Real talk: brunette has always been the superior hair colour. Especially when it comes to at-home hair dyes.
In terms of healthy, glossy, shiny hair, and of course, grey coverage, the brown shade spectrum has always excelled. And when it comes to DIY, it’s arguably the easiest to pull off when compared to its blonde and red hair counterparts.
But despite the chocolate family being quite long-lasting, even brunettes require touch-ups to keep their colour fresh.
So if you’re ready to slap on some spandex (gloves that is) and slather your hair in a fresh bout of brown hair dye, we’ve gone ahead and rounded up the best choices for your homegrown hair colour transformation…
The best at-home hair dyes for brunettes
Clairol Nice ‘N Easy in ‘Natural Light Ash Brown’
We say: When picking your brunette box dye, be conscious of your colour’s undertone. Are you a warm (honey-toned) brunette? Or cool (silvery) brunette? This is a great option for the latter, and despite being light, it will still cover greys.
You say: “Clairol Nice N Easy has been my go to hair dye ever since I first started colouring my hair. There are a wide range of shades to pick from, they usually turn out a bit darker than I expect but over time it fades down to a nicer shade. I have long hair so I have to use 2 boxes for a good coverage.” – annieleex
Want to know more? Read Clairol Nice’n Easy reviews here…
$13.99 (currently $6.99) at Chemist Warehouse
Garnier Olia in ‘5.3 Golden Brown’
We say: The first of its kind, Olia provides a rich at-home colour using nourishing oils, and no ammonia. Shine is guaranteed no matter which shade you pick, but we especially love how this one gleams in the sun.
You say: “This is a great product considering that there is no ammonia so it smells really good . It is also great for your hair. Its easy to mix the developer and color, I usually use a bowl to mix them and apply with a brush as its easy to apply and also gets good coverage.” – SandyT
Want to know more? Read Garnier Olia reviews here…
$12.99 at Priceline
JUSTICE Professional Colour in ‘Medium Natural Brown’
We say: Finding a medium brown shade that doesn’t dye too dark can be tricky, but this one is pretty true to the packet. It’s available exclusively to Just Cuts, but you can buy online if you don’t want to head into a salon.
You say: ” After application I found my hair to be soft, nourished and shiny. I loved that there was no odor just great smelling and looking hair.” – Gaylevo
Want to know more? Read JUSTICE Professional Colour reviews here…
$17.95 at Justice Hair
L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss in ‘Chocolate Chestnut’
We say: If you’re just after a colour boost or are truly terrified of stuffing up your hair, this is your guy. The semi-permanent formula provides glossy coverage, while still allowing your highlights to show through, and the conditioner smells incredible.
You say: “My hair looked richer and healthier and super soft to touch, the conditioner really helped with the tangles and could easily slide the comb though. The color blended in very well and covered the greys.” – SandyT
Want to know more? Read L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss reviews here…
$13.99 at Priceline
NAPRO Palette in ‘Dark Brown’
We say: If you’re after a box dye on a budget, this one will never cost you more than $10. The darker shades perform best, so brunettes, you’re in luck.
You say: “The conditioner included in the pack is lovely to use and leaves my hair feeling really soft after the process and the gloves included in the pack are good for the one use required.” – JuJu47
Want to know more? Read NAPRO Palette reviews here…
$10.00 at Priceline
Restoria Discreet Colour Restoring Shampoo
We say: If you’re simply after something to tide your greys over until you make it to the salon, why not try this at home colour and shampoo hybrid? It’ll take the task out of actually colouring your own hair, as you use it just like a regular shampoo in the shower.
$19.6 at Priceline
Revlon® ColorSilk™ in ‘Mahogany Brown’
We say: Not one to fall for a basic brown? This shade features fiery undertones for a vibrant finish. Ideal for those who’ve always dreamt of going red, but don’t want to go the whole way just yet.
You say: “I have coloured my hair at home for years and Colorsilk is a very easy product to colour my greys. I must admit I do look for price specials when purchasing so do swap around a bit but I have always been happy with this product and the colour is always accurate which is great.” – JuJu47
Want to know more? Read Revlon® ColorSilk™ reviews here…
$9.99 at Priceline
Schwarzkopf Brilliance Intense Permanent Hair Colour in ‘Bittersweet Chocolate’
We say: Want to go as dark and rich as possible without hitting black? Try this. The ‘Diamond Gloss Serum’ in the formula will keep you from falling flat.
You say: “I dye my hair (mainly regrowth) myself at least once a month. I go through alot of hair dyes and this has to be one of my favourites. It’s an easy to use dye that is easily washed off if it stains the skin. It doesn’t leave my hair feeling damaged, and leaves it feeling like I’ve just had a professional treatment done.” – Beccaduncan23
Want to know more? Read Schwarzkopf Brilliance reviews here…
$11 at Priceline
Color & Soin Permanent Hair Dye with Vegetal Extracts in ‘6N Dark Blonde’
We say: Yes, this may be an edit of the best hair dyes for brunettes, but this dark blonde makes the cut. It’s ideal for blondes wanting to turn bronde (the hybrid shade of dreams) and makes for a seamless step towards a full brunette. Transition is key ok?
You say: “I have dark hair all I can say is it is definitely worth it. I love the colour selections and how the hair dye just doesn’t fade away after some time of using it like most hair dyes do.” – Ashleysoto
Want to know more? Read Color & Soin Permanent Hair Dye with Vegetal Extracts reviews here…
$19.95 at color-soin.com.au
Main image credit: @dimitrishair
Do you colour your hair at home? Which box dye do you swear by?
Great article for those dying hair brunette – such a beautiful hair colour.
I use good old Revlon. Must pick up some Justice when next at Just Cuts.
Have never gotten the same kind of coverage from Packaged Hair Dyes when I used to colour my hair, at home always found a Salon Root Coverage, much better than ending up with Colour build up.
But I am sure there are many other people here that have had successful coverage with Home Hair Dye Packets.
I totally agree
I’ve been using L’Oréal Casting to cover my greys for years, and I’ve always been really happy with it. I’ve always liked the colour Iced Mochaccino, but I haven’t been able to find it at the shops for a while so I’m assuming it’s been discontinued. So I’m using Light Brown and it’s a good match for me.
The longer the quarantine the more I'm going to be tempted to dye at home!
Have used years back loreal casting for subtle highlights. Tried Garnier, was ok too. Then omegaplex by Schwarzkopf came about, I switched.
Kinda loving this colour
There is a couple of these brands I have not heard of. I have used the others at one time or another, great hair dyes for brown hair.
I'm tempted to colour my hair, I haven't done it myself in years
I haven’t dyed my hair at home in years, and while many of these are great colours I’ll wait it out till my hairdresser is back.
Are any of these cruelty free?
Such good brands and results, and boy oh boy you save so much money and time
My hair is almost grown out to it's natural colour. Sometimes I think about dying it again, but will enjoy some years of not dying it before the grays hit
Im naturally a blonde but at the moment im a light brown which to me is like a very dark blonde
Think I'd like to go brunette one day, have always been blonde.
I love brown hair, its making me want to go back.
I love dyeing my own hair. Not only to hide the grey but also to mix up my look with very little effort and it saves me a small fortune. My fav is Schwarzkopf. I have trialled Clairol thanks to BH. I probably wouldn't have bought that brand myself howeverI was really impressed by the result.
The Clairol Nice n Easy is the brand I've been using for years and I'm very happy with the results.
I have tried so many of these brands in the big hunt for a nice natural brown without going too dark and my favourite Brand is Garnier Olio with Revlon a close second.
I always go to the haidresser now to colour my hair won't use store ones, and especially since seeing the video of a guy switching the colour between blonde & brunette! No thanks
Love these
John frieda has been my go too and I'm loving the colour
Garnier is excellent. They all seem good to give a go. I'm keen to see if John Frieda dye is good.
The colour is so nice.
I’m in desperate need of a hair dye right now. My favourite colour was a L’Oréal Castings but was discontinued (typical!). I’ve been using L’Oréal Castings Light Brown, and it was a great match for me. But the last couple of times I’ve used it, it’s been different. It’s given me reddish kind of highlights, and I don’t like it. I feel that it’s also a bit dark for me. I like the look of that Clairol Lite & Easy in Light Ash Brown. Any feedback would be welcome!
NOTE…..I ended up getting the light ash brown. It was absolutely perfect for me. It covered my greys, and it looked very natural, which is exactly what I was looking for. I’m really happy with it because it doesn’t look like I’ve coloured my hair, if you know what I mean. I’ll definitely repurchase this one when I need a top up.
i'm so scared to dye my hair so i only use henna
I love Swakspkoff Brilliance.
I only use Revlon Colorsilk.
I’ve used Clairol Nice ‘N Easy before and the colour was really nice. I’ve currently discovered Revlon Colorsilk and really liked that too. I really love the conditioner the Colorsilk comes with. Wish they sold that in a bottle.
I always love the conditioners that come with the colours and feel the same -I would love to buy a bottle too
i find they all run warm with redish tones
I find ash colours don’t seem to have that red tone so may be worth a try ?
For superior grey coverage, I swear by L’Oréal Excellence. Colour protection shampoos don’t keep my oily hair clean, so I use a deep cleansing shampoo all the time: L’Oréal Excellence doesn’t wash away. ♥
I’ve never actually dyed my hair.
I have used most of these but currently trying some natural methods with mixed success
I don’t dye my hair, but I’ll definitely recommend these to my mother to try.
Would like to try Restoria. Never heard of this brand. I wonder if it works.
So many options
After a few disasters, I steer clear of home colouring now.
Good to know…
Brunettes look good
I only trust my hairdresser to dye my hair. Besides, I like to sit back and relax while someone else does the work.
I used to dye my hair at home, but I’ve been treating myself to a salon job this last couple of years.
Clairol make great colours
Great article
I tried some of these.
An interesting article to read but I’m too afraid to dye my own hair. Anyway, what’s wrong with going natural 🙂
As a blonde, I prefer to get my hair highlighted at a salon – I’m not brave enough to try it myself!
I haven’t tried any of these.
I’m already brunette. Never felt like changing my hair colour.
Clairol nice and easy is awesome and so well priced