There’s nothing quite like the confidence boost that comes with freshly coloured hair. But with salon visits costing upwards of £100 — not to mention the time, travel, and touch-ups — it’s no wonder more people are turning to DIY hair dye kits.

And it’s not just about cutting costs. Today’s at-home colour options are easy to use, kinder to your strands, and surprisingly professional-looking. Whether you’re topping up your roots, going bold with a new shade, or blending greys, there are brilliant solutions sitting on the shelves of your local chemist.

This guide will walk you through the best affordable hair colour kits, how to use them safely, and what to watch out for so you never end up with a colour disaster. You’ll walk away confident enough to colour at home like a pro — without the salon price tag.

Why DIY Hair Dye is More Popular Than Ever

Before we dive into product picks, it’s worth asking: why are so many people opting for at-home colour?

Here’s why it makes perfect sense:

  • Significant savings: DIY kits cost £5–£12 versus £60+ for a salon touch-up.
  • Convenience: You control the timing — no need to book weeks in advance.
  • Choice: From vibrant reds to subtle blondes, home kits now offer a vast shade range.
  • Improved formulas: Less ammonia, better conditioners, and longer-lasting pigment.

What to Consider Before Choosing a DIY Hair Dye Kit

Before you grab the first box with a pretty model on the front, take a moment to assess what you need.

Key Questions to Ask:

  • Do you want permanent or semi-permanent colour?
  • Are you covering greys, lightening, darkening, or changing tones?
  • Do you have chemically treated or sensitive hair?
  • How confident are you in applying it yourself?

Picking the Right Shade:

  • Always go one to two shades lighter than your desired colour.
  • Cool undertones work well with ashy shades; warm undertones suit golden hues.
  • When in doubt, choose a neutral tone — it’s more forgiving.

Best DIY Hair Colour Kits That Actually Work

Let’s break down the best cheap hair colouring kits across different needs and hair types.

A box of Clairol Nice 'n Easy hair dye, labeled 10 Extra Light Blonde, showcasing smooth, shiny blonde hair and oil-infused color.

1. Best for Grey Coverage

Top Pick: Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Colour

  • Price: £5–£7
  • Why it works: Natural-looking tones and exceptional grey coverage
  • Features: Built-in conditioners and ME+ technology to reduce allergy risk
  • Shades: Over 50 options

Why people love it: It blends seamlessly and doesn’t leave hair feeling fried. Perfect for first-timers dealing with grey regrowth.

2. Best for Bold Colour Changes

Top Pick: L’Oréal Paris Colorista Permanent Gel

  • Price: £7–£9
  • Why it works: Delivers vibrant colour that lasts up to 8 weeks
  • Features: Easy-to-use gel format, strong pigments, and fade-resistant technology
  • Shades: Bright reds, deep blues, and pastel pinks

Tip: This kit works best on pre-lightened or naturally light hair for full vibrancy.

3. Best for First-Timers

Top Pick: Garnier Olia No Ammonia Permanent Hair Dye

  • Price: £6–£8
  • Why it works: Oil-powered formula with no harsh smells
  • Features: 60% natural oils, scalp-comfort formula
  • Shades: Natural browns, blondes, reds

User Experience: “It was my first time dyeing my hair. The instructions were super clear, and my hair felt amazing after. No burning, no smell — just soft and shiny hair.” – Tasha, 34

L'Oréal Paris Magic Retouch dark brown root concealer spray bottle for instant gray coverage, lasting until shampooed out.

4. Best for Root Touch-Ups

Top Pick: L’Oréal Magic Retouch Root Concealer Spray

  • Price: £6–£8
  • Why it works: Quick-drying formula that covers roots instantly
  • Features: Transfer-resistant, lasts until next wash
  • Use: Perfect between full dye jobs or emergency grey cover-ups

Also Try: Clairol Root Touch-Up Kit — ideal for precise, semi-permanent blending.

To see how this fits into your overall look, check out Hair Tools That Save Money and Work Wonders, where we list the best budget-friendly styling tools to keep your colour looking its best.

5. Best Natural or Organic Option

Top Pick: Herbatint Permanent Herbal Hair Colour Gel

  • Price: £10–£12
  • Why it works: Vegan, cruelty-free, and ammonia-free
  • Features: Enriched with aloe vera, walnut, and witch hazel
  • Best for: Sensitive scalps and those avoiding harsh chemicals

Note: Results are gentler and more natural-looking — great for subtle changes.

DIY Hair Colour Application Tips for Salon-Quality Results

Let’s be honest — most bad dye jobs are the result of rushing or skipping instructions. With a bit of planning, you can absolutely get gorgeous results at home.

Before You Start:

  • Do a patch test 48 hours before (every time, even with the same brand)
  • Gather your tools: old towel, gloves, wide-tooth comb, clips, petroleum jelly
  • Protect surfaces: Dye stains quickly — cover your sink and floor

Application Steps:

  1. Section your hair into 4 quadrants
  2. Apply to roots first, then mid-lengths and ends
  3. Set a timer — don’t guess
  4. Rinse thoroughly and use the included conditioner
  5. Style as usual — and admire your handiwork

Common Mistakes to Avoid with DIY Hair Dye

  • Skipping strand tests, it’s the only way to see how the colour reacts
  • Leaving it on too long can cause uneven colour or scalp irritation
  • Using old dye, always check expiration dates
  • Applying to dirty or oily hair, clean, dry hair absorbs dye more evenly
  • Not adjusting for porous ends, they soak up colour faster

What to Do If It Goes Wrong

Don’t panic — mistakes happen. Here’s how to handle common colour mishaps:

  • Too dark? Use a clarifying shampoo over a few days
  • Brassy tones? Try a purple shampoo or toner
  • Uneven coverage? Wait at least a week before reapplying
  • Stained skin? Use makeup remover or toothpaste on a cotton pad

Why Salon Isn’t Always Better

There’s a time and place for salon colour — big changes, corrections, or complex techniques like balayage. But for maintenance, full coverage, or basic shades, DIY can absolutely deliver pro-level results.

The Real Savings:

Let’s say you dye your hair every 6 weeks:

  • Salon cost: £80 × 8 = £640/year
  • DIY cost: £8 × 8 = £64/year. You save over £500 — and gain control over your schedule.

Need extra conditioning help after colouring? Try one of these Drugstore Hair Masks That Actually Work to nourish and protect your newly dyed strands.

Final Thoughts: Own Your Hair Colour Journey

Colouring your hair at home doesn’t have to be stressful or messy. With the right kit, a little prep, and some patience, you can achieve salon-worthy colour on a budget — and enjoy the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

So whether you’re covering greys, experimenting with a bold hue, or just want a fresh look, remember this: great hair doesn’t need a stylist’s chair — just a bit of knowledge and the right tools.