (though, warning: It can get messy!) and strengthening ingredients, including keratin and a Bond Enforcing System. It also comes with a post-treatment serum featuring vitamin B6 and collagen for strong, healthy-looking strands.
Best for Sensitive Scalps: Herbatint Permanent Hair Dye
Courtesy of brand
Herbatint Permanent Hair Dye
- Pros: Alcohol and ammonia-free; 100% gray coverage; formulated with herbal ingredients
- Cons: Some customers say the formula temporarily causes an itchy scalp
Hair dye can cause some scalp irritation, so if you have sensitive roots, Santiago says to consider opting for this gentle at-home option made with organic herbal ingredients. The Herbatint Permanent Hair Dye is one of the best hair dyes for sensitive scalps thanks to its ammonia-, alcohol-, and fragrance-free formula. “[It’s a] natural, plant-based formula that’s gentle but effective for covering grays,” Santiago notes. The color formula is enriched with tons of incredible herbal extracts, including meadowfoam, white birch, aloe vera, echinacea flower, rhubarb, witch hazel, walnut, and bark extract to support hair health. And despite its gentle formula, it can fully cover gray hair. To be on the safe side, be sure to do a patch test before diving headfirst (pun intended) into this kit.
Best Gloss Conditioner: dpHue Gloss+
Courtesy of brand
- Pros: Lasts up to eight washes; great at-home toner; provides a natural color look; up to 12 applications in one bottle
- Cons: Doesn’t permanently cover grays
