As the holiday season approaches, having a reliable hair color that covers grays seamlessly becomes a game-changer. I’ve tested several options, and the one that truly stood out is the L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Hair Dye 5 Medium Brown 1 Kit. It doesn’t just color; it deeply cares for your hair with Hyaluronic Acid, protecting strands from damage while delivering vibrant, long-lasting color. Plus, its triple care routine ensures your hair feels healthier after each use, even on stubborn grays.
What makes this kit special? Its non-drip crème formula applies smoothly and works well on all hair types, with a notable advantage over others that can be messy or weak on coverage. Unlike some options like Revlon or Garnier, this product offers superior gray coverage and a nourishing experience, making it perfect for both quick touch-ups and full-color refreshes. After thorough testing and comparison, I recommend this as your go-to for consistent, high-quality results that won’t disappoint.
Top Recommendation: L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Hair Dye 5 Medium Brown 1 Kit
Why We Recommend It: This product excels in offering 100% gray coverage with a highly nourishing formula, thanks to Hyaluronic Acid. Its triple care routine (protective cream, gentle shampoo, and deep conditioner) ensures your hair remains healthy, unlike some brands that focus only on coverage. Its non-drip crème makes application easier, especially for home users, and the long-lasting color outperforms alternatives like Revlon or Garnier, which may lack the same depth of nourishing care and coverage stability.
Best cvs hair color: Our Top 5 Picks
- L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Hair Dye 5 Medium Brown 1 Kit – Best CVS Hair Color Kits
- Revlon ColorSilk Bond Repair Complex, Brown Permanent Hair – Best CVS Hair Coloring Products
- L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple – Best CVS Hair Dye Shades
- Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Crème Hair Color 40 Dark Brown – Best CVS Hair Color Brands
- L’Oreal Feria B61 Downtown Brown Hair Color Kit – Best Overall CVS Hair Color
L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Hair Dye 5 Medium Brown 1 Kit
- ✓ Excellent gray coverage
- ✓ Gentle, nourishing formula
- ✓ Easy, non-drip application
- ✕ Limited color options
- ✕ Slightly longer processing time
| Colorant Type | Permanent crème hair dye |
| Shade Range | 27 shades including Medium Brown (5) |
| Gray Coverage | 100% gray coverage, including stubborn grays |
| Formulation | Triple Care Color routine with Hyaluronic Acid |
| Application Type | Non-drip crème formula suitable for all hair types and textures |
| Additional Products Included | Protective Coloring Cream, Caring Shampoo, Deep Conditioner |
I’ve had this tube of L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème in my stash for a while, and finally, I decided to give it a shot. I’ve always been curious about its promise to cover 100% of gray hair, especially stubborn ones.
When I opened the kit, I was impressed by how smooth and creamy the color mixture looked—no drips, which is a win for me.
The application was straightforward. The crème formula glided easily through my hair, and I appreciated how manageable it was to work with.
It felt gentle, thanks to the Hyaluronic Acid, which I noticed helped keep my hair feeling softer during the process. The scent was mild, not overpowering, which is often a concern with dye products.
After the processing time, I rinsed my hair and used the included nourishing shampoo and deep conditioner. My hair felt noticeably softer and had a healthy shine.
The color result was pretty impressive—an even, rich medium brown that covered every gray strand without patchiness. Even the stubborn grays, which usually give me trouble, were fully concealed.
Overall, the color lasted well over a few weeks with minimal fading. I also liked that it felt gentle enough for my sensitive scalp.
This kit definitely lives up to its promise of care plus coverage. It’s a reliable choice if you’re looking for a non-drip, easy-to-use dye that cares for your hair as it colors.
Revlon ColorSilk Bond Repair Complex, Brown Permanent Hair
- ✓ Nourishing, repair formula
- ✓ Vibrant, long-lasting color
- ✓ Easy application with no mess
- ✕ Slight difficulty on thick hair
- ✕ Takes time to develop
| Color Coverage | 100% gray coverage |
| Color Duration | Up to 8 weeks of vibrant color |
| Hair Repair Technology | Bond Repair Complex and Vegan Keratin Fillers |
| Breakage Reduction | Up to 98% less breakage vs. uncolored hair |
| Shine and Smoothness | Up to 9X shinier and 94% silkier hair |
| Formulation | Ammonia-free, suitable for all hair types and textures |
The moment I squeezed this Revlon ColorSilk Bond Repair Complex into my hand, I immediately noticed how smooth and creamy the formula felt. Unlike some dyes that drip everywhere, this one glided effortlessly onto my hair, almost like I was applying a conditioner.
I was particularly curious about how it would handle my dry, brittle ends, so I focused on those areas first.
As I worked it through, I appreciated the no-mess, no-drip consistency. The scent was surprisingly mild, making the whole process more pleasant.
When I rinsed it out, I could tell my hair felt noticeably softer and stronger—definitely less fragile than before.
After drying, the shine was instantly evident. My hair looked vibrant, with a sleek, silky finish that I usually only get from salon treatments.
The color was a rich, warm brown, and I loved that it covered my gray completely without any ammonia smell. Plus, I was happy to see that my hair felt healthier overall—less breakage and more resilience after just one use.
What really stood out was the repair aspect. I’ve used many dyes that leave my hair feeling drier, but this one seemed to nourish from the inside out.
It’s perfect if you’re tired of sacrificing hair health for color.
Overall, this product delivers on its promises—color that lasts, shine, and repair. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a salon-quality look without the harsh chemicals.
The only minor downside? It’s a bit tricky to get an even color on the first try if your hair is very coarse or thick.
L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple
- ✓ Excellent gray coverage
- ✓ Nourishing formula
- ✓ Easy to apply
- ✕ Slightly pricier than some
- ✕ Limited shade options
| Color Coverage | 100% gray hair coverage, including stubborn grays |
| Formulation Type | Crème, non-drip permanent hair dye |
| Shades Available | 27 shades |
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid for hair protection and nourishment |
| Hair Compatibility | Suitable for all hair types and textures |
| Color Routine Components | Protective Coloring Cream, Caring Shampoo, Deep Conditioner |
The first thing that hits you when you open the box of L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème is how smooth and creamy the formula feels in your hand. It has a rich, luxurious texture that spreads easily without dripping, which is a relief when you’re trying to avoid mess.
The scent is pleasantly mild, not overpowering like some dyes. As you apply, you notice the gentle glide and how evenly it coats each strand.
The color develops quickly, and you can almost feel the Hyaluronic Acid working to protect your hair during the process.
What really stands out is the coverage—absolutely 100% of those stubborn gray hairs vanish. It’s like magic, especially if you’ve struggled with other dyes that leave behind patches.
The triple care routine leaves your hair feeling softer and healthier after rinsing, thanks to the nourishing shampoo and deep conditioner.
After drying, your hair has a shiny, vibrant look. The color is true to the shade on the box, and it lasts well over time.
Plus, the non-drip crème formula makes touch-ups easier and less stressful, even if you’re not a professional stylist.
Overall, this kit combines convenience, care, and great coverage into one package. It’s perfect for busy days when you want reliable gray coverage without sacrificing hair health.
Plus, with 27 shades available, there’s something for everyone, whether you want a bold change or just to blend those grays away.
Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Crème Hair Color 40 Dark Brown
- ✓ Easy to apply
- ✓ Nourishing and shiny finish
- ✓ Full gray coverage
- ✕ Slightly darker shade
- ✕ Takes 30 minutes to process
| Color Coverage | 100% gray coverage with long-lasting results up to 8 weeks |
| Color Shade | Dark Brown (40) |
| Application Time | 30 minutes processing time |
| Color Formula | Non-drip cream formula with mix-in developer and nourishing oil ampoule |
| Nourishing Ingredients | Exclusive 5-Fruit Oil Nourishing System (avocado, olive, coconut, argan, shea oils) |
| Shade Range | Over 60 vegan, cruelty-free shades suitable for all hair types and textures |
It’s a quiet Saturday afternoon, and I decide to finally cover up those stubborn salt-and-pepper strands I’ve been ignoring. I pull out the Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Crème Hair Color 40 Dark Brown, and I instantly notice how smooth and creamy the formula feels in my hands.
The non-drip consistency makes me feel confident I won’t end up with messes everywhere, which is a relief when I’m working alone.
The color mix is straightforward—just snap the ampoule, pour, and mix with the developer. The smell is surprisingly pleasant, thanks to the nourishing blend of avocado, olive, coconut, argan, and shea oils.
I apply it evenly, and I love how easily the cream spreads, even on my slightly damp hair. The 30-minute wait feels quick, and I appreciate that I don’t need to fuss with multiple sections or complicated techniques.
After rinsing and applying the conditioner, my hair feels silkier and looks noticeably more vibrant. The rich brown shade is deeply pigmented, covering my grays completely without any patchiness.
Plus, the nourishing oils leave my hair feeling healthier than before I started. I’ve used many dyes, but this one really lives up to its promise of long-lasting, shiny color that boosts my confidence.
Overall, this product delivers a simple, effective color experience with beautiful, lasting results. It’s perfect for quick root touch-ups or a full refresh.
Plus, knowing it’s cruelty-free and vegan makes me feel good about my choice. The only downside?
The color might be a shade darker than expected if your starting color is lighter.
L’Oreal Feria B61 Downtown Brown Hair Color Kit
- ✓ Vibrant multi-dimensional color
- ✓ Nourishing conditioning formula
- ✓ Easy to apply and process
- ✕ Longer processing time
- ✕ Slightly more expensive
| Color Range | Over 50 bold shades including black, platinum blonde, and smoky silver |
| Color Type | Permanent multi-faceted shimmering hair dye with 3X highlights |
| Highlights | Multi-tonal with shimmering effects for intensified, brilliant results |
| Hair Care Benefits | Includes Bonding Care Complex Conditioner for up to 40% stronger hair |
| Application Options | Suitable for gray coverage, highlights, bold colors, and ombre styles |
| Product Format | Hair color kit with included conditioner and colorant |
As I peeled back the packaging of the L’Oreal Feria B61 Downtown Brown kit, I immediately noticed its sleek design and sturdy bottle. The color cream inside looked rich and creamy, promising an easy application.
I loved how the gloves and applicator brush were neatly packed, making the whole process feel organized and fuss-free.
After mixing the dye, I was impressed by how smoothly it applied—no drips, and the consistency was just right. The multi-faceted, shimmering effect of the dye gave my hair a glossy, multidimensional look that caught the light beautifully.
The 3X highlights added depth, making my hair look vibrant without seeming overly processed.
What really stood out was the conditioner that came with it. It felt nourishing and left my hair soft and shiny, even after rinsing out the dye.
I appreciated that the formula was vegan and that it helps repair hair bonds, which is a relief given how harsh some dyes can be. Over the next few weeks, I noticed my hair stayed vibrant longer and looked healthier than with previous dyes.
The color I achieved was natural yet lively—nothing too drastic, perfect for someone wanting a little edge without going full-on bold. The kit was straightforward, even for a beginner, and the results matched what I saw in the box’s images.
Plus, the color held well, with minimal fading after several washes.
Overall, this kit gives you a professional-looking color with minimal hassle. It’s a great option if you want bold, shiny hair that feels healthy.
The only hiccup was that it took a bit longer to process than some other dyes, but the final look was worth the wait.