The 8 Top Teal Hair Dyes For Ocean-Inspired Hair

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In the cold and dark winter season, it’s easy to feel bored and lazy. That’s called winter blues. 

So what can you do to get a boost of energy?

Well, you can exercise, eat better, do a power pose, and think of positive things. Or you can take a look at our list of the top teal hair dyes.

A back photo of a woman with teal green hair blowing in the wind.

I know that suggestion may seem out of the blue, but you see, teal is a bold, unique color that gives your looks an instant pop, giving life to your cold winter nights.

This ocean-inspired shade can also remind you of your warm days on the beach.

So if you want a revitalizing look or you’re simply bored of your natural hair color, go ahead and check out the hair dye products you can use to color your hair teal.

Take a look at our top picks:

‘N Rage Hair Color - Twisted Teal
Best Overall
  • Intense, long-lasting vibrant color
  • Maintains moisture balance
  • Demi-permanent
L’Oreal Paris Feria Glam Grunge - Vintage Teal
Budget Pick
  • Gives multi-faceted shimmering color
  • Gently colors and conditions hair
  • Permanent
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair - Sea Witch
Premium Pick
  • Radiant, rich teal
  • Gentle ultra-conditioning formula
  • Semi-permanent

What Is Teal Hair Color?

Teal is a deep combination of blue and green. It has the calming quality of blue and the rejuvenating characteristic of green.

That’s why this color is known to be revitalizing.

Some people call teal-colored locks mermaid hair because it looks like the shade of the ocean.

Moreover, the teal shade is usually mistaken for turquoise hair color because they look so similar, but the teal is greener and deeper.

This striking color is perfect for your hair if you want to make a statement.

Choosing the Top Teal Shade Based on Your Skin Tone

When it comes to teal, choosing a shade is simple. You can pick a dark teal hair color or a light teal hair dye, or choose something a bit in between.

Just make sure that you choose a shade that will suit you best. To find a color that complements you, figure out your skin tone first.

You probably have an idea of your skin complexion. You can easily identify yourself as fair, medium, or dark.

But do take note that skin complexion is different from skin undertones.

So what are undertones?

Undertones are the underlying pigment beneath the surface of your skin. It’s like your overall skin tone.

The 3 undertones are:

  • Cool
  • Warm
  • Neutral

Although determining your undertone isn’t as easy as it is with skin complexion, it’s not rocket science either.

Here are some things you can do:

  • Look at your veins. Blue veins mean you have a cool undertone, and green veins mean warm. If you think you have both or if the veins are brown, then that’s a neutral undertone.
  • Wear jewelry. Silver jewelry looks better on cool undertones, and gold suits warm tones best. If you’re lucky enough to look good on both gold and silver, you have a neutral undertone.

When you’ve finally figured out your skin undertone, you’ll easily know which shade of teal to choose.

Since teal is on the warm side of the color wheel, the people that can benefit best from this hair hue are those with warm complexions.

But that doesn’t go to say that you can’t get teal hair dye if you have cool-toned skin. You can customize your teal shade by having some silver highlights or mixing it with purple or blue.

Teal Hair Color Ideas

Haven’t decided on your teal shade yet? Allow us to make it easier for you! Here are some teal hair colors you can choose from.

Dark Teal Hair Color

Do you know that feeling when you want to do something bold but are having second thoughts about it? Well, that can happen when you want to change your hair color.

If you want to take a leap from your usual boring color to something more fun but not too bold, you can get a darker and more subtle shade of teal.

You can color your tresses fully with dark teal or use the shade as a base for a lighter color.

Pastel or Light Teal Hair Dye

If you’re into something more noticeable and dreamy, you can get a pastel teal or something as light but still vibrant.

This shade is perfect for ombre or balayage coloring techniques.

When you have this color, you’ll feel like a mesmerizing mermaid.

Teal Ombre or Balayage

Teal is a versatile color that you can pair with other darker or lighter shades. But if this is your first time trying a fantasy color, I suggest that you go for a low-commitment style like ombre or balayage.

This means you won’t have a full head of teal color, so it’s easier to change if you end up not liking it.

8 Top Teal Hair Dyes

Getting a teal colored-hair is, of course, best done with the help of a professional colorist.

After all, most teal colors require pre-lightening or bleaching. And that process is not recommended for newbies in hair color.

But if you have DIY coloring experience and are confident enough to do this on your own, well, you can.

That’s because there are many teal hair dyes that you can easily use at home.

Top Teal Hair Dye — Permanent

1
L’Oreal Paris Feria Glam Grunge Permanent Hair Color - 617 Vintage Teal

This multi-faceted shimmering hair color gives 3x highlights for a bold, prismatic color. You’ll get multiple tones in every strand. That means your hair is never flat, never dull.

Primary Benefits: Gently colors and deep conditions; seals and smooths the cuticles for lasting color

Features:

  • Infused with sunflower seed oil
  • Liquid gel formula
  • Kit comes with color cream, developer creme, shimmer serum, conditioner, and gloves

For fearless, fashion-inspired color trends, use the L’Oreal Paris Feria Glam Grunge Permanent Hair Color!

The shade: Dark teal

Best for medium brown to light blonde hair

Longevity: Lasts for a month before it starts to fade

Processing Time: 25 minutes

The Vintage Teal shade can give you a subtle and unique teal. 

However, it’s not recommended for gray coverage and blonde to medium brown hair because it will look bluer than teal. If you have naturally dark brown or soft black hair, this should work.

One notable experience from those who have used this product is that it doesn’t stain your skin, your bathroom, or your bedding.

It also has a strong scent during the application, so it’s best to do the coloring in a well-ventilated room. And don’t worry because the scent is easy to get rid of once you’ve washed your hair.

2
Garnier Color Sensation - Out of the Blue

The rich pigments in Garnier Color Sensation’s formula are multi-dimensional for a more defined, vibrant color payoff.

Primary Benefits: Gives a rich, long-lasting color; leaves a silky shine from roots to tips

Features:

  • Contains rose oil
  • Cream formula
  • Light fragrant scent
  • Kit comes with a developer, colorant cream, conditioner, applicator brush, gloves

For a vivid teal color, try Garnier Color Sensation in Out of the Blue.

The shade: Soft teal blue

Best for light brown to blonde hair

Longevity: 4 to 6 weeks

Processing Time: 25 minutes

The Garnier Color Sensation permanent hair dye delivers vivid, fade-resistant color with 100% gray coverage. The Out of the Blue shade is also great for warm tones.

It has a rose oil-infused conditioner that leaves the hair silky, shiny, and fragrant.

One box is good for fine, medium-length hair. For longer or thicker hair, you should get another box for full saturation.

Demi-permanent Hair Dye for Teal Color

3
‘N Rage Demi-permanent Hair Color - Twisted Teal

We love how this product only claims to be demi-permanent but actually lasts longer than permanent dyes! And when it does start to fade, it turns into a beautiful green shade.

Primary Benefits: Offers intense shine and less breakage; UVA and UVB inhibitors keep the color vibrant; conditions as it colors

Features:

  • With keratin amino acids
  • Nature-derived ingredients
  • Cream formula
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Bubble gum scent

Say goodbye to brittle and dry hair after you dye your locks with ‘N Rage Demi-permanent hair color.

The shade: Bright teal

Best for pre-lightened hair

Longevity: Up to 25 shampoos

Processing Time: 15 minutes

This dye not only colors but also conditions really well because of its nature-derived ingredients.

The hydrolyzed quinoa binds dyes to the strands and the Verbascum flower extract adds brilliant shine to your locks.

Plus, the keratin amino acids make up this dye’s color-enhancing technology for vibrant color results.

It also comes in a tube bottle with an easy-to-dispense consistency and works as a direct dye so there’s no need for a developer.

Do note that this dye might last really long, even longer than the permanent dyes listed above. Use this if you’re ready for a little commitment.

The downside is this dye can stain pillowcases and towels.

Make Your Hair Teal With Semi-permanent Color

4
Arctic Fox Semi-permanent Hair Color - Aquamarine

This dye has a very vibrant color that works well even if you don’t bleach your hair. It leaves a brilliant teal on light hair and creates a deep teal shade on dark locks.

Primary Benefits: Gentle for frequent use; conditions hair as you color; leaves your hair healthier

Features:

  • Extreme hydration
  • Cream formula
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Feel like a mermaid with soft, teal hair by using Arctic Fox in Aquamarine!

The shade: Pigmented blue with a teal undertone

Best for brown and blonde hair

Longevity: 3 to 4 weeks

Processing Time: at least 30 minutes

We know the color says Aquamarine, but the color payoff is actually a real teal on level 5 to level 7 blonde and a deeper teal on darker hair.

This long-lasting dye is gentle on your hair. It has no harsh chemicals like

  • PPD
  • Alcohol
  • Sulfates
  • Peroxide
  • Silicones
  • Parabens
  • Ammonia
  • Phthalates

Plus, it’s also loving to animals. We just want to add that Arctic Fox is not only cruelty-free, but it also gives 15% of its profits to animal charities.

That said, we think the drawbacks like how it takes a long time to rinse out and how it bleeds for the first couple of weeks can be forgivable.

This dye could appear more turquoise than teal for some. If you want to add a greener tint, mix this with a bit of Phantom Green from Arctic Fox.

5
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair - Sea Witch (Rich Teal)

Just like the previous hair dye, Lime Crime’s Sea Witch shade also shows on brown hair. If you’re not really looking for that vibrant teal, you can use this dye without bleaching.

Primary Benefits: Boosts your hair’s shine; doesn’t damage hair even when left on for a few hours

Features:

  • Contains fatty acids and vitamins
  • Gentle, ultra-conditioning paste formula
  • Sugary citrus vanilla scent
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Make your fantasy hair color dream come true with Lime Crime Unicorn Hair semi-permanent dye!

The shade: Radiant rich teal

Best for pre-lightened hair

Longevity: 3 weeks

Processing Time: 30 minutes

Transform your tresses with Lime Crime Unicorn Hair, one of the highest rated teal hair dyes.

It’s easy to use at home. Just get an applicator brush and apply the product directly to your hair.

What’s more, it has a gentle formula. It has no PPD, ammonia, or peroxide. So you can leave it on your hair for longer to get a brighter color without worrying about hair damage.

If you want a lighter version of this shade, you can also try Lime Crime Dirty Mermaid.

6
Manic Panic Amplified Semi-Permanent Hair Color - Enchanted Forest

Manic Panic is a well-known and well-loved direct dye, and it has become better with its Amplified product line. This version lasts 30% longer than the classic High Voltage line.

Primary Benefits: Delivers a vibrant color payoff, conditions the strands, makes your hair softer than before you colored

Features:

  • Cream formula
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Give your hair a dark, earthy teal tone with Manic Panic Amplified in Enchanted Forest!

The shade: Deep teal with cool undertones

Best for level 7 blonde or higher

Longevity: 6 to 8 weeks

Processing Time: 45 minutes

Don’t be intimidated by how green the color looks on the swatch. If you have lighter-colored hair, this dye’s blue actually shows up, giving your base a perfect rich teal.

And if you’re a brunette, you’ll have a dark green color. Since it’s mixable with Manic Panic’s other shades, you can add a bit of Atomic Turquoise for a blue tint.

This formula is ready to use, so there’s no need for a developer. 

Bonus tip: To make the color even brighter, you can use a hair dryer to heat up your locks while the dye sits. Do this for 5 minutes and let your hair cool before rinsing.

Manic Panic is really pigmented. But with that comes stains on your skin, scalp, clothes, and beddings.

7
Lunar Tides - Cerulean Sea

What we love about this dye is its lighter consistency compared to other direct dyes, which means it offers an easier and more even application.

Plus, the fact that it’s not too liquid (also compared to other direct dyes) means it’s not messy to use.

Primary Benefits: Leaves hair feeling nicer; a little goes a long way; long-lasting and highly pigmented; non-damaging

Features:

  • Liquid formula
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Turn up the brightness of your hair with Lunar Tides semi-permanent hair dye!

The shade: Deep teal

Best for brown or blonde hair

Longevity: 4 to 6 weeks

Processing Time: 40 minutes

Lunar Tides hair dye comes in four blue-green hues: Cerulean Sea, Smokey Teal, Sea Witch, and Cyan Sky. Our favorite is Cerulean Sea because it has the richest teal color and needs almost no additional color mixing.

This formula’s thin consistency doesn’t stain your tub, and one jar is good for thick, long hair.

In addition, it has no strong odor, so color application is nice and easy.

Temporary Hair Dye for a One-Day Mermaid Hair

8
Color Blast Temporary Hair Makeup Wax -Teal with It

This product’s beautiful color payoff looks like you’ve actually got color deposited on your strands.

Primary Benefits: Defines and elongates your curls; works on dreadlocks; safe for natural and relaxed hair

Features:

  • Moisturizing beeswax
  • Heavy wax formula
  • Perfect for curly to kinky hair

Creatively express yourself for a day with the Curls Unleashed Color Blast hair wax

The shade: Bright teal

Best for coloring curly hair

Longevity: one wash

Processing Time: 3 hours to dry without a hair dryer

Create a show-stopping style with this temporary hair dye. 

If you want to color your curly or kinky hair without damage and commitment, just apply this product generously on your locks and let it dry.

You will feel a bit of crunchiness on your strands when it dries, but once you wash this dye off, it will leave your hair soft and frizz-free.

How to Care for Teal Color-Treated Hair

Teal is a high-maintenance color. If you don’t want to keep getting color touch-ups frequently, you’ll have to put in extra effort when caring for your colored locks.

And to help you out, we’ve listed down some ways to customize your hair care for you to prevent your beautiful teal color from fading fast.

Tip #1: After applying the hair color, wait at least 2 days before you shampoo.

Once the dye pigments have been deposited on your hair, it can take a while for them to settle there. Washing your hair too soon can cause the dye pigments to just slip off your strands.

So let the dyeing process fully take its course for at least 72 hours before you wash your hair.

Tip #2: Use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

If you’ve already waited 2 days and you’re now itching (literally or not) to wash your hair, we recommend that you use a shampoo or conditioner that’s safe for color-treated hair.

And we don’t just mean to get products that say “color-safe” on their labels. You must also look at the ingredients and check if there are no sulfates.

See, sulfates are harsh chemicals that can strip off your hair color and hair moisture. Trust us, you don’t want colored yet brittle, frizzy hair. So it’s best to use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.

Tip #3: Wash your hair with cold water.

Yes, that sounds brutal, especially during winter. But it’s a sacrifice you must be willing to make if you want to keep your teal hair.

Well, let’s tone it down a bit. You can use lukewarm water too!

Just avoid hot showers because hot water can cause damage to your hair cuticle. And if this happens, the dye pigments can easily get out of your hair shaft.

Tip #4: Use a dry shampoo.

Hair color, especially semi-permanent ones, fades every time you shampoo. So the less you wash your hair, the less the color will fade.

But how are you going to keep your hair clean and fresh without washing it?

You can actually use dry shampoos to prolong your wash schedule. Just make sure to use one that won’t leave a white cast on your strands.

Tip #5: Avoid excessive use of heat-styling tools.

Just like hot water, heat from flat irons, curling wands, and hair dryers can open up the cuticles. That’s why it’s best that you refrain from using these tools when styling your hair.

But if you really must, then we suggest you use a heat protectant.

Tip #6: Minimize sun exposure.

For fantasy-colored hair, the sun can be an enemy. That’s because the sun’s harmful UV rays can damage your hair proteins, leading to dryness and discoloration.

So if you’re planning to spend a long time under the sun, use a wide-brimmed hat or a sun protection hair serum.

Tip #7: Keep your hair healthy.

Healthy hair can hold color longer, so that should be your goal.

Restore the health of your locks with a deep conditioner once a week or every 2 weeks. You can also give your hair some love by eating healthy food.

Young woman with teal blue hair wearing headphones on pink background.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a teal hair dye for dark hair without bleach?

Yes, there are hair dyes in teal shades that can work even on a dark base.

Although the result will not be as bright as when you color bleached hair, these dyes can still leave a blue-green tone on your locks.

How light does my hair have to be to dye it teal?

If you’re aiming for a rich teal, a level 7 or higher base color is recommended.

This will make the color appear really vibrant and also make it last longer. But if you’re fine with deep or dark teal, level 3 to 7 will work just fine.

infographic of the natural hair color from level 10 to 1

What does faded teal hair look like?

When your teal-colored hair starts to fade, it first becomes green, then it turns yellow or orange over time.

Have Teal-Colored Hair at Home!

So have you decided to try teal hair? Get this color at home by using the top teal hair dyes listed above!

And after dyeing your hair, remember to formulate a proper hair care routine so your head-turning teal tresses can last longer.

This way, you’ll be looking fresh and energized the whole winter through.

Thinking of other hair colors?

Try these equally beautiful hair dyes:

Author

  • Rachelle Velasco

    Rachelle, is a sought-after freelance hair and makeup artist, shines particularly in the world of hair color. From subtle ombres and balayages to vibrant hues and intricate root work, she crafts unique styles tailored to individual preferences. Beyond her artistic talents, Rachelle also holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, showcasing her diverse skill set and dedication to learning.

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