Inside this Article
- Top Hair Dye Brands That Stylists Swear By
- Wella Professionals: The GOAT of Hair Color
- L’Oréal Professionnel: Science + Style = Hair Goals
- Goldwell: The Gray Coverage MVP
- Schwarzkopf Professional: Lasting Color That Pops in HD
- Matrix SoColor: Color That Cares
- Redken: Where Bold Color Meets Serious Strength
- Pravana: The Fantasy Color Queen
- Joico: Color That Heals While It Slays
- Freelux: Pro Color with a Conscience
- How to Choose the Right Hair Color Brand
- Professional Application Tips & Techniques
- Keeping Color-Treated Hair Fresh
- Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes professional hair color different from drugstore brands?
- How long does professional hair color typically last?
- Can I mix different professional hair color brands together?
- Which professional brand is best for covering stubborn gray hair?
- How often should I touch up my roots with professional color?
- Are professional hair colors safe for chemically treated hair?
- What developer volume should I use with professional hair color?
- How do I prevent professional hair color from fading quickly?
Top Hair Dye Brands That Stylists Swear By
When it comes to pro hair color, some brands seriously stand out. These faves are ranked based on what professional colorists love, how long the color lasts, and what clients are raving about. We looked at everything—formula quality, shade range, gray coverage, hair health perks, price points, and even what the pros are backing 💯✨
Wella Professionals: The GOAT of Hair Color
If you’re a salon professional, you already know—Wella Professionals is where it’s at. In fact, a whopping 73% of colorists said Wella is their #1. And honestly? It’s not hard to see why.
Let’s talk Koleston Perfect Permanent Hair Color —this line’s got 150+ dreamy shades and is powered by their next-gen ME+ technology, which helps reduce the chance of new allergic reactions. That means fewer freak-outs and better results. 🙌
Going lighter? Their Blondor Multi-Blonde Lightener is an excellent choice. It lifts up to 7 levels and is made for that seamless balayage or blonde hair. 🎨💁♀️
Not ready to commit long-term? No prob. Color Fresh semi-permanent color brings all the pop without the pressure—lasts about 4–6 weeks and fades like a dream.
You can find Wella in salons across the globe, and at $8–15 a tube, it’s a solid deal for salon-quality results. 💸💯
L’Oréal Professionnel: Science + Style = Hair Goals
When it comes to salon-quality dyes, L’Oréal Professionnel doesn’t just play the game—they set the rules. Trusted in 50,000+ salons worldwide (yup, global domination 💅) and backed by a 95% colorist satisfaction rate, this brand’s got brains and beauty.
Their iconic Majirel Professional Hair Color line is powered by Incell tech, which means you get up to 50% more shine and stronger strands while coloring—so your hair’s lookin’ ✨glossy✨ and feelin’ healthy.
For anyone with a sensitive scalp (or just into that softer, low-key vibe), Dia Richesse is the go-to. It’s ammonia-free, comes in 48 color options, and delivers that “your hair but better” glow. 😍
Need to tackle gray hair? Inoa Supreme has your back with 100% gray coverage using a high-tech oil delivery system that keeps hair feeling like hair—soft, silky, and happy.
And let’s not forget the Smartbond system—a total lifesaver when lightening. It cuts breakage by up to 94%, so you can go bold without frying your hair strands. 🙏💪
Goldwell: The Gray Coverage MVP
When it comes to tackling grays like a total pro, Goldwell doesn’t mess around.
Their legendary Topchic line is basically the gold standard (pun intended 😏) for getting full coverage in just one go—even on those stubborn, “not today” strands. The formula? A super smooth cream-gel consistency that glides on evenly and gives you uniform, salon-quality results every. single. time.
Got color fading or want to blend those baby grays? Enter Colorance —Goldwell’s demi-permanent hair color, with 89 intermixable shades, you can mix and match like a color cocktail. 🍹🎨
Feelin’ bold? Their Elumen tech is next-level—it locks in vibrant, high-impact colors that don’t just sit on top, they anchor deep into the hair for long-lasting results. 🔥
And for those lightening sessions, Silk Lift has your back. It gently lifts while using silk proteins to protect that precious cuticle—so you can go blonde without sacrificing hair health. 💛💪
Goldwell sits in the luxury lane—we’re talking $12–18 a tube, but the results? Chef’s kiss. That’s why it’s a top choice for color corrections and high-stakes transformations where color performance is non-negotiable.
Schwarzkopf Professional: Lasting Color That Pops in HD
Wanna serve bold, head-turning color with serious depth? Schwarzkopf Professional is your ride-or-dye. They basically invented high-def hair color—no joke. Their Igora Royal Permanent Hair Color line is known all over for its rich, multidimensional shades that hit differently under any light. Think intense pigment + major shine = pure ✨drama✨ (in the best way).
If you’re chasing that perfect platinum, their BlondMe Lightener lifts up to 9 levels and fights brass with an anti-yellowing complex, so you get the desired shade without stress. ❄️💛
Looking for something more gentle? Igora Vibrance is your go-to. It’s got 70% less ammonia, boosted with nourishing ingredients that leave hair feeling soft and nourished, not fried. 🙌
In a rush? No worries— Color10 gives you pro color results in just 10 minutes. Yep, salon-quality color faster than your coffee order. ☕💨
And get this—independent lab tests say Schwarzkopf’s color lasts 8–10 weeks with the right hair care. So yeah, it’s not just pretty—it stays pretty. 🔥
Matrix SoColor: Color That Cares
Want beautiful color and maintain hair health? Matrix SoColor is seriously the move. It’s known for its gentle, protective formula that doesn’t just color—it cares.
The magic is in their pre-bonded Cera-Oil conditioning complex—a nourishing blend of ceramides, polymers, and natural oils that keep your hair quality on point while the color works its magic. We’re talkin’ 50% less breakage compared to other brands. 💪💆♀️
With a shade range of 90+, you’ve got endless possibilities to play with. Want to tweak the tone or bump up the color vibrancy? Just add a SoBooster—Matrix’s little secret for dialing in the desired color. 🎯💥
And let’s talk highlights—Matrix’s Light Wonder technology delivers those natural, translucent pops of brightness without frying your hair. Think glow-up, not blow-up. ☀️🙌
This hair dye line is perfect for color-treated hair or anyone wanting gentle but seriously effective color. Whether you’re going bold or keeping it low-key, Matrix’s got your back.
Redken: Where Bold Color Meets Serious Strength
If you’re all about strong, shiny, head-turning color, Redken is the one. This brand’s been killing it with protein-enriched color tech, and in 2024, they even snagged the Professional Beauty Award for Color Innovation. 🏆💁♀️
Let’s talk Shades EQ Gloss —an icon in its own right. With 65 acidic pH shades, it’s the go-to for toning, glossing, and refreshing color without damaging the hair cuticle. The result? Next-level shine that’s basically like lip gloss for your hair. 💋✨
Looking for deeper, more intense color? Chromatics is all about pure pigment and protein power—no lift, just ultra-rich results that strengthen your hair. Yup, you get hair color and care in one hit. 💥
Their Color Extend line is a must for aftercare—packed with UV filters and protein fortifiers to keep your color vibrant and your strands protected. Bonus: it makes your salon results last way longer. 🛡️
And for lightening? Flash Lift Bonder gives you up to 7 levels of lift, with built-in bond protection. It’s a lifesaver for those platinum and blonde hair color transformations everyone’s obsessed with.⚡
Pravana: The Fantasy Color Queen
When it comes to bold, vibrant, jaw-dropping color, Pravana is in a league of its own. Their legendary ChromaSilk Vivids line is a fave among the pros—89% of creative colorists swear by it. And honestly? It’s easy to see why.
With 24 ultra-pigmented direct-dye shades, Pravana delivers next-level vibrancy that’s perfect for those wild, expressive color results. Whether you’re going neon, pastel, or mermaid-core 🧜♀️—this line brings the heat 🔥 (and the likes!).
Trying to go blonde first? The Perfect Blonde lightening system is a top choice. It’s purple-based, lifts up to 8 levels, and helps fight off brass while keeping things bright and icy. ❄️💜
What really makes Pravana stand out? They don’t just cater to natural hair colors—they’ve got specialized formulas for wigs, extensions, and alternative textures too. 🙌👏
You’ve probably already seen Pravana’s work blowing up on TikTok and Insta—those viral before-and-after color results? Yep, that’s Pravana doing its thing. 🎥💇♀️✨
Joico: Color That Heals While It Slays
If you want color that doesn’t just look good—but also improves hair health— Joico is the real MVP. Known for its reconstructive technology and insanely long-lasting color, this brand goes beyond the basics. 💁♀️🔥
The LumiShine Hair Color line is where science meets shine. It’s powered by ArgiPlex, a system packed with arginine to boost hair strength and gloss during the coloring process. And get this—clinical studies show 3x longer color retention than most brands. That’s not hype, that’s facts. 📊💯
Then there’s the Vero K-PAK permanent color , which uses Quadramine Complex—a protein blend formula with different molecular sizes that literally repairs hair from the inside out while the color’s going in. Talk about multitasking. 🧬💥
For bold vibes? The Joico Color Intensity line gives you crazy-vibrant results that stick around for 4 to 15 washes, depending on the shade. 🎆🖌️ Perfect for playing with color without a long-term commitment.
Dark hair going blonde? No worries— Blonde Life comes through with Bond Protect tech that lifts while keeping your hair healthy and happy. No more compromising integrity just to get lighter. 💛⚡
Freelux: Pro Color with a Conscience
When you want professional results without all the harsh chemicals, Freelux is totally the way to go. 🙌🌿
This brand is all about being ammonia-free, vegan, and PPD-free—so you get killer color that’s gentle on your scalp and the planet. 🌍💚
They use this cool ODS² (Oil Delivery System) formula that gives you vibrant color and awesome gray hair coverage while keeping your hair soft and healthy. No nasty fumes, no itching—just straight-up beautiful, clean color. 🎨✨
Need to lighten up without stressing your hair? De Light Lighteners do the job nice and easy—lifting up to 8 levels while protecting your hair’s health. 💡🛡️
How to Choose the Right Hair Color Brand

Picking the perfect professional hair color isn’t just about the shade—it’s about figuring out what actually works for your natural hair type, your goals, and what your hair’s been through.
First Up: Know What Your Hair Really Needs
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Got fine or fragile hair? You gotta keep it chill. Look for low-ammonia formulas that won’t wreck your hair strands. Big shoutout to Matrix SoColor and Redken —they’re total lifesavers for keeping delicate hair strong and shiny. 💕
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Rocking thick, coarse, or stubborn hair? Time to bring in the heavy hitters. Goldwell Topchic and Schwarzkopf Igora Royal have enough muscle to handle even the toughest strands. 💪🔥
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Color-treated or previously lightened? You gotta play the lift-and-deposit game smart without frying your ends. Bond-builders like L’Oréal’s Smartbond or Joico’s reconstructive color tech are your BFFs to keep your hair happy. 🛠️💧
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Dealing with lots of grays? Not all grays are created equal, and the stubborn ones need serious power. Goldwell Topchic and Schwarzkopf Igora Royal are again the go-to pros for full, flawless gray coverage. 👵✨
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Sensitive scalp? Skip the harsh stuff. Go for ammonia-free options like L’Oréal Dia Richesse , Matrix SoColor , or Redken Shades EQ —all gentle and gorgeous. 🧴🍃
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What about developer volume?
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10–20 vol: Perfect for gentle lift or just adding tone
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30+ vol: Only pros should mess with this for major lift—handle with care!
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Match Your Brand to Your Color Goals
Going for natural hair color or subtle enhancement?💫
Try L’Oréal Professionnel Inoa or Matrix SoColor —they give rich color and keep your hair soft and shiny while they’re at it.
Need gray coverage that actually works?👵
Goldwell Topchic and Schwarzkopf Igora Royal never disappoint. These bad boys are made to tackle stubborn silver strands.
Feeling bold? Wanna go for a vibrant fashion color?🌈
For bright, high-pigment shades, Pravana ChromaSilk Vivids or Joico Color Intensity are the ones. Neon, pastel, unicorn hair? They got you. 💥💖
Want something gentle and low-commitment?💧
Check out Redken Shades EQ or Paul Mitchell PM Shines—perfect for glossing or toning without the stress. ✨👌
Professional Application Tips & Techniques

Let’s be real—even the best hair color out there won’t look fly if you don’t apply it right. I’ve seen some bomb colors totally flop just ’cause the coloring process was off. So if you wanna get those pro-level results, here’s how you nail it (no guesswork needed 👇).
First up—sectioning is key. Don’t just slap that hair dye on all willy-nilly and hope for the best. I always work in clean, horizontal sections (no thicker than about 1/4 inch), starting from the nape and working my way up to the crown. Yeah, it feels extra, but trust me—this is how you get that even, salon-worthy coverage. Grab a good applicator brush and make sure every single strand is fully coated. No dry spots allowed, okay? 🖌️🔥
Now, let’s talk developer volume—it seriously makes a difference, so don’t just grab whatever’s lying around. Here’s my quick cheat sheet:
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10-volume = perfect for deposit-only color (great for toning or going darker)
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20-volume = gentle lift + deposit (this is my go-to)
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30-volume = decent lift, but take it slow
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40-volume = heavy stuff! Only for the salon professionals, seriously 😅
And please don’t just slap it on and bounce. Timing is everything. Most permanent hair colors need around 20–45 minutes to work their magic. I always peek every 10 minutes after the minimum time—because once you overcook it, there’s no fixing that. 🚫⏱️
Oh, and here’s a pro tip: room temp affects processing time. If it’s warm, your color will develop faster. If it’s chilly, it’ll take longer. So if you’re coloring in a cold spot, give it a few extra mins—but keep checking so you don’t go overboard. 🌡️👀
Keeping Color-Treated Hair Fresh

So you’ve dropped some serious cash on that stunning professional hair color—now let’s chat about how to keep it looking vibrant for as long as possible. Because honestly, nothing sucks more than paying big bucks for your dream shade only to see the color fading super fast. 😩
First up: always use color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo. Those harsh shampoos will strip your color faster than you can say “touch-up.” I swear by brands like Redken Color Extend , Goldwell DualSenses , or Matrix ColorLast —they’re made to lock in your shade and keep your hair healthy. And here’s a pro tip: rinse with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in that color. ❄️🚿
Heat? Yeah, that’s your color’s worst enemy. If you’re blow-drying, straightening, or curling, don’t skip the heat protectant. Seriously, turn the heat down whenever you can. Less heat = less fading, trust me.🔥🚫
Oh, and the sun? It’s a total color killer, especially if you’re rocking bright or pastel shades. Use products with UV filters, or just throw on a cute hat or scarf when you’re out and about. ☀️🧢
Now, about those touch-ups. If you’re covering grays, expect to refresh roots every 3–5 weeks. But if you’re rocking bold, fashion colors, plan on touching up every 2–4 weeks—yeah, they fade faster, but they’re so worth it. 🔥
Wanna stretch the time between salon visits? Ask your professional stylist about glosses or demi-permanent refreshers. They’re awesome for keeping your tone fresh without a full redo. 🌈
Summary
The best professional hair color brand comes down to what works best for your hair type, your goals, and your style. Whether you’re all about covering grays with Goldwell, going bold with Joico Color Intensity, or just keeping it chill with Redken Shades EQ, trust me—pro color beats drugstore dye any day when it comes to performance and keeping your hair healthy. My advice? Chat with an expert. They’ll help you pick the right hair dye brand and formula that’s perfect for your hair type. And don’t forget—how you apply and maintain your color is just as important. Gorgeous hair color isn’t just about what’s in the tube—it’s all about smart choices, good technique, and consistent TLC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes professional hair color different from drugstore brands?
Professional hair color = nourishing ingredients, formula, and TLC for your hair. It lasts longer, fades better, and usually includes bond protectors and conditioners that drugstore dyes just don’t offer. Think salon results vs. DIY gamble.
How long does professional hair color typically last?
With good care, permanent hair color lasts about 6–8 weeks, while demi-permanent fades out in 4–6 weeks. That’s way longer than most drugstore dyes, which can start fading in just 2–4 weeks.
Can I mix different professional hair color brands together?
It’s best not to mix brands—they’re made to work within their own systems. Mixing can mess with the formula, give weird results, or even cause damage. Unless a pro tells you it’s safe, stick to one brand per session.
Which professional brand is best for covering stubborn gray hair?
Goldwell Topchic and Schwarzkopf Igora Royal are pros at tackling stubborn grays—both deliver 90–100% coverage, even on the most resistant strands. If gray’s being tough, these are your go-to brands!
How often should I touch up my roots with professional color?
It depends on how fast your hair grows and how bold your color is. For gray coverage, most people touch up every 3–5 weeks. Rocking vibrant fashion shades? You’ll probably need a refresh every 2–4 weeks to keep it poppin’.
Are professional hair colors safe for chemically treated hair?
Yep—most pro brands have formulas made for color-treated hair, with bond-builders to help keep it strong. But it’s super important to chat with a colorist first to make sure it’s the right match for your hair type. Better safe than sorry!
What developer volume should I use with professional hair color?
Use 10-vol for deposit only, 20-vol for gentle lift, 30-vol for moderate lift, and 40-vol only for high-lift by pros—always match it to your hair’s needs and goals.
How do I prevent professional hair color from fading quickly?
Stick to color-safe shampoo, wash with cool water, use heat protectant, shield from UV, and follow your hair dye brand’s care tips to keep that color fresh and vibrant.