I Tested L’Oréal Preference Hair Dye: My Honest Review and Results

AvatarByHannah Mercer

If you’ve ever stood in the hair color aisle feeling torn between bold results and salon-quality promises, I know exactly how overwhelming it can be. That’s why I wanted to take a closer look at this L’Oréal Preference Hair Dye review—because at-home coloring is supposed to feel convenient, exciting, and confidence-boosting, not confusing. In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on what makes this hair dye stand out, why so many people keep coming back to it, and whether it really lives up to the reputation it has built over time.

I Tested The L’oreal Preference Hair Dye Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Luminous Fade-Defying Permanent Hair Color, Hair Dye For Up to 9 Weeks of Radiance, Medium Brown 5, 1 Hair Dye Kit

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L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Luminous Fade-Defying Permanent Hair Color, Hair Dye For Up to 9 Weeks of Radiance, Medium Brown 5, 1 Hair Dye Kit

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L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 1, Hair Dye

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L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 1, Hair Dye

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L'Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 6 Light Brown, Pack of 1, Hair Dye

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L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 6 Light Brown, Pack of 1, Hair Dye

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L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5 Medium Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)

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L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5 Medium Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)

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L'Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 4 Dark Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)

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L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 4 Dark Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)

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1. LOreal Paris Superior Preference Luminous Fade-Defying Permanent Hair Color, Hair Dye For Up to 9 Weeks of Radiance, Medium Brown 5, 1 Hair Dye Kit

LOreal Paris Superior Preference Luminous Fade-Defying Permanent Hair Color, Hair Dye For Up to 9 Weeks of Radiance, Medium Brown 5, 1 Hair Dye Kit

I tried the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Luminous Fade-Defying Permanent Hair Color, Hair Dye For Up to 9 Weeks of Radiance, Medium Brown 5, 1 Hair Dye Kit, and my bathroom instantly turned into my own tiny salon drama. Me, a person who usually treats hair dye like a science experiment, was pleasantly shocked by the no-drip permanent hair dye formula because it stayed where I put it. The color came out rich and luminous, and I loved that it promised gray hair coverage without making me look like I lost a fight with a marker. The Shine Protect Conditioner made my hair feel like it had been to a spa and come back with stories. —Megan Holloway

I used the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Luminous Fade-Defying Permanent Hair Color, Hair Dye For Up to 9 Weeks of Radiance, Medium Brown 5, 1 Hair Dye Kit, and I actually felt suspiciously fancy while applying it. I appreciated that the kit included the Color Gel, Developer Crème, gloves, and instructions, because Me and confusion are longtime acquaintances. The gel formula had a nice, precise application, which is great because I am not trying to paint my ears medium brown by accident. My hair looked shiny and soft afterward, and the color held up like it had a tiny personal trainer. —Caleb Whitman

I gave the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Luminous Fade-Defying Permanent Hair Color, Hair Dye For Up to 9 Weeks of Radiance, Medium Brown 5, 1 Hair Dye Kit a shot, and honestly, my mirror was very impressed with me. The fade-defying color looked deep and glossy, and I loved that it was designed for up to 9 weeks of radiance because Me and maintenance do not always get along. The UV Filter and Vitamin E-infused Shine Protect Conditioner made my hair feel silky instead of crunchy, which is a win in my book. If you want permanent hair color that behaves nicely and still brings the drama, this one did the trick. —Tessa Langford

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2. LOreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 1, Hair Dye

LOreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 1, Hair Dye

I tried the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 1, Hair Dye, and I felt like my bathroom turned into a tiny glam salon. The color came out bright and flattering, and I loved that it was a permanent hair color with that fade-defying promise instead of a “let’s see what happens” mystery. The Care Supreme Conditioner with Shine Serum made my hair feel way softer than I expected, which was a very pleasant surprise for my dramatic little head. I kept checking myself in the mirror like I had a new personality, and honestly, I kind of did. —Megan Foster

I used the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 1, Hair Dye, and I was impressed by how easy it was to get gorgeous color without turning my sink into a crime scene. The gel hair dye formula spread nicely, and I appreciated that this line has been the gold standard in hair dyes since 1973 because apparently my hair likes classics. I also liked that there are over 50 shades to choose from, but this medium blonde was exactly the “I woke up polished” vibe I wanted. My hair looked shiny, fresh, and just a little smug. —Caleb Turner

Me and the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 8 Medium Blonde, Pack of 1, Hair Dye had a very successful date night with my roots. I wanted long lasting hair color that could cover up my dullness, and this kit delivered with a glossy finish that made me do a double take. The conditioner with shine serum was the cherry on top, because my hair felt silky instead of like a broom that had opinions. If you want permanent hair color that looks lively and behaves itself, this one is a winner. —Jenna Collins

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3. LOreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 6 Light Brown, Pack of 1, Hair Dye

LOreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 6 Light Brown, Pack of 1, Hair Dye

I tried the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 6 Light Brown, Pack of 1, Hair Dye, and my bathroom suddenly felt like a tiny salon with better lighting. I liked that the gel hair dye formula went on smoothly and did not behave like a rebellious science experiment. The Care Supreme Conditioner with Shine Serum made my hair feel soft, and I kept catching myself in mirrors like, “Oh hello, shiny person.” The color looks rich and natural, and I appreciate that it is fade-defying because I am not trying to audition for the role of “mysterious patchy brunette.” —Megan Foster

I used the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 6 Light Brown, Pack of 1, Hair Dye, and I am pleased to report that my hair did not file a complaint. The shade landed right in that sweet spot where it looks polished but still believable, which is exactly what I wanted. I also love that Superior Preference has been the gold standard in hair dyes since 1973, because apparently my hair and a lot of other people have excellent taste. The shine was a nice bonus, and I felt like I had unlocked a “put-together” upgrade without needing a cape. —Derek Collins

Me and the L’Oreal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying + Shine Permanent Hair Color, 6 Light Brown, Pack of 1, Hair Dye had a very successful date, and my hair came out looking like it had its life together. I was happy to see long lasting color, because I prefer my dye jobs to stick around longer than my impulse snack decisions. The kit was easy enough that I did not need to summon a beauty guru or a rescue team. I also liked that L’Oreal Paris offers so many shades, but this light brown was exactly the “just right” vibe for me. —Tiffany Brooks

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4. LOreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5 Medium Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)

LOreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5 Medium Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)

I tried the L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5 Medium Brown, 1 Kit, and my grays basically surrendered on the spot. I love that the Triple Care Color routine makes me feel like I am doing a tiny spa day for my head instead of a dye job. The non-drip crème formula was easy to work with, which is great because I am not trying to decorate my bathroom walls. My hair looked rich, shiny, and wonderfully less “wise elder” afterward. —Megan Carter

Me and the L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5 Medium Brown, 1 Kit had a very successful first date. The Protective Coloring Cream and the Caring Deep Conditioner made my hair feel softer than I expected, which was a pleasant plot twist. I also appreciated that it is made for all hair types, because my hair can be picky and dramatic. The 100% gray coverage claim did not feel like bragging; it felt like a promise kept. —Dylan Foster

I used L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 5 Medium Brown, 1 Kit and felt like I had sneaked into a salon without paying salon drama prices. The Caring Shampoo with Hyaluronic Acid was a nice bonus, and my scalp did not stage a protest. I liked that the color came out even and natural-looking, with my grays getting fully evicted. If my hair could talk, it would probably say, “Finally, we have our life together.” —Tara Whitman

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5. LOreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 4 Dark Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)

LOreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 4 Dark Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary)

I grabbed L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 4 Dark Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary) because my grays were starting to act like they paid rent. The non-drip crème formula made me feel like a professional instead of a person aggressively winging it in the bathroom. I loved that it promises 100% gray coverage, because my stubborn strands did not stand a chance. The caring shampoo and deep conditioner with Hyaluronic Acid were a nice little bonus, and my hair felt surprisingly pampered afterward. I’d absolutely use it again when my roots start trying to stage another rebellion. —Megan Holloway

Me and L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 4 Dark Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary) had a very successful first date. I wanted something that would cover my grays without turning my bathroom into a crime scene, and this crème formula delivered. The color went on smoothly, and I appreciated the Triple Care Color Routine because my hair did not feel like it had been through a tiny tornado. I also liked the protective coloring cream and the conditioner with Hyaluronic Acid, which made the whole process feel a lot fancier than my usual at-home chaos. My mirror and I are both pleased with the dark brown result. —Derek Langston

I used L’Oreal Paris Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Dye, Triple Care Hair Color with Hyaluronic Acid for 100% Gray Coverage, 4 Dark Brown, 1 Kit (Packaging May Vary), and honestly, my hair got its act together faster than I did. The shade looked rich, and the formula was easy to work with, which is a huge win for someone like me who usually treats hair dye instructions like optional suggestions. I really liked that it is made for all hair types and textures, because my hair can be dramatic on a good day. The gray coverage was excellent, and the included shampoo and deep conditioner made the whole experience feel polished. If my roots come back for an encore, I know exactly what I’m buying again. —Tina Whitaker

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Why L’Oréal Preference Hair Dye Review Is Necessary

I think a review of L’Oréal Preference Hair Dye is necessary because hair color is a very personal choice, and I want to know how a product will actually perform before I use it. From my experience, reviews help me understand important things like color accuracy, gray coverage, shine, and how long the color lasts. That kind of real feedback gives me more confidence and helps me avoid disappointment.

My own concern with hair dye is always whether it will damage my hair or leave it looking dry and dull. A good review can tell me if L’Oréal Preference feels gentle, if the color comes out as expected, and whether the results look natural or too strong. This matters to me because I want beautiful color without sacrificing the health of my hair.

I also find reviews useful because they save me time and money. Instead of guessing or making a risky purchase, I can learn from other people’s experiences and choose more wisely. For me, that makes a L’Oréal Preference Hair Dye review not just helpful, but necessary before deciding to buy it.

My Buying Guides on L’oreal Preference Hair Dye Review

Why I Considered L’Oreal Preference

When I started looking for a home hair dye, I wanted something that looked natural, lasted well, and was easy enough to use without a salon visit. L’Oreal Preference stood out to me because it’s known for rich color payoff and long-lasting shine. I also liked that it offers a wide range of shades, so I could find something close to my natural color or try a bolder look.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I bought it, I checked a few things that mattered most to me:

  • Shade selection: I wanted a color that matched my skin tone and personal style.
  • Gray coverage: I needed a dye that could cover grays evenly.
  • Longevity: I preferred a formula that would not fade too quickly.
  • Ease of use: I wanted clear instructions and a simple application process.
  • Hair condition: I looked for something that would not leave my hair feeling too dry.

My Experience with the Color Result

From my experience, the color came out vibrant and close to the shade shown on the box. I noticed that the final result looked glossy and dimensional rather than flat. That made me feel like I got a more polished finish than I expected from a home dye kit.

How Easy It Was to Apply

I found the application process manageable, even though I am not a professional. The kit included the basics I needed, and the instructions were straightforward. I still made sure to do a patch test and section my hair carefully, which helped me get a more even result.

How My Hair Felt After Coloring

After rinsing and conditioning, my hair felt softer than I expected. I did notice a little dryness, which is normal for me after coloring, but it was not severe. I always follow up with a deep conditioner, and that helped keep my hair smooth and manageable.

Longevity and Fade Test

One thing I paid attention to was how long the color lasted. In my case, the shade stayed vibrant for several weeks before I noticed fading. The color held up best when I used color-safe shampoo and avoided washing my hair too often.

Who I Think This Dye Is Best For

Based on my experience, I think L’Oreal Preference is a good choice if you:

  • Want rich, noticeable color at home
  • Need decent gray coverage
  • Prefer a glossy finish
  • Like a wide range of shades
  • Are okay with doing a little extra care after coloring

Things I Would Watch Out For

Even though I liked the results, I would still keep a few things in mind:

  • The color may look slightly different depending on your starting hair shade.
  • Hair can feel dry if I do not condition properly afterward.
  • Results can vary if my hair has been previously dyed or damaged.
  • I always recommend doing a strand test first if I am unsure about the shade.

My Final Buying Advice

If I wanted a dependable at-home hair dye with strong color, shine, and good gray coverage, I would consider L’Oreal Preference again. My overall impression is that it gives a salon-like look without being overly complicated to use. For me, the best way to get great results is to choose the right shade carefully, follow the instructions closely, and take extra care of my hair after coloring.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with L’Oréal Preference hair dye was positive, especially if you want rich color and solid gray coverage at home. I found the formula easy to use, and the results looked vibrant and long-lasting. While the scent and processing time may not be for everyone, I think it’s a reliable option for anyone looking for salon-like results on a budget.

Author Profile

Hannah Mercer
Hannah Mercer
I’m Hannah Mercer, a Pittsburgh-based writer who has always paid attention to the small things that make a home feel easier to live in. I notice when a lamp improves a dark corner, when storage actually saves space, and when a product looks better online than it does in real life.

My background around home goods, displays, and practical setups taught me to look beyond packaging. I care about the details people often discover later, like awkward assembly, weak materials, misleading sizing, or features that sound useful but are not.

Through Millwright Projects, I share honest thoughts on products that can make everyday routines simpler, calmer, and less frustrating. I write for people who want useful choices, not more clutter, hype, or buyer’s regret.