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The best hair dyes for men aren’t only for geezers going gray. Just like a fresh cut or new skin routine, altering the color of your precious locks is a brilliant way to transform the way you look and feel.
So, what are you waiting for? If you’ve decided to make a change (I think it’s safe to assume that you have) I’m going to help you find the perfect products for the job. Keep reading as I round up the best hair dyes for men on the market.
Key Takeaways
Whether you’re hiding grays or turning platinum or pink, finding the best men’s hair dye is essential. Trust me, it’s the difference between looking like pre-election Donald Trump or post-One Direction Zayn—I know which one I’d rather.
After reading reviews, forums, and interviews with award-winning hair stylists, I created a shortlist of 30 products before carrying out further analysis and narrowing them down to 10.
Here you’ll find options for all types of transformations, including the L’Oreal Superior Preference kit and Just For Men’s semi-permanent solution.
Why it’s great: As we feel the aggressive pinch of inflation, DIY die kits (say that in a hurry) have become an increasingly popular choice for conquering gray streaks or trying out a new style. My favorite is this one from L’Oreal, which I first discovered after a recommendation by my friend’s sister.
Available in more than 50 shades, it’s a long-lasting hair dye (approximately eight weeks) that has a gel-like consistency and boasts a unique blend of color-enriching pigments for creating a beautiful barnet.
Who is this for? An excellent all-rounder, it’ll hide signs of aging as well as give you a fresh look that appears completely natural. Seeing as it’s permanent, you should try it only if you’re fully committed to your chosen color.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The kit comes with a cream, gel, and conditioner, so you’ll need to study the routine before using it. Don’t worry, it’s not complicated.
Package Information: Box | Type: Permanent | Colors: 50 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Benefit: Comes with conditioner | Application: Hands | Vegan: Yes
Why it’s great: Dying your hair doesn’t have to be complicated. Clairol’s can be squeezed straight from the bottle to towel-dried hair and last up to 12 washes (not weeks) later. Its gentle formula is semi-permanent and will moisturize as it colors—leaving your trim silky soft.
Who is this for? This is one of the best hair dyes for men. Designed to cover grays without the use of a developer, it offers intense gray coverage while also working as a refresher for permanent hair color.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This won’t change the color of your whole hair, it only helps to get rid of grays and enhance the color of hair that’s already been treated.
Package Information: Tube | Type: Semi-permanent | Colors: 10+ | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Benefit: Easy application | Application: Hands | Vegan: No
Why it’s great: If you want a cheap hair dye without looking like you’ve spent a week down in the mines, then Just For Men has the answer. This no-mix, semi-permanent solution comes with a clever comb that’s used to touch-up specific areas while automatically stopping coloring once it’s worked.
This is one of the best hair dyes for men. You simply apply the product, wait 10 minutes, and jump in the shower. You can hide gray hairs for up to eight weeks before needing to reapply.
Who is this for? Uber-affordable and easy to use, it’s perfect for guys who have a few gray hairs that they want to hide without dying their whole head.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: If you’re looking to cover up a lot of gray, it’s going to take a while to get the coverage you require. You should also avoid using it on your beard as it’ll stain your skin.
Package Information: Box | Type: Semi-permanent | Colors: 11 | Cruelty-Free: No | Benefit: Automatically stops coloring after 10 minutes | Application: Comb | Vegan: No
Why it’s great: Madison Reed’s all-in-one dye kit comes with everything you need to color your hair at home: two creams, an activator, shampoo, conditioner, cap, gloves, and cleansing wipes.
Dermatologist-tested with hair-loving ingredients, it’ll also help improve the condition of your hair, leaving it feeling healthy and oh-so shiny.
Who is this for? Free from harsh ingredients, this salon-quality kit will cover all your gray hairs as well as fighting fade. It’s suitable for all hair types and lengths, from long and curly to oily and straight.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: It’s more expensive than some of the other best men’s hair dyes but definitely worth the investment considering the results and all of the different things it comes with.
Package Information: Box | Type: Permanent | Colors: 10+ | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Benefit: Comes with conditioner and cap and gloves | Application: Hands | Vegan: Yes
Why it’s great: Coloring your hair can be a messy business, but Just For Men has definitely fixed that. This easy-to-use dye can be applied just like a shampoo: Simply lather it in, wait five minutes, and wash it out.
It’ll restore your original hair color and target gray hair for a natural finish that can last up to eight weeks.
Who is this for? It’s ideal for large areas of gray or smaller patches that need touching up. Better yet, you’ll get up to three applications per box, so it offers excellent value for money. This is definitely one of the best hair dyes for men.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: As far as I can tell, Just For Men’s products aren’t labeled as cruelty-free. Big shame.
Package Information: Box | Type: Semi-permanent | Colors: 15 | Cruelty-Free: No | Benefit: Includes vitamin E | Application: Hands | Vegan: No
Why it’s great: Once you get to a certain age, gray hairs seem to pop up out of nowhere. And if you’re anything like me, you usually notice them as you check yourself out one last time before leaving the house. Annoying, right? Which is why this touch-up stick will come in super handy.
It provides instant, mess-free gray root coverage at the hairline, eyebrows, or beard without leaving wet or waxy residue. More impressively, it boasts self-adjusting color technology that blends to match any hair color.
Who is this for? Great for a quick-fix, this portable hair dye can be used to hide little gray hairs that take you by surprise.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: This is one of the best hair dyes for men. However, it’s not suitable for dying large patches of gray, plus it’ll wash out.
Package Information: Box | Type: Temporary | Colors: 2 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Benefit: Use on the go | Application: Stick | Vegan: Yes
Why it’s great: If you’re trying to cover up some gray but still want to keep your silver fox status, this will do the trick. Easy to use and no mixing required, it subtly blends away grayness while leaving enough behind. Results are achieved in only five minutes, and they’ll last for roughly eight weeks.
Who is this for? This will get rid of some, but not all, gray hairs. It’s perfect for the salt and pepper look; think Patrick Dempsey or George Clooney (you wish).
Flaws but not deal-breakers: As I’ve mentioned, it won’t get rid of all your gray, so you’ll need something else if this is what you want.
Package Information: Box | Type: Semi-permanent | Colors: 2 | Cruelty-Free: Not specified | Benefit: Blend gray | Application: Comb | Vegan: No
Why it’s great: From gray and green to red and purple, Manic Panic’s semi-permanent hair dye comes in a wide variety of colors to help you rock a new look. The solution is full of goodness and vital conditioners that’ll add moisture to your mop and help deliver long-lasting results.
Who is this for? If you’re in the mood for a full color overhaul, then this ticks a lot of boxes. There’s plenty of choice, and it won’t leave your hair dry or damaged. Did I mention it’s competitively priced, too?
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Depending on what color you’re going for, you may need to pre-lighten your hair with other dye. For example, if you were to choose ‘alien gray’, then you should lighten your hair to the lightest blonde first.
Package Information: Tub | Type: Semi-permanent | Colors: 10+ | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Benefit: All colors are safe to mix | Application: Stick | Vegan: Yes
Why it’s great: From scalp-friendly shampoos to natural deodorant, men’s grooming cabinets are certainly looking safer than ever, which makes this permanent dye an appealing addition.
Vegan and safe to use, it’s formulated with plant-based oils instead of harmful chemicals that can ruin your hair. As well as getting rid of grays, it can help to reverse dryness and will leave your locks visibly healthier.
Who is this for? Though actually a woman’s hair dye, this can be used by anyone who wants a vegan-friendly product that’s kind to your hair and the environment. It’s most suited to those with natural hair that’s between light brown and black.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: The consistency is a touch runny, so it can end up being a bit messy to use.
Package Information: Box | Type: Permanent | Colors: 10+ | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Benefit: 100% Gray coverage | Application: Hands | Vegan: Yes
Why it’s great: I have numerous friends who won’t use anything but this Arctic Fox hair dye. It’s technically for girls, but there’s no reason guys can’t enjoy it, too.
The vegan and cruelty-free formula comes in a variety of colors, from purple to pink, and you can even mix them to come up with your own creation. Better yet, unlike some hair dyes, this one actually conditions your hair as well as restoring its vibrancy.
Who is this for? If you want to make a (semi-permanent) statement with a bold new look, then this is the hair dye that’ll help you get the results without a trip to the salon. It’s a versatile product that can be used in various ways and doesn’t cost a fortune.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: A small number of reviewers complained that it faded more quickly than they would have liked.
Package Information: Bottle | Type: Semi-permanent | Colors: 10+ | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Benefit: Conditions hair | Application: Brush | Vegan: Yes
Buying Considerations for The Best Hair Dyes For Men
Color
It may sound obvious, but it’s important to make sure that you choose the right color. You’ll need to take your complexion into consideration (you don’t want to look washed out), as well as what your boss is going to think. You may love the bright green, but he/she might not be so impressed.
Ingredients
The best hair dyes for men should be gentle on the scalp and free from harsh chemicals. You should also consider options with conditioning agents to nourish and protect your hair during the coloring process.
Application Method
Select a hair dye with an application method that suits your preferences and skill level, whether it’s a cream, gel, or foam. Depending on which one you choose, you might be able to apply the dye on your own, or you may need assistance.
How We Chose
Dying your hair is no joke—especially once you get to a certain age. To find the best men’s hair dye, I ensured that each product had been tried and tested by hundreds of happy customers before judging them on the below criteria:
Longevity: I looked at permanent, semi-permanent, and demi-permanent hair dyes to ensure that I had found options for every preference.
Mixing Instructions: Are they easy to follow? Are additional brushes or bowls required? Proper mixing is crucial for even color distribution and long-lasting coverage, so I checked the instructions before making my selections.
Value: To determine whether each hair dye offered value for money, I considered factors such as price per application, quantity of product provided, and the quality of results.
Customer Reviews: I analyzed feedback and reviews from customers who have used the hair dye products, taking into account their experiences with application, color payoff, durability, and overall satisfaction.
Why Trust Us?
Billy Webb is Fashionbeans’ menswear mastermind, covering everything from pomade for thin hair to oil-friendly shampoos. If he’s not writing about the latest must-haves, you’ll catch him in a coffee house or spending time with his family.
Through the years, Billy has reviewed a plethora of products and boasts a contact book full of industry experts—many of whom have helped him find the best hair dyes for men. He’s a trusted voice who doesn’t cut corners; if he says something is worth buying, then it definitely is. Trust us. Trust Billy.
Final Verdict
The ultimate DIY kit and the best men’s hair dye, L’Oreal’s dye and conditioner is all you need to create a new look (or hide unwelcome grays). You can choose from more than 50 shades and enjoy results (including healthier hair) for up to eight weeks.
FAQ
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Not just for girls, men dye their hair too. Whether it’s to express themselves, enhance their appearance, or hide gray hair, men have plenty of different types to choose from.
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Ask five women, and you’ll likely get five different answers. Some may find natural hair colors most appealing, while others might prefer bleached blonde or red. Regardless of what color hair you choose, confidence and how well the hair color complements your skin tone are key to being attractive to the opposite sex.
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The top hair dye for men is free from harsh chemicals like ammonia and parabens. You should also look for nourishing ingredients such as natural oils and vitamins to help protect and condition your hair during the coloring process. Professionals advise conducting a patch test before full application so you can identify any potential allergic reactions or sensitivities.
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Billy is a content specialist and social media manager. His portfolio includes articles for publications such as British GQ, Esquire and Men’s Health. A self-confessed lover of luxury streetwear, he admits to an unhealthy obsession for baseball caps and high-end sneakers.