Hair dye in South Africa: shades, prices and safety rules
Permanent hair dye for home use costs roughly R 17 to R 155 a box in South Africa, semi-permanent colour is about R 43 to R 140, and professional tubes run from about R 170 to R 210. For a quote on the shade and brand you need, send a request on BlaBlaPrice.
Approximate prices in South Africa, October 2026 (sellers' websites)| Type | Price range |
|---|
| Permanent colour, home box | R 17 – R 155 |
| Semi-permanent cream | R 43 – R 140 |
| Henna | R 16 – R 87 |
| Professional permanent tube | R 170 – R 210 |
Safety rules for hair dye
Hair dyes are regulated in South Africa: the rules require them to be safe for human use and set out prohibited and restricted substances. The industry also expects a product information file for each cosmetic, kept for at least ten years, so ask a seller to show the ingredient list and check that the packaging is complete and not past its date.
Season and choosing a shade
Summer (December to February) sun lightens hair and fades colour faster, while winter (June to August) is when many people move to deeper shades. October is spring, so it is a good moment to refresh your colour before the summer months.
How hair dye is bought here
Packs are sold in millilitres, often 50 ml or 115 ml, and prices are per pack. Buyers in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban and Gqeberha can order from local sellers. South Africa's Consumer Protection Act does not apply to products bought from abroad, so an online order from overseas is not covered. Ask whether the price includes VAT.
What to write in your request
Give the sellers what they need to quote the right product:
- the product type and the shade you want
- a preferred brand, if you have one
- home use or professional tubes
- how much grey coverage you need
- the quantity and your budget in rand
Getting offers through BlaBlaPrice is free for buyers. Describe the product in your own words in the chat and add a photo of the box or your current shade if you have one. The AI asks for missing details, looks through sellers' websites and price lists in South Africa, and shows the prices and businesses it found. Sellers registered on BlaBlaPrice reply in the chat with their price, terms and delivery. Your contact details stay hidden until you decide with whom to share them. Start with a request on BlaBlaPrice or browse hair care.
Questions and answers
How much does hair dye cost in South Africa?
Permanent home colour is listed from about R 17 to R 155 a box, semi-permanent from about R 43 to R 140, and professional tubes from about R 170 to R 210. These prices are approximate, from sellers' websites, October 2026.
Are hair dyes regulated?
Yes. The rules require hair dyes to be safe for human use and set out prohibited and restricted substances. The industry expects a product file for each cosmetic kept for at least ten years.
Does the Consumer Protection Act cover an order from abroad?
No. South Africa's Consumer Protection Act does not apply to products bought abroad, so buying from a local seller gives you its protection.
Should I refresh my colour before summer?
October is a good time to do it, because summer sun (December to February) lightens hair and fades colour faster.
