15 Best Blonde Hair Dyes of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

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And FYI, almost all of these options are ammonia-free!

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if your hair is a darker color, an at-home hair dye kit probs won't give you the blonde hair of your dreams (sorry!). Bleaching or highlighting your hair at home is risky business when you're not already blonde, and in most cases, lightening your hair color is a job that's better left to the experts. However! When you're strapped for cash or short on time, there are some at-home blonde hair dye options that won't totally ruin your hair—as long as you limit your at-home dyeing to two shades darker or half a shade lighter than your natural color.

An at-home dye job won't give you all the dimension of a professional dye job, ofc, as a professional colorist is able to combine several different dyes and developers to get you to your ~perfect~ shade. As colorist Meri Kate O'Connor previously told Cosmo, “With box dye, you’re working with one dye and one developer—it’s a one-size-fits-all situation." That being said, if you're just looking to brighten or tweak your existing blonde, I've rounded up the best semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent blonde hair dyes, according to testers, reviewers, and hair experts.

Ahead, all the best blonde hair dyes you can use for an at-home hair transformation, as well as expert advice on navigating the at-home hair dye process.

If you're looking to achieve multi-dimensional blonde hair at home, this internet-famous kit can help ya do it (even if you're a total newbie). Available in six blonde shades, the Radiant Hair Color Kit uses cream-based color to help deliver multi-tonal (yet very natural-looking) results, and it's packed with moisturizing ingredients, including keratin and argan oil, to keep hair from drying out. Oh, and if you don’t love your color, then Madison Reed will refund you completely.

THE REVIEW: "I have been coloring my hair for well over 20 years, and this product is a game-changer," one tester writes. "The color is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! LOVE the results. No orange or brassiness at all. Everything is included. Simple directions with no smell/odor. I am blown away with the end results. This product is well worth every penny."

Another great at-home hair dye kit: this beginner-friendly option from IGK. Colorist-developed and easy to apply, this one is specially formulated to reduce breakage and add shine and softness, courtesy of hydrating ingredients like squalane and orchid extract. You can choose between seven different shades of blonde, all of which provide dimensional, natural-looking color.

THE REVIEW: As one buyer writes, "This was so easy to use, and not only did my color look great—my hair felt soft after. I’ve used A LOT of OTC box hair color over the years and have been disappointed many times. I loved not only how well the depth of shade looked on me, but how shiny it was without being brassy. I AM SO HAPPY WITH THIS BRAND."

Not ready to commit to permanent color? Try a demi-permanent hair dye, like this cream-based option. Great for adding richness to your existing color or toning highlights, this formula includes moisturizing shea butter for shiny, healthy-looking color (and way less damage). You can get it in 10 shades ranging from dark golden blonde to lightest ash blonde—though note that you'll also need to get the cream developer to go along with it.

THE REVIEW: "Great demi-permanent dye for those who don't want to continue damaging bleached hair," reads one review. "Works great as a toner. Toned me to a nice ash blonde. Hair felt silky and conditioned and healthier after doing. I would definitely recommend this and buy this again."

For a deep-conditioning color boost that requires no mixing (and v little commitment), try this all-in-one formula. While it won't give you a dramatic hair transformation or cover your grays, it can help deepen and enhance color that's lacking shine and give new life to highlights that could use some toning. And though it's only available in a few shades, you can always mix 'em together (or dilute them with Sheer Gloss+) to create your ideal hue.

THE REVIEW: "This gloss literally saved my blonde!!!" one tester raves. "I went to the salon and it was way too bright and my hair was so damaged. I’ve used it twice now and my hair is so pretty! The color is amazing and my hair health is coming back. Seriously, buy this!!"

Looking to change up your color for less than $5? Pls turn your attention to this ammonia-free option from Revlon. Available in a whopping 41 shades (of which 13 are blonde), this budget-friendly dye is formulated with keratin and silk amino acids to keep hair feeling moisturized—plus, the box includes everything you need for an at-home dye job, including an after-color conditioner.

THE REVIEW: According to one reviewer, "This is the cheapest color I have ever purchased so I was kind of skeptical. I was highly impressed, as it left my hair a perfect sun blonde color, like I had been to the beach or born blonde. Only cost 3 bucks for one box of color!! My hair isn't short but isn't real long—it is about to the end of my shoulder blades—and it just took one box."

Another budget-friendly box dye option: this formula from Clairol, which comes in over 20 (!!) shades of blonde and provides impressively natural-looking results, thanks to the custom blend of three tones in each color, which work together with your natural highlights and lowlights. And though it does contain ammonia, you don't have to worry about any chemical smell with this one—it has a fresh, floral fragrance instead.

THE REVIEW: "I love this color!" one tester writes. "I usually go to the salon, but after using this, I'll never pay for highlights again. I've got three different shades of blonde out of 1 box. Very subtle and natural-looking—love it. Very happy with the results."

Anyone looking to avoid a harsh, potentially drying formula should try a natural hair dye, like this one from khadi. As dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, previously told Cosmo, "Pure henna-based hair dye is natural and can be great for dandruff and/or scalp conditions." Available in five blonde shades, this plant-based dye uses henna to color and moisturize your hair, while the formula's aloe vera and chamomile work to soothe your scalp.

THE REVIEW: "This is the best henna brand I have used thus far!" notes one buyer. "I have been using henna for years and out of the 3 brands I’ve tried, khadi is truly the best! It mixes to a smooth consistency very easily, rinses out much easier than some, and the color has lasted the longest! Love the natural, safe, nontoxic ingredients—definitely will be buying more!"

If your hair is on the drier side, you might wanna try Garnier Olia, which is formulated with plant-based oils and zero ammonia to help boost shine—all while delivering pigment deep into your hair shaft with relatively little damage. Like all the best box dyes, it's got all the tools you need for at-home color, and it's available in seven blonde shades.

THE REVIEW: As one tester writes, "Before coloring, my hair had dark roots with a few grays, [and] the ends were very light blond, almost bleached-looking. My desire was to have my whole hair one color. I found Olia very easy to use—the instructions were clear and easy to follow. My hair turned out great! No roots, no grays, [and] all one color but the color is certainly not 'flat.' It has depth and shine."

TBQH, dyeing your hair at home can be pretty damn messy. But drips aren't a problem with this option from John Frieda. Complete with a foaming color developer, this formula spreads easily, giving you complete, saturated coverage without any streaks. Just note that it contains ammonia, so it *may* be a bit drying on your hair compared to ammonia-free dyes.

THE REVIEW: "This product is amazing—so very easy to apply that I can do it myself. And all my friends love it, too," one reviewer writes. "The color is so natural and stays in well. I have white hair without it, and with it, I have a lovely medium light blonde that I get so many compliments on and everyone wants to know where I go to get my hair done."

For a foaming formula that won't last much more than a month, give this demi-permanent Color Cloud hair dye a try. Free from ammonia, p-phenylenediamine (PPD), and resorcinol—all of which can be drying—this gentle foam is instead packed with hair-loving ingredients like aloe, chamomile, and ginseng. And though it only comes in one blonde shade, you can expect a gradual fade with this one, allowing you to use it on a variety of base tones.

THE REVIEW: "I’ve been using Hally Color Cloud for a couple of years now, and I’m always satisfied with the result," one reviewer writes. "Easy and cost effective way to change it up. I recently did the Atomic Blonde color for summer. My light brown hair is now blonde and it fades really nicely. Also, using just one box was enough for my long hair. I recommend!"

At-home hair glosses and glazes can help you revive your color in-between salon visits (or add a boost of shine to dull-looking hair), and this option from glaze is *well* worth the investment. Each of the four blonde shades contains color-boosting pigments that coat the outside of the hair shaft for up to 10 washes, all while helping to tone down brassiness, repair the look of damage, and restore shine.

THE REVIEW: "This is a great product for in-between salon visits!" notes one tester. "I used this to correct orange/yellow/ brassy tones on my blonde hair, and it always leaves my hair shiny and soft! It also never turns my hair silver/purple like other purple shampoos and products do when left on longer than 5 min. For reference, I have a full head highlighted blonde hair and used the Pearl Blonde color!"

Looking to neutralize brass and get a cool blonde effect? This one comes with a pre-color serum that conditions the hair before coloring, as well as an anti-brass purple conditioner to keep brassy tones at bay. And though it contains ammonia for lasting color, you'll appreciate that it's also infused with keratin, a protein that works to strengthen hair's protective cuticle and prevent breakage.

THE REVIEW: "I can't believe how light blonde my hair turned out. It's almost platinum—with NO BRASS," one buyer raves. "Having a base that is darker underneath and mostly gray on top is so hard to color, but this dyed all my hair a cool blonde. The pre-treatment was great for my dry ends. My hair looks so shiny and soft."

Unfortunately, hair dye without chemicals is not a thing (unless you’re working with henna or plant juice), since dye will always require some chemical-based ingredients to help deposit pigment onto your hair. Ofc, you can opt for a dye made without ammonia, PPD, or resorcinol, like this one from PHYTO. Instead of harsher chemicals, it contains botanical pigments and nourishing oils, which will gently and safely color your hair with less chance of irritation.

THE REVIEW: "This is the most amazing hair color I have EVER used," raves one reviewer. "I was so surprised and pleased with the results. I usually color my hair first, then add highlights. I had planned to do that, but when I finished with the color, I did not need to use the highlights—it looks so natural. I will never use anything else. I read the reviews and followed the advice to order a lighter shade. Perfect!!!"

If you're someone with natural hair, then you know just how tricky it can be to lock moisture into the hair shaft. Luckily, Dark & Lovely dye was made with natural hair in mind, and this non-drip gel formula works to condition curls and coils while coloring with the help of nourishing argan oil and vitamin E. The result: true-to-tone color and shiny strands that last for up to eight weeks.

THE REVIEW: "I've used this brand for years, and it's the only at-home color kit that gives me that luminous blonde, but it doesn't turn my hair into straw," writes one reviewer. "I only need one box since I have a teeny weeny 'fro and I don't use all of the product. Not only that, but the color LASTS a long time with a little care. It's great for us naturalistas who want to have fun with our hair."

Whoever said drugstore hair dyes can't deliver? With over 50 shades (including 17 shades of blonde), this collection from L’Oréal Paris is a fan fave for a reason: It really does provide impressive results. Choose from a selection that ranges from champagne blonde to dark blonde and enjoy the conditioning formula, which is infused with camelina oil and vitamin E for tons of shine.

THE REVIEW: According to one buyer, "I love L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference in medium ash blonde—it really made my hair color pop and gave it a very nice shine after applying it. My hair looks and feels incredible, and it is so easy to use—perfect for at-home usage. I will definitely be buying this again."

If your hair is a darker hue, then no, you won't be able to dye your hair blonde at home, as you'd need to strip your natural hair color before toning it to your desired shade of blonde. And according to hairstylist Jenny Balding, you *really* shouldn't try to lift your hair color at home. "Don't attempt to bleach or highlight your hair at home because you don't know what color it will lift or lighten to," she previously told Cosmo—but if you're only attempting to tone, tweak, or add dimension to your existing blonde, then an at-home blonde hair dye is safe to use.

Also, keep in mind that—even if you're already blonde—you should probs stick to an at-home dye that's only two shades darker or half a shade lighter than your natural color. As colorist Meri Kate O'Connor told Cosmo, "If you're going darker, you have a good shot at getting the color you see on the box since you aren't taking anything away from your base color. But if you're trying to go a lot lighter, your room for error skyrockets." Likewise, shades labeled "warm" or "golden" can often end up looking brassy or orange, so it's best to opt for "cool" or "neutral" shades of blonde if you're erring on the side of caution.

The best blonde hair dye depends on what you're trying to achieve with your hair. Want to add a lil shine and dimension? Then go with a semi- or demi-permanent hair dye, which will "prevent any brassy undertones from peeking through and will keep your hair healthy and damage to a minimum," as colorist Johnathan Colombini previously told Cosmo.

But if you're looking to totally change up your shade of blonde or cover grays, then opt for a permanent color. Keep in mind that some permanent hair dyes contain harsher ingredients, such as ammonia and alcohol (which can dry out your hair cuticle and skin) and PPD (which can irritate the scalp), but these ingredients aren't necessarily bad—just potent. And yes, you can find plenty of permanent hair dyes that are free from ammonia, PPD, or harsh chemicals.

There are three main types of hair dye: semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent—all of which have different lifespans. With semi-permanent dyes, the color simply sits on the hair's surface and doesn't tend to last more than 15 washes. Demi-permanent dyes are slightly longer-lasting (think: three to four weeks), and they typically blend with your natural color and fade out over time. The longest-lasting type is permanent, which penetrates deep into the hair and usually lasts four to six weeks.

Looking for a dramatic change? Then an at-home blonde hair dye may not be right for you. When it comes to blonde shades, the safest thing you can do is stick with cool or neutral shades that aren't *too* different from your existing color, as adding "warmth" with a box dye can result in a not-so-cute brassy hue. And if you do have a darker base tone, consider using a demi-permanent formula that'll amp up your existing color without leaving any streaks or noticeable roots during the grow-out phase.

This might seem obvious, but as hairstylist Cynthia Alvarez has told Cosmo, "Almost every person underestimates the thickness of their hair." Make sure you check the reviews and instructions to see how much dye you'll need based on your hair length and thickness—and when in doubt, pick up an extra box of dye just in case. "You don't want to be left with a section of hair that's not colored due to lack of product,” Alvarez pointed out.

Corinne Sullivan is an editor at Cosmopolitan and has five years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news, including the best clear eyebrow gels and the best tea tree shampoos. Her blonde hair dye picks were based off of expert interviews and reviews.

Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.

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