Professional hair color brands are different from drugstore brands. Drugstore color is abrasive, and it will never last as long as you want it to—or as long as it should, for that matter. The colors rarely look true to life, either.

Get familiar with the brands that the professionals use. Then, not only will you know what’s going on your hair, but you might learn enough to do your color at home.

Best Professional Hair Color Brands

What hair color brands are professionals using around the world? You’ve come to the right place. From Pravana to Paul Mitchel to Italy’s famed Elgon brand, the top picks from professional stylists are right here. Stop relying on drugstore brands, why don’t you? Be nice to those lovely locks of yours.

#1: Wella Koleston Perfect

Although the brand has been around since 1880, Wella Koleston has only been in the hair biz since 1950. That was the year it created the very first cream colorant, which quickly cemented its status as one of the top professional hair color brands in the world. In addition to permanent color, the brand offers semi-permanent dyes and re-lights, which double as toners. Wella Koleston is most well-known for its bold reds.

#2: Matrix SoColor

Matrix is a favorite among stylists everywhere. That’s mainly due to its luminous tones and rich colors, which are so intense that fans claim they last longer than other colors. In addition, Matrix hides gray like nobody’s business, plus it leaves hair with enviable shampoo-commercial shine.

#3: Paul Mitchell

Paul Mitchell’s color products have only been around since 1980, but they quickly made a huge impact in the world of professional hair color. The brand is also well-loved because of its refusal to test on animals. People with sensitive hair or scalps, gray hair, or white hair; experience excellent results with Paul Mitchell color products.