The Ultimate Guide to Salon-Quality Hair Color at Home with Sally Beauty
Want beautiful, salon-quality hair color without the expensive salon visit? Whether you're looking for a bold new change or just want to refresh your current shade, coloring your hair at home is easier than ever. Today, we’re talking about three highly rated permanent hair colors From Sally Beauty that give you rich, long-lasting results: Ion Color Brilliance Permanent Creme Hair Color, Wella Color Charm Permanent Gel Hair Color, and L'Oréal Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Color—all available at Sally Beauty. We’ll walk you through what makes each one stand out, how to get the best results, and which one might be the perfect match for your hair.
Why Choose Permanent Hair Color?
If you’re sick of your hair color fading too fast or those stubborn grays creeping back in, it might be time to switch to permanent hair dye. Unlike temporary or semi-permanent options that wash out in just a few shampoos, permanent color actually sinks into the hair shaft, meaning your color stays put until your hair grows out. That means fewer touch-ups, less maintenance, and more time enjoying your fresh new look. The best part is that you don’t need an expensive salon appointment to get rich, full-coverage color. With the right permanent hair dye, you can achieve stunning, professional-quality results right at home.
Whether you’re looking to fully cover grays, enhance your natural shade, or completely change up your look, these dyes put the power in your hands. Plus, many of today’s formulas are packed with conditioning ingredients that keep your hair soft, shiny, and healthy—no more worrying about dry, brittle strands after coloring.
And with so many shades to choose from, you’re not limited to just the basics. If you want a deep chocolate brown or a golden blonde or a bold red, there’s a shade for everyone. If you’re ready for a color that lasts and looks amazing, let’s check out some of the best permanent hair dyes that can give you salon-worthy results without the salon price tag.
Ion Color Brilliance Permanent Creme Hair Color
If you’re looking for a rich, vibrant color that actually lasts—and covers grays completely—Ion Color Brilliance is a solid choice. This permanent crème formula goes beyond just adding color; it’s designed with micro-pigment technology, which means the color sinks deep into your hair for long-lasting, fade-resistant results.
One of the best things about this dye is its 100% gray coverage, so if stubborn grays are an issue, this will take care of them completely. But it’s not just about coverage—this formula is also infused with peptides and argan oil, which help keep your hair soft, shiny, and healthy instead of dry and brittle like some dyes tend to do. And if you’re worried about damage, you’ll be happy to know it has a low-ammonia formula, so you get intense color without stressing out your strands.
With over 50 shades to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whether you want a natural tone or something bold and eye-catching. Plus, the fade-resistant formula means your color stays vibrant for weeks, and built-in UV protection helps prevent fading from sun exposure. It’s also super easy to mix and apply, making it perfect for at-home use—no salon appointment needed!
Who is it Best For:
If you’re looking for a hair color that stays rich and vibrant without fading too quickly, this is a great choice. It completely covers stubborn grays, so you won’t have to worry about touch-ups as often. Plus, it doesn’t just add color—it also keeps your hair feeling soft and healthy, which is a huge bonus if you don’t want to deal with dry, brittle strands after coloring. If your hair tends to need extra moisture, this formula helps nourish and protect it, leaving it looking shiny, refreshed, and full of life.
Wella Color Charm Permanent Gel Hair Color
If you’re looking for rich, professional-quality hair color without the salon appointment, Wella Color Charm is a great option. The gel formula makes it super easy to apply—no drips, no mess—just smooth, even coverage that looks fresh and vibrant for weeks. Unlike some hair dyes that fade too quickly, this one is designed to hold onto its color, so you won’t have to worry about it dulling after just a few washes.
If you need to lighten your hair a little, the Wella Color Charm can lift your natural shade by up to two levels, giving you a brighter look without the damage of bleach. It’s also perfect for blondes who want to tone down brassiness and bring out cooler, more dimensional shades. The gel texture makes it easy to control during application, so you won’t end up with patchy or uneven color.
And the best part about it is that it’s gentle on your hair. The low pH formula helps keep your strands healthy and soft, so you get gorgeous color without sacrificing hair health. Whether you’re covering grays, refreshing your current shade, or making a subtle change, Wella Color Charm delivers long-lasting, salon-worthy results with minimal effort.
Who is it Best For:
If you’re the kind of person who wants gorgeous hair color without all the hassle, Wella Color Charm is a game-changer. The gel formula is super easy to work with—no drips, no mess, just smooth, even coverage that makes at-home coloring a breeze. If you’re tired of color that fades too quickly, this one’s got you covered with long-lasting vibrancy that keeps your hair looking fresh for weeks.
Blondes dealing with unwanted brassiness will appreciate how this formula helps tone and brighten their color, bringing out the perfect shade. And if you want salon-quality results but don’t have the time (or patience) for a complicated process, Wella Color Charm makes it easy to get beautiful, professional-looking hair with minimal effort.
L'Oréal Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Color
Sally Beauty L’Oréal Excellence Crème isn’t just another box dye—it’s a game-changer for anyone who wants salon-quality results at home without sacrificing their hair’s health. If you’ve ever worried about at-home color leaving your hair feeling dry or brittle, this formula has you covered. Packed with pro-keratin, collagen, and ceramides, it doesn’t just add color—it actively strengthens and nourishes your hair in the process.
One of the biggest concerns with coloring at home is gray coverage, and this dye tackles even the most stubborn grays with ease, delivering rich, even color from root to tip. But what really sets it apart is how natural the color looks. Instead of a one-dimensional, flat result, you get a multi-tonal, vibrant finish that mimics salon-quality depth and shine.
The application is effortless, too. The included precision brush makes it easy to target roots or apply all over without making a mess. And once you rinse it out, your hair doesn’t just look good—it feels soft, hydrated, and healthy, thanks to the built-in conditioning treatment. Whether you're covering grays, refreshing your current shade, or going for a whole new look, L’Oréal Excellence Crème gives you gorgeous, long-lasting color while keeping your hair strong and silky.
Who is it Best For:
This hair color is a great choice if you want a rich, vibrant color while keeping your hair strong and healthy. If grays are your main concern, this formula covers them completely without leaving your hair feeling dry or brittle. The creamy texture makes it super easy to apply, whether you’re new to coloring or have been doing it for years. And if your hair tends to get dry after coloring, the nourishing ingredients help lock in moisture, so your hair stays soft, shiny, and hydrated long after you rinse out the dye.