6 Best Korean Hair Dyes to Achieve K-Pop Worthy Tresses

Written by Alvira Dsouza, Hair Expert
Updated on Feb 20, 2024
Best Korean Hair Dye
Best Korean Hair Dye
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

A hair transformation like never before awaits you with the best Korean hair dyes. Our team of hair experts has studied the world of Korean hair products, investing time and money to dig out both popular and hidden gems for you. They are aware of how important it is to find a safe and high-quality hair dye, and after a series of tests, they've come up with 6 products that have exceeded their expectations.

From colors that promise a subtle change to ones that are more bold and artistic, all of the products on our list have proved themselves and delivered spectacular results. So let's go ahead and take a look at what all of these at-home hair colors have to offer!

6 Best Korean Hair Dyes

Some people prefer a hair color treatment that's quick and easy to use while also being gentle on their locks, and this Color Cream from Herb Speedy ticks off all the boxes. It's vegan, PPD-free, and has a formula that's rich in herbal extracts. Made in South Korea, it's also known to be nourishing and scalp-friendly, delivering an allergy-free experience to the user. The best part is that you don't have to wait for very long – it delivers results in just 20 minutes. Plus, it also protects your new hair color from sunlight damage.

Color Options: Natural black and dark brown.

Pros
  • Convenient tube packaging
  • Suitable for different hair types and textures
  • Delivers salon-like results
  • Safe and reliable
  • Doesn’t contain harmful chemicals
  • Delivers a vibrant color payoff
  • Mess-free application
Cons
  • Limited shade range
  • Best for Beginners

    mise en scene HELLO BUBBLE - Ash Khaki Brown

    mise en scene HELLO BUBBLE - Ash Khaki Brown
  • Give yourself an easy at-home makeover with Mis En Scene's Hello Bubble hair color in the shade "Ash Khaki Brown". The color looks very chic, striking the perfect balance between modern and sophisticated. The formula is very easy to use and it ensures an even application, while the included hair ampoule promises to offer the highest level of protection for healthy tresses that have a glossy, radiant finish. Forget all those complicated routines and procedures, and say hello to beautiful and nourished locks, all from the comfort of your own space.

    Color Options: Ash khaki brown, choco brown, dark choco, dusty ash, and vanilla gold.

    Pros
    • Suitable for beginners
    • Requires minimal maintenance
    • Convenient jar packaging
    • No harsh odors
    • Enhances hair texture
    • Adds an extra layer of protection
    • Gives long-lasting results
    Cons
    • Not suitable for very dry hair
  • Ash Beige

    eZn Pudding Hair Color - Ash Beige

    eZn Pudding Hair Color - Ash Beige
  • The eZn Pudding Hair Color is a DIY kit that not only gives you the most trendy hair makeover but also intensely nourishes your locks with the infusion of fruit and seed oils. With this hair dye, there's no need for you to use any brushes – all you have to do is shake both liquids together and you'll get a really fun pudding formula that's easy to apply with your hands. It's also drip-free and mess-free, so you don't have to face the hassle of stains or cleaning up. Steal the spotlight and showcase your unique personality with this ammonia-free, semi-permanent Korean hair dye.

    Color Options: Ash beige, ash blue, ash blue gray, ash gray, ash lavender, ash toner, Brussels choclat, deep black, mushroom blond, mute skin brown, pink toner, and warm pink brown.

    Pros
    • Enhances hair texture
    • Easy to apply
    • Even color distribution
    • Convenient packaging
    • Maintains hair healthy
    • Unique colors
    • Innovative formula
    Cons
    • Fades quickly

    Quick Tip:

    Avoid overlapping your roots onto sections that have already been colored as this can lead to an uneven color payoff and potential hair damage.

  • Most Affordable

    THE FLOWER MEN CLINIC COLOR - Light Brown

    THE FLOWER MEN CLINIC COLOR - Light Brown
  • Give your mane a stunning upgrade with THE FLOWER MEN's Korean light brown hair color. Loaded with 1200 milligrams of nourishing keratin along with moisturizing ceramides, scalp-friendly glycyrrhiza extract, and lustrous camellia oil, this South Korean-made, popular hair color is just the magic that your precious locks need. Just follow the easy pictorial-based directions on the box to achieve the most vibrant shades that last up to 36 months. Plus, the formula is also hypoallergenic, so it's safe to use even if you have sensitive skin.

    Color Options: Light brown, black, blonde brown, cappuccino brown, coffee brown, cherry red, dark brown, lemon yellow, natural brown, orange brown, and rich brown.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Easy to rinse off
    • Requires minimal maintenance
    • Gentle formula
    • No strong odor
    • Long shelf life
    • Adds shine
    Cons
    • May stain your clothing
  • Best Texture

    Seven Eight Ammonia Free Hair Color - Golden Brown

    Seven Eight Ammonia Free Hair Color - Golden Brown
  • This "Golden Brown" hair dye from Seven Eight is a game-changer – it is free from ammonia, has no bad odor, and coves 100% of your grays, all in just a quick 20 minutes! Crafted by Korea's Dingsung Bio Pharmaceutical, it comes in a pack of 3 tubes that deliver your desired shade with hassles. You'll get vibrant and shiny hair without the ill effects of ammonia, and your hair coloring experience will be nothing less than cozy and luxurious.

    Color Options: Golden Brown

    Pros
    • Tested by dermatologists
    • Long shelf life
    • User-friendly
    • High-quality ingredients
    • Consistent color results
    • Rejuvenates the strands
    • Creamy texture
    Cons
    • Not suitable for those with a sensitive and dry scalp

    Quick Tip:

    Leaving this color on for too long may cause the results to be darker than you expected. Ensure to stick to the timing that is mentioned on the packaging.

  • Dark Brown

    DAENG GI MIO RI Herb Hair Color - Dark Brown

    DAENG GI MIO RI Herb Hair Color - Dark Brown
  • Cover up those unwanted gray strands while also adding a revitalizing touch with DAENG GI MIO RI's Herb Hair Color in the shade "Dark Brown". It comes in a pack of 2 and has a very creamy formula that effortlessly covers all of your grays while also pampering your locks with the goodness of a 50% herbal extract infusion for some much-needed tender loving care. Additionally, it's also PPD-free and ammonia-free, allowing you to flaunt a beautifully-colored head of hair with absolutely no worries.

    Color Options: Dark Brown

    Pros
    • Cruelty-free
    • Even color distribution
    • Suitable for all hair types
    • Tested by dermatologists
    • No premature fading
    • Has a pleasant fragrance
    • Makes the hair soft
    Cons
    • The consistency may be liquidy

    Now that you’ve seen a selection of the best Korean hair dyes, let’s take a look at how you can select the best one for yourself.

    How to Select the Best Korean Hair Dye?

    While selecting a Korean hair color for yourself, here are a few factors that you can consider:

    • Hair Type And Color

    It is important that you choose a color that suits both your hair type and your preferences. If your hair is damaged or brittle, consider using more gentle and nourishing options.

    • Coverage And Longevity

    Check how much gray coverage the hair dye offers – this is especially necessary if you're looking to cover your gray hair. Long-lasting hair colors are also great since you don't need to maintain them regularly.

    • Brand Research

    It's better to pick Korean hair dye brands that have a good reputation and are well-known. Take a look at the product's reviews too, to get a better idea.

    • Method of Application

    Choose a hair dye that's easy for you to apply at home. The process should be simple and you should be comfortable, only then will you get the best results.

    • Additional Benefits

    Look for features such as UV color protection and color-lock benefits. This can help keep your color looking fresh for extended periods, 

    • Allergies And Sensitivities

    Check for potential allergens in the product, and once you receive it, perform a patch test before the full application.

    Don't forget to follow all the instructions that come with the product carefully. If you still have any doubts, you can consult a professional hairstylist.

    Ingredients to Avoid While Buying a Korean Hair Dye

    While picking out a Korean hair color dye, it's essential that you stay away from harsh ingredients such as ammonia, parabens, and sulfates. Ammonia is known to be harsh on the hair, leading to issues such as dryness and damage (1). Parabens, on the other hand, have the potential to irritate and may cause harm to your scalp (2). Sulfates are commonly found in a lot of shampoos and other hair products – they may strip the strands away from their natural and nourishing oils, leaving the hair extremely frizzy and dull-looking (3). It would do your hair wonders if you choose dyes that have more gentle formulations that are enriched with nourishing ingredients like botanical extracts – this will ensure that you get the most vibrant and luscious colored hair.

    Conclusion

    Finding the perfect new color for your hair can be very exciting, but it's important that you consider the quality of the product while doing so. While choosing from our list of the best Korean hair dyes, we urge you to also keep your hair type and the dye's ingredients in mind. By avoiding harmful components and choosing innovative and safe formulations, you can rest assured that achieve gorgeous-looking and healthy results at the same time. So go ahead and enjoy the experience, while also making an informed decision at the same time!

    FAQ's

    Are Korean hair dyes suitable for all hair types?
    Generally, Korean hair dyes can be used on all hair types. However, the results may vary according to the texture and condition of your hair.
    Do Korean hair dyes contain harmful chemicals like ammonia?
    Some Korean hair dyes may contain ammonia while some may not – it varies from formulation to formulation. You can check the product’s label or ingredient list for more information.
    Can Korean hair dyes cover stubborn grey hairs effectively?
    Korean hair dyes often provide good coverage, but the effectiveness may vary among products and according to the individual's hair type.
    What should I consider when choosing a Korean hair dye for dark hair?
    You can choose a hair dye that’s specially made for darker hair colors. Check the ingredients and also ensure that they offer effective coverage.
    Are there specific Korean hair dyes suitable for light-colored or bleached hair?
    Yes, some Korean hair dyes are made specially for these types of hair. Often, the same will be mentioned on the label itself.
    Can I use Korean hair dyes to achieve pastel or unconventional hair colors?
    This may be possible with certain Korean hair dyes, especially those that offer a vibrant shade range. Check the product descriptions and reviews to know more.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Alvira, the author of this article, enjoys using Korean hair dyes because of the variety of shades they have to offer. Additionally, they are also made from high-quality ingredients. After trying all the products, she preferred the eZn Pudding Hair Color in the shade “Ash Beige” the most. It had a unique formula which made the application process fun and exciting.

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Alvira Dsouza
    Hair Expert

    With a keen eye for detail and a passion for hairstyling, Alvira is a certified Hair Expert who brings the latest tre More