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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
Dyeing locs is a different game than dyeing loose hair. The tight coils hold onto pigment in a way that can leave you with dry, brittle strands or an uneven, patchy result if you pick the wrong formula. This guide cuts through the noise to find the dye for locs that gives you rich, even color without sacrificing the health of your hair.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
From permanent salon-grade blacks to gentle, conditioning color-depositing shampoos, these are the top-rated formulas that loc wearers trust for full coverage, lasting color, and soft, healthy-feeling hair.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Dye for Locs
The biggest mistake loc wearers make is grabbing the first box dye they see without thinking about their hair’s moisture needs. Locs are naturally drier than loose hair, so the formula you choose makes a huge difference in how your hair feels after the color sets in.
Pick Your Commitment Level: Permanent vs. Semi-Permanent vs. Shampoo
Permanent dyes like Revlon ColorSilk and L’Oreal Feria penetrate the hair shaft for long-lasting color that grows out at the root. These are your best bet for a bold change or full gray coverage. Semi-permanent dyes and color-depositing shampoos like Keracolor sit on top of the hair and wash out gradually, making them perfect for refreshing your color between salon visits or trying a new shade without a long-term commitment.
Moisture Is the Real Battle
Because your locs are already a thirsty canvas, look for dyes that pack a conditioning punch. A formula with added repair complexes or keratin, like the Revlon option, helps keep your hair feeling silky instead of straw-like. If you choose a traditional dye, plan to deep condition afterward to restore the moisture that the color process strips away.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Type | Gray Coverage | Volume | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revlon ColorSilk Bond Repair★ Best Overall | All-over gray coverage | Permanent | 100% | 3 Pack | Amazon |
| L’Oreal Feria Jet BlackVivid Pick | Vibrant bold color | Permanent | Yes | 1 Kit | Amazon |
| Good Dye Young RedFashion Pick | Fashion colors on light hair | Semi-Permanent | No | 2.89 oz | Amazon |
| L’Oreal Excellence Nudes | Gentle gray coverage | Permanent | 100% | 1 Kit | Amazon |
| got2b Metallics | Shimmering black shine | Permanent | Yes | 7.05 oz | Amazon |
| Bablabear Black Shampoo | Quick root touch-up | Color Shampoo | Yes | 500ml | Amazon |
| Chestnut Brown Shampoo | Low-commitment brown tint | Color Shampoo | Yes | 16.9 Fl Oz | Amazon |
| Keracolor Auburn Clenditioner | Refreshing faded color | Color Shampoo | No | 9.6 oz | Amazon |
| Onilyua Dark Brown Shampoo | Budget-friendly brown touch-up | Color Shampoo | Yes | 16.9 Fl Oz | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Revlon ColorSilk with Bond Repair Hair Color, 10 Black, 3pk
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 850+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The three-pack workhorse that keeps your locs a true, rich black without the blue or purple tints.
For loc wearers, the biggest fear with box black dye is ending up with an odd blue or purple sheen, or worse, damage that leaves your locs feeling like straw. This Revlon formula sidesteps both. It’s an ammonia-free permanent dye that delivers 100% gray coverage, so those silver strands at your roots disappear completely in a single application, leaving a rich natural black that owners say beats pricier salon brands.
Your hair stays healthy while this dye works, thanks to the Bond Repair Complex and Vegan Keratin Fillers (ingredients that rebuild the hair’s internal structure as it colors). Buyers report hair feels up to 94% silkier and up to 9X shinier after use. Owners mention that “This 3-pack arrived on time, and Revlon ColorSilk never disappoints,” and over 30 owners single out its gray-root coverage as the standout feature.
Because this is a permanent dye, the color is a commitment, but it pays off with results that last. Customers note the vibrant color holds strong for up to 8 weeks, so you won’t re-dye every few weeks. The 3-pack gives you three boxes, each 3.58 inches thick in the package, so you can work through your locs in sections or stockpile for touch-ups — more product for your money than a single kit.
What Owners Love
- True black color with zero blue or purple tint
- Ammonia-free and gentle on locs
- Excellent value with the 3-pack format
- Leaves hair feeling soft and shiny
Keep In Mind
- Permanent formula means a longer-term color commitment
- Warned against the “indigo blue black” shade — it’s actually blue
Reach for this if: you want reliable, all-over gray coverage and a natural black that doesn’t look painted on.
Look elsewhere if: you’re after a fashion color or a temporary tint — this is a permanent commitment.
2. L’Oreal Paris Feria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color, 10 Jet Black
For locs that crave a fashion-forward, multi-tonal black with a healthy dose of shine.
While the Revlon above gives you a classic, flat black, this Feria formula is for the loc wearer who wants dimension and shimmer woven into their color. It’s a permanent dye that delivers a multi-faceted, striking vibrancy in just 25 minutes, and it’s inspired by high-fashion shades. The kit includes a vitamin-infused shine serum, which is a nice touch for locs that need an extra boost of gloss.
If you want a jet-black that catches the light, the 3X highlight formula adds a shimmering quality to your locs. Loyal users say it’s the only brand they’ve used — one owner put it, “I love feria hair dye, its the only brand ive used after 3 years of dyeing my hair and it always makes such vibrant, long lasting results!” The included Bonding Care Complex Conditioner is designed to repair weak hair bonds, and the maker claims up to 40% stronger hair.
The catch is the same for any vivid permanent dye: it’s a real commitment. One owner with stubborn red highlights underneath found that while the first day was very black, the color shifted to a midnight purple after washing. If you have old color in your locs, especially a warm tone, expect the Feria to interact with it. It’s the closest to a true black in the Feria line, but it demands a clean canvas for the most predictable result.
Defining Trait: It is the showiest black here, with a shimmering, multi-faceted finish and a luxurious kit — oil, mask, and mixing bottle included.
Honest Caveat: The vivid formula can pull purple if you have residual warm color in your locs, so do a strand test first.
3. Good Dye Young Semi Permanent Hair Dye (Rock Lobster Red)
A conditioning, vegan red for loc wearers who want a bold pop of color without the long-term damage.
If you’re ready to step away from the blacks and browns, this is the pick for you. This semi-permanent dye deposits a vibrant Electric Red on the top of the hair shaft — think of it as a stain that fades over time — rather than penetrating and damaging the strand. It’s a non-damaging, conditioning formula that’s fragranced with bergamot essential oil, and it’s vegan and cruelty-free. It shows its best on level 10 light blonde hair, so it’s designed for lightened locs.
The defining trait here is the fade promise: the maker says it lasts 15-24+ washes, and it’s perfect for streaks and strands rather than a full-head commitment. Owners love that the red isn’t orangey — it’s a true, rich red that looks amazing. That said, the 2.89-ounce bottle is small, and many owners note a full head of locs will need more than one bottle. It’s best treated as a great way to refresh a few strands or add dimension, not for a full-head color job on thick locs.
Just temper your expectations on longevity. As one owner honestly put it: “It doesn’t last long, smells nice, and the color’s okay, but it’s not really worth it.” Another says the color turns pink after 3-4 washes. If you want a truly temporary, fun color that won’t wreck your locs, this is a great, gentle choice — just know you’ll be re-dyeing more often.
Best For: A fun, temporary color refresh on lightened or blonde locs, especially if you value a clean, vegan formula.
Not For: A permanent color change or heavy gray coverage — this is a temporary fashion statement.
4. L’Oreal Paris Excellence Universal Nudes Permanent Hair Color, 2N Natural Soft Black
The gentlest permanent formula for locs that need serious gray coverage without the dryness.
For loc wearers who have been coloring for years, the hair can become porous and thirsty. This L’Oreal Excellence formula is a standout because of its Triple Care routine that goes beyond just the dye. It’s an ammonia-free permanent color that delivers 100% gray coverage, and the kit includes a Caring Gentle Shampoo and a Caring Deep Conditioner infused with ceramides, so you get a full salon-style treatment in one box.
What wins people over is the gray coverage — over a dozen owners single it out for covering gray hair well and lasting. A long-time gray owner (since age 18) notes this is one of the few that doesn’t come off as a weird orangey brown, which is a common problem with box dyes on gray hair. The 2N Natural Soft Black is a true, classic black that’s gentle on the scalp, and it leaves hair feeling soft and shiny, not scraggly or dry.
One owner did note it made their scalp itch, which is a reminder that even “gentle” formulas can be reactive for some. But the overall sentiment is that it’s a high-quality, permanent color that’s hard to find in stores. Compared to the Feria above, this is the safer, more nourishing bet for mature locs that need to be pampered as much as they need color.
The Upsides
- Includes a full shampoo and deep conditioner duo
- Achieves a true black without odd color casting
- Gentle, ammonia-free formula with Pro-Keratin Complex
- Excellent for covering stubborn gray hair
The Downsides
- A few owners note scalp itching
- Only one kit per box, so thicker locs may need two
Pick this if: your locs are on the drier side and you want a nourishing, ammonia-free permanent color.
skip it if: you have a sensitive scalp that reacts easily to any dye — do a patch test first.
5. got2b Metallics Permanent Hair Color, Midnight Black, 7.05 Oz
A permanent black that refuses to look flat, delivering a head-turning metallic shine that lasts.
If your locs have lost their luster, this dye is designed to bring the shine back. The got2b Metallics formula includes a metallic-shine booster that locks in a cool-toned, shimmering black. It’s a permanent color, and the anti-fading technology is designed to lock in intensity for longer-lasting results — the maker claims it lasts up to 30 washes, which is a serious longevity claim for a permanent dye.
Reviewers are emphatic. A 15-year dyeing veteran calls it “the best permanent black dye I have ever used” and loves the depth because “it never looks flat.” Another owner with thick, blonde wavy hair reports the color is exactly the same three months later, even with regular washing — a major win for loc wearers who don’t want to re-dye every few weeks.
The kit is complete — you get color cream, developer, after-treatment, gloves, and instructions. The 7.05-ounce tube is a solid amount of product, though the brand suggests using two boxes for longer-than-shoulder-length hair, so very long locs will need a second kit. It works on all hair textures, from curly to coily, so it’s a versatile option for locs of all types.
Standout Spec: The metallic-shine booster and anti-fading technology give it a dimension and longevity that flat blacks lack.
Consider This: It’s a permanent commitment with serious staying power — make sure you’re ready for that level of commitment.
6. Bablabear Black Hair Dye Shampoo for Gray Hair, 500ml
The low-commitment, high-volume black that covers grays while you’re in the shower.
This isn’t a dye in the traditional sense — it’s a color-depositing shampoo that’s all about convenience. The process is dead simple: you apply it to dry hair like a regular shampoo, leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and rinse it out completely. There’s no mixing, no gloves, and no messy developer. It’s designed to effectively cover gray hair and restore a fresh, younger-looking color without the commitment of a permanent dye.
Owners are consistently impressed with the coverage, with one saying “Not one gray hair was left undyed. This black is black black.” The all-in-one nature is a huge draw — it cleanses, conditions, and colors in one step. The 500ml bottle is generous, and because it works gradually, you can control how dark you go. It also works on all hair types and textures, including thick, fine, straight, or curly hair, so it’s a flexible option for loc wearers.
Because this is a semi-permanent color, it will wash out over time, which is either a pro or a con depending on your goals. It’s a great way to test a color or maintain your shade between salon visits. One owner’s tip: the color can stain sinks and clothing, so protect your bathroom and wear old towels. But for a quick, effective root touch-up that doesn’t damage your locs, this is a top-tier choice.
Why It Works
- No mixing or gloves required — just apply and rinse
- Provides excellent, even gray coverage
- Hydrating formula leaves hair soft and shiny
- Large 500ml bottle for multiple applications
Watch Out
- Color is gradual and washes out over time
- Can stain skin and surfaces if you’re not careful
Best for: a fuss-free weekly root touch-up that keeps grays at bay without the damage of permanent dye.
Not ideal for: a drastic, permanent color change — this just tints.
7. Chestnut Brown Hair Dye Shampoo, 3-in-1 Color Shampoo, 16.9 Fl Oz
A 3-in-1 brown that cleanses, dyes, and conditions in a single shower step.
For loc wearers looking for a warm, natural brown without the damage of permanent dye, this color shampoo is a clever solution. It’s a true 3-in-1: it cleanses your hair, deposits a rich Chestnut Brown color, and conditions with natural plant extracts. The all-in-one approach is a huge time-saver, giving you fresh color and clean, cared-for hair “in the time it takes to shampoo.”
It’s great for people who want to cover grays gently. The application is simple — squeeze, rub your palms to blend, and leave it on for 15-30 minutes (extend to 45 for stubborn grays). The kit comes with two 12ml conditioning sachets for a silky-soft post-color finish, and the generous 16.9 Fl Oz bottle offers multiple full applications, with the maker claiming 3-4 weeks of lasting, fade-resistant color.
Here’s the honest trade-off: color coverage gets mixed feedback. Many find it covers grays nicely in as little as 10 minutes, but others report it can turn hair an orange-ish color, and a few find it leaves hair feeling dry — so always do a strand test first. Owners also warn it can stain your sink, so wipe up spills quickly. It’s a low-commitment option, but results are more variable than a permanent dye.
Time-Saver: This is the ultimate convenience pick — cleanse, dye, and care in one step with no complicated tools.
Fair Warning: Color payoff is variable, with a few owners seeing an orange cast; always strand test.
8. Keracolor Color + Clenditioner, Semi-Permanent Hair Color, Auburn
The keratin-infused color refresher that revives salon-grade auburn tones in a single wash.
If you’ve colored your locs a rich auburn or copper tone and watched it fade into a dull brass, this Clenditioner is your best friend. It’s a hybrid between a conditioner and a color-depositing shampoo, and its entire purpose is to deposit rich, vibrant Auburn tones with each wash, refreshing your color while deeply conditioning the hair. One owner described it as having given their hair “the perfect wash of auburn when my salon color faded.”
The formula is a moisturizing powerhouse. It’s keratin-infused to strengthen hair, and it’s enriched with nourishing coconut oil, shea butter, rose hip oil, jojoba oil, and almond oil for enhanced softness and shine. It’s a non-damaging, sulfate-free cleanser that won’t strip your locs of their natural essential oils. The positive feedback centers on the rich color, softness, and pleasant fragrance — the thing everyone raves about is how good it makes the hair feel.
The critical caveat is that it’s not designed for gray coverage. One owner is blunt: “Refreshes color well, but does not cover gray roots.” It also doesn’t lift your natural color, so it works best on hair that’s already light enough to show the auburn. Think of it as a maintenance tool for colored locs, not a transformation tool. For keeping your existing color vibrant and your locs feeling silky, it’s a top-tier choice.
balance: The ideal weekly booster for already-colored locs, delivering a rich tone and serious softness.
Limit: It won’t cover grays or drastically change your color — it refreshes and maintains.
9. Dark Brown Hair Dye Shampoo 3-in-1, 16.9 Fl Oz
A wallet-friendly, gentle brown tint that fades naturally with zero commitment.
This is the entry-level pick for anyone who wants to experiment with a Dark Brown color on their locs without the commitment or cost of a permanent dye. It’s a 3-in-1 color shampoo that claims 100% gray coverage, and the upgraded formula is designed to be gentle, non-irritating, and hypoallergenic. You just apply it to dry hair, wait 10-15 minutes, and wash it out cleanly — the effect is a natural, charming color.
The big selling point is the ease and the flexibility. Owners love that it’s quick to use, and some use it just to add a little temporary color for a special occasion — perfect for a date-night color boost that won’t last forever. It lasts up to 30 days and can be used every few days to maintain the shade. One owner notes the light brown/blonde tone looks natural and shiny, and it leaves hair feeling soft and silky.
The honest downsides are the mixed coverage results and packaging. While some get great gray coverage, others find it doesn’t fully cover gray hair, and a few note the color can be different from what’s pictured. There’s also one report of a bottle arriving smashed and leaking purple dye — a shipping hazard worth noting. But for a low-stakes, affordable way to try a brown tint on your locs, this is a solid place to start.
Budget Appeal: A low-risk, low-cost way to experiment with temporary color that washes out gently.
Reality Check: Results are variable — strand test to confirm the shade and gray coverage work for you.
Understanding the Specs
Permanent vs. Semi-Permanent vs. Color Shampoo
Permanent dyes (like Revlon ColorSilk or got2b) penetrate the hair shaft and last until it grows out, making them ideal for full gray coverage. Semi-permanent dyes (like Good Dye Young) and color-depositing shampoos (like Keracolor) coat the hair’s surface and wash out over time, which is perfect for refreshing a shade or trying a temporary look.
Ammonia-Free & Conditioning Formulas
Because locs are naturally drier, an ammonia-free formula is a major plus — it’s gentler on the hair and scalp. Look for added repair complexes, keratin, or natural oils like shea butter and coconut oil to keep your locs feeling soft and hydrated after coloring. A dye that strips moisture will leave locs brittle.
FAQ
Can I use regular box dye on my locs?
How long does permanent hair dye last on locs?
What is the difference between a color shampoo and a dye?
Will a color shampoo cover my gray roots?
Is it better to use a permanent or semi-permanent dye for locs?
How can I stop my locs from feeling dry after dyeing?
How often can I reapply a color-depositing shampoo?
Do I need to bleach my locs before using a semi-permanent color?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the dye for locs winner is the Revlon ColorSilk with Bond Repair because it delivers the true black and full gray coverage loc wearers crave, and the bond repair complex keeps hair feeling healthy and shiny — all in a value-packed 3-pack. If you want a bold, shimmering black with serious staying power, grab the got2b Metallics. And for a low-commitment, gentle root touch-up, the Bablabear Black Shampoo is the one to reach for, backed by its easy application and effective gray coverage.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.