Ever stared down the hair dye aisle at Walmart, feeling a little lost in a sea of vibrant boxes? You want that perfect shade, that fresh new look, but the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. It’s a common experience! Finding the right hair dye that actually delivers on its promise without breaking the bank is a real quest for many of us.
Walmart offers amazing value, but that huge selection can sometimes lead to confusion. Which brand lasts the longest? Which one covers grays best? Will that “fiery red” turn out more like a dull orange? These are the questions that keep you scrolling through reviews late at night.
Don’t worry! This post cuts through the noise. We are diving deep into the best and worst Walmart hair dyes available right now. You will learn exactly which boxes to grab for stunning results and which ones to leave on the shelf. Get ready to transform your hair game with confidence!
Top Walmart Hair Dye Recommendations
- Clairol Nice'n Easy 9 Light Blonde. Permanent natural looking color with 100% gray coverage
- THE SECRET TO NATURAL-LOOKING COLOR? 3 tones and highlights enhances your hair's natural highs and lows. Easy as can be
- Oil infused formula smooths hair for better color uptake
- Follow with Revitashine Intense Treatment for strenghtened hair bonds and longlasting color
- Available in 44 natural looking shades
- 40 Dark Brown (Dark Chocolate) Permanent Hair Dye: Our pure and natural brown hair dye, 1 shade lighter than shade 30 Darkest Brown, nourishes while it colors & adapts to all hair textures for radiant, long lasting, even color & 100% gray coverage
- Hair Dye Kit: The only hair color with a separate fruit oil ampoule that you snap & pour directly into the mix; Follow hair dye with our after color hair conditioner, infused with a blend of 5 fruit oils: avocado, olive, shea, argan & coconut oil
- 100% Gray Hair Coverage: Our hair color for gray hair coverage has been formulated with color boost technology, our permanent hair color delivers rich and long-lasting color
- Nourished Hair Means Better Color: Formulated with a blend of five fruit oils: Avocado, Olive, Coconut, Argan & Shea oils. Lock in moisture and color with our after color mask for hair that is smooth, silky and protected against dryness
- Discover Your Shade: For bold and lasting shades for all hair textures, Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color is available in over 60 cruelty-free and vegan hair dye shades - formulated without animal-derived ingredients
- Enhance your look with rich, radiant color and glossy, gotta-have-it shine
- It’s a zero ammonia formula with Coconut Oil + Aloe, that conditions your hair leaving it smooth and radiant
- This Vegan* formula gives you no commitment gentle color that blurs visible grays and washes away gradually
- One hair color application kit: Color cream Formula, Activator, Brilliant Shine Conditioner, gloves & intructions leaflet
- Available in 37 shades of blonde, brown, black and red
- NEW plus IMPROVED TO HELP REPAIR HAIR: Bond Repair Complex plus Vegan Keratin Fillers help repair hair from the inside out.
- LESS HAIR LOST FROM BREAKAGE: Up to 98% less breakage vs. uncolored hair.
- HAIR LOOKS and FEELS STRONGER and HEALTHIER: Up to 94% silkier, 9X shinier hair vs. uncolored hair. Leaves hair in better condition than before coloring.
- EVERYTHING YOU LOVE FROM THE HAIR COLOR IN THE U.S.: Ammonia-free color delivers 100% gray coverage and up to 8 weeks of vibrant, salon-quality color and shine.
- WORKS ON ALL HAIR: This no-mess, no-drip formula works on all hair types and textures. Formulated without adding Ammonia Revlon Consumer Products Corporation’s calculation based in part on data reported by Circana, LLC, through its OmniMarket Service of Total US Multi-Outlet for Women’s Hair Coloring Category for the 52 week period ending 3-24-2024 using Revlon’s custom definitions.
- Feria Is Multi-Faceted Permanent Hair Color: Known for shimmering color and edgy colors, Feria permanent hair dye kits transform hair from blah to brilliant; Our multi-faceted shimmering hair dye with 3X highlights delivers intensified, brilliant results
- Multi-Tonal, Shimmering Feria Hair Color: With 50 plus bold shades ranging from deepest black hair, platinum blonde & smoky silver hair dye, our vegan hair dye kits are inspired by cutting-edge fashion & the latest trends, no appointment required
- After Color Hair Conditioner: Our Bonding Care Complex Conditioner helps repair the strength of hair bonds, keeping hair strong & healthy-looking for color vibrancy. See up to 40% stronger hair vs hair not treated with Bonding Care Complex Conditioner
- L'Oreal Paris Hair Color: We offer permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary hair dye plus root cover up, anti-brass toners and lightening systems. Cover gray hair, highlight, go bold with bright color or even try an ombre hair color
- L'Oreal Paris Innovation: We are a total beauty care company that combines the latest in technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in hair color, hair care, hair style, skin care and cosmetics
- Find Your Superior Preference Signature: Our new and improved Superior Preference Permanent Hair Color creates rich, luminous, fade-defying hair color for gray hair coverage, radiance and conditioning for up to 9 weeks. Suitable for all hair types
- No-Drip Permanent Hair Dye Formula: Now with a no-drip texture, our gel formula offers better hair adherence and a more precise application. A concentration of long-lasting dyes combined with conditioning gel texture results in better hair fiber coating
- Hair Color Kit: Includes Color Gel, Developer Crème, Shine Protect Conditioner, 1 pair of gloves and instruction leaflet. Our UV Filter and Vitamin E-infused Shine Protect Conditioner helps keep first-day color vibrancy and provide silky, resilient hair
- L'Oreal Paris Hair Coloring Products: We offer permanent, semi-permanent, and temporary hair dye plus root cover up, anti-brass toners and lightening systems. Cover gray hair, highlight, go bold with bright color or even try an ombre hair color
- L'Oreal Paris Innovation: We are a total beauty care company that combines the latest in technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in hair color, hair care, hair style, skin care and cosmetics
- Nothing Covers Gray Better: Excellence Crème is a Triple Care Color routine that deeply cares for your hair and covers 100% of grays, even stubborn ones. Hair color for gray hair coverage is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to protect hair as it colors
- Triple Care Color Routine: Care for your hair with every step. Protective Coloring Cream protects hair for long-lasting color. Caring Shampoo with Hyaluronic Acid gently cleanses hair and scalp. Caring Deep Conditioner with Hyaluronic Acid nourishes hair
- Suitable Hair Dye Kit For All Hair Types: This non-drip, crème formula is available in 27 shades, made for all hair types and textures. No permanent hair color protects better or covers grays better (vs each leading competitor's top selling brand)
- L'Oreal Paris Hair Color: We offer permanent, semi-permanent & temporary hair dye plus root cover up, anti-brass toners and lightening systems. Cover grays, highlight hair, or go lighter with L'Oreal's collection of hair coloring products
- L'Oreal Paris Innovation: We are a total beauty care company that combines the latest in technology with the highest in quality for the ultimate in hair color, hair care, hair style, skin care and cosmetics
- UNSTOPPABLE VIBRANCY TrueColorSeal Technology locks in color to help protect against water-fading, mazimizing vibrancy
- MOISTURIZING SHINE HydraShine Conditioner moisturizes + smoothens hair
- INTENSE COLOR Need a boost of color? The Color Boost Glaze amplifies your color anytime
- Shade: Caramel Bronde, a striking caramel shade with a swirl of both blonde and brown
- One hair color application kit: Permanent Color Cream, Activator, HydraShine Conditioner, Color Boost Glaze, Pair of Gloves and Instruction Leaflet
Your Complete Guide to Buying Walmart Hair Dye
Choosing the right hair dye at Walmart can seem overwhelming. There are so many brands and shades! This guide helps you pick the best box dye for your needs, making your home coloring experience smooth and successful.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at the boxes on the shelf, focus on these important features:
- Coverage Type: Do you need to cover grays? Look for “100% Gray Coverage” prominently displayed. If you are just adding shine or trying a temporary change, look for “Demi-Permanent” or “Semi-Permanent.”
- Color Depth: Boxes show a color chart. Pay attention to the number system (usually 1.0 is black, 10.0 is lightest blonde). Match the number on the box closely to your current shade if you want predictable results.
- Conditioning Agents: Many modern dyes include built-in conditioners or oils (like argan or coconut). These ingredients help keep your hair soft after the coloring process.
- Developer Strength: Permanent dyes come with a developer. Higher volumes (like 30 or 40) lift color faster but can be harsher. For simple color changes, lower volumes are safer.
Important Materials Inside the Box
Every standard box dye kit includes a few essential items. Check that everything is present before you leave the store.
- Color Cream/Developer: These two bottles mix together to create the dye.
- Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: These are usually small packets. Use these immediately after rinsing the dye out. They help lock the color in.
- Gloves: Always wear these! They protect your skin from staining.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your final result depends on what you buy and how you use it.
What Improves Quality:
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often have more stable formulas. Popular brands found at Walmart usually offer reliable color results.
- Natural Hair Condition: Healthy hair absorbs color more evenly. If your hair is heavily damaged or over-processed, the color might turn out darker or uneven.
- Pre-Color Treatment: Some high-quality dyes include a bond-building pre-treatment. This step strengthens the hair before the chemical process begins, leading to a better finish.
What Reduces Quality:
- Over-Lightening: Trying to go from very dark brown to platinum blonde in one box is risky. This often leads to brassy, orange tones.
- Improper Mixing: Always measure the cream and developer exactly as the instructions state. Incorrect ratios ruin the chemical reaction.
- Rinsing Too Soon: Leaving the dye on for less time than recommended means the color won’t fully penetrate the hair shaft.
User Experience and Use Cases
Walmart hair dyes are designed for home users. They are convenient and budget-friendly.
Use Case 1: Root Touch-Ups: If your natural color is showing, buy the exact same shade you used last time. Apply only to the roots for the time listed in the directions. This prevents your ends from getting too dark.
Use Case 2: Full Color Change: If you are changing your color significantly (e.g., going from brown to red), read the “Before and After” examples carefully. If your hair is dark, you might need a lightening product first, which is often sold separately.
User Tip: Always perform a patch test 48 hours before coloring. This simple step checks for allergic reactions, which is very important for safety.
10 FAQs About Walmart Hair Dye
Q: Can I mix two different shades of Walmart hair dye together?
A: Yes, you can mix them for custom colors, but only if they are the exact same brand and type (e.g., mixing two permanent shades from the same line). Be cautious; results are not guaranteed.
Q: How long does Walmart box dye usually last?
A: Permanent dyes last until the hair grows out or is cut off. Semi-permanent dyes usually fade significantly after 4 to 12 washes, depending on how often you shampoo.
Q: Why does my dyed hair look much darker than the picture?
A: This is common, especially if your natural hair is dark or if the hair is very porous (damaged). Always assume the result will be slightly darker than the model on the box.
Q: Do I have to use the conditioner that comes in the box?
A: Yes, you should use it. This specific conditioner is formulated to seal the cuticle and lock the newly deposited color in place.
Q: Is there a difference between cheap and expensive box dyes?
A: Sometimes. More expensive dyes might use finer pigments or include better conditioning treatments, but many popular, affordable Walmart brands provide excellent, long-lasting color.
Q: What should I do if I get dye on my skin?
A: Wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth or cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or baby oil before it sets completely.
Q: Can I dye my hair the same day I wash it?
A: It is better to dye hair that hasn’t been washed for 24 to 48 hours. Natural oils protect your scalp during the coloring process.
Q: What is the best way to reduce color fading?
A: Use sulfate-free shampoos. Wash your hair with cooler water, not hot water, as hot water opens the hair shaft and lets the color escape faster.
Q: Can I use box dye on bleached hair?
A: Yes, but be extremely careful. Bleached hair absorbs color very quickly. Use a lower volume developer or a direct dye/toner instead of a full permanent box dye to avoid the color going too dark or unevenly.
Q: How do I choose the right shade for gray coverage?
A: Choose a shade close to your natural base color. Gray hairs are often resistant, so look for boxes specifically marked for “Resistant Gray Coverage.”