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Model demonstrating the Olia hair color transformation.
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OLIA 5.0 - Medium Brown

4.4518
4.4518 out of 5 stars based on reviews
SEE ALL 4.5 REVIEWS
Transform your hair with Garnier Olia 5.0 Medium Brown, an ammonia-free permanent hair color that delivers a natural-looking medium brown result. Powered by a 60% oil blend with natural flower oils, Olia visibly improves hair quality, leaving it hydrated, silky, and up to 3X shinier*. Enjoy a comfortable, non-drip application with a pleasant scent and a soft, shiny finish.

*Based on instrumental tests. Hair is 3X shinier vs. uncolored, unwashed hair.
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$11.99 MSRP

Where to buy

About This Shade: 5.0 Medium Brown
Garnier Olia 5.0 Medium Brown is a classic, natural-looking medium brown shade designed for a balanced, true-to-tone result and a soft, silky finish.

Is This Shade Right for Me?
• Natural Hair: A versatile option for medium brown results on a wide range of starting shades within the brown family, from light brown to darkest brown. For a lighter shade that still reflects naturally, try shade 6.0 Light Natural Brown. For a darker natural shade try 4.0 Dark Brown. If you want to explore other shades in the medium brown family, check out 5.03 Medium Neutral Brown and 5.3 Medium Golden Brown.
• Desired Result: Ideal if you want a neutral, natural-looking medium brown without extra warm or ashy reflects. We do not recommend shade 5.0 for hair that has been previously dyed shade 3.0 Darkest Brown or darker. 
• Need More Help? Use our Shade Selector Tool to find the perfect Olia shade for you and preview with Virtual Try-On.

About Olia Hair Color
Garnier Olia is our oil-powered, ammonia-free permanent hair color. The 60% oil blend with naturally derived flower oils helps deliver radiant color while visibly improving hair quality for a hydrated, silky feel and up to 3X shinier hair vs. uncolored, unwashed hair.

Shade Description:
5.0 Medium Brown is a natural, neutral medium brunette tone. This classic shade provides a balanced, rich brown without brassiness, delivering vivid, long-lasting color and exceptional shine.

Why You'll Love Olia 5.0 Medium Brown

• Ammonia-Free Formula: A more pleasant scent and comfortable coloring experience.
• 60% Oil-Powered: Our unique oil blend visibly improves hair quality, leaving it softer and healthier-looking.
• Natural-Looking Result: A true medium brown with a balanced, neutral finish.
• Up to 3X Shinier Hair: Hair appears brighter and glossier after coloring.
• Hydrated & Silky Feel: Leaves hair feeling soft, smooth, and nourished.
• Non-Drip Crème: Easy, even application from roots to ends.
• Permanent Color: Long-lasting, radiant results.

What Makes Olia 5.0 Medium Brown Unique

• Shade 5.0 Medium Brown: A neutral, natural-looking medium brown.
• Ammonia-Free: No harsh ammonia smell during application.
• 60% Oil Blend: Infused with naturally derived flower oils (including sunflower and camellia) for a smooth, silky finish.
• Non-Drip Formula: Velvety crème texture for precise application.
• After-Color Conditioner: Designed to leave hair soft and shiny.
• For All Hair Textures: Formulated for even, uniform results across hair types.
• Form: Crème Formula
• Container: Box Kit

Packaging Details
• This product comes as a complete hair coloring kit, packaged in a corrugated board box.
• Size: 1 Piece.
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 in x 3.5 in x 2.7 in.
• Product Form: Hair Coloring Kit.

Simple Steps for a Natural-Looking Medium Brown
Always read and follow the instruction leaflet in the box. Perform a skin allergy test 48 hours before each application.

Step 1: Prep
• Put on gloves and protect clothing with a towel.
• Start on dry, unwashed hair. Part hair into 4 sections for control.

Step 2: Mix
• Open the developer applicator bottle.
• Squeeze the entire tube of colorant into the developer.
• Re-cap and shake vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Apply
• Full-Head Application (virgin hair or not colored in 3+ months): Apply to roots first, then work through mid-lengths and ends. Massage to ensure even saturation.
• Root Touch-Up (visible regrowth): Apply to roots only. After the initial development time listed in the leaflet, work remaining mixture through lengths and ends as directed.

Step 4: Develop
• Leave on for the time indicated in the instruction leaflet for your application type. Do not exceed recommended time.

Step 5: Rinse
• Add a small amount of warm water to emulsify, then rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.

Step 6: Condition
• Apply the included after-color conditioner as directed, then rinse. Style as usual.

What's Inside Olia 5.0 Medium Brown
Key Ingredients: 60% oil-powered system with naturally derived flower oils; after-color conditioner with nourishing oils for softness and shine.

DEVELOPER: 1071397 AQUA/WATER/EAU, PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM/MINERAL OIL/HUILE MINERALE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE, STEARETH-20, PEG-4 RAPESEEDAMIDE, GLYCERIN, POLYQUATERNIUM-6, HEXADIMETHRINE CHLORIDE, TOCOPHEROL, PENTASODIUM PENTETATE
AFTER COLOR CONDITIONER: 1119728 A AQUA/WATER/EAU, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BEHENTRIMONIUM CHLORIDE, CETYL ESTERS, TOCOPHEROL, TRIDECETH-6, CHLORHEXIDINE DIGLUCONATE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL/SUNFLOWER SEED OIL, CAMELLIA OLEIFERA SEED OIL, AMODIMETHICONE, ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, PARFUM / FRAGRANCE, CITRIC ACID, CETRIMONIUM CHLORIDE. F.I.L.# D180530/1 US PATENTS: 7,223,385; 7,485,289

COLORANT: 1177017 PARAFFINUM LIQUIDUM/MINERAL OIL/HUILE MINERALE, AQUA/WATER/EAU, ETHANOLAMINE, DECYL GLUCOSIDE, SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, PARFUM / FRAGRANCE, DISODIUM COCOAMPHODIACETATE, TOLUENE-2,5-DIAMINE, RESORCINOL, HYDROXYPROPYL GUAR, SODIUM METABISULFITE, EDTA, ASCORBIC ACID, m-AMINOPHENOL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED OIL/SUNFLOWER SEED OIL, LIMNANTHES ALBA SEED OIL/MEADOWFOAM SEED OIL, PASSIFLORA INCARNATA/PASSIFLORA INCARNATA SEED OIL, CAMELLIA OLEIFERA SEED OIL, HYDROXYBENZOMORPHOLINE, 2,4-DIAMINOPHENOXYETHANOL HCl, THIOGLYCERIN, TOCOPHEROL. F.I.L.# D180158/1 US PATENTS: 7,060,107; 7,988,737; 7,988,738; 8,066,781; 8,114,170; 7,494,513 US PAT PENDING SODIUM STANNATE, TETRASODIUM PYROPHOSPHATE, PHOSPHORIC ACID. F.I.L.# D42424/9

How to Dye Your Hair at Home with Garnier Olia

See how to use Garnier Olia for at-home hair color in this quick tutorial.

3X SHINIER HAIR

Up to 3X more shine vs. unwashed, uncolored hair; powered by 60% oils and no ammonia.

100% GRAY COVERAGE

Permanent, ammonia-free formula with high-tenacity dyes delivers 100% gray coverage in a rich result.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

Developer applicator bottle, Colorant tube, After Color Conditioner, Protective gloves, Instruction leaflet.

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Discover Our Brilliant Shades

Olia 5.0 Medium Brown Frequently Asked Questions

What Shade Result Can I Expect from Olia 5.0 Medium Brown?
You can expect a neutral, natural-looking medium brown result from Olia 5.0. Olia 5.0 is designed for a balanced finish that lets your natural undertones show without added warm or ashy reflects.

Is Olia 5.0 Medium Brown Right for My Starting Hair Color?
Olia 5.0 is best for natural hair in the brown family. If you’re between light brown and dark brown, Olia 5.0 targets a classic medium brown outcome. Use the Shade Selector to confirm fit based on your current level and tone.

How Is Olia Different from Traditional Hair Dye?
Olia 5.0 Medium Brown is ammonia-free and oil-powered. Its 60% oil blend provides a comfortable application and silky, shiny finish.

How Many Boxes Do I Need for Full Coverage?
Olia 5.0 Medium Brown typically needs one box. Use two boxes for hair past shoulders, very thick hair, or dense regrowth.

Should I Do a Full-Head Application Or A Root Touch-Up?
Follow instructions for a full-head for virgin hair or if you haven’t colored in 3+ months; follow instructions for root touch-up for visible regrowth. After roots process, pull color through lengths as directed in the leaflet.

How Do I Reduce Staining on Skin During Application?
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the hairline and ears before coloring to reduce staining on skin. Wipe any drips immediately and rinse hands often while working.

Can I Use Olia If My Hair Is Chemically Treated or Dry?
Many users color over previously processed hair but always strand test first. Follow leaflet timing, avoid overlapping on fragile lengths, and finish with the included conditioner.

What’s Included in The Olia 5.0 Medium Brown Kit?
Olia 5.0 kit includes developer applicator bottle, colorant tube, after-color conditioner, gloves, and instruction leaflet. Read and follow all directions and perform a skin allergy test 48 hours prior.

How long will Olia's hair color last before fading?
Olia is a permanent hair color, lasting until your hair grows out or is cut. However, like all permanent colors, it will gradually fade with washing and as new hair grows.

How long should I wait between washing my hair and applying hair dye?
For optimal results, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours to dye your hair after shampooing. This will help to prevent any potential reactions on the scalp after hair color application.
Hair Color Virtual Try-On

Hair Color Virtual Try-On

Virtually try on Garnier hair colors to discover your perfect shade.

TRY ON SHADES

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Reviews

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1 to 8 of 10386 Reviews .
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Review 1
Votes 0

Great product

16 days ago
The smell is great, it was an easy application, rinsing and overall processing was not too bad. The processing time was fairly quick would recommend.

Originally posted on 2.11 - Platinum Black

Helpful?
Review 1
Votes 0

Liquid Cool Brown gold!

a month ago
please do not ever every discontinue this shade. This is the perfect expresso, cool brown. The shine is incredible, if there is a olia mask shade that comes out, please do. this line is amazing and accessible for those who cannot afford the salon. thank you garnier.

Yes, I recommend this product.

Originally posted on 3.11 - Darkest Platinum Brown

Helpful?
Arizona
Review 1
Votes 0
Age:35-44
Gender:Female
Hair Type:Fine or Flat
Hair Color:Brown

Worst

a month ago
It literally did not dye my hair. It tinted my roots and tips orange, the majority of my hair is still brown and I used the whole bottle and waited the appropriate amount of time. Do not waist your money!

No, I do not recommend this product.

Originally posted on 6.65 - Intense Red

Helpful?
Michigan
Review 1
Vote 1
Age:45-54
Gender:Female
Hair Type:Frizzy or Thick
Hair Color:Red

Gorgeous!

a month ago
Can’t say I wasn’t a bit skeptical. Intense Red. How red can it be? I normally use Splat which also means I have to bleach before putting the color on as it’s a temporary color. Great brand unless you’re messy with the color because it does not wash off of anything. My hair grows fast and I have to dye every 3 weeks to keep up. Bleaching is so harsh so I’ve been searching for a color close to those that my normal brand offers. Intense Red was about the only one I was able to find. I typically use a color with a violet base because an orange base fades to orange and looks looks washed out while the violet turns to a lighter red or pink and if it’s really washed out it turns to peach.. I grabbed this box and as I headed for the check out I turned back around and went back to grab my usual brand. Again headed to pay, but thought one more time about the damage bleaching can cause and went back to swap them again. I was scared to say the least. Afraid that it wouldn’t be what I wanted, the color wouldn’t match the box, I’d end up looking like bozo and be forced to wear a wig the rest of the summer. To my surprise Garnier Olia DID NOT DISAPOINT!!! The color is gorgeous! My hair feels and looks amazing. I’ve gotten so many compliments on the shade of red and the greys?!! 100% GONE! It washes from your skin easily and even if you splatter some color across the room onto the wall it is possible to wash it off. I will definitely be slinging and splatting Garnier Olia in my bathroom from here on out!

Yes, I recommend this product.

Originally posted on 6.65 - Intense Red

Helpful?
Review 1
Vote 1

Disappointed with How Quickly Color Fades

2 months ago
We bleached my daughter’s hair the day before using Garnier Olia Bonding Care Bleach Kit, which we were satisfied with. The issue is the color dye. It looks great the first day or two, then starts to fade at an alarming rate. We used hair dye Garnier Olia Oil-Powered Permanent Color. When showering, she uses Garnier Color Shield Anti-Fade Shampoo and Conditioner and she’s managing the water temperature so only cold water touches her hair. I’ve never seen hair color fade this fast. My daughter and I are very disappointed and would not recommend. We are looking at other brands.

No, I do not recommend this product.

Originally posted on 7.20 - Dark Rose Quartz

Helpful?
Review 1
Votes 0

Love the color

2 months ago
Good color, easy to follow instrucions It dosent damage my hair as other products did, ypu should give it a try, I think the best part was the color

Originally posted on 6.3 - Light Golden Brown

Helpful?
Orlando, Florida
Review 1
Votes 0
Age:55-64
Gender:Female
Hair Type:Dry or Dull
Hair Color:Brown

Pleasantly surprised, I got box color results!

2 months ago
I was so nervous to try and color my light brown hair that was color treated. It had been 6 months since my last color, but I used a professional custom home service and it was never quite right. My hair pulls red easily and I have to tone a lot. I have a lot of chemical sensitivities so the semi permanent colors had more of an effect on my skin than the permanent because they washed out and I was exposed every wash. I just can't do ammonia or bleach anymore because of asthma and dry scalp. I can't afford the salons and have been cutting my hair and doing my own color since the pandemic in 2020. I watched a lot of color theory videos and many try on simulations for every company. I was prepared to suffer through an ammonia process until I saw this and saw that it had no silicones and parabens, which I have to strictly avoid in all products now. I can't find it anywhere on the box, but I am sure I read somewhere that Olia doesn't pull brass and that's why I chose it. The try on tool was also very useful in choosing the color. I did go with the lighter color as suggested. My light brown/dark blonde was very dull from medical issues. I wasn't expecting more than a shine and really expecting a reddish dark blonde as that's usual for my hair. I can't believe I got the box color results. I chose the lightest ash blonde hoping it would be enough coolness to give me a golden natural blonde with no brass. I got the darkest results color on the box and I'm so happy. I did use one purple tone rinse before I dried it the first time, but I didn't need it. It was a temporary one and actually dulled the final result a little. The second wash I held off the purple and used a good shampoo to clarify and it's so much shinier and brighter. I followed the directions exactly with very dirty hair and timing, though my hair is so short I really do an all over application quickly and then let it set for the full time. I am so happy with this result. Now I wonder if I use the same color or go to the 9 so it doesn't go blonder. I guess my roots will still need this color. My hair feels nice and my scalp is not drier than before. Since I can avoid toners it's a win and I can work on my scalp in between colors. My hair is short because of thin patches after menopause and medication. I don't have gray yet, so this gentle color gives me time to grow my hair back. I really recommend trying it if you need a gentle color and want to avoid brass. I'm allergic to nearly everything in beauty. I did do a patch test and strand test, though my strand test was darker than my beautiful final result, probably because my mixture was off.

Yes, I recommend this product.

  • Review photo 1.
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  • Review photo 3.
  • Review photo 4.
  • Review photo 5.
  • Back to blonde with no brass.

Originally posted on 9 1/2.1 - Lightest Ash Blonde

Helpful?
Florida
Review 1
Vote 1
Age:45-54
Gender:Female
Hair Type:Normal
Hair Color:Blonde

10.0 very light blonde is the BEST hair dye, ever!

3 months ago
Hands down the best hair dye I’ve ever used. The color match is perfect and it blends seamlessly with the white streak at the top left of my hairline. I also love how gentle it is—no harshness, and my hair and scalp feel healthy and soft after each use.

Yes, I recommend this product.

Originally posted on 10.0 - Very Light Blonde

Helpful?
1 – 8 of 10386 Reviews

Questions

1 - 10 of 569 Questions

Q: I have lightest golden brown hair and want to keep this light shade . Which Olia shade do you recommend that will also cover the grey well.

2 months ago

Originally posted on 9 1/2.1 - Lightest Ash Blonde

0 Answers

    Q: How soon can you touch up your color with the ammonia free hair color?

    3 months ago

    Originally posted on 3.11 - Darkest Platinum Brown

    1 Answer
    • A: Hello, Thanks for reaching out! Usually, the time between touching up your roots is about four to six weeks. The faster your hair grows, the more often you need your roots touched up, so in this case you can touch up in 3 weeks. We thank you for your interest in Garnier!
      3 months ago
      Helpful?

    Q: Does your hair dye stain skin?Do I need to use Vaseline on my hairline and ears before using dye

    4 months ago

    Originally posted on 3.11 - Darkest Platinum Brown

    1 Answer
    • A: Hi there, Yes, applying a barrier like Vaseline (petroleum jelly) around your hairline, ears, and neck is highly recommended. It creates a protective wall that prevents the dye from seeping into and staining your skin. Thanks for your interest in Garnier!
      3 months ago
      Helpful?

    Q: The medium brown 5.0 was a little too dark. Which shade do you recommend that would be just a tiny bit lighter?

    4 months ago
    1 Answer
    • A: Hello, Thanks for reaching out! We suggest using a clarifying shampoo to fade your hair color. Fading is a gradual process and may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired shade. Once the color has faded we suggest trying Olia 6.0 Light Brown in a touch up application. We thank you for your interest in Garnier!
      4 months ago
      Helpful?

    Q: 1. How long do i have to wait until i can wash my hair? 2. how long do i have to wait until i can redye my ends with the same color?

    4 months ago

    Originally posted on 6.0 - Light Brown

    1 Answer
    • A: Hi random90210, Thanks for reaching out! Wait a minimum of 24 hours after your color process for best results. When applying hair color its best to wait until the last 5-10 minutes of processing time to touch up the ends. This prevents over processing. Thanks for your interest in Garnier!
      4 months ago
      Helpful?

    Q: Can I blend /mix 2 different shades of blonde

    6 months ago

    Originally posted on 8.0 - Medium Blonde

    1 Answer
    • A: Hi Ruees, Thanks for reaching out! Yes, you can mix two different shades of retail (box) blonde hair color, but it is highly recommended to use the same brand and type. Thank you for your interest in Garnier!
      5 months ago
      Helpful?

    Q: Does this contain ppd?

    6 months ago

    Originally posted on 4.0 - Dark Brown

    1 Answer
    • A: Hi Gloria808, Yes, Garnier Olia does contain PPD (para-phenylenediamine), despite being ammonia-free. We thank you for reaching out!
      6 months ago
      Helpful?

    Q: Are the Olia hair dyes safe to use during pregnancy?

    6 months ago

    Originally posted on 2.0 - Soft Black

    1 Answer
    • A: Hi mk2000, While every ingredient we use in our products is evaluated for safety, we do not specifically test our products on women who are pregnant or nursing. Garnier ensures there is substantial information supporting the safety of our products when used as directed by consumers. However, as there could be certain ingredients that physicians may not recommend for use during pregnancy and nursing, we always recommend that you discuss this with your physician and follow their advice. Thanks for your interest in Garnier! Best Wishes!
      6 months ago
      Helpful?

    Q: Which brown is the most ashen? I don’t like browns that give red highlights

    7 months ago

    Originally posted on 3.0 - Darkest Brown

    1 Answer
    • A: Hi AnneBeth, Thank you for reaching out! Olia 3.0 Darkest Brown does not offer a ash tone, however this shade is dark with neutrals tones, so it may not reveal brassiness. We suggest doing a strand test to preview your results. We thank you for your interest in Garnier!
      7 months ago
      Helpful?

    Q: How light will this color get on medium brown hair also will it have any red tones in it?

    7 months ago

    Originally posted on 10.0 - Very Light Blonde

    1 Answer
    • A: Hi Steph70, Using Olia 10.0 Very Light Blonde on Medium Brown hair will likely result in brassy, orange, or reddish-brown tones rather than a true blonde. We suggest trying Olia B+++ - Bleach Blonde Extreme Hair Dye Lightening kit with 7 levels of lift for brilliant, long-lasting blonde results. We hope this information helps!
      7 months ago
      Helpful?
    1 - 10 of 569 Questions
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