7 Best Ash Brown Hair Dye 2023 | Hair Color Ideas You Have To Try

Here are some top ash brown hair dyes you can try. These smokey ash brown hair colors work well without bleach on dark hair as well.

If you are someone who loves experimenting with hair colors, then here’s the perfect shade to try next! Ash brown it is!

There are a lot of people out there who wonder if a certain hair color will match their skin tone, but I’m going to have to say that with the color ash brown and the multiple shades it comes in, you shouldn’t have to wonder any more.

Ash brown is a very versatile color and literally matches anyone!

So ladies, what are you waiting for? Go get your hair dyed ash brown today!

Here are the Top 5 Ash Brown Dye Brands for you to try out!

Best Ash Brown Dyes	Best For	Shade
Clairol Age Defy Hair Coloring Tool	Normal hair type	5A medium ash brown
Revlon Colorsilk Permanent Hair Dye	All hair types	050 light ash brown
Wella Color Charm Permanent Hair Color	Chemically treated hair type	6A dark smokey ash blonde
Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Hair Dye	Normal hair type	6A light ash brown
Revlon ColorSilk Haircolor	Normal hair type	Medium ash brown

Here is a quick overview of the top ash brown hair colors!

Top Ash Brown Hair Dye	Clairol Age Defy Hair Coloring Tool	Revlon Colorsilk Permanent Hair Dye	Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Hair Dye	Wella Color Charm Permanent Hair Color	Revlon ColorSilk Haircolor
Images
Price	Affordable	Affordable	Expensive	Affordable	Very Affordable
Color Pigment	5/5	4.5/5	4/5	5/5	4.5/5
Long Lasting	3.5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5
Ingredients Quality	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	3.5/5	3/5
Ammonia-Free	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Vegan and Cruelty-Free	No	No	No	No	No

Top Ash Brown Hair Dye 2023

What Is Ash Brown Hair Color?

Not convinced about the shade, ash brown? Here’s what it is! Well, ash brown color is a blended shade of the color gray or silver, combined with brown (either light or medium), that makes an ash like shade.

The best part about getting your hair dyed ash brown is that it can literally be mixed with other colors or other colored highlights, or even used on previously bleached hair to give you the perfect results!

ASH BROWN PAKAI HAIR COLOR SAH WUDHU 😍

Before (bleached hair): After: pic.twitter.com/IlH3RXiBnL

— Nun | Hair Color, Hair Care, Innai Kuku (@nunnajmeen) March 15, 2021

How I tested the top ash brown hair dyes?

Whenever I test and review products, I liked to set a few parameters to test and review them on so that the readers can have a better idea of the product they are buying.

I have chosen three parameters to review these ash brown hair dyes and then rate them on a scale of 1-5. 

Here are the parameters I chose to test these products on:

Dyeing effect of Pigments: Since my hair is a natural brown and on the darker side, I decided to try out some permanent hair dyes to see how well the ash brown color tainted my brown hair shade.

Ingredients: Most dyes contain ammonia and parabens. This is one of the reasons I often like to choose products that do not contain harsh chemicals, but can still work just as well.

Staying power: This parameter I used to test how long would the dye stay on my hair without fading too soon.

Here are some of the top ash brown hair dyes in the market today. Check out my reviews for each of the hair colors below.

Clairol Age Defy Hair Coloring Tool

Best for: Normal hair type

Shade: 5A medium ash brown

Dye type: Permanent hair dye

If you are looking for a product free from ammonia and parabens, then this one’s for you! It made my hair feel so renewed and vibrant in color. 

I love that this product comes with a pre-treatment and also a revitalizing conditioner to restore the hair’s shine, once dyed.

Usually dyeing of hair can leave the hair dry and unmoisturized, but I didn’t have any such problem after using this product because of the conditioner that came along with it. 

It made my hair feel smooth and soft in texture which was a huge plus for me.

The dye lasted on my hair for around 7 to 8 weeks after which it started fading.

That being said, this product actually did a good job at dyeing my hair and I would definitely use it a second time. 

The only thing I would like to make a mention of is that it was so hard to find a second time and that’s one disadvantage of choosing this product to use.

The product isn’t too liquidy in texture, which makes it very easy to use and doesn’t make the dyeing process a messy affair. The smell of this dye is subtle and not very strong.

Pros:

• Gentle on the hair as it contains no ammonia and parabens.
• Very simple and easy to use.
• Leaves the hair well-moisturized and soft in texture as it contain natural oils
• Doesn’t have a strong chemically smell 
• Renews hair shine and promotes a good color vibrancy as it comes with a post-dye conditioner

Cons:

• Dye fades after 7 to 8 weeks.

My Ratings:

• Dyeing effect: 4.5/5
• Ingredients: 5/5
• Holding power: 3.8/5

Revlon Colorsilk Permanent Hair Dye

Best for: All hair types

Shade: 050 light ash brown

Dye type: Permanent

Revlon has always been one of my favorite hair dye brands.

The very first time I tried dyeing my hair at home with this product, I found it super easy to use and have been a loyal customer ever since. 

So when I saw that Revlon had an ash brown hair color shade I definitely needed to try it. It most definitely can be a first timer’s go to product!

This dye is completely free from ammonia and that is a plus for me, any day! My hair looked so bright and full of life after I dyed it light ash brown. I must say it turned out well.

While the box says that the dye is permanent, I have to put it out there that while the dye does a good job with coloring the hair, it isn’t as long lasting. 

I’d say it was around 4 weeks before it started to fade.

But since this product is fairly reasonable, I considered that aspect negligible because I loved the product overall – its dyeing power was good, the conditioner smelt good and also made my hair super soft.

So yes, this product was definitely in my sweet spot in terms of trial and usage.

Pros:

• Easy to use especially for first timers.
• Has no ammonia making it gentle on the hair.
• Contains a conditioner that makes the hair feel soft, once dyed.

Cons:

• Lasts around 4 weeks before fading away.

My Ratings:

• Dyeing effect: 4.2/5
• Ingredients: 5/5
• Holding power: 3.9/5

Related: How To Tone Brown Hair To Ash

Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Hair Dye

Best for: Normal hair type

Shade: 6A light ash brown

Dye type: Permanent

This hair dye made my hair get a lovely renewed hair shine and it did feel sufficiently conditioned, even though this product did contain ammonia.

It is known to be a permanent dye, but I would say it lasted me around 3 weeks before it began to fade.

Another aspect of this product that I didn’t like is the fact that it stains the skin. So, during application, you need to be careful while using it at the hairline. But in case it does stain, you could always use a color-remover to get rid of it.

Overall, I would say that the product did a good job at dyeing my hair and I got the color I desired with the perfect vibrancy.

Since my hair is chemically-treated, I was wondering whether it would work well and yes, that is another plus I’d give this product. It sure did work well!

Pros:

• Suits those with chemically-treated hair as it doesn’t contain bleach 
• Restores hair vibrancy as it contains moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera
• Suits dark hair as it’s a high-lift hair dye that doesn’t require bleach to lighten hair

Cons:

• Contains ammonia, so it can be slightly harsh on the hair.
• Stains the skin very easily as the pigment is too strong
• Begins to fade within 3 weeks of application

My Ratings:

• Dyeing effect: 4/5
• Ingredients: 3.5/5
• Holding power: 3.8/5

Wella Color Charm Permanent Hair Color

Best for: Chemically treated hair type

Shade: 6A dark smokey ash blonde

Dye type: Permanent

Since this product was specifically for use on chemically treated hair, I was very keen on trying it out because it would suit my hair perfectly. 

Well, did it? Yes, it sure did! I simply loved the way it worked on my hair.

It was very easy to use and it also dyed my hair within just 45 minutes of application and then it was fairly permanent unlike some of the other dyes I have used in the past.

The color did remain vibrant (until my hair started to grow out and I was required to do root touch ups) for a long enough time. 

Its fragrance was floral, so that was a good thing, but it made no mention whether it did contain ammonia or not. So that’s something I didn’t like about this product.

Pros:

• Makes hair look vibrant on first application itself due to the strong dye pigment
• Dyes hair within 45 minutes of application as it doesn’t require bleaching

Cons:

• Contains ammonia as it’s a high lift hair dye so it can be harsh on hair 

My Ratings:

• Dyeing effect: 4.2/5
• Ingredients: 3.7/5
• Holding power: 4.2/5

Revlon ColorSilk Haircolor

Best for: Normal hair type

Shade: Medium ash brown

Dye type: Permanent

Since this dye is ammonia free, contains added keratin and a brand that I had used before, I decided not to think twice before buying it. 

Well, it was a good decision because I loved the way t

his dye worked on my hair.

This dye came in the form of a gel and this was the very first time I had ever used a gel-based dye and I must say it is something I definitely liked about this product.

Another thing I liked about this product is that it lasted fairly long on my hair, around 6 weeks before it began to fade. 

When it did, it faded away gradually while my hair also grew out. So that’s an aspect I’d consider negligible for sure.

Pros:

• Gel-based product which is easy to use.
• Fades very gradually after 6 weeks of application.
• Contains added keratin and no ammonia.

Cons:

• None.

My Ratings:

• Dyeing effect: 4.2/5
• Ingredients: 4.8/5
• Holding power: 4.3/5

L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Hair Color, 6A Light Ash Brown

Best for: Normal to dry hair type

Shade: Light ash brown

Dye type: Permanent

I have been using this hair dye for a while now. I’m really happy with it. It’s amazing how long the color lasts and doesn’t fade at all!

My favorite thing about this product is that you can use the deep conditioning treatment after dying your hair to protect your scalp from damage caused by repeated dyeing, which means less money spent on salon visits in future!

The conditioner comes in handy too as you do not need to wash out and repeat process every time if you’re going somewhere special or on vacation as it will last longer than normal hair dyes.

I absoluteley adore this this product. The color is not very strong but it does cover all of my grey hair.

I also like that the dye doesn’t drip off your head, which makes it easier to apply evenly on your scalp without getting caught in your hair. It’s easy to use and you can wash out after 8 weeks if you want to get rid of the color completely

Pros:

• There is no ammonia in this dye despite it being permanent
• The hair dye is very long lasting and covers grey excellently
• Comes with ceramide-based deep conditioner that prevents hair damage.

Cons:

• It’s a lighter shade so you have to use it with the developer given

My Ratings:

• Dyeing effect: 4.8/5
• Ingredients: 4/5
• Holding power: 5/5

Pravana ChromaSilk Creme Hair Color – 5.11 Light Intense Ash Brown

Best for: Damaged Hair

Shade: Light ash brown

Dye type: Permanent

Okay, so I feel that out of all the hair dyes I’ve tried out Pravana hair dye is the best. It’s not a dye at all, it’s actually a conditioner and protein treatment that works to repair your damaged hair from the inside out.

The amino acids in this product help protect and repair damaged hair while also helping you grow long healthy locks.

I’ve been using this product for weeks now and after seeing how great my hair looks when I use it, my friends keep asking me what do I use on my amazing looking strands of browinsh-gold! So hey you know it works!

It is a great way to dye your hair without having to use a peroxide-based developer on your hair like you would with some other products out there.

My only issue with this hair dye brand is that it might be a tad expensive (I got a tiny 3 Oz tube for $15 almost!) especially when you compare it to brands like Garnier.

Pros:

• Doesn’t require developer so it’s good for damaged hair
• Contains silk proteins that help colored hair look smooth
• Very long lasting and doesn’t fade easily

Cons:

• None

My Ratings:

• Dyeing effect: 4.5/5
• Ingredients: 4.3/5
• Holding power: 4/5

How To Get Smokey Ash Brown Hair Color?

Achieving a smoky ash brown hair color on bleached hair can be a stunning transformation. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this look:

Materials You’ll Need:

• Smoky ash brown hair dye
• Developer (usually 10 or 20 volume)
• Mixing bowl and brush
• Gloves
• Hair clips
• Old towel or cape
• Hair conditioner
• Shampoo for color-treated hair
• Plastic shower cap
• Timer

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare Your Workspace:

Cover your shoulders with an old towel or cape to protect your clothing.

Put on gloves to avoid staining your hands.

Choose the Right Shade:

Select a smoky ash brown hair dye that suits your desired result. Look for a shade that has cool undertones to achieve the ash effect.

Mix the Hair Dye:

Follow the instructions on the hair dye packaging to mix the dye with the appropriate volume of developer in a mixing bowl. Typically, for ash brown shades, you’d use a 10 or 20 volume developer, depending on how light your bleached hair is.

Section Your Hair:

Divide your hair into manageable sections using hair clips. This makes it easier to apply the dye evenly.

Apply the Hair Dye:

Start applying the hair dye to your hair, beginning at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Ensure each section is fully saturated.

Use a brush for precision, and comb through your hair to distribute the color evenly.

Time It:

Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap and set a timer according to the instructions on the hair dye packaging. This is typically around 30 to 45 minutes. Check the color development periodically to achieve your desired shade.

Rinse and Condition:

Once the processing time is up and you’ve achieved the desired color, rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.

Apply a color-safe conditioner and leave it on for a few minutes to help lock in moisture and maintain the color.

Style as Desired:

After conditioning, rinse your hair again and then gently towel-dry it.

Style your smoky ash brown hair as desired, using heat protectant products if you plan to use heat styling tools.

Maintain Your Color:

To maintain the smoky ash brown shade and prevent it from fading, use a sulfate-free shampoo designed for color-treated hair and wash your hair in cool water.

Remember that the final result may vary depending on your hair’s starting condition and the brand of hair dye you use. It’s a good idea to do a strand test or consult with a professional colorist if you’re uncertain about the outcome or if your hair needs special attention due to prior coloring or damage.

The final takeaway

There are several ash brown hair dyes in the market. If you have bleached hair or naturally blonde hair, a regular hair dye like Revlon ColorSilk would be your best choice.

However, if you have dark hair and do not want to bleach your hair, then I would recommend a high-lift hair dye that both lightens and colors hair in go like the Wella Color Charm Permanent Hair dye.

I had a good overall experience with trying out ash brown hair dyes and I hope my review would help you make your choice! 

Feel free to experiment a little and maybe blend a couple of shades to switch up your look.

Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

Why You Should Trust Haireveryday?

The author of this article, Leah Marie Priest has a degree in Cosmetology with years of experience in dealing with hair care, scalp care, and hairstyling. As someone who extensively deals with all kinds of hair textures, products, styling methods and more, hair Leah Marie knows what kind of products and procedures suit each hair type and person. We have also tested these hair products and processes ourselves to provide you an unbiased review about every product. Each of our articles are also reviewed by a team of medical professionals so that you get the most accurate and expert-reviewed information.

Also Read:

What Ratio Of Bleach To Developer Do I Use

How Many Ounces Of Hair Dye Do You Need