Made the decision to go blonde? Whether you’ve always wanted to dye your hair a bright platinum or you’re after a more subtle ash blonde, transforming your hair at home is easy with the help of a quality blonde hair dye.
Blonde hair dyes are available in a variety of cool and warm shades designed to flatter individual skin tones. Some dyes are made to help cover up grey hair and some are designed to be used on natural hair. You can also choose between all over blonde kits, blonde ombres, or blonde highlights. The different blonde styles you can rock are endless!
If you’re certain that blonde is the look for you but don’t know where to start, don’t worry – we’ve researched the best blonde dyes available and compiled a list of the top 10 products out there. Read on to find out our favorite dyes for going blonde!
- What You Should Know About Blonde Hair Dye
- Top 10 Best Blonde Hair Dyes 2024
- 1. Best Overall Blonde Dye: Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Crème
- 2. Best Premium Blonde Dye: WELLA Color Charm Liquid Hair Color
- 3. Best Budget Blonde Dye: Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color
- 4. Best Blonde Dye for Grey Coverage: L'Oreal Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Color
- 5. Best Fade-Defying Blonde Dye: L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Hair Color
- 6. Most Conditioning Blonde Dye: SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist
- 7. Best Blonde Dye for Long Hair: Naturtint Permanent Hair Color
- 8. Best Blonde Dye for Sensitive Scalps: Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Hair Color
- 9. Best Blonde Dye for Dark Hair: Schwarzkopf Blond Me Premium Lift
- 10. Best Bleach Blonde Dye: L'Oreal Paris Colorista Bleach
- Your Full Guide to Blonde Hair Dye
- Obtaining the Blonde Hair of Your Dreams
What You Should Know About Blonde Hair Dye
Before we get to our list of the top 10 best blonde hair dyes, we first need to discuss the most important factors in selecting a product.
Ingredients to Consider
Most hair dyes, especially blonde dyes, are likely to have harsh chemicals in them that penetrate into the hair shaft, lightening the pigment of your hair. These chemicals include ammonia, peroxides, and bleach and can be very irritating to your hair and scalp.
If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to consider investing in a blonde hair dye that features an ammonia-free formula, such as Naturtint’s Permanent Hair Color.
Additionally, you can look for conditioning ingredients such as vitamin E, fruit oils, and keratin. When mixed into the dye formula, these ingredients can help hydrate and protect hair from becoming too damaged during the coloring process. Our best overall pick Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Crème is a great example of this.
@janecarmen impulsively dyeing my hair bc im bored🤷🏼♀️ art post up later❤️ #hairfail #friyay#fyp #foryoupage
Semi-Permanent vs. Permanent Color vs. Bleach
When selecting a blonde dye, you may see labels indicating that the dye is semi-permanent or permanent. There are a few differences between these two dye formulas.
Semi-Permanent Dye
Semi-permanent dye is less harsh on hair. It does not contain chemicals like ammonia and peroxide and tends to give hair a soft, shiny finish. However, this type of color washes out within a few weeks since it does not completely penetrate into the hair shaft when applied.
Permanent Dye
Aptly named, permanent dye stays in your hair until it grows out or is recolored. This type of dye contains harsher chemicals that chemically process your hair, opening up the cuticle and leaving room for the hair dye to deposit. This type of dye lasts longer (between 6 and 8 weeks), but will need touch ups at the roots as your hair grows out.
It is important to note that most blonde hair dyes are permanent dyes. This is due to the fact that stronger chemicals are needed in order to lighten the hair in a way that semi-permanent color may not be the best at. Because of this, we only have permanent dyes and bleaches on our list.
Bleach
If you have very dark hair or hair that has previously been colored, you may find that the best way to go blonde is to bleach your hair and follow up with a blonde toner. However, bleaching your hair can be very damaging and has the potential to go awry if you are unsure of what you are doing. Always familiarize yourself with the coloring process before attempting it on your hair.
From our list, L’Oreal Paris’s Colorista Bleach can help you bleach hair blonde.
Blonde Shade Availability
The most important part of dyeing your hair blonde is, of course, the shade you select! Blonde shades can range from lighter, more platinum colors, to warmer golden and honey blondes.
When deciding which blonde color to use, you should consider your skin tone and undertones in relation to the color. Check out our full guide below for more information about selecting a complementary blonde shade.
Now that you understand what to look for in a blonde hair dye, let’s head straight into our list of the best products out there!
Top 10 Best Blonde Hair Dyes 2024
1. Best Overall Blonde Dye: Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Crème
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Formula Type: Permanent
- Shades Available: 12
This easy-to-use blonde hair dye is perfect for anyone who is a beginner at dyeing, or those who love a user-friendly application process. The kit includes a bottle with a tapered application tip, so you’ll be able to evenly apply the color all over your hair. A separate fruit oil ampoule is included to be mixed in with the color; this triple oil nourishing formula strengthens, conditions, and protects your hair as you color.
In addition to all over blonde dyes, Garnier Nutrisse offers a blonde highlighting kit. This kit includes an application brush specially designed to create subtle blonde contrasts throughout your hair. It is a good choice for anyone who already has blonde hair and wants to enhance it further.
The color in this dye does fade more rapidly than some of its competitors. This means that you will have to perform color touch-ups more frequently. If you are interested in a blonde dye that is virtually fade-free, we suggest L’Oreal Paris’s Superior Preference Hair Color.
Pros
- Blonde highlighting kit available
- Easy to use
- Triple oil nourishing formula
- Strengthens hair
Cons
- Color fades quickly
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Formula Type: Permanent
- Shades Available: 29
WELLA Color Charm is a line of high-quality professional colors. The formula of this product is more potent and more likely to deliver lasting, vibrant blonde colors. It is a good choice for anyone who wants to create salon-quality blonde hair from the comfort of their home.
This product line has a very large number of blonde shades offered. There are 29 colors that range from lighter and cooler blondes, to more warm and dirty blonde colors. As an added bonus, each shade is mixable, allowing you to create a truly tailored blonde color; this product is a great option for those who want a customized blonde hair dye.
Because this is a professional color and not a box dye kit, you will need to purchase a developer separately. WELLA gives suggestions on which developer to use on their website, or you can consult this article to see which strength of developer is the most appropriate for your hair color.
Pros
- Professional color
- Large blonde shade variety
- All shades are mixable
Cons
- Must purchase developer separately
3. Best Budget Blonde Dye: Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Formula Type: Permanent
- Shades Available: 13
Coming in at under $5 a box, Revlon’s Colorsilk Beautiful Color is a very affordable product. It suits most budgets and is a good option if you are looking to dye your hair at home for a reasonable price. You can buy a 3 pack of the product and stock up on it for more of a discount.
The formula of this dye uses a 3D color technology to give hair a multidimensional look. It deposits both high and low lights into the hair to achieve this appearance. Silk amino acids and keratin are blended into the formula to add shine and strengthen hair strands during the coloring process.
On the downside, the shades of this product are not quite true to color. They tend to appear a little darker than what is shown on the box after the coloring process is completed. It is also not the best for use with sensitive skin since the chemicals in this dye are slightly harsher than its competitors. For a more skin-friendly dye, we recommend Clairol Nice ’n Easy Permanent Hair Color.
Pros
- Very affordable
- 3D color technology
- Silk amino acids add shine to hair
- Keratin strengthens strands
Cons
- Shades are not quite true to color
- Not the best for sensitive skin
4. Best Blonde Dye for Grey Coverage: L'Oreal Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Color
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Formula Type: Permanent
- Shades Available: 14
L’Oreal Paris’s Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Color is formulated to provide 100 percent grey coverage on all hair types. The rich crème formula of the dye is able to fully color even stubborn grey hair and leave you with an even, vibrant blonde color. It is a good choice for anyone who wants to cover up their greys and revitalize their locks.
Ceramides and collagen are blended into this formula to help hydrate hair. The dyeing process can be very drying, and these ingredients help to protect each strand’s integrity. An additional pre-color treatment is included and protects hair from product buildup and damage. This product is great for anyone who may be concerned about the negative effects of dyeing their hair.
The colors in this product may come out a little brassy and could need additional toning. If your hair is already quite light or if you previously bleached your hair before using this product, you may want to approach this dye with caution, as it could leave unwanted orange and red tones in your hair.
Pros
- Covers even stubborn grey hairs
- Ceramides and collagen hydrate hair
- Pre-color treatment helps protect hair
- Rich crème formula
Cons
- Colors may come out brassy
5. Best Fade-Defying Blonde Dye: L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Hair Color
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Formula Type: Permanent
- Shades Available: 18
The gel formula of this product is easily spread throughout hair. This allows you to fully saturate individual strands more easily and gives you an overall more even color. The dye is long-lasting and won’t fade for at least 8 weeks after application, making it great for someone who prefers a lower maintenance blonde dye.
For anyone who may have had a previous unfortunate bleaching or dyeing incident, this product can help remedy these mistakes. When used correctly, it can help cover up and remove any traces of orange, red, or brassiness in the hair. This leaves you with a more natural-looking blonde color.
This is not the best product for grey hair coverage as the formula is not specifically designed to cover up harder to dye grey hairs. If grey coverage is what you are concerned about, we recommend using a product like L’Oreal Paris’s Excellence Crème instead.
Pros
- Long lasting color
- Helps cover brassiness in hair
- Gel formula easily saturates hair
Cons
- Not the best for grey hair coverage
6. Most Conditioning Blonde Dye: SoftSheen-Carson Dark and Lovely Fade Resist
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Formula Type: Permanent
- Shades Available: 4
A supremely conditioning hair dye, Dark and Lovely utilizes both argan oil and vitamin E to help condition hair. This makes it a great product for use on curly or coily hair and for use on hair that is already fairly dry. It is designed primarily for use on natural Afro-textured hair, but can easily be used on any hair type or hair that has been permed or relaxed.
The colors of this product are designed to complement all skin tones. The undertones in each blonde shade can work with cooler or warmer undertones and will match both lighter and darker skin shades. It is a great choice if you are unsure which blonde shade will work best for you.
This product does not work well on lighter hair colors. It is designed for light and soft browns and light and soft black colored hair; the advertised color may not appear as intended on hair that is already fairly light or blonde. We recommend Garnier Nutrisse’s Nourishing Crème for hair that is already light.
Pros
- Argan oil and vitamin E condition hair
- Works well on natural hair
- Designed to complement all skin tones
- Good for use on dry hair
Cons
- Does not work well on lighter hair tones
7. Best Blonde Dye for Long Hair: Naturtint Permanent Hair Color
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Formula Type: Permanent
- Shades Available: 10
This product is sold in a value 6 pack, making it a great option for stocking up on. It can also be very helpful to anyone with very long or thick hair as this hair type typically needs more dye during the application process; the 6 pack offers an economical way to dye longer hair.
The formula of this product is both ammonia and paraben-free. It is also free from heavy metals, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. Plant-derived ingredients like oleic acid and meadowfoam seed oil help to nourish hair. It is a good choice for someone who prefers more natural products.
Due to the lack of harsher chemicals, the color of this dye does not last as long as some of its competitors. It tends to start fading within a couple of weeks and may need to be touched-up often. Additionally, the included conditioner has a strong, unpleasant odor which some may find overpowering. Check out Clairol Nice ’n Easy for a better scented product.
Pros
- Ammonia and paraben-free formula
- Value 6 pack
- Great for long or thick hair
- Plant ingredients nourish hair
Cons
- Color is not long-lasting
- Included conditioner has unpleasant smell
8. Best Blonde Dye for Sensitive Scalps: Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Hair Color
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Formula Type: Permanent
- Shades Available: 20
For anyone with sensitive skin or a sensitive scalp, this blonde dye is a great option. The formula is allergy-friendly and designed to be extra gentle on skin. It can deliver bright, lasting color without the need for potentially irritating preservatives and chemicals.
Anyone who has dyed their hair before can tell you that hair dye does not have the best scent. Clairol works to combat any unpleasant chemical odor by adding a light floral scent to the dye. This odor is pleasant and not too overpowering, even for those who may have an aversion to strong smells. It is a great choice if you prefer hair dyes with fragrance.
The formula of this product does tend to stain easily, so you need to be extra careful when applying it; it will stain your skin as well as your counters and floors. Cover the area you are dyeing your hair in with protective cloth or towels and use coconut oil near your hairline to prevent skin staining.
Pros
- Gentle allergy-friendly formula
- Good for use on sensitive skin
- Pleasant floral scent
Cons
- Formula stains easily
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Formula Type: Permanent
- Shades Available: 1
Schwarzkopf Professional’s Blond Me Premium Life is a lightening powder. It is formulated for use on dark hair and can provide up to 9 levels of lift in one use. It is a great option if you have dark black hair or hair that has previously been colored. It can even be used on lighter hair colors to achieve a white-blonde look.
Bonding technology is built into this lightener to prevent hair from becoming too damaged. Lightening hair can be very harsh and weakening; the ingredients on this product leave hair feeling soft and strong after the lightening process. It is a great option if you want to chemically lighten your hair but are worried about the effects a regular bleach would have.
This is not a complete dye kit like many of the products on our list. In order to use this product, you will also need to purchase a developer, a toner, and any needed hair coloring materials.
This may be slightly confusing if you have never dyed your hair before or are unsure of the bleaching process. You may want to stick to a product like Dark and Lovely’s Fade Resist if you want an easier way to lighten dark hair.
Pros
- Provides up to 9 levels of lift
- Great for use on very dark hair
- Bonding technology works to prevent damage
Cons
- Not a complete dye kit
10. Best Bleach Blonde Dye: L'Oreal Paris Colorista Bleach
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Formula Type: Bleach
- Shades Available: 1
This hair bleach is a great option if you have darker hair or if you have lighter hair and want to achieve a white, bleach blonde style. The formula works quickly and comes with clear instructions on the best way to apply bleach to your hair. A purple conditioner is included in the kit to help tone your hair after the bleaching process.
The Colorista Bleach is also available in both highlight and ombre kits. These kits include extra brushes to help you obtain your desired style and in-depth instructions on how to create a highlighted or blonde ombre look at home. They are a great choice for someone who wants to enhance their look without bleaching all of their hair at once.
Because this is a bleach, it is more damaging to hair. Incorrect use or overuse could end up with hair becoming dry, frizzy, or brittle. Always be sure to follow up a bleaching process with conditioning treatments if possible. Additionally, there is not a lot of product in each box and you may end up needing more than one box when applying it to longer or thicker hair.
Pros
- Purple conditioner included
- Available in highlights or ombre kits
- Works quickly
Cons
- Can be damaging to hair
- May need more than 1 box for longer hair
Your Full Guide to Blonde Hair Dye
Want to know more about dyeing your hair blonde? Our full guide is here to answer any questions you may have about the coloring process.
Who Should DIY Dye Their Hair Blonde
If your hair is already a shade of blonde or fairly light, you should have no trouble dyeing your hair blonde. It is easy to lighten this hair color and take it to the brightest shades of blonde, including platinum blondes. Light brown hair may also see success with at home blonde dyes.
For anyone with darker brown or black hair, it can be a lot more difficult to DIY dye your hair blonde at home. This is due to the extra steps needed to properly lighten dark hair. More than likely you will need to use a bleach on your hair, which can be very damaging; applying a blonde hair dye after bleaching has the potential to damage hair even further.
This isn’t to say that it isn’t possible to turn very dark hair to blonde at home, but you should be careful with what materials you use and your application process. Remember, when in doubt, consult a stylist before applying any kind of color-altering product to your hair.
If you are certain you want to dye your hair blonde at home and have very dark hair, we recommend using Schwarzkopf’s Professional Blond Me Premium Lift dye with an appropriate developer and toner.
@danilo.bozic Power of @schwarzkopfusa #blondme lightener and T-ICE toner 💥💥❤️#hairbydanilo #sogood #chicagohairstylist #schwarzkopfusa #newtrend #platinumblonde
Pros and Cons of Blonde Box Dye
Blonde box dye is the easiest, and often the cheapest, hair dyeing product to procure. It is easy to use and available in a variety of supermarkets and convenience stores. Plus, it comes in a full kit with everything you need to lighten and color your hair included.
However, blonde box dye may not be the best product if you are looking for a specific tailored hair color or if you are dyeing already damaged or dry hair. You are not able to see the exact strengths of the ingredients in most box dyes, and the developers used may be stronger than what your hair needs, leading to an increased risk of hair damage.
Pros and Cons of Professional Blonde Color
Professional blonde colors are recommended if you want to tailor a blonde color to your exact specifications. There is usually a wider range of blonde coloring and shades available with professional colors, and you will be able to know the exact strengths of all developers and coloring ingredients used. WALLA Color Charm Permanent Liquid Hair Color is a great example of this.
On the downside, professional blonde colors do not often come in complete kits like box dyes. This means you will have to purchase any needed bleaching ingredients, developers, and toners separately from your color. It is a good idea to do proper research on which products are best for your hair if you decide to DIY your hair with professional dyes.
Selecting a Blonde to Suit Your Complexion
When deciding which blonde color is the best for you, you should take your skin tone and overall complexion into consideration. This can help you match the undertones of your skin with a hair color that truly complements you. Below we have some suggestions for blonde shades based on complexion.
Cool Undertones
For cool undertones, blondes that are lighter and have an overall cooler shade are the most complementary. These colors can include platinum, ash, sandy, champagne, and beige blondes. Shades like these will add brightness to your complexion and complement your face.
Warm Undertones
Anyone with warm undertones can benefit from blonde shades that feature a slightly darker undertone to match their skin. These colors include golden, butterscotch, and honey blondes. Warm undertoned individuals may also benefit from a strawberry or copper blonde to match the red and orange colors in their skin.
Neutral Undertones
Almost any shade of blonde can look good on an individual with neutral undertones. This type of skin tone can typically pull of any blonde from light and platinum to more rich honey blondes. You can choose lighter colors to balance out any warmness in your skin, or choose a warmer, darker blonde to perfectly match your complexion.
How to Dye Your Hair for Best Results
Dyeing your hair blonde is not something that you should just guess at doing. You should take care to understand the instructions on your dye and have a plan in place for coloring your hair. This will help you avoid any unfortunate color mishaps and achieve the best blonde results.
- Don’t wash your hair within 24 hours of dyeing it. This helps leave natural oils on your hair that will protect the strands from any damage during the coloring process.
- Separate your hair into 4 sections. You may need to do more sections if your hair is especially thick or long.
- Mix your color and developer as specified on your selected dye.
- Start applying the color to your hair. Apply the product at least 1.5 centimeters away from your root, taking care to thoroughly saturate each section of hair.
- Work from the back of the hair up, moving as quickly as possible.
- Once all of your hair is covered with product, begin applying dye to the roots. Again, work from the bottom up as quickly as possible.
- Leave your hair to develop the recommended amount of time. When the time is up, rinse your hair out, preferably under cool or warm water.
- Apply toner to your hair as per the product’s instructions. Once this has sat on your hair the recommended amount of time, you can rinse this off in the same way.
How to Treat Your Hair Immediately After Dyeing
After the final step, you can dry and style your newly blonde hair however you wish. Keep in mind that the coloring process may damage your hair, so you should be sure to use more conditioning products and take extra care of it in the days after dyeing. Check out our tips for colored hair care below.
Preventing an Allergic Reaction When Dyeing Your Hair
To avoid any potential skin or allergic reactions, it is recommended that you perform a skin test with your selected blonde dye at least 48 hours before dyeing your hair.
Tools You’ll Need to Dye Your Hair Blonde
Suggested tools for dyeing your hair include a plastic mixing bowl for your color and developer, a color brush, gloves, and maybe a protective cape for your clothing. You can find all of these supplies either online or in your nearest beauty supply store.
When to Bleach Your Hair
If you have very dark brown or black hair, you may need to bleach your hair and use a toner afterwards in order to achieve a blonde color. In this situation, you will likely not need to use a box dye, and will instead only need a bleach like L’Oreal Paris’s Colorista Bleach and a color or toner in your intended blonde shade.
Check out this guide for instructions on bleaching your hair without causing too much damage.
Toning Your Hair
Toning your hair can be helpful whether you are bleaching your locks, using a professional dye, or using a box blonde dye. A quality toner can help change the undertones of your blonde color, removing any unwanted brassiness (red and orange undertones) and leaving you with a purer blonde color in your desired shade.
Many box dye kits come with a toner included that helps you reach the advertised shade, or you can purchase a toner separately. You may also opt for a purple shampoo to help maintain your dyed blonde hair.
Precautions for Using Blonde Hair Dye
As with all hair coloring processes, there is a risk that dyeing your hair blonde will damage your hair. This is due to the lightening and coloring process that strips hair of its color, drying it out and weakening the strand. Hair that has been damaged by a bleaching or coloring process tends to take several months to become healthy-looking again.
If your hair is very dry or damaged, you may want to wait until it is healthier before dyeing it. You can also use a more conditioning hair dye like Dark and Lovely’s Fade Resist to prevent as much damage as possible.
Caring for Colored Hair
Once your hair is dyed, there are several steps you can take to ensure it stays vibrant and healthy looking.
Use Sulfate-Free Products
Sulfates are a cleansing ingredient found in many shampoos and conditioners. While they are effective cleaners, they tend to strip hair of its natural oils. This can lead to hair becoming too dry and can cause your hair color to fade faster than usual. Avoid sulfates in your hair care products for long-lasting color results.
Use Leave-in Treatments
Leave-in treatments can help condition and nourish your hair, repairing any damage caused by the dyeing process. They can smooth your hair, hydrate dry locks, and offer UV protection so your colors stay vibrant and look their best.
Turn Down the Water Temperature
When washing your hair, very hot water can cause your hair color to fade at a faster rate. Try rinsing with warm water to prevent too much color from leaching out of your hair in the shower.
How to Store Your Hair Dye
Whether you stocked up on your favorite blonde dye (the 6 pack of dye from Naturtint is great for this) or you have dye left over from the last time you colored, proper storage is essential.
Keep your unused hair dyes in an area that is out of direct sunlight and out of the way of any dampness. Both of these things can ruin the dye. With dye that has previously been opened, make sure it is sealed tightly and stored upright in a cool, dark area. This will prevent the dye from expiring too rapidly.
Obtaining the Blonde Hair of Your Dreams
Vividly colored blonde hair is a wish of many and may be more attainable than you think. Blonde hair dye is the perfect solution to enhancing your natural blonde color or changing your darker hair to your favorite shade of blonde.
As long as you keep in mind which blonde shade you prefer and take care when applying your dye, you’ll surely be able to obtain the blonde hair of your dreams.