Green hair dye has become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for fun and creative ways to express themselves through their hair color. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which green dye is the best one for you? Here are some key questions to consider when shopping for green hair dye:
What shade of green do you want? Greens range from yellow-toned lime greens to blue-toned emerald greens. Think about what tone you’re going for.
Do you want a permanent or semi-permanent dye? Permanent dyes last 4-6 weeks and require developer to penetrate the hair shaft, while semi-permanents coat the outside of the hair and wash out over several weeks.
What’s your natural hair color? Those with light blond or bleached hair will have the easiest time getting vibrant greens. If you have darker hair, you may need to lighten it first.
How damaged is your hair? If your hair is especially dry or damaged, look for dyes labeled “conditioning” or made for color-treated hair.
Are you looking for special ingredients? Some green dyes are vegan, sulfate-free, made with organic ingredients, etc. Consider any preferences like these.
With those factors in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top-rated and most recommended green hair dyes.
Best Permanent Green Hair Dyes
Here are some top options for long-lasting, bold green hair color:
Arctic Fox Poison
This semi-permanent dye delivers a striking neon lime green on pre-lightened hair. It’s free of harsh chemicals and uses gentle, condition ingredients like cocoa butter and ginseng root extract. Fades to a softer greenish-yellow.
Manic Panic Electric Lizard
A vegan and cruelty-free neon green dye that results in a very bright, eye-catching color. The creamy formula conditions hair while coloring. Lasts 4-6 weeks before fading.
Ion Color Brilliance Brights Emerald
A rich emerald green from a salon brand. The gel cream formula offers even saturation and coloring. Contains argan oil for added conditioning. Stays vivid for up to 6 weeks.
Lunar Tides Juniper
A favorite for a minty green shade. This vegan and sulfate-free dye nourishes hair with aloe vera and delivers bold color even on unbleached hair. Lasts 4-8 weeks.
Punky Colour Forest Green
This semi-permanent dye infuses hair with a lush, green forest hue. Free of ammonia and peroxide, it conditions with aloe vera and proteins while depositing color that lasts 4-6 weeks.
| Brand | Shade Name | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Arctic Fox | Poison | – Neon lime green – Semi-permanent – Free of harsh chemicals – Contains conditioning ingredients |
| Manic Panic | Electric Lizard | – Vibrant neon green – Vegan and cruelty-free – Creamy conditioning formula – Lasts 4-6 weeks |
| Ion | Emerald | – Salon brand – True emerald green – Gel cream for even application – Contains argan oil – Lasts up to 6 weeks |
| Lunar Tides | Juniper | – Minty green shade – Vegan and sulfate-free – Nourishes with aloe vera – Vibrant even on unbleached hair – Lasts 4-8 weeks |
| Punky Colour | Forest Green | – Lush forest green hue – No ammonia or peroxide – Conditions hair with aloe and proteins – Lasts 4-6 weeks |
Best Semi-Permanent Green Dyes
For shorter-term green color that fades gracefully, try one of these top-rated semi-permanent options:
Overtone Coloring Conditioner in Extreme Green
This daily use color-depositing conditioner gradually builds up to a bold kelly green shade. It uses certified organic ingredients and leaves hair soft. Color lasts 10-15 washes.
Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Green Envy
An affordable drugstore pick for a vivid lime green. The liquid gel formula glides on smoothly and lasts 4-8 shampoos. Does not require a developer.
Keracolor Clenditioner in Emerald
This cleansing cream hair dye hybrid offers salon-quality results at home. Builds up to a jewel-toned green that lasts through 12-15 washes and leaves hair nourished.
Celeb Luxury Viral Colorwash in Green
A thin, gentle green dye made of vegan ingredients like sugar cane extract and marshmallow root. Great for maintaining green color between salon visits. Lasts 4-6 weeks.
Good Dye Young Semi-Permanent Hair Color in Galaxy Green
From Hayley Williams’ vegan and cruelty-free hair dye brand. The conditioner-like formula gives a mystical teal-green for up to 12 washes and leaves hair feeling nourished.
| Brand | Name | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Overtone | Extreme Green Conditioner | – Daily progressive conditioning formula – Builds to bold kelly green – Uses organic ingredients – Lasts 10-15 washes |
| Adore | Green Envy | – Vibrant lime green – Liquid gel consistency – No developer needed – Lasts 4-8 shampoos |
| Keracolor | Emerald Clenditioner | – Salon-like results – Jewel emerald green – 12-15 wash lasting – Nourishing formula |
| Celeb Luxury | Viral Colorwash – Green | – Vegan ingredients – Gentle, thin formula – For between-salon maintenance – Lasts 4-6 weeks |
| Good Dye Young | Galaxy Green | – From Hayley Williams – Conditioner-like formula – Mystical teal green – Lasts up to 12 washes |
How to Dye Hair Green
Once you’ve chosen the perfect green hair dye, follow these steps for optimal color results:
Prep your hair. Start with clean, dry hair for maximum dye uptake. Brush thoroughly to remove knots and tangles. For darker hair, lighten strands first with bleach or color remover.
Protect skin and clothing. Wear gloves and old clothes or a cape. Petroleum jelly can protect skin at hairline, ears and neck.
Mix and apply dye. If using permanent dye, mix color and developer according to instructions. For semi- or demi-permanent dyes, apply directly from jar or bottle. Thoroughly saturate hair from roots to ends.
Process the dye. Allow to develop for the full processing time stated on the box or bottle instructions for complete color penetration. For permanent dye, 45 mins is average.
Rinse thoroughly. Rinse hair with warm water until the water runs clear. Make sure no traces of excess dye remain.
Condition and style. Use a nourishing conditioner and let hair air dry, avoid heat styling immediately after.Style as desired once fully dry.
Maintain color. Use sulfate-free shampoo and cold water washes to keep green color vibrant for as long as possible. Use color-depositing conditioner or toner for occasional refresh. Re-dye roots as they grow out.
How to Remove Green Hair Dye
When you’re ready to say goodbye to your green locks, here’s how to remove the color:
Fade color gradually. Repeated washes with clarifying shampoo and hot water will help lift dye over several weeks. Anti-dandruff shampoo can speed fading too.
Use a color remover. Pre-mixed removers or bleach baths strip color in a single use. They are harsh, so condition hair after.
Bleach out the green. Bleach breaks down artificial hair pigments. Lighten hair to pale yellow tones, then tone to desired shade.
Cut hair. Significant trims will chop off colored parts so new growth comes in natural. This works best for short styles.
See a colorist. Professionals can perform coded color removal or use pens to dots dye out of hair a few strands at a time.
Patience and gentle removal methods are best to avoid excessive damage when taking out green hair dye. Give yourself time to transition the color slowly.
Maintaining Green Hair
Keep your green color vibrant in between dye sessions with:
– Sulfate-free shampoo
– Cool water washes
– Limited washing, every 2-3 days
– Color-depositing conditioner
– Dye refresh glosses or toners
– Heat protectant when heat styling
– Moisturizing hair masks
– Minimal chlorine exposure
– Sun protection spray or hat
Take extra care to keep dyed strands conditioned and protected. Avoid overwashing and activities that cause excessive fading.
Fixing Green Hair Dye Disasters
Green hair mishaps happen! Here are some remedies:
Uneven color – Re-dye using the initial dye to get an even shade.
Too dark and intense – Wash frequently with clarifying shampoo to lighten the green.
Too light and green turned blue – Add a yellow-based toner or dye to counteract the blue tones.
Green didn’t take at all – Re-dye on freshly clarified hair leaving dye on longer. Consider lightening more first.
Roots are stubborn – Pre-lighten and lift natural pigment so green dye takes better to roots.
Hair feels dry and damaged – Treat with Olaplex, olive oil soaks, leave-in conditioner and trim split ends.
Don’t panic! Most green hair disasters can be remedied with more dye, toner or TLC for your strands.
Best Brands for Green Hair Dye
Some top brands for green hair coloring include:
– Arctic Fox – Vibrant neon greens like Poison. Conditioning semi-permanent formula.
– Manic Panic – Classic bold greens like Electric Lizard. Vegan and high intensity.
– Pulp Riot – Dynamic professional greens like Lizard and Nightshade. Salon quality results.
– Joico – Luscious greens like Mermaid Blue-Green. Salon brand with conditioning formulas.
– Ion – Long-lasting greens like Emerald. Affordable salon dye with great color payoff.
– Good Dye Young – On-trend greens like Kryptonite. By Hayley Williams. Gentle vegan formula.
– Overtone – Buildable daily greens like Extreme Green. Color-depositing conditioner.
– Lunar Tides – Unique greens like Juniper. Sulfate-free and veggie-based.
– Splat – Extreme greens like Kermit’s Blood. Bold payoff even on darker hair.
Experiment to find your perfect brand match based on shade selection and formula preferences.
Green Hair Inspiration
Need some visual inspiration before going green? Here are examples of stunning green hair colors:
Neon lime green – Vibrant, electric and eye-catching. Shows up well on paler hair.
Jewel emerald green – Deep and rich green with blue undertones. Sophisticated and dramatic.
Forest green – Deep green shades inspired by lush flora. Earthy and romantic.
Seafoam green – Bluish-green mix evoking ocean waves. Soft and dreamy.
Mermaid green – Deep green hues that blend into teals and blues. Mystical and fun.
Ombre green into blonde – Dark roots fading lighter towards ends. Dynamic and dimensional.
Green peekaboo highlights – strategic green pieces framed around face or underneath top layers. Subtle pop of color.
Pastel green – Softened green ideal for pre-lightened or blonde hair. Whimsical fairy-like effect.
Flip through color swatches online or in store to decide on your perfect shade of green. The options are endless!
Conclusion
Green hair makes a stylish and unique statement. With so many eye-catching shades from neonbright to deep emerald greens, you can find a look that matches your personal style. Permanent dyes will last 4-6 weeks, while semi-permanents offer shorter-term commitment perfect for trying out a new color.
Prepping hair properly and taking care of dyed strands will keep the green vibrant. Troubleshoot any mishaps with more dye, toner or intensive conditioning. Go bold and express yourself with gorgeous green locks. Let your hair reflect your creative spirit.
