A great number of dyes, important for their history and/or for modern technical purposes, contains heterocyclic moieties. In this perspective also heterocyclic intermediates assume a particular relevance. The present article reviews the results obtained by the authors during the last fifteen years, with particular attention to the most recent findings. First, heterocyclic azo dyes are considered, focusing the interest in X-azoles as coupling agents and as diazonium components. Cyanine dyes are then proposed, with attention to the synthesis and characterization of bases and quaternary salts. The particular features of amphiphilic salts and dyes are also shown.