Ever stared down the aisle at Walmart, completely overwhelmed by the wall of hair dye boxes? You want a fresh look, maybe hide those pesky grays, but the sheer number of shades and brands can feel like a color explosion in your brain! It’s a common struggle. We all want vibrant, long-lasting color without emptying our wallets or ending up with a shade that looks nothing like the picture on the box.
Choosing the perfect Walmart hair dye involves navigating everything from permanent versus semi-permanent options to finding the right undertone for your skin. It’s easy to feel lost in the sea of “Natural Brown” or “Fiery Red.” But don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion.
We are going to break down the best budget-friendly dyes Walmart offers. You will learn which brands deliver on their promises, how to pick a color that truly suits you, and simple tips to avoid common dyeing disasters. Get ready to leave the store confident in your choice. Let’s dive into finding your next great hair color!
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
- 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
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Walmart Hair Dye
Choosing the right hair dye at Walmart can feel overwhelming. So many boxes line the shelves! This guide helps you pick the perfect shade and formula for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you grab a box, check these important details first. These features tell you what the dye will actually do.
1. Type of Dye
- Permanent Dye: This lasts a long time. It completely changes your natural color. It covers gray hair well.
- Semi-Permanent/Demi-Permanent: These wash out over time. They often just add shine or deepen your current color. They are gentler on your hair.
2. Level of Lift or Deposit
This tells you how much lighter or darker the dye makes your hair.
- Level 1-3 (Dark): These dyes deposit color. They make hair darker.
- Level 4-7 (Medium): These are common natural shades.
- Level 8-10 (Light): These offer the most lift. They can make light blonde shades.
3. Special Formulas
Look for added benefits on the box.
- Gray Coverage: If you have gray hair, make sure the box promises 100% gray coverage.
- Conditioning Ingredients: Many modern dyes include oils or keratin to keep hair soft.
Important Materials Inside the Box
Walmart hair dye kits usually contain a few key items. Know what they are before you start mixing.
The Developer
This liquid activates the color. It usually contains hydrogen peroxide. Stronger developers lift color more. Gentler developers deposit color softly.
The Color Cream/Activator
This is the actual color pigment. It mixes with the developer.
Conditioning Treatment
Always use the post-color conditioner provided. It seals the cuticle and locks in the new color.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The final look depends on your starting hair and the dye quality. Some factors make the results better or worse.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Starting Color: Dye works best when you stay close to your natural shade. Going much lighter often requires bleach first.
- Following Instructions Exactly: Measure developer and color precisely. Do not guess the timing.
- High-Quality Brands: More expensive brands found at Walmart often use better pigments for richer results.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Dyeing Over Bleached Hair: Old, damaged hair absorbs color unevenly. This causes brassy or patchy spots.
- Washing Too Soon: Washing your hair too frequently after coloring strips the pigment out fast.
- Using Old or Expired Kits: Old chemicals do not mix properly. This leads to weak or incorrect color results.
User Experience and Use Cases
People buy Walmart hair dye for different reasons. Your use case changes which product you should choose.
Quick Touch-Ups
If you just need to hide roots or refresh faded ends, look for “Root Touch-Up” kits. These are fast and use less product.
Total Color Change
If you want a dramatic change, you must buy two boxes, especially if your hair is long or very thick. One box usually does not cover everything well.
At-Home Beginners
New users should stick to shades labeled “Natural” or “Medium.” These offer the safest results. Darker shades are easier to correct if you make a small mistake.
10 FAQs About Walmart Hair Dye
Q: Can I use Walmart hair dye on previously colored hair?
A: Yes, you can. However, the results might differ. The dye will only deposit onto the already colored parts. It will not lift the old color.
Q: How long does Walmart hair dye usually last?
A: Permanent dye lasts until your hair grows out, usually 4 to 6 weeks before noticeable roots appear. Semi-permanent dyes last about 6 to 12 washes.
Q: Should I wash my hair before I dye it?
A: It is best not to wash your hair right before dyeing. Natural oils help protect your scalp from the dye chemicals.
Q: What if I want to go significantly lighter?
A: Box dye from Walmart usually cannot lift hair more than two or three shades. For big changes, you must use a separate bleach product first.
Q: Does Walmart sell professional-grade dye?
A: They sell many well-known drugstore brands. These are designed for home use, not professional salon mixing.
Q: How do I stop my red dye from fading quickly?
A: Use sulfate-free shampoo. Wash your hair with cooler water. Limit how often you wash your hair.
Q: Can I mix two different shades of the same brand?
A: Some experienced users mix colors to customize a shade. Beginners should avoid this. Mixing different brands is never recommended.
Q: What is the purpose of the gloves in the kit?
A: The gloves protect your skin from being stained by the strong color chemicals.
Q: My hair turned out too dark. What should I do?
A: Wait a few days. Color often fades slightly after a few shampoos. You can try a color remover product later if it stays too dark.
Q: Does the dye smell bad?
A: Most box dyes have a strong chemical smell due to the ammonia or developer. Good ventilation is important when using them.