What Colors Can You Dye Dark Hair Without Bleach?

You can dye your black hair any color without bleach. Light brown, red, dark red, blue, magenta, purple, and even lighter colors, like blonde, are possible without bleach. Just because you’re not using bleach, it doesn’t mean that you can’t achieve your desired shade.

If you’re a newbie or don’t want a bold result, you can explore subtle color changes. The good news is that the process for subtle color changes (e.g., cool tones) is extremely easy and non-damaging to the hair (even the darkest shades) in the vast majority of cases. 

If you have very dark hair, your best bet will be other dark shades and colors. You can subtly change your hair between shades of brown and black. You could also go drastic and dye it midnight blue, magenta, or deep green. Dark and bold colors tend to show up well on dark hair.

You can also choose to change tone instead of color. This means if you’re a brunette, you can decide to make your hair a warmer or cooler brown. You can try depositing hints of violet with a semi-permanent dye for a cooler-toned Mahogany brown. You can also try adding touches of red and magenta to warm your hair to copper or auburn.Tips: It’s important to mention that you can also dye your hair darker. Dyeing hair lighter is often more involved than going from a lighter shade to darker shades.

Where is the Best Place to Buy Hair Dyes？

There isn’t a "best" place to buy hair dyes from and at the time of writing there was good availability from US retailers.

The below shows some of the cheapest online stores and it’s always worth checking out eBay, too.

• Walmart:up to 4% cashback

• Best Buy:up to 0.5% cashback

• Stylevana:up to 3% cashback

• Sally Beauty : up to 4% cashback

• Walgreens:up to 4% cashback

• CVS:up to 3% cashback
  

• Amazon:Cashback temporarily unavailable

• Target:Cashback temporarily unavailable

Money Saving Tip: If you want to buy any hair dye online, Sign up at Extrabux first，(What is Extrabux?), then book through these websites,  so you can enjoy up to 4% cashback from Extrabux! Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get a $20 welcome bonus!

Best Hair Dyes for Dark Hair without Bleach

1.L'Oreal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent for Brunette Hair, Teal

Price and Where to Buy: $10.49 @ Rite Aid + 10% Super Cash Back

The L’Oreal Paris Colorista Hair Color is another excellent option for brunettes. This vegan formula will give your hair a beautiful teal color without any need for bleaching.

It will leave your hair feeling soft, hydrated, and properly conditioned since the hair dyes are incorporated in a conditioning hair mask. In addition, it contains no ammonia or peroxide, so you don’t’ have to worry about hair damage.

The color fades in just 4 to 10 shampoos, giving you more opportunity to experiment with different hair colors.

Lasts Time: After 4-10 washes

Features & Benefits

• For brunettes

• Semi Permanent hair color created with pure direct dyes in a conditioning hair mask

• No bleach required

• No ammonia, no peroxide

Review:

Usage：

• Choose the sections of your hair you want to color to customize your look and apply. 

• Wait 15-30 minutes. 

• Rinse and style as usual.

2.Splat Midnight Hair Dye

Price and Where to Buy:$9.77 @ Walmart + 4% Super Cash Back

Make a striking statement that's sure to catch every eye with a Splat semi-permanent hair color! The temporary midnight indigo color application kit allows you to express yourself with vibrant blue locks. Splat's specially designed formula forms a protective shield to prevent fading and maximize long-lasting results, with no bleach required.

Enjoy following hair color trends, without damaging your hair or committing long-term! These bold shades are ideal for adding fierce color streaks or doing a fabulous full color. Have fun applying this beautiful blue color and standing out from the crowd. 

Lasts Time: Up To 6 Weeks

Features & Benefits：

• Cruelty-free and 100% vegan

• Rich velvet color with no bleach needed

• Vivid color with a quick application process

• Results will depend on the porosity and condition of your hair

• The formula contains conditioners and panthenol to improve moisture retention

Review:

Usage：

• Apply color to dry hair. Wear gloves provided to avoid staining your hands. 

• To evenly distribute the color, comb it through the hair. 

• For best results leave it in hair for 45 minutes. If you have thicker hair, leave the color on for an additional 15 minutes. 

• Rinse the color out thoroughly. 5. Shampoo and condition the hair. 6. Rinse, dry and style as desired.

3.Clairol Root Touch-Up Permanent Hair Color Creme

Price and Where to Buy:$7.57 @ Walmart + 4% Super Cash Back

A permanent colour for 100% grey coverage, Clairol Root Touch-Up is specifically formulated to cover your roots and stubborn greys, and matches all leading shades – even salon colour. The permanent colour crème formula blends flawlessly with your current colour for natural results from root to tip. Whether you use permanent or semi-permanent colour, Root Touch-Up is a great solution for restoring colour and covering greys, allowing you to extend the time between salon visits or DIY dye jobs. The application takes just 10 minutes and lasts up to 3 weeks. To use, simply use the included salon inspired angled brush which gives you complete control as you apply it – a quick, easy, and precise application. No mess. Among leading retail permanent shades and pre-formulated salon colour.

Lasts Time: Up To 3 Weeks

Features & Benefits：

• Cruelty-free and 100% vegan

• Rich velvet color with no bleach needed

• Vivid color with a quick application process

• Results will depend on the porosity and condition of your hair

• The formula contains conditioners and panthenol to improve moisture retention

Review:

Usage：Read and follow instructions on enclosed leaflet.

4.Splat Naturals Semi-Permanent Lavender Hair Dye

Price and Where to Buy:$16.49 @ CVS + 2% Super Cash Back

The Splat Naturals Hair Dye is one of the safest and healthiest alternatives to bleach when it comes to lightening your hair.

The dye has a 95% natural formula that contains Quinoa proteins as its main ingredient. These proteins can fortify hair, retain moisture and preserve hair color for longer. Additionally, the dye has Baobab extract, which delivers superior UV protection and nourishment.That’s not all. In addition to having nourishing ingredients, the dye is free of ammonia, sulfates, fragrances, PPD, and resorcinol. It also comes in eco-friendly packaging.

Lasts Time: 4 - 6 Weeks

Features & Benefits：

• Easy squeeze pack for reduced color waste.

• Baobab Seed Oil moisturizes, provides shine, and helps protect from UV rays.

• Ultra-conditioning color with bold results.

• Quinoa Extract is packed with vitamins and minerals to help prevent breakage.

• Provitamin B5 adds moisture to help increase shine and condition hair.

Review:

Usage：Read and follow instructions on enclosed leaflet.

5.Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Dye

Price and Where to Buy:$16.47@ Walmart + 4% Super Cash Back

Lime Crime gives you full coverage dye with rich pigments for vibrant color that saturates your hair.And not only does it deliver mega-color, but it also conditions your hair to leave it silky and smooth. Oh, and it smells good too. Perhaps it’s the unicorn?

All jokes aside, this hair dye is very gentle and only deposits color onto your hair, there are no harsh chemicals to damage your locks or potentially mess up your scalp.You can use Unicorn dye if you already have chemically processed locks; it will not harm them. Unicorn hair dye will do its magic without the harsh chemicals that are usually in other dyes.

Lasts Time:  8-10 washes 

Features & Benefits：

• Easy, DIY-Friendly formula that doesn’t cause damage

• This vegan hair dye contains conditioning ingredients that help to boost shine and moisturize hair

• Made with fatty acids + vitamins for extra moisturization!

• Sugary citrus vanilla scent

• Shades can be mixed to create original hues just for you

• Free of harsh chemicals

• Free of PPD, Peroxide and Ammonia

• 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free

Review:

Usage:

• Using fingers, work formula through 1-inch-wide strands ensuring not to miss any pieces. 

• Apply color evenly from root to end with the applicator brush. 

• Massage each strand with fingers, to ensure even distribution of color.

6.Clairol Flare Me Dark Permanent Cream Color

Price and Where to Buy:$16.99@ Walmart + 4% Super Cash Back

This kit includes a Sleek Premium Carbon Heat-Resistant Multi-Use Teasing Comb which is an anti-static, lightweight, durable comb with specially designed grips for non-slip. This multi-purpose comb can also be used for braiding and teasing hair. 5 metal pins. Tail Comb for easy styling and separation of hair!

The Clairol FLARE Me Dark Permanent Cream Colors use a True2Tone technology to infuse up to 6 weeks of bold and dramatic hair color results on dark hair. What it does: Similar to the Clairol Flare Me Light Permanent Cream Hair Color products, the Flare Me Dark offers unique color hues from Keep Calm Berry, Knock Em Dead Red, and Que Sera Syrah, to name just a few, but these colors are for dark hair, not light. 

Lasts Time:  up to 6 weeks

Features & Benefits：

• For naturally dark hair

• No pre-lightening needed

• Long-lasting, multidimensional color

• Fades beautifully on tone

Review:

Usage: 

• For optimal color results, pre-lighten hair first. 

• For softer pastel true2tone shades, mix 1 part of FLARE Me color with 3 parts of Clearly You, then mix with equal amounts of Pure White 10vol developer (4 parts). 

• To customize your shade, adjust the amount of Clearly You as desired. 

• Process for 30 minutes at room temperature.

7.Clairol Color Crave Semi-permanent Hair Dye, Flamingo Hair Color

Price and Where to Buy:$8.99@ Walmart + 4% Super Cash Back

Paint on. Show off. Clairol Color Crave purple semi-permanent hair color lets you flaunt your fearless with bright colors and bold results that gradually fades through 15+ washes. The lighter your hair, the longer your wear. 

Blonde or brunette? All 11 craveable shades, including Orchid, are visible on any hair type, so your look isn't limited by your locks. With 2 weeks of play and no color fade surprises, you're free to rock the hottest color trends with confidence. Combine with Clairol bleach kit for your most vibrant purple semi-permanent hair color results.

Lasts Time: up to 15+ washes

Features & Benefits：

• Clairol color crave flamingo pink semi-permanent hair color provides bold color for 2 weeks of play

• True tone formula for even, color-accurate fading that lasts up to 15+ washes

• Stylist brush for paint-on application

Review:

Usage:

• Wash and towel dry hair. 

• Wearing gloves, apply color to chosen sections of hair with hands or included brush. Fully saturate hair with product. 

•  Wait 20 minutes for color to set. For bolder results, wait 30 minutes. 

•  Rinse thoroughly with water until water runs clear.

8.Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Price and Where to Buy:$18.49@ Sally Beauty  + 4% Super Cash Back

Whether you want to add some color to your hair or just cover up the gray, you’ve probably considered using a hair dye. But if your roots are showing and you’re looking for something more than temporary, you should know about Arctic Fox Hair Color Dye.This vegan product is kind to animals and kind to you too. It’s also easy to use, whether you are experienced with dye or are new to the process.

The Arctic Fox Hair Color Dye line includes Violet Dream, Hot Pink, Blue Moon, Indigo Night and Sunset Orange colors.These semi-permanent hair dyes are free of harsh chemicals. They contain no ammonia or peroxide that can damage your hair.The product works on both men’s and women’s hair to bring out your inner flair. It can also be diluted if you want a more pastel shade.

Lasts Time:  4 - 8 weeks

Features & Benefits：

• No harsh chemicals such as peroxide, ammonia, ethyl alcohol, or PPD

• 15% of all profits donated to charities focused on ending animal abuse

• Bright Vivid and Highly Pigmented Colors

• 100% vegan and 100% cruelty-free

Review:

Usage: 

• Shampoo without conditioner and dry hair.

• Use protective cream around hairline on ears to prevent staining.

• Remove the bottle cap and inner seal.

• Wear protective gloves, empty desired amount into a bowl.

•  Continue to use protective gloves to apply color evenly.

• Leave color on hair for 30 minutes or longer. For best results, cover hair with plastic cap, process with heat/blow dry up to 15 minutes.

• Rinse hair in cold water away from the face.

9.Loreal Excellence Hicolor Hilights Magenta 1.2 Ounce

Price and Where to Buy:$8.49@ Walmart  + 4% Super Cash Back

This is the first line from L’Oreal formulated for dyeing dark hair without the need for bleach. It’s formulated with breakthrough technology which lifts hair by 3 to 4 levels—no pre-lightening required!It’s the perfect option for dark-haired people who wish to try out different red shades—minus the brassiness associated with bleached hair.

The dye features a rich crème texture which makes application a whole lot easier. In addition, the dye comes in an easy squeeze tube to prevent messy applications.You can choose from four different shades of red—Copper, Copper Red, Magenta, and Red.

Lasts Time:  5 and 8 weeks

Features & Benefits：

• Breakthrough technology lifts hair 3-4 levels, no pre-lightening required
  

• Rich, no-drip creme makes it easy for control of creative techniques

• Quick processing time of only thirty minutes

• True-to-shade color that resists fading

• Available in three Hi-lift Red shades

Review:

Usage: 

• Always apply hair color to dry, unwashed hair immediately after mixing. 

• Saturate the selected hair based on the desired effects. 

• Process for 30 minutes at room temperature.  

• Rinse hair well after the processing time.  Rinse with warm water until water runs clear and then shampoo.  

10.oVertone Haircare Semi-Permanent Color Depositing Conditioner

Price and Where to Buy: $32 @ Amazon 

If you want a semi-permanent color that won’t damage your hair, then overtone is an excellent choice. It’s a coloring conditioner, which will nourish your hair and slowly fade out, so you won’t have an awkward color-change period.There’s no ammonia or harsh chemicals, and the brand is cruelty-free. Because it’s so gentle, you can reapply as much or as little as you want.

This conditioner brand has shades that were designed especially for light brown to very dark hair. Overtone uses the hair’s existing porosity to deposit color; you simply apply it before a shower, let it sit for 15 minutes, and wash it out, just like any conditioner.

Lasts Time: up to 20 washes

Features & Benefits：

• Adds a cool, dark blue tint to brown hair.

• Creates subtle, multidimensional color. For light-Nourishing Coloring Conditioner heals and hydrates hair.

• Vegan + cruelty-free formula. No ammonia, parabens, phthalates, sulfates.

• Easy color at home in 15 minutes. Use weekly to refresh color.

• Adds vibrant color to highlights and prelightened or bleached hair.

• Not recommended for dark brown, black or gray hair.

Review:

Usage: 

• Do a strand test on wet hair. 

• Apply to clean hair. 

• Dry hair provides more intense color results. 

• Let sit for 10-15 min and rinse thoroughly.

11.ADORE Creative Image Shining SEMI-PERMANENT Hair Color

Price and Where to Buy: $5.99 @ Amazon 

Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Color infuses each strand of hair with a vigorous burst of color. It comes in 40 colors and does not use peroxide, ammonia, or alcohol, so you’re sure to find something that works for you.

Adore’s dye conditions as it deposits color and is designed to leave your hair feeling soft and silky. It’s light on damaging chemicals, so you shouldn’t worry about reapplying when you want to touch up your color.

Lasts Time: about 2 weeks

Features & Benefits：

• This kit includes a Sleek Tint Applicator Brush for easy application

• No Ammonia, No Peroxide, and No Alcohol. 

• Adore, the new and innovative, Semi-Permanent Hair Color will infuse each strand with a vibrant burst of luxurious color with No Ammonia, No Peroxide, and No Alcohol.

Review:

Usage: 

• Shampoo and towel dry your hair before applying the Dye. 

• Apply a layer of protective cream around your hairline and eyebrows. 

• Apply it from ⅛ inches of your hair. 

• Comb the mix downwards thoroughly to distribute evenly. 

• Now cover the hair with a plastic cap or wrap your hair then wait for 15 minutes. 

• After 15 mins, rinse your hair with shampoo and style it. 

12.Nutrisse Ultra Color by Garnier

Price and Where to Buy: $9.79 @ CVS + 2% Super Cash Back

The Nutrisse Ultra Color line from Garnier was designed to create a one-step coloring process for all hair types. There’s no need to use bleach for even the darkest natural hair. This semi-permanent dye lasts up to 8 weeks and allows you to easily touch it up as needed.

With more than 20 colors to choose from in both natural-looking and trendy hues, Garnier is sure to have you covered. As a bonus, Garnier’s Nutrisse line uses a formula infused with avocado, olive, and shea oils, so your hair gets nutrients as you use it.

Lasts Time: up to 8 weeks 

Features & Benefits：

• Permanent, nourishing hair color creme with three fruit oils- avocado, olive, and shea

• The only hair color creme with a separate ampoule of grape seed oil to start nourishing as you color

• Intensity-enhancing color boost technology transforms even the darkest bases

• Available in 21 bold shades

Review:

Usage: Always read the hair color instructions insert in the box. 

13. Ion True Tones For Dark Hair Permanent Crème Hair Color

Price and Where to Buy: $9.29 @ Sally Beauty + 4% Super Cash Back

Ion True Tones for Dark Hair Permanent Crème Hair Color was designed specifically for dark hair, levels 2-4, to lift, color and tone the hair in one step. This incredible formula lifts 3-4 levels without having to pre-lighten the hair. Crème formula is easy to apply. This formula provides rich, intense and long-lasting color can be used to accent your all-over color or go all out for a bold statement.

True Tones for Dark Hair Permanent Crème Hair Color is meant to be used on dark, virgin hair in order to get vibrant results. Pre-lightening hair is not needed on virgin hair. 

Lasts Time: up to 8 weeks 

Features & Benefits：

• Intense, rich and long-lasting color designed specifically for dark hair (Recommended for levels 2-4)

• 100% Fade resistant gray coverage with unparalleled hydrating action

• Quick processing time of 30 minutes

• Infused with peqi and argan oils

• Formulated without bleach or lighteners

Review:

Usage: 

• Using a non-metallic bowl, mix 2 oz. of Ion® Color Brilliance ™ True Tones for Dark Hair with 3 oz. of Ion Sensitive Scalp Developer 30 volume.

• Mixing ratio is 1:1.5.

• Wearing suitable gloves, use a tint brush to apply the mixture to dry, unwashed hair.

• For relaxed hair, use 20 volume developer.

How to Dye Dark Hair Without Using Bleach at Home?

1.Knowing What to Expect

• Understand that you cannot make your hair lighter without bleaching it. 
  

• Forget about going pastel without bleaching. I

• Remember that hair dye is translucent. 

• Be aware that some hair types and textures take dye better than others.

2.Choosing the Right Products

• Opt for demi-permanent or permanent hair dye over semi-permanent.

• Try a bright, concentrated dye, but understand that it will be subtle

• Use a specialized product for best results, but expect limited color options.

• Opt for a cool or ash tone. 

• Have a bottle of toning shampoo ready in case of brassiness.

3.Dyeing Dark Hair at Home 

Prep Before Coloring

• Put on protective clothing (old t-shirt, towel, color cape) and cover surrounding area.

• Put on gloves.

• Comb hair to eliminate tangles.

• Section hair into 4 equal parts.

• Apply petroleum jelly around hairline and top of ears.

Pour Color

• Pour color into tint/color bowl.

• Gently stir with tint/color brush.

Application

• Using a tint/color brush, apply color formula generously.

• Take thin sections to ensure even color saturation.

Process Time

• Process color for 1 hour.

• Check a small section of hair every 10 minutes to check progress.

Rinse Hair

• Rinse with cool or lukewarm water till water runs clear.

• Shampoo with a sulfate free shampoo.

• Use an old or dark colored towel when drying hair.

**Rinse hair separately and avoid rinsing in shower as color may transfer to body and surfaces

Dry Hair

• Dry and style hair as desired.

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