The Secret to Dyeing Your Hair For Less Time and Money

By Karen Datangel
POPSUGAR Photogr
POPSUGAR Photogr
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Getting your hair done at the salon is definitely a treat, especially if it involves color. But spending hours in the chair can cut into your busy schedule and shoe-shopping funds. If you're looking to go a few shades darker or lighter or just need to touch up roots or a few gray hairs, coloring at home is a cheaper and less time-consuming option.

At-home color kits have improved over the years with friendlier formulas and premium conditioners to keep your hair smooth, shiny, and strong. We've compiled six tried-and-true favorites to help you get the salon-quality color you want for a lot less money and time.

Clairol Natural Instincts

Clairol Natural Instincts

If you're looking for a color that matches closer to your natural mane, Clairol Natural Instincts ($8) offers an earthy selection of semipermanent shades that last 28 washes. They're ammonia-free and fortified with coconut oil, so your hair can stay healthy and moisturized.

Garnier Nutrisse Creme

Garnier Nutrisse Creme

Kits from the classic Garnier Nutrisse Creme ($8) collection will nourish your coif from root to tip with avocado, olive, and shea oils. It's an excellent choice for covering up pesky grays.

John Frieda Precision Foam Color

John Frieda Precision Foam Color

John Frieda Precision Foam Color ($10) is one of the easiest at-home kits to use. The foam formula spreads easily to all the hard-to-reach places on your head so that no single hair is left uncovered. You're left with vibrant, long-lasting color.

L'Oreal Feria

L'Oreal Feria

With an insane spectrum of colors that spans classic and edgy, it's no wonder at-home colorists go crazy for the L'Oreal Feria ($10) collection. The triple highlights in the single palette kits boost hair with depth and dimension. They are available are ombrés and pastels.

L'Oreal Superior Preference

L'Oreal Superior Preference

This L'Oreal brand is a little more traditional compared to Feria, but it delivers on color and hair care just as well. L'Oreal Superior Preference ($10) is a creme formula that spreads evenly and weathers fading. Its after-color conditioner infused with shine serum, vitamin E, and UV filter ensures that your hair stays radiant.

Revlon Luxurious Colorsilk Buttercream

Revlon Luxurious Colorsilk Buttercream

Revlon Luxurious Colorsilk Buttercream ($6) kits definitely live up to their name. Infused with mango, shea, and coconut butters plus argan oil, your hair will be absolutely pampered. The dyes come in a variety of shades to suit your mood.