Hair Coloring Accessories

Best Places in the US to Buy Hair Coloring Accessories: A Shopper’s Guide

Why the right hair-coloring accessories matter

Thinking of switching up your color at home? The difference between a salon-like finish and a DIY disaster often comes down to the tools you use. A proper mixing bowl, a good brush, and heat-resistant gloves are like the right set of paintbrushes for an artist — they help you control the outcome. Investing in the correct accessories can save time, reduce color waste, and protect your skin and clothes. Plus, when you shop smart at the right retailers, you get access to better brands, accurate developer matches, and helpful how-to resources.

Where to shop: overview of top US retailers

If you’re hunting for hair-coloring accessories, the good news is you’ve got options. From big-box stores to specialty beauty retailers and online marketplaces, each place has strengths. Some focus on pro-grade gear, others on affordability and convenience. Knowing which store fits your needs can make the process feel less like guesswork and more like planning a recipe—measure, mix, apply, and voilà.

Sally Beauty

Sally Beauty is a go-to for serious DIYers and salon pros alike. Their shelves are stocked with mixing bowls, brushes, foils, professional-grade developers, and a huge range of permanent and semi-permanent colors. If you like variety and want pro-level brands without a salon price tag, Sally’s is worth a stop. They frequently carry bulk sizes, so if you’re doing multiple appointments or need extra developer measured in ounces, Sally makes it easy to buy in larger quantities.

Ulta Beauty

Ulta bridges drugstore convenience and professional results. You’ll find popular at-home color kits, high-quality brushes, and styling tools alongside more premium color lines. Ulta’s advantage is the mix: trendy color brands sit next to trusted developers and mixing tools. If you’re looking for guidance, some Ulta locations offer stylists who can point out which accessories best match your chosen dye and desired result.

Sephora

Sephora tends to carry higher-end brands and innovative hair products. If you’re experimenting with fashion colors, toners, or color-correcting treatments, Sephora stocks specialized shampoos, conditioners, and bonding treatments that protect hair during and after coloring. The accessories selection may be smaller than some beauty wholesalers, but the curated product lines emphasize quality and ingredient-forward care.

Target

Target is ideal when convenience and budget matter. You can pick up gloves, bowls, brushes, and affordable hair dyes during a routine run for groceries. Target often carries a mix of mainstream brands and exclusive collaborations, and their store layout makes it easy to grab measuring spoons or disposable cap options in the same trip. For first-timers looking to keep costs down, Target is a practical option.

Walmart

Walmart offers broad availability and competitive pricing on basic hair-coloring accessories. If you want bulk disposable gloves, inexpensive applicator kits, or last-minute supplies measured in ounces and sold by pack, Walmart is dependable. Their selection usually covers both budget-friendly dyes and popular pro-sumer lines, making it a one-stop-shop for many households.

Amazon

Amazon excels in variety and convenience. Searching there brings up everything from salon-grade brushes to silicone mixing bowls and color-catcher towels. The upside is selection and fast shipping; the downside is sifting through reviews to find reputable sellers. To avoid surprises, look for verified brand stores or sellers with high ratings and clear product images. Amazon is also excellent for specialty items like micro-foils or angled tint brushes that are hard to find in brick-and-mortar stores.

CVS and Walgreens (drugstores)

Local drugstores like CVS and Walgreens are perfect for last-minute necessities—think spare gloves, disposable applicators, or single-use color kits. While they won’t replace a dedicated beauty supply, drugstores are convenient for emergency fixes or for picking up a tester kit before committing to a full-size product. Their shelves are especially useful if you need something later in the evening or on short notice.

Adore and specialty online shops

Specialty online retailers such as Adore Hair Color focus on dyes and accessories for color enthusiasts. They often carry hard-to-find shades, small-batch dye options, and accessories tailored to creative colorists. These shops are great when you want something niche—like a vivid teal or demi-permanent formula—or when you need detailed product information and shade swatches before buying.

Essential accessories to buy before you color

Before you tint, brighten, or bleach, assemble a toolkit. Think of it like packing for a trip: missing the charger is annoying, and missing a hair brush during coloring can ruin the journey. A compact kit will keep you organized and reduce mistakes.

Mixing bowls and measuring tools

Choose bowls that won’t stain easily—silicone or plastic are common. If you’re mixing in ounces, a 4 oz to 8 oz bowl covers most single-head uses. Keep a small measuring syringe or an ounce-marked cup to hit precise developer-to-color ratios; for example, 1 ounce of tint to 2 ounces of developer is a common 1:2 ratio used for certain lifting formulas. Accurate measuring is the backbone of consistent color.

Application brushes and combs

Angled brushes give you control at the roots, while wide-tooth combs help distribute color through the shaft. A narrow tail comb is handy for sectioning hair into 1-inch to 2-inch parts for precise application. Think of the brush as the pencil and the comb as your ruler—both help you draw clean, even lines.

Disposable gloves and protective gear

Don’t skimp on gloves. Nitrile gloves resist stains and chemicals better than vinyl, and it’s smart to size up to ensure a good fit. You’ll also want a cape or an old towel to protect clothes, and a barrier cream for the hairline if you’re sensitive. When bleaching, goggles are a wise addition if splashes are possible.

Foils, caps, and clips

Foil helps with highlights and controlled placement; a roll of 6-inch to 12-inch foil makes sectioning easier. Reusable caps are useful for deep-conditioning post-color treatments and for storing color on the scalp during processing. Sectioning clips that grip without tugging will help you navigate multiple panels without frustration.

Toners, bond builders, and post-color care

Don’t forget aftercare. Bond-rebuilding treatments and toners keep fresh color looking salon-fresh longer. Picking up a 2 oz to 4 oz treatment or a sample-size purple shampoo can make a noticeable difference on brassiness. The retail stores above often pair these items with color brands, so you can match treatments to your dye system easily.

How to choose between pro-grade and drugstore supplies

Price doesn’t always equate to performance, but it does influence longevity and gentleness. Pro-grade developers and bonding agents are formulated to protect hair during processing, while drugstore options are accessible and budget-friendly. Ask yourself: is this a one-time experiment or a long-term routine? For frequent color changes, investing in pro-grade developers and bond-builders (sold at Sally Beauty or specialty shops) pays off in the long run.

When to splurge

If your hair is already chemically treated or you plan on lifting color multiple levels, splurge on quality developers, bond-repair treatments, and a good neutralizing shampoo. These items help maintain structural integrity and reduce breakage over time.

When to save

For a single semi-permanent tint or a subtle refresh, drugstore dyes and basic accessories from Target or Walmart are perfectly fine. They give you the color boost without breaking the bank, and you can always upgrade when you get more into coloring at home.

Safe application tips every DIYer should follow

Safety first—then creativity. Simple precautions like an allergy patch test and careful timing prevent long-term problems. Consider your tools as your safety net: appropriate gloves, accurate measuring tools, and a timer will keep you from leaving color on too long or using incorrect developer strength.

Patch test and strand test

Always do a patch test 48 hours before full application to check for allergic reactions. A strand test gives you a preview of the final shade and helps you fine-tune processing time. Use a 1-inch section of hair and follow the package timing, then rinse and evaluate in natural light.

Timing and developer strength

Developer strength matters: 10 volume is for deposition, 20 volume for standard gray coverage or slight lift, 30 volume for more lift, and 40 volume for dramatic lifting. If instructions suggest mixing 1 ounce of color with 2 ounces of developer, adhere to that ratio unless you’re following a professional formula. Overusing stronger developers can damage hair quickly, so measure in ounces and set a timer.

Pro vs. at-home: when you should book a salon visit

Some color jobs are best left to pros. Think multi-dimensional balayage, extreme lightening from dark to platinum, or severe color corrections. These require experience, stronger chemicals, and often longer processing times. If you’re aiming for a dramatic transformation, a stylist has the tools and training to manage porosity, blending, and bond protection that are tough to replicate at home.

How to compare prices and features across stores

Compare unit prices and pack sizes. For example, a box that lists 2 oz of developer vs. a 16 oz bottle at a beauty supply store may seem cheaper per box, but buying a 16 oz bottle is more economical if you color often. Look at bundle savings, brand recommendations, and customer reviews. Many retailers list ingredient details and proportions so you can match developers and dyes confidently. Remember: the lowest sticker price doesn’t always mean the best value if you need multiple top-ups.

Preparing for success: a quick pre-color checklist

Before you start, check that you have: a suitable bowl and brush, enough developer in ounces for your formula, nitrile gloves, sectioning clips, foil or cap if needed, and a timer. Don’t forget a well-ventilated space and an old towel to protect surfaces. With this checklist, you’ll be organized and less likely to make messy, last-minute decisions.

Conclusion

Choosing where to buy hair-coloring accessories depends on what you value most: variety, price, pro-grade quality, or convenience. Sally Beauty and specialty online shops excel at professional-grade supplies, while Ulta and Sephora offer curated, higher-end options. Target, Walmart, and drugstores are perfect for convenience and budget-friendly kits, and Amazon provides unmatched selection and fast delivery. Equip yourself with the right tools—measuring bowls in ounces, proper brushes, and protective gear—and you’ll cut down on mistakes and boost your confidence. With the right retailer and a little prep, at-home coloring can be rewarding, creative, and surprisingly reliable.