How to Dye Dark Hair Vibrant Colors without Bleach, According to Your Hair Level

Who said that vibrant hair colors were only for lightened hair types? Whether you have level 2 black hair or level 6 light brown hair, you can still achieve stunning, vibrant hues without the need for bleach!

Fruits Lab Hair stylist & GDY color expert Alexa has curated a selection of hair formulas that are perfect for dark or unlightened hair types — because vibrant color is for everyone! Let's explore how to experiment with pops of color or achieve gorgeous undertones with your dark hair.

How to Identify Your Hair Level

The level of your hair is determined by your hair’s shade. These numbered levels help to standardize the many shades hair can be, so it’s easier to create formulas that get you to your dream hair. There are 10 levels ranging from black to lightest blonde. See here to determine which level best matches you!

The Best Vibrant Colors for Level 2 to 3 Dark Brown & Black Hair

For a slight green tint that catches in the light, try a forest green semi-permanent like Move Mountains.
For a soft hint of purple, try a deep eggplant purple semi-permanent like Make It Happen.
For a subtle blue undertone, try a navy semi-permanent like Dream Big.
For a slightly blue tint, try a semi-permanent black additive like None More Black.

The Best Vibrant Colors for Level 4 Dark Brown Hair

For a soft deep green tint, try a forest green semi-permanent like Move Mountains.
For a slightly purple ash tint, try a deep eggplant purple semi-permanent like Make It Happen.
For a subtle blue undertone, try a navy semi-permanent like Dream Big.
For a slightly blu-purple tint, try a semi-permanent black additive like None More Black.

For a slightly reddish-pink brown tone, try a burgundy semi-permanent like All In This Together.

The Best Vibrant Colors for Level 5 Medium Brown Hair

For a soft deep green tint, try a forest green semi-permanent like Move Mountains.
For a deep purple dusty brown, try a deep eggplant purple semi-permanent like Make It Happen.
For a subtle blue undertone, try a navy semi-permanent like Dream Big.
For an ash-toned brown, try a semi-permanent black additive like None More Black.
For a slight red pinkish brown tone, try a burgundy semi-permanent like All In This Together.

For a slightly red auburn brown, try a bright red semi-permanent like Rock Lobster.

The Best Vibrant Colors for Level 6 Medium Brown Hair

For a soft deep green tint, try a forest green semi-permanent like Move Mountains.
For a dark dusty purple, try a deep eggplant purple semi-permanent like Make It Happen.
For a deep blue with brown tint, try a navy semi-permanent like Dream Big.
For an ashy, blue-purple brown, try a semi-permanent black additive like None More Black.
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For a medium to dark pink/ purple tint, try a burgundy semi-permanent like All In This Together.
For a soft reddish brown, try a bright red semi-permanent like Rock Lobster.
For a deep ashy brown with a blue-purple tint, try a gray semi-permanent like Killswitch.
For a soft copper tint, try an orange semi-permanent like Riot.
For a warm brown, try an auburn semi-permanent like Earthworm.

The Best Vibrant Colors for Level 7 Medium Brown Hair

For a dark greenish blue, try a forest green semi-permanent like Move Mountains.
For a vibrant dark purple, try a deep eggplant purple semi-permanent like Make It Happen.
For a dark bluish brown, try a navy semi-permanent like Dream Big.
For a beautiful cherry cola red, try a burgundy semi-permanent like All In This Together.
For a soft pinkish red, try a bright red semi-permanent like Rock Lobster.
For a soft copper orange, try an orange semi-permanent like Riot.
For a warm copper brown, try an auburn semi-permanent like Earthworm.
For a slight dusty pink tint, try a bright pink semi-permanent like Ex-Girl.
For a soft copper brown, try a copper semi-permanent like Toxicity.
For a touch of red-purple, try a magenta semi-permanent like Live Laugh Love.
For a medium blue with a slightly green tint, try a bright blue semi-permanent like Blue Ruin.
For a soft brown green, try a bright green semi-permanent like Kowabunga.

How to Experiment with Wash-Out Hair Color for All Hair Types & Colors

One thing that works for all hair levels is hair makeup! One Night Only is a workable, wash-out hair makeup formula that works with all hair types, textures, and colors to help you dive into vivid color without the commitment.

Experiment with streaks, color blocking, dip dye, or a create-your-own color, switching it up by the day like you would with your makeup or your clothes. All you have to do is play, rinse, and repeat!

Pro Tip: For a baby pastel pink, try mixing One Night Only Pink with Rinse Conditioner and applying all over!