The 12 Best Non-Fading Hair Dyes of 2023 for Bright Hair Color

We’re all for naturally sun-kissed blonde and subtly highlighted brunette, for sure. But sometimes you just want to think outside the natural hair color box and mix it up with a rainbow hue or some trendy mermaid locks.

Experimenting with bright shades is all the rage; scroll through social media, and you’ll see exactly what we mean. And the nice thing about dipping into a more dramatic dye? The majority of the options out there are semi-permanent, meaning they’ll gradually fade over the course of several weeks/shampoos. In other words, you can easily go bold without having to make any kind of serious color commitment.

Do keep in mind that the base shade you’re starting with will definitely affect the result; generally speaking, bright tones work best on bleached or blonde hair. If you’re starting with a darker color, you may want to consider lightening it first or seeking out formulas specifically made for brunettes.  If the former, make sure that the bleaching part is done by a trained professional to minimize the likelihood of damaging your hair, advises Kristen Fleming, color director at 3rd Coast Salon in Chicago.

Ready to play? Take these bright hair colors for a test run.

These tinted conditioners are exactly what they sound like—ultra-hydrating conditioners infused with plenty of color. The application also couldn’t be easier. Work it into damp hair for five to 10 minutes, then rinse. (Once you’ve achieved your desired hue, you can then use it for less time to keep the shade true and vibrant.) And per the conditioner part of things, we also appreciate that it touts bond-building technology to maintain the integrity and health of your hair.

Price at time of publish: $15

Active Ingredients: Palm, coconut, sugar | Type: Semi-permanent, conditioner | Shades: 12 | Lasts: Up to 8 washes | Best for: All hair types and shades | Size: 6.4 fluid ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Purple Bordeaux Shampoo $14.99
Purple Bordeaux Conditioner $14.99
Purple Bordeaux Duo $27
Purple Bordeaux Bundle $36