Top Picks for Stunning Permanent Hair Color Transformations

Choosing the right permanent hair color can make a significant difference in achieving the vibrant look you desire, whether you're aiming to cover grays or experiment with a bold new shade. In the evolving beauty industry, some brands consistently stand out due to their commitment to quality, long-lasting results, and gentle formulas that maintain hair health. From salon favorites to trusted drugstore options, the market offers a diverse range of choices to suit every hair type and personal preference. If you're curious to discover which brands have topped the list this year, read on for a comprehensive guide.

Illustration of permanent hair color

Best brands of permanent hair color in 2025

L'Oréal Paris

L'Oreal Paris is a leading brand in the hair color market, known for its innovative and high-quality permanent hair color products. With over 20% market share, L'Oreal dominates the global hair color industry, offering a wide range of products like the Superior Preference line, which completely covers gray hair and maintains color vibrancy for up to nine weeks. In 2023, women accounted for more than 68% of the revenue in the hair color market, with L'Oreal catering to this demographic through its extensive portfolio of shades. The brand's commitment to innovation and understanding of consumer trends has enabled it to introduce cutting-edge products, such as the ammonia-free iNOA permanent hair color. L'Oreal operates in over 150 countries, adapting its products to local preferences and solidifying its position as a global beauty leader.

Clairol

Clairol is a leading brand in the hair color market, particularly renowned for its permanent hair color products. The brand's Nice 'n Easy line is an industry leader, generating $125 million in sales, with the strongest growth coming from users between the ages of 13 and 24, representing a 33% increase. Clairol's Natural Instincts range is another popular option, made with 80% naturally derived ingredients and featuring a zero ammonia formula with coconut oil and aloe, which conditions the hair and leaves it smooth and radiant. These products are available in over 40 natural-looking shades, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences. Clairol's products are widely recognized for their ease of use and high-quality results. Discover more about Clairol's Natural Instincts range that offers a nourishing experience for your hair.

Garnier

Garnier is a leading brand in the permanent hair color market, renowned for its innovative and nourishing products. Founded in 1904, Garnier has over a century of experience in hair care, with significant milestones such as the launch of Nutrisse in 1999, which revolutionized permanent hair color with its triple fruit oils and 100% gray coverage. In 2013, Garnier introduced Olia, an ammonia-free hair color with a 60% oil blend, leaving hair up to 3 times shinier. Garnier's products, such as Nutrisse and Olia, have seen significant growth, with a 9.4% increase in hair color sales in 2020 compared to 2019. These products are formulated to nourish and color hair simultaneously, making Garnier a preferred choice for consumers.

Schwarzkopf

Schwarzkopf Professional, a leading brand in the global haircare industry, has established itself as a top producer of permanent hair color, boasting a 29% market share in the Indian hair care category and recording a 65% overall growth, outpacing the market by 1.5 times. Known for its high-quality products, Schwarzkopf offers up to 100% white hair coverage and true-to-swatch color results, with a rich history of innovation and over 7,600 patents. The brand is part of Henkel AG & Co., which had sales worth EUR 21.5 billion in 2023 and is driving the trend towards natural and organic hair color products. Schwarzkopf's products, such as IGORA ROYAL, are favored by professionals for their high shine and permanent color. The brand's recent campaigns, including collaborations with celebrity hairstylists, further enhance its global presence and appeal.

Revlon

Revlon is a leading brand in the hair color market, particularly renowned for its permanent hair color products. The company's ColorSilk Beautiful Color™ is the #1 brand in the USA, offering ammonia-free hair color with 100% gray coverage and salon-quality results. In 2021, the global hair color market, which includes brands like Revlon, was valued at USD 23.15 billion, with the permanent hair color segment holding over 70% of the market share. Revlon's products are favored for their ease of use and high-quality formulations, such as the 3D Color Gel Technology™ that provides natural-looking, multi-tonal color. Despite facing challenges like bankruptcy in 2022, Revlon continues to be a significant player in the hair color industry.

Wella

Wella is a leading brand in the hair colorants market, renowned for its high-quality permanent hair color products. The company's Koleston Perfect Permanent Color line, launched with new shades in 2023, features ME+ dye technology, which provides 100% grey hair coverage and promotes hair health by preventing metal-induced damage. Wella's colorcharm Permanent Liquid Hair Color utilizes Liquifuse Technology(tm) for vibrant, fade-resistant colors. Their products are favored by professionals and consumers alike for their gentle formulas and extensive shade options, such as the 36 shades available in Wella Illumina. Wella's innovations and product range contribute significantly to the market's growth, with the hair colorants market expected to reach USD 18,386.84 million by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.48%.

Madison Reed

Madison Reed has revolutionized the hair color industry by offering high-quality, permanent hair color products that are free from harsh ingredients like PPD, ammonia, resorcinol, parabens, and phthalates. Since its launch in 2013, the brand has experienced significant growth, including a 130% increase in revenue in 2020, surpassing $100 million and doubling its customer base. Madison Reed's products are available in over 1,500 Walmart stores and other major retailers like Target and Ulta Beauty, expanding its physical retail presence by 70%. The brand also operates Hair Color Bars, with plans to open 100 locations by 2024. With a total funding of $250 million, Madison Reed continues to innovate and dominate both the at-home and salon hair color markets.

Joico

Joico is a leading brand in the hair care and coloring industry, renowned for its innovative and cruelty-free products. Since its inception in 1975, Joico has pioneered several breakthroughs, including the use of Keratin Protein and the development of Quadramine Complex® in 2006, which enhances hair condition and manageability. In 2013, Joico introduced the patented Bio-Advanced Peptide Complex®, a significant hair-repairing innovation. The brand's LumiShine line, launched in 2015, features ArgiPlex Technology that restrengthens hair with up to twice the shine. Joico's commitment to animal-free testing and its PETA certification further solidify its position as a trusted and ethical producer of high-quality hair color products.

Goldwell

Goldwell is a renowned brand in the hair care industry, particularly excelling in the production of permanent hair color products. Since its inception in 1948 by Hans Erich Dotter, Goldwell has innovated extensively, introducing its first cold perm in 1948 and entering the permanent color category in 1971. The brand is known for its advanced technology, such as the Unique Colormat system introduced in 1978 for easy and accurate color application. Goldwell's partnership with KAO in 1989 further enhanced its product range and commitment to salon exclusivity. The brand continues to innovate, with products like Goldwell Elumen, which offers a PPD-free and gentler hair coloring option. For more details about their history and evolution, visit the Goldwell History page.

Matrix

Matrix is a leading brand in the hair care industry, particularly renowned for its high-quality permanent hair color products. The global hair color market, which includes Matrix's offerings, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly $45.33 billion by 2030. Matrix's products, such as SoColor and Tonal Control, are favored for their durability and vibrant color results. The brand's education programs and formula lookbooks further enhance its reputation among professionals. With the increasing demand for hair coloring driven by fashion trends and the rise in the aging population, Matrix continues to be a significant player in the market.