In today’s fast-paced world, hair colour is not just a beauty enhancement—it’s a form of self-expression. Whether you’re looking to cover greys, refresh your look, or go bold with a trending shade, choosing the best hair colour for women and men in India requires the right balance of quality, longevity, and safety. We’ve curated the Best Hair Colours for Women and Men and brands for Indian hair types and tones, giving you all the insights you need before your next hair transformation.
Top Hair Colour Trends in India for 2025
1. Rich Chocolate Brown – Universally Flattering
One of the most sought-after shades, chocolate brown works beautifully on Indian skin tones. It’s warm, rich, and gives natural depth and shine. It’s ideal for professionals and those wanting a subtle upgrade.
- Best Brands: L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss, Revlon Top Speed
- Suitability: Medium to dusky skin tones
- Lasts For: 28 washes (semi-permanent), 6-8 weeks (permanent)
2. Burgundy – Bold Yet Elegant
Burgundy hair colour remains a favourite in India for its vibrant, deep undertones that shine under sunlight. Perfect for festivals or fashion-forward looks.
- Best Brands: Garnier Color Naturals Burgundy, BBLUNT Salon Secret
- Suitability: All Indian skin tones, especially medium and fair
- Finish: Glossy and reflective
3. Jet Black – Classic Indian Favourite
Jet black is still the go-to choice for those who prefer natural-looking, intense hair colour. It’s especially effective in covering greys.
- Best Brands: Godrej Expert Rich Crème, Indica Easy
- Hair Type: Suitable for coarse and thick Indian hair
- Added Benefit: Enriched with natural oils
4. Caramel Highlights – Low Commitment Glam
For women and men seeking dimension without full commitment, caramel highlights offer contrast and style. It’s a celebrity-inspired trend growing rapidly in metros.
- Best Products: L’Oréal Excellence Fashion Highlights Kit, Streax Ultra Light
- Maintenance: Needs toning every 4–6 weeks
- Tip: Use sulphate-free shampoo to retain tone
5. Ash Brown – Trendy and Cool-Toned
Ash brown is the shade to watch in 2025. It cools down the warmth in Indian hair and gives a global, edgy appeal. Works best for lightened or pre-bleached bases.
- Best Brands: Matrix SoColor, Schwarzkopf Igora
- Suitable For: Urban professionals and Gen Z
- Fade Factor: Medium; requires purple shampoo to tone brassiness
6. Mahogany – A Blend of Red and Brown
A deep, sultry mix, mahogany hair colour is bold and unique. It’s great for creative personalities or those looking for a twist on traditional reds.
- Best Brands: BBLUNT Mahogany Reddish Brown, Revlon Colorsilk
- Best On: Layered and wavy haircuts
- Type: Permanent colour, low maintenance
7. Blonde Highlights & Balayage – Global Appeal
Though blonde shades are tricky on Indian hair, blonde balayage and sun-kissed highlights are dominating salons. They add movement and youthfulness.
- Top Picks: L’Oréal Majirel High Lift, Wella Koleston
- Preparation: Requires pre-lightening
- Hair Care: High moisture and colour-safe shampoo essential
Best Hair Colour Brands in India – Reviewed & Ranked
1. L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss
- Type: Ammonia-free semi-permanent
- Shades: 15+ including Chocolate, Burgundy, Mahogany
- Special Feature: Glossy finish with royal jelly care
- Best For: First-timers and semi-permanent users
2. Garnier Color Naturals
- Type: Permanent with nourishing oils
- USP: 100% grey coverage
- Shades: Natural black, brown, burgundy, wine
- Added Benefit: Enriched with avocado and olive oil
3. BBLUNT Salon Secret High Shine Crème
- Formulated For: Indian hair and weather
- Results: Salon-like finish with shine tonic
- Range: Mahogany, Reddish Brown, Natural Black
4. Revlon Top Speed
- Fast Colour: Works in just 5 minutes
- Infused With: Mother of Pearl and ginseng extract
- Best For: Busy professionals needing quick fixes
5. Streax Hair Colour
- Affordable Range: Great for budget-conscious users
- Shades: Blondes, browns, red, purple
- Bonus: Includes conditioner and colourant
Read also: Bestsellers Makeup Setting Sprays for Oily Skin to Buy Online in India
Hair Colour Types Available in India
| Type | Lasts For | Best For | Example Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent | 6–8 weeks | Grey coverage, full transformation | L’Oréal, Garnier, Revlon |
| Semi-Permanent | 20–28 washes | Gloss, mild touch-ups | BBLUNT, Crazy Color |
| Temporary | 1–2 washes | Parties, shoots | Streax Insta Color, Manic Panic |
| Highlights/Balayage | 2–3 months (with toning) | Fashion looks, layered styles | Wella, L’Oréal Majirel |
How to Choose the Right Hair Colour for Indian Skin Tones
Fair Skin
- Go for: Ash brown, burgundy, soft auburn
- Avoid: Jet black (can look too harsh)
Medium/Wheatish Skin
- Ideal shades: Chocolate brown, caramel, burgundy
- Highlights: Honey, light brown, golden tones
Dusky Skin
- Best picks: Mahogany, deep brown, bronze
- Highlights: Cinnamon, red-brown, dark caramel
Hair Colour Tips for Men in India
- Choose natural blacks and browns for workplace-friendly looks
- Use ammonia-free formulas to avoid dryness
- Stick to shorter touch-up intervals for neat grooming
- Try bold shades like blue-black or ash grey for modern styles
Hair Colour Care Tips for Long-Lasting Results
- Use Colour-Protect Shampoos: Sulphate-free formulas like L’Oréal Colour Protect work best.
- Deep Conditioning Once a Week: Hair masks replenish moisture lost in colouring.
- Avoid Frequent Heat Styling: Reduce use of straighteners/curlers post-colour.
- Protect from Sun & Chlorine: UV rays and pool water fade colour faster.
Best Ammonia-Free Hair Colours in India
- L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss
- Garnier Color Naturals (Select shades)
- BBLUNT Salon Secret
- Indus Valley Natural Hair Color
- Biotique Herbcolor
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Colouring Hair
- Skipping a patch test before application
- Over-processing or bleaching hair at home
- Using regular shampoo post-colour
- Not consulting skin tone compatibility
- Ignoring pre-conditioning steps
The Indian market is now flooded with hair colour choices that cater to all skin tones, preferences, and budgets. Whether you’re going for a bold fashion-forward look or a subtle professional change, ensure you pick a brand that is safe, nourishing, and long-lasting. Hair colouring is not just a cosmetic change—it’s a confidence booster and a form of expression. Choose wisely and follow up with the right care to make your colour last longer and shine brighter.
