Blue hair dye

Dyeing your hair can be a fun way to switch up your style, and nothing says fun like a bright and bold hairdo. If it’s time for a change, blue hair dye is a choice that celebrities from Lady Gaga to Kylie Jenner have made chic. Blue hair dye comes in a variety of hues, so you can find your favorite color or pick a shade that just looks great on you.

What to consider before purchasing blue hair dye

Consider these tips before you make your purchase.

How long it will last

Knowing the difference between types of hair dye is crucial to ensure your hair color lasts the amount of time you are hoping it will. There are three types of hair dye, each lasting different lengths:

Temporary dyes, sometimes called semipermanent, usually fade within a few washes.

Demi-permanent dyes take approximately 30 washes to be removed from your hair.

Permanent dyes may fade or lose their intensity over time, but you’ll likely have to cut your hair, grow it out or dye over it to get rid of the color the next time you want to mix it up.

Base hair color and hair health

Simply put: the lighter your base color, the brighter your blue hair will be. Different base colors will have different reactions with the dye.

Blondes: Depending on how light your blonde hair is, you should anticipate a bold result. If you are looking to achieve a softer blue tone, consider pastel shades. Or, make your own dye by combining conditioner or the appropriate pastel colorizer to your blue dye).

Brunettes: Seeking a blue hair dye that is exclusively for dark hair is a good idea if you do not wish to lighten your hair with bleach beforehand.

For other shades/box dyed hair: It is important to note that applying blue hair dye may result in a more subtle or unusual shade on dark, vibrant or heavily processed hair. If you are unsure, conduct a patch test on a small strand of hair.

For those with dry, damaged or sensitive hair: You may want to consider purchasing a dye that is free of ammonia, or one that is vegan and includes conditioning properties.

Budget, tools and application

You should decide how much money you’d like to spend on your hair dye and any other tools you’ll need before making a purchase. Think about the following:

The length of your hair: You may need more than one container of hair dye. This depends on the size of the hair dye you buy and the amount of hair you wish to cover. Your hair must always be fully saturated when dyeing at any time, otherwise, there is a chance the color may come out patchy or faded.

The application process: Understanding how you’re meant to apply the dye will help you assess if you’ll require other tools to apply your hair dye. For example, if a comb, a brush, a mixing bowl or gloves aren’t included in the original package, remember to factor them into your budget.

Best blue hair dyes

Manic Panic Blue Moon Hair Dye: available at Amazon Our Take: Manic Panic is a well-known brand that has been in business since 1977. Each one of their shades is vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free and ammonia-free. What we like: Manic Panic lasts 4-6 weeks. The prices are low and the dye comes in a jar that is easy to access with your hands while wearing gloves or with an application brush. What we dislike: This dye has the potential to stain, as it is premixed to a very bold blue color. It also works best when your hair is a level 9 or 10 very light blonde.

Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Dye, Blue Smoke: available at Amazon Our Take: Lime Crime’s Blue Smoke is a dark, fantasy-inspired navy blue color that is very unique and easy to apply. What we like: This brand is vegan, paraben-free, ammonia-free and free of other harsh chemicals. The DIY-friendly color is pre-mixed, so all you have to do is open the jar and apply. What we dislike: This dye, although shown to be potentially suitable for brunettes, may produce a murkier-blue result on darker shades of hair. When in doubt, perform a patch test or pre-lighten your hair.

oVertone Hair Color Blue for Brown Hair: available at Amazon Our Take: oVertone offers a unique hair coloring experience because its dyes are actually a deep-conditioning treatment that deposits pigment into your hair within a few minutes. What we like: This option is specifically designed for brunettes, unlike some blue dyes on the market that only work on blonde hair. This is a great choice for those who want to enjoy a deep-conditioning hair treatment and flaunt a new shade of hair for a while between washes. What we dislike: oVertone offers many enticing shades and options that are friendly to your hair, however, it is a pricier product. It fades faster than a typical dye, so maintaining your perfect shade may be expensive.

Good Dye Young Poser Paste Temporary Hair Makeup: available at Sephora Our Take: Good Dye Young’s product is a great solution for those looking to add a pop of color to their hair on a very short-term basis. What we like: Similar to hair chalk, this paste can be applied by hand to any strands of hair you desire. It works on blondes, brunettes and even very dark hair colors. What we dislike: This has the potential to be slightly messy. It is a “style and go” hair dye that you apply directly to your dried hair. It will affect your heat-styling process if you do not allow it to dry completely. It could transfer onto clothing.

L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color: available at Amazon Our Take: L’Oreal is known for its long-lasting, fade-proof box dyes. They now offer a unique pastel collection, featuring this smoky sapphire blue shade. What we like: This is a great option for those seeking a longer-lasting, classic ammonia hair dye. What we dislike: This dye requires hair to be either bleached-blonde or a very light blonde shade before application. The process of lightening your hair can be strenuous on your strands, as can using ammonia-based dye, so be wary of this if you are trying to avoid damage or dryness.

Courtney Love is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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