This long-lasting permanent hair dye features a shampoo-in formula that is “easy to use and blends grey naturally in five minutes,” says Santiago. Thanks to its ease of use and quick application process, it’s a fabulous beginner-friendly choice for men who haven’t coloured before. It’s also enriched with strengthening and hydrating ingredients such as keratin, olive oil, and vitamin E to support aging hair and works well with all hair types.

4. Best Spray Cover-Up: dpHue Colour Touch-Up Spray

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dpHue Color Touch-Up Spray

• Pros: Great for instant root touch-up; quick-drying
• Cons: Washes out (but doesn’t wear off)

This hairspray formula is enriched with biotin to strengthen strands and is great for those in-a-pinch moments when you can’t get in to see your colourist (or are in between appointments) and need some believable coverage. Santiago likes this option because it offers “instant [and] temporary root coverage that washes out.” And, despite its washable nature, it is quick-drying and doesn’t wear off unless you introduce water, so you don’t have to worry about it getting on your clothes or bedding.

5. Best for Sensitive Scalps: Herbatint Permanent Hair Dye

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Herbatint Permanent Hair Dye

• Pros: Alcohol and ammonia-free; 100% grey coverage; formulated with herbal ingredients
• Cons: Some customers say the formula temporarily causes an itchy scalp

Hair dye can cause some scalp irritation, so if you have sensitive roots, Santiago says to consider opting for this gentle at-home option made with organic herbal ingredients. The Herbatint Permanent Hair Dye is one of the best hair dyes for sensitive scalps thanks to its ammonia-, alcohol-, and fragrance-free formula. “[It’s a] natural, plant-based formula that’s gentle but effective for covering greys,” Santiago notes. The colour formula is enriched with tons of incredible herbal extracts, including meadowfoam, white birch, aloe vera, echinacea flower, rhubarb, witch hazel, walnut, and bark extract to support hair health. And despite its gentle formula, it can fully cover grey hair. To be on the safe side, be sure to do a patch test before diving headfirst (pun intended) into this kit.

6. Best Gloss Conditioner: dpHue Gloss+

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dpHue Gloss+

• Pros: Lasts up to eight washes; great at-home toner; provides a natural colour look; up to 12 applications in one bottle
• Cons: Doesn’t permanently cover greys

If you need an at-home toner or are looking for low-key grey maintenance, the dpHue Gloss+ is one of the best. “[It] conditions and adds shine while enhancing colour tone,” says Santiago. She also loves that you can use this product to blend early greys without commitment. This hair gloss features a creamy texture that applies like a conditioner, offering a subtle semipermanent colour pop. While it won’t permanently cover greys, it’s a fabulous choice for those who want to enhance gloss and shine (the sheer tone is great for that). You can also use it as a toner for your DIY box dye do. In addition to its easy application and colour-enhancing formula, it’s also made without peroxide and is ammonia-free.

7. Best Value: Revlon ColourSilk with Bond Repair Complex

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Revlon ColorSilk with Bond Repair Complex

• Pros: Specially formulated to prevent breakage and promote stronger and healthier hair; conceals greys for up to eight weeks
• Cons: Not as long-lasting as others on our list