Hair Colours Price Comparison
Compare 6,168 hair colours from Wella, Schwarzkopf, Revlon and more. Find the best price from top UK retailers, from 3 £ to 16 £.
Hair Colours price comparison UK
Few beauty categories reveal as stark a price gap as hair colour. Our catalogue spans 6,168 products — from budget-friendly at-home kits starting at 3 £ to professional salon-grade formulations pushing 16 £ — and the difference isn't just about shade. It's about formulation chemistry, grey coverage, and how your hair feels a week after colouring.
Wella dominates this market with over 2,300 references, commanding a noticeably higher average price than rivals like Schwarzkopf or Revlon. That gap reflects real differences: Wella's professional lines are built for salon use, with precise developer ratios and colour-depth systems that demand some technical know-how. Schwarzkopf's Igora Royal range sits in a sweet spot — professional quality at a price that makes it accessible for experienced home users. Revlon's ColorSilk, meanwhile, is the entry point most people recognise from supermarket shelves, and at its price point, it genuinely punches above its weight for basic coverage.
What often gets overlooked when browsing is the formulation type. Permanent dyes penetrate the hair cortex and last six to eight weeks, but they require a patch test 48 hours before use — non-negotiable, regardless of brand. Semi-permanent options are far gentler and fade gradually over four to eight washes, making them ideal for experimenting with tone without long-term commitment. If you're covering grey, only a permanent formula with adequate PPD content will reliably deliver 100% coverage on resistant hair. For fashion colours — think Manic Panic's vivid pinks and blues — you're in semi-permanent territory by design.
Conditioning additives matter more than most product descriptions let on. Keratin, argan oil, and panthenol aren't just marketing buzzwords; they measurably reduce post-colour brittleness, particularly on hair that's been previously bleached or chemically treated. If your hair is already compromised, prioritise formulations that include these ingredients over ones that simply promise a brighter shade. You can always explore hair colour correctors if things go wrong, or consider temporary hair colours for a lower-commitment test run before committing to a permanent change.
Prices shift considerably around Black Friday and the January sales — retailers like Boots, Amazon and Superdrug regularly discount professional lines by 20–30%. Comparing across merchants before you buy is worth the two minutes it takes, especially on bulk professional sizes where the per-application cost drops significantly.
How to Choose the Right Hair Colour: A No-Nonsense Guide
With 6,168 products across every formulation type, shade, and price point, the choice can feel overwhelming. But most buying mistakes come down to three things: picking the wrong formulation type, misjudging your natural hair level, and ignoring the patch test. Get those right, and the rest follows.
Permanent, semi-permanent, or temporary — pick the right commitment level
Permanent dyes use ammonia and an oxidative developer to penetrate the hair cortex. They last six to eight weeks and provide the best grey coverage (up to 100%), but they're the most damaging and require a 48-hour patch test every time. Semi-permanent formulas deposit colour on the hair surface without lifting — they fade in four to eight washes, cause minimal damage, and are ideal for refreshing tone or experimenting. Demi-permanent sits between the two: it uses a low-volume developer, lasts three to four weeks, and covers up to 70–80% of grey. If you're new to colouring at home, demi-permanent is often the safest starting point.
Your natural hair level and the 1–10 depth scale
Hair colour is numbered on a scale from 1 (black) to 10 (lightest blonde). The rule is simple: you can go darker without a developer, but going lighter requires lifting — and the further you lift, the more damage you risk. Schwarzkopf Igora Royal's numbering system, for instance, uses a two-number code (e.g. 8-0, 9-0) where the first digit is depth and the second is tone. Misreading your starting level is the most common cause of patchy or brassy results. If your hair is dark brown (level 3–4) and you want to reach medium blonde (level 7), a single box dye won't get you there safely — that's a salon job.
Grey coverage: not all formulas are equal
If grey coverage is your primary goal, only a permanent formula with a standard-to-high PPD content will deliver reliable 100% coverage on resistant grey hair. Semi-permanent options typically cover 50–70% at best, which means grey hairs show through as a lighter, slightly different tone rather than disappearing. Brands like Clairol and Just For Men specifically engineer their formulas for grey coverage, and it shows. PPD-free alternatives exist for those with sensitivities, but they're genuinely less effective on coarse, resistant grey — be realistic about the trade-off.
Ammonia content and scalp sensitivity
Ammonia opens the hair cuticle to allow colour penetration — it's effective, but it's also responsible for the sharp smell and much of the post-colour dryness. Ammonia-free formulations are gentler and better tolerated by sensitive scalps, but they typically offer less dramatic colour change and slightly shorter longevity. If you experience itching or burning during processing, switch to an ammonia-free or sensitive-scalp formula immediately. For anyone with a history of allergic reactions to hair dye, a dermatologist-tested, PPD-free product is the only safe option — and even then, patch testing is essential.
Volume size: single application vs. professional bulk
Most at-home kits come in 60–118ml sizes — enough for a single application on short to medium-length hair. If you have long or thick hair, one kit often isn't enough, and running out mid-application is a disaster. Professional lines like Goldwell Topchic and Wella are sold in 500ml–1000ml sizes, which dramatically reduce the cost per application but require you to mix accurately with a developer. At 5 £ for a mid-range product, the per-use cost of a 1000ml professional tub can be a fraction of a single at-home kit — but only if you'll actually use it all before it oxidises.
Conditioning additives: worth paying for on damaged hair
Keratin, argan oil, collagen, and panthenol aren't just listed on the box for show. On hair that's been bleached, heat-styled frequently, or previously coloured, these ingredients make a measurable difference to post-colour condition. Budget formulas from 3 £ to 4 £ rarely include meaningful concentrations of these additives. If your hair is already dry or brittle, spending a little more on a formula with genuine conditioning technology — or budgeting for a separate deep-conditioning treatment afterwards — is the smarter call.
- Budget picks (From 3 £ to 4 £) : Revlon ColorSilk and Osmo dominate this tier. ColorSilk is a reliable workhorse for basic shade refreshes and light grey blending, but don't expect salon-level precision or long-lasting vibrancy. Fine for occasional use on healthy hair; less suitable if you're covering stubborn grey or working with damaged hair.
- The sweet spot (From 4 £ to 5 £) : Schwarzkopf Igora Royal, CRAZY COLOR, and Bigen sit here. This is where formulation quality noticeably improves — better grey coverage, more consistent tone, and more conditioning agents. Schwarzkopf Igora Royal in particular is a professional-grade product at a price that makes home use genuinely viable for experienced users.
- Mid-range with real benefits (From 5 £ to 6 £) : Clairol, Garnier, and Goldwell's smaller-format lines occupy this range. Expect improved longevity, more sophisticated colour systems, and better scalp-care formulations. Garnier's Nutrisse range, for instance, includes nourishing fruit oils that make a tangible difference on dry hair. Worth the step up if you colour regularly.
- Professional and specialist (Over 6 £) : Wella's professional lines and large-format Goldwell Topchic bulk sizes live here. These are products designed for frequent, precise use — either by professionals or serious home colourists who know their developer ratios. The cost per application can actually be lower than budget kits once you factor in volume, but the upfront spend requires commitment.
Top products
- Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color 27 Deep Rich Brown (Revlon) : The best-value entry point in the catalogue — reliable coverage for natural brunette shades, though grey coverage on resistant hair is limited. Don't expect it to perform like a professional formula, but at this price it's hard to fault for occasional use.
- Schwarzkopf Igora Royal 9-0, 60 ml (Schwarzkopf) : A genuine professional-grade product at an accessible price — the 9-0 (very light blonde) is a staple for precise toning work. Requires a developer purchased separately, so factor that in. Excellent for experienced home colourists; overkill if you just want a quick refresh.
- Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color 70 Medium Ash Blonde (Revlon) : The ash blonde variant is one of ColorSilk's stronger performers — the cool tone formula resists brassiness better than most budget competitors. Still a single-use kit with basic conditioning, but a smart choice for maintaining cool blonde tones between salon visits.
- Goldwell Topchic hair colour 1000 ml (Goldwell) : The bulk-buy option for serious home colourists or small salons — Goldwell Topchic's colour system is precise, consistent, and genuinely long-lasting. The 1000ml size only makes sense if you'll use it regularly; otherwise the cost-per-application advantage disappears as the product oxidises.
- Manic Panic Cotton Candy Pink 118ml High Voltage Classic Cream Formula (Manic Panic) : The go-to for vivid fashion colour — vegan, conditioning, and genuinely vibrant on pre-lightened hair. Fades quickly (expect two to three weeks of full vibrancy), and it won't show at all on unbleached dark hair. Brilliant for what it is; just don't expect permanence.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to do a patch test every time I use hair dye?
Yes — every single time, even with a brand you've used before. Allergic sensitisation to PPD (para-phenylenediamine) can develop at any point, even after years of problem-free use. The reaction, when it occurs, can be severe — swelling, blistering, and in rare cases anaphylaxis. UK regulations require all oxidative hair dye products to include patch test instructions, and reputable brands like Schwarzkopf, Clairol, and Wella are explicit about this. Apply a small amount behind your ear or in the crook of your elbow 48 hours before colouring. It takes two minutes and could prevent a trip to A&E.
What's the difference between Wella and Schwarzkopf Igora Royal — is Wella actually worth the higher price?
Both are professional-grade lines, but they suit different colouring approaches. Wella's colour system (particularly Koleston Perfect) is widely regarded as offering superior grey coverage and a broader, more nuanced shade range — it's the dominant choice in UK salons for a reason. Schwarzkopf Igora Royal is slightly more forgiving for home use, with a more straightforward numbering system and consistent results across its range. If you're a professional or highly experienced home colourist, Wella's precision justifies the price premium. For most home users doing root touch-ups or shade refreshes, Igora Royal delivers comparable results at a lower average price.
Can I use a permanent hair dye to go from dark brown to blonde at home?
No — attempting to lift more than two to three levels at home with a box dye is genuinely risky and rarely produces good results. Going from dark brown (level 3–4) to blonde (level 7+) requires multiple lightening sessions with a high-volume developer, and doing this incorrectly causes severe breakage, uneven brassiness, and potential scalp burns. Even professional colourists typically spread this process over several appointments. At-home permanent dyes are designed for one to two levels of lift or for going darker — anything beyond that should be handled by a trained colourist.
Are PPD-free hair dyes as effective for covering grey hair?
Honestly, no — PPD-free formulas are noticeably less effective on resistant grey hair. PPD (para-phenylenediamine) is the primary oxidative dye molecule responsible for deep, lasting colour penetration. Alternatives like PTD (para-toluenediamine) are gentler but don't bind to the hair shaft as effectively, resulting in faster fading and incomplete grey coverage. If you have a PPD allergy, these alternatives are your only option — but go in with realistic expectations, particularly on coarse or wiry grey hair. A semi-permanent approach layered over a PPD-free base can sometimes improve the result.
How long does semi-permanent hair colour actually last?
Typically four to eight washes, though this varies significantly depending on your hair's porosity and how you wash it. Highly porous or bleached hair absorbs semi-permanent colour deeply but also releases it quickly. Washing with cool water and a colour-safe shampoo extends the life noticeably. Manic Panic-style vivid fashion colours tend to fade fastest — expect two to four weeks of vibrancy before the tone shifts. Darker semi-permanent shades (deep reds, rich browns) generally last longer than pastels or vivid fashion colours.
What does the developer volume number actually mean, and which should I use?
Developer volume refers to the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which determines how much the dye lifts your natural colour. 10 volume (3%) provides minimal lift and is used for toning or depositing colour on pre-lightened hair. 20 volume (6%) is the standard for one to two levels of lift — most at-home kits use this. 30 volume (9%) lifts two to three levels and is used by professionals for more dramatic changes. 40 volume (12%) is for maximum lift and should only be used by trained professionals — it causes significant damage and scalp irritation if misapplied. Most home users should never need to go above 20 volume.
Is it worth buying professional hair colour in bulk (500ml–1000ml) for home use?
Only if you colour frequently and are confident mixing developer ratios accurately. A 1000ml Goldwell Topchic or Wella tube can reduce your cost per application dramatically compared to single-use kits — but once opened, professional colour oxidises over time and loses potency. If you're colouring every six to eight weeks and have a consistent shade, bulk buying makes financial sense. If you colour occasionally or switch shades often, you'll likely waste product. Also factor in that you'll need to purchase developer separately, which adds to the upfront cost.