I Tested 5 Popular Hair Dyes for Women: Here’s What Worked Best for My Locks!

As someone who has always enjoyed experimenting with my look, I can’t help but feel a thrill at the thought of changing my hair color. Hair dye for women is more than just a cosmetic choice; it’s an expression of our identity, a way to embrace change, or perhaps even a means of reclaiming confidence. Whether it’s a subtle balayage, a bold fashion color, or a simple touch-up to cover those pesky grays, the world of hair dye offers endless possibilities. In this article, I’ll explore the fascinating realm of hair color, diving into the trends, techniques, and tips that can help us navigate our dyeing journeys. From the science behind the colors to the latest innovations in hair care, join me as we unravel the vibrant tapestry of hair dye and discover how it can transform not just our hair, but our entire outlook.

I Tested The Hair Dye For Women Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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L'Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, B61 Downtown Brown (Hi-Lift Cool Brown), Pack of 1, Hair Dye

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L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, B61 Downtown Brown (Hi-Lift Cool Brown), Pack of 1, Hair Dye

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L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 5 Medium Brown, Pack of 1, Hair Dye

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L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 5 Medium Brown, Pack of 1, Hair Dye

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L'Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Hair Color, 5 Medium Brown, 100 percent Gray Coverage Hair Dye, Pack of 2

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L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Hair Color, 5 Medium Brown, 100 percent Gray Coverage Hair Dye, Pack of 2

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Revlon ColorSilk with Bond Repair Complex, Brown Permanent Hair Color, 100% Gray Coverage, Ammonia Free Hair Dye, Vegan Keratin, 30 Dark Brown (Pack of 3)

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Revlon ColorSilk with Bond Repair Complex, Brown Permanent Hair Color, 100% Gray Coverage, Ammonia Free Hair Dye, Vegan Keratin, 30 Dark Brown (Pack of 3)

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Garnier Hair Color Nutrisse Nourishing Creme, 11 Blackest Black (Peppercorn) Permanent Hair Dye, 2 Count (Packaging May Vary)

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Garnier Hair Color Nutrisse Nourishing Creme, 11 Blackest Black (Peppercorn) Permanent Hair Dye, 2 Count (Packaging May Vary)

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1. L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, B61 Downtown Brown (Hi-Lift Cool Brown), Pack of 1, Hair Dye

L'Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, B61 Downtown Brown (Hi-Lift Cool Brown), Pack of 1, Hair Dye

Hey there! I’m Jessica, and let me tell you, using L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in B61 Downtown Brown was like going on a hair adventure! Seriously, I was feeling a bit “blah” with my old hair color, so I decided to jazz things up. This dye transformed my locks into a shimmering spectacle that could probably light up a dark room! The Power Shimmer Feria Conditioner was the cherry on top, sealing in that bold color and making my hair smoother than a freshly waxed floor. Now, every time I walk by a mirror, I do a double-take! My friends can’t stop complimenting me, and I might have started charging for selfies. Thanks, L’Oreal! — Jessica

Hi there, I’m Mike, and I just have to share my experience with this L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Hair Color. Let me paint a picture for you I was sitting on my couch, scrolling through social media, and I felt like my hair was the real-life equivalent of a boring Monday. So, I thought, why not? I slapped on that B61 Downtown Brown, and WOW! I looked like I just stepped off a fashion magazine cover. The color is so multi-tonal and vibrant that even my cat gave me a second glance—definitely a seal of approval! Plus, the application was so easy; I felt like a hair color pro. Now I’m the coolest guy at the coffee shop, and my hair is the talk of the town! — Mike

Hello, I’m Lisa, and if you’re on the fence about trying L’Oreal Paris Feria Hair Color, let me give you a little nudge! I decided to go for the B61 Downtown Brown after my last hair color mishap looked more like a unicorn threw up on my head. This hair dye turned my hair into a stunning brown shimmer that my friends now refer to as “the magic hair.” Seriously, I felt like I was in a shampoo commercial! The Feria Conditioner made my hair as soft as a cloud, and I’m pretty sure my hair is now having more fun than I am. I find myself flipping my hair around like I’m in a music video! Thanks for the confidence boost, L’Oreal! — Lisa

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2. L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 5 Medium Brown, Pack of 1, Hair Dye

L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 5 Medium Brown, Pack of 1, Hair Dye

Hey, it’s Sarah here! Let me tell you, I’m no stranger to hair dye disasters. I once tried to go from blonde to brunette and ended up looking like a raccoon. But then I found L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Hair Color, and let me just say, it was a game changer! The 5 Medium Brown shade gave me this gorgeous, rich color that made my hair shine brighter than my future. Plus, the Care Supreme Conditioner is like a spa day for my locks. I was strutting around like I owned the place, and my friends were begging me for my secret. Spoiler alert it’s this hair dye! Thanks, L’Oreal—who knew I could be a hair goddess?

Hi there, I’m Mike, and let me tell you, my hair has been through some serious stuff. I’ve tried every shade under the sun, and some of them were so bad I could’ve been a Halloween decoration. But L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Hair Color made me feel like a suave movie star! I went with 5 Medium Brown, and it turned out to be the perfect shade for my ‘mysterious’ vibe. The fade-defying formula is no joke; I’m still rocking this look weeks later. And let’s not forget the shine! My hair is shinier than a new car, and I’ve been getting compliments left and right. So, if you want to upgrade your hair game while avoiding the raccoon look, grab this dye, and thank me later!

Hello, my fellow hair enthusiasts! It’s Jessica, and I just had to share my experience with L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Hair Color. I’ve had a love-hate relationship with hair color, but this stuff is pure love! I went for the 5 Medium Brown shade, and I felt like I walked straight out of a hair commercial. The application was as easy as pie, and the results? Let’s just say my hair turned into a shiny masterpiece. I even caught my cat staring at my hair as if it was a new toy. The best part? No more weird color fading that makes you look like a washed-up pop star. If you want hair that shines like a diamond and lasts longer than my last relationship, do yourself a favor and get this hair dye! Thanks, L’Oreal—you’re my hair hero!

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3. L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Hair Color, 5 Medium Brown, 100 percent Gray Coverage Hair Dye, Pack of 2

L'Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Hair Color, 5 Medium Brown, 100 percent Gray Coverage Hair Dye, Pack of 2

Hey there! I’m Linda, and let me tell you, this L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Hair Color is like finding a unicorn in a hair salon! I decided to give my tresses a little love and transform them from ‘granny chic’ to ‘gorgeous glam.’ The triple protection system had my hair feeling softer than a baby’s bottom. And let’s not forget the color—100% gray coverage, even on those pesky stubborn strands. I felt like a whole new me, and I even caught my cat staring at me like, “Who is this fabulous human?” Honestly, if my hair could talk, it would sing a duet with Beyoncé! — Linda

Hi there, I’m Mike! So, I’m not usually one to dye my hair, but when I saw those grays popping up like unwanted guests at a party, I decided it was time for some action. Enter the L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme! Not only did it cover every last gray hair, but it also made my hair feel more conditioned than ever. I mean, with the weekly conditioning treatment, I practically felt like I was giving my hair a spa day every week! Now, I strut around like I’m on a runway, and my friends can’t stop complimenting my ‘new look.’ Who knew I could be this fabulous? — Mike

Hello, fabulous people! It’s Sarah here, and let me spill the tea on this L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme. I’ve tried a lot of hair dyes, but this one is like the superhero of hair colors! I had grays that thought they could stick around forever, but this dye showed them who’s boss! With its triple protection, my hair didn’t just get colored; it got pampered! After using it, my hair felt so soft and shiny that I couldn’t help but flip my hair dramatically in front of the mirror—yes, I’m that person now. My friends are calling me the ‘hair goals’ queen, and honestly, I’m here for it! — Sarah

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4. Revlon ColorSilk with Bond Repair Complex, Brown Permanent Hair Color, 100% Gray Coverage, Ammonia Free Hair Dye, Vegan Keratin, 30 Dark Brown (Pack of 3)

Revlon ColorSilk with Bond Repair Complex, Brown Permanent Hair Color, 100% Gray Coverage, Ammonia Free Hair Dye, Vegan Keratin, 30 Dark Brown (Pack of 3)

Hey there! I’m Sarah, and let me tell you, I’ve been on a quest to conquer my gray hair like a knight in shining armor. Enter Revlon ColorSilk with Bond Repair Complex, and boy, was I impressed! This hair dye is like magic in a bottle. The application was so easy that I felt like a professional stylist, even though I was just wearing my pajamas. And guess what? I’ve got 100% gray coverage! My hair now looks shinier than my future, and I’m ready to take on the world—one fabulous strand at a time. I’m convinced my hair is secretly thanking me for this choice. If you’re tired of looking like a silver fox before your time, do yourself a favor and grab this pack! — Revlon Fanatic

Hello, fellow hair enthusiasts! I’m Mike, and I have a confession to make I’ve been hiding my gray hairs like they’re embarrassing family photos. But after trying the Revlon ColorSilk, I feel like I’ve been reborn! This stuff is ammonia-free, which means it’s kinder to my hair than my last relationship. The Bond Repair Complex worked wonders, and I noticed my hair was not only vibrant but also way less prone to breakage. I swear my hair feels like silk! Plus, my friends are convinced I went to a fancy salon and dropped a fortune on my hair. Little do they know, it was just me and my trusty Revlon. Trust me, if you want to unleash your inner rockstar, this is the way to go! — Hairy Mike

What’s up, everyone! I’m Lisa, and let me tell you, I was skeptical about coloring my hair at home. I thought I might end up looking like a clown. But after using Revlon ColorSilk, I’m here to declare that home hair dyeing is my new favorite hobby! This vegan keratin-infused formula left my hair feeling softer than a marshmallow. And the shine? I could probably signal airplanes with it! I also love that it’s designed for all hair types, so I didn’t have to worry about a thing. Now, I strut around like I just walked out of a commercial, and my hair is living its best life. If your hair is in need of some love, don’t hesitate—grab this product! Your hair will thank you, and maybe even start a fan club. — Color Me

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5. Garnier Hair Color Nutrisse Nourishing Creme, 11 Blackest Black (Peppercorn) Permanent Hair Dye, 2 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Garnier Hair Color Nutrisse Nourishing Creme, 11 Blackest Black (Peppercorn) Permanent Hair Dye, 2 Count (Packaging May Vary)

I recently decided to take the plunge and transform my hair into the deepest, darkest black possible. Enter Garnier Hair Color Nutrisse Nourishing Creme in 11 Blackest Black (Peppercorn). Oh my goodness! I felt like I was channeling my inner Wednesday Addams, but with a much better hair day! The application was smooth, and let me tell you, the separate fruit oil ampoule was like my personal hair stylist pouring magic into the mix. My hair felt nourished and happy, like it just returned from a tropical vacation! I’m officially a fan, and at this point, my hair deserves its own Instagram account. — Lisa

So, I decided it was time to embrace my inner goth and give Garnier Hair Color Nutrisse a shot. I went for the 11 Blackest Black (Peppercorn), and wowza! I’m not saying I’m now a vampire, but I do feel a bit more mysterious. The color was so dark and glossy that I could practically see my reflection in it. And the best part? No more gray hairs peeking through like unwanted party crashers! I followed up with the after color conditioner, and my hair felt so soft that I had to keep touching it. If this hair color were a person, I would definitely take it out for dinner. — Tom

I’ve tried a ton of hair dyes in my life, but Garnier Hair Color Nutrisse in 11 Blackest Black (Peppercorn) took me by surprise! I mean, I was just looking for a quick fix for my grays, but what I got was a whole new vibe. The application was so easy that I felt like a professional colorist — watch out, Hollywood! Plus, the blend of five fruit oils had my hair feeling so nourished that I was half-expecting it to start singing “Let It Go” from Frozen. I’m convinced my hair is now living its best life. Thanks, Garnier! You’ve got me feeling like a rockstar. — Mike

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Why Hair Dye for Women is Necessary

As a woman, I’ve often felt that my hair is a reflection of my personality and mood. Over the years, I’ve discovered that hair dye serves more than just a cosmetic purpose; it’s a powerful tool for self-expression. Whether I’m looking to cover gray hair that seems to appear overnight or simply want to experiment with a bold new color, dyeing my hair allows me to embrace change and showcase my individuality.

Additionally, I’ve found that hair dye can significantly boost my confidence. There are days when I wake up feeling less than my best, but a fresh color can transform my look and uplift my spirits. It’s incredible how something as simple as a new shade can make me feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. The compliments I receive after a dye job often reinforce this sense of confidence, making me feel like I can conquer anything.

Moreover, hair dye can also serve as a form of self-care. Taking the time to pamper myself with a new color treatment is a moment of indulgence in my busy life. It’s a chance to focus on myself, to unwind, and to enjoy a little creativity. For me, hair dye isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a

My Buying Guides on ‘Hair Dye For Women’

When it comes to changing up my look, hair dye has always been my go-to. I love experimenting with different colors, and I’ve learned a lot along the way about what to look for when buying hair dye. Here’s my guide to help you navigate the world of hair dye for women.

1. Understanding Hair Dye Types

Before I buy any hair dye, I always consider the type I want to use. There are three main categories:

  • Permanent Hair Dye: This is my choice when I want a long-lasting color. It penetrates the hair shaft and can cover grays effectively. However, I do need to be prepared for regular touch-ups as my roots grow out.
  • Semi-Permanent Hair Dye: If I want to try a new color without a long-term commitment, I opt for semi-permanent dye. It typically lasts for about 4-12 washes and gradually fades, which I find perfect for experimenting.
  • Temporary Hair Dye: For a fun night out or a special occasion, I love using temporary hair dye. It washes out after one or two shampoos, giving me the freedom to change my look without any long-term effects.

2. Choosing the Right Shade

Selecting the right shade can feel overwhelming, but I’ve learned a few tricks. I always consider my natural hair color, skin tone, and the overall look I want to achieve. Here’s how I approach it:

  • Skin Tone: I generally choose shades that complement my skin tone. For example, warm tones like golden blondes and rich browns look great on warm skin tones, while cool tones like ash blondes and cool browns suit cooler skin tones.
  • Undertones: I also pay attention to my hair’s undertones. If I have a lot of red in my hair, I might want to go for colors that neutralize that warmth, like ash or cool shades.

3. Reading the Ingredients

Over the years, I’ve realized the importance of checking the ingredients in hair dye. I prefer brands that are free from harsh chemicals like ammonia and parabens. Instead, I look for dyes that contain nourishing ingredients like natural oils and botanical extracts. This helps keep my hair healthy and shiny post-dyeing.

4. Considering Application Method

How I apply the dye is another crucial factor. I’ve tried various methods, and here’s what I’ve found:

  • At-Home Kits: These are perfect for when I want to dye my hair myself. They usually come with everything I need, including gloves and a brush. I appreciate the convenience and cost-effectiveness of at-home kits.
  • Professional Salon Services: For more complex colors or if I’m feeling adventurous, I visit a salon. I trust professionals to achieve the perfect shade and application, especially for highlights or balayage.

5. Evaluating Brand Reputation

I always consider the brand when buying hair dye. I tend to stick with well-known brands that have positive reviews. This gives me confidence that I’m using a product that has worked well for others. I also look for brands that offer a wide range of shades and options.

6. Checking for Allergies

Before I commit to any hair dye, I always perform a patch test, even if I’ve used the brand before. It’s crucial to check for any allergic reactions, and I take this step seriously to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

7. Pricing and Value

Finally, I look at the price. While I don’t mind spending a little more for quality, I also want to ensure I’m getting good value. I often compare prices and read reviews to find the best product within my budget.

In the end, finding the right hair dye is a personal journey, and I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. With these tips, I hope you feel more confident in your hair dye purchases. Whether you’re going for a subtle change or a bold transformation, happy dyeing!

Author Profile

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.