The pandemic shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. So just because hair salons have reopened in the states, doesn’t mean everyone is comfortable going back to their stylist for a color update. Hey, we completely understand. These times are uncertain at best, so if you’d rather stay home and do your hair yourself, we’re not going to stop you. In fact, we even have expert-recommended box dye that’ll hold you over until you’re ready to make an appointment with your hairstylist. Scroll through the gallery of box dyes experts swear by to find the one that’ll fix your hair problem now!
Clairol Permanent Root Touch-Up: $6.99
Foilyage® creator and colorist at the Arsen Gurgov Hitomi Ikeda loves this root touch-up kit. She frequently recommends it for “permanent color.” As far as choosing the right shade for your strands, Hitomi says to go lighter. “When you pick the box color, always pick one shade lighter than what you think you need to use (or please ask your colorist/stylist for advice),” she says. “When you try to apply the color yourself, it is really difficult not to overlap and can cause buildup. You can even end up making it too dark. Once it’s really dark, it will be harder to correct when you return to the salon. When it’s lighter, it will be easier for us to fix the problem.”
(via Walgreens)
Clairol Natural Instincts: $6.99
Another favorite from Hitomi, she notes this is a great option for “semi/demi permanent color.”
(via CVS)
Style Edit Root Touch-Up Powder: $33.99
For those who are a bit weary of box dye, Hitomi offers up this root touch-up powder. It’s the perfect “temporary” fix in between visits, she says.
(via Beauty Care Choices)
Keracolor Color + Clenditioner: $22
Keracolor offers plenty of “fun colors to try,” Hitomi notes, though she does offer a warning.
“Some color conditioner can cause color buildup and it won’t lift when you go back to the salon. Please ask your colorist/stylist for their recommendation beforehand.”
(via Ulta)
Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss: $30
New York City hairstylist Lauren Grummel recommends Madison Reed, because “their colors are more exact to your shade.” It’s “great for maintenance,” but Lauren doesn’t advise making “any major changes at home.”
(via Madison Reed)
Kevin Murphy Blonde Angel Wash: $33
“When it comes to blondes I always recommend masking and glossing at home,” Lauren says. And for that, she says using Kevin Murphy’s “Maxi Wash, Blonde Angel Wash, then Blonde Angel Rinse” in that order will keep any blonde color looking fresh.
(via Kevin Murphy)
dpHue Root Touch-Up Kit: $32
Lauren shared that dpHue is her “personal favorite,” because “it’s great for touch ups in between appointments.”
She isn’t the only one who’s a fan of the brand. Oklahoma-based blonde specialist Samantha Harman had nothing but great things to say about dpHue. “Their root touch-up kit comes with everything needed to do two touch ups at home,” Samantha raves. “They have made it super easy for the public to use during the pandemic and/or in between salon visits.”
(via Ulta))
L’Oréal Excellence Créme: $9.99
Home Agency colorist Rachel Bodt is all about L’Oréal Excellence Créme “for gray coverage.”
(via Walgreens)
Garnier Olia: $10.49
“If you want to blend or cover grays that’s a little more gentle on the hair,” Rachel says Garnier Olia is your best bet.
(via Garnier)
Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme: $8.99
Another Garnier dye Rachel recommends is their Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme, especially if you’re hoping to achieve a “rich, shiny dark color.”
(via Garnier)
Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss: $14
One final recommendation from Rachel is Kristin Ess. The signature hair gloss makes for perfect “at-home glosses.”
(via Kristin Ess)
Still unsure if you should opt for the box dye? THIS is our advice on dyeing your hair at home.
Hey, mane muse! We wanted to give you a heads up that some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that Mane Addicts will collect a small share of the sale from any purchase you make from the products we recommend.