We can pretend we’ve never fallen victim to breakup hair but, the truth is, who hasn’t been through it once or twice before? In that moment of pure desperation post-breakup, chopping all of your hair off or coloring it some crazy hue you would’ve never even dreamed of may seem like a great idea. While a fresh hair color can signify a new chapter in life, making an impulsive decision can lead to instant regret—that’s where temporary hair dye comes in.
Looking to learn more about temporary hair dye? Read on for everything you need to know.
How long does a temporary hair color last?
Temporary hair color products, as you might’ve guessed, are colors that fade away after one or several washes depending on the formula. Depending on which temporary hair dye you choose, your hue can last anywhere from one day to several weeks.
Is temporary dye bad for hair?
Unlike permanent hair color, temporary hair dyes don’t actually penetrate the hair cortex—which means the color essentially sits on top of your hair and doesn’t cause damage. They also don’t contain bleach, so they can’t lighten your existing hair color.
Although temporary hair dyes aren’t as damaging as permanent hair dye, they can still leave your strands feeling dry and brittle. We recommend adding a weekly hair mask like Redken All Soft Deep Conditioning Mega Mask to your routine. This two-in-one hair mask is both an intense conditioner and care extender designed specifically for your dry, brittle hair.
Wondering what the best temporary hair dyes are? With various formulas like hair chalk, sprays, and mousses, there’s likely a temporary hair dye that’s perfect for your specific needs. Whether you have dark brown hair or ash blonde strands, we’ve gathered 15 of our favorite temporary hair dyes to try while you’re commitment-free.
The Best Temporary Hair Dyes To Try Now
L'Oréal Professionnel Instant Root Fix Hair Touch Up Professional Root Concealer
Looking for a quick way to conceal your grays? Opt for L'Oréal Professionnel’s Instant Root Fix Hair Touch Up Professional Root Concealer. This temporary root concealer spray comes in seven shades and provides instant coverage for grays that lasts until your next shampoo.
L'Oréal Professionnel Instant Root Fix Hair Touch Up Professional Root Concealer, $25.00 MSRP
Amika Desert Trip Festival Kit
It’s not festival season yet, but why not start planning out your looks a bit early this year? Amika’s Desert Trip Festival Kit comes with a trio of temporary hues like holographic violet and shimmery silver that will last until the next time you wash your hair.
Amika Desert Trip Festival Kit, $50.00 MSRP
Overtone Ginger Coloring Conditioner
Ginger hair is one of the hottest color trends of 2020 but if you don’t want to fully commit to red, Overtone’s Ginger Coloring Conditioner is perfect for you. Formulated with no ammonia or harsh chemicals, this hydrating semi-permanent color conditioner gently deposits color while helping to protect against damage.
Overtone Ginger Coloring Conditioner, $29.00 MSRP
Dippity Do ColorPop Hair Creme
Available in yellow gold and white gold, Dippity Do ColorPop Hair Cremes give hair instant color, texture, and body that lasts throughout the day.
Dippity Do ColorPop Hair Creme, $6.99 MSRP
Hush Prism Airbrush Spray
Like a perfectly done airbrush makeup application, Hush Prism Airbrush Spray applies a flawless veil of rich color that lasts throughout the day.
Hush Prism Airbrush Spray, $24.00 MSRP
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Color Spray
If you thought Lime Crime’s Unicorn Hair OG hair color was magic, you’ll love the brand’s Unicorn Hair Color Spray. The line features glitter sprays and colorful, opaque formulas, so your faux-fantasy hair color options are endless!
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Color Spray, $16.00 MSRP
IGK Amaro Ombre Highlight Spray
Though we recommend hitting up your salon for a permanent ombre, there’s no reason to not play stylist with temporary color! The IGK Amaro Ombre Highlight Spray allows you to add subtle dimension, highlights, and commitment-free color exactly where you want it.
IGK Amaro Ombre Highlight Spray, $29.00 MSRP
Kristin Ess Rose Gold Temporary Tint
Give your blonde hair a rose gold glow with the Kristin Ess Rose Gold Temporary Tint. Apply a few spritzes of the product to wet or towel-dried hair for a rose gold color that lasts from one to three washes.
Kristin Ess Rose Gold Temporary Tint, $12.00 MSRP
Eva NYC Chameleon Temporary Color Spray
If your hair color preferences change with your mood, opt for the Eva NYC Chameleon Temporary Color Spray. With this buildable color spray, you can create vibrant, commitment-free color that lasts until the next time you shower. The formula is also infused with the brand’s keravis protein complex and argan oil to help protect your strands against hair breakage.
Eva NYC Chameleon Temporary Color Spray, $10.00 MSRP
Brite Organix Colour Changing Liquid Hair Chalk
This magic temperature-sensitive color will change as the temperature warms up from the sun, hands, or air. As the color cools, it changes back.
Brite Organix Colour Changing Liquid Hair Chalk, $12.00 MSRP
IGK Foamo Moon Rock Holographic Hair Foam
We love the look of iridescent hair but achieving and maintaining the daring blend of shimmering shades can take serious effort. For the perfect temporary holographic look, try IGK’s Foamo Moon Rock Holographic Hair Foam. This shade-shifting glitter-packed foam transitions from subtle glitter to holographic finish as your hair moves in the light.
IGK Foamo Moon Rock Holographic Hair Foam, $22.00 MSRP
Bumble And Bumble Bb. Color Stick
Whether you’re hoping to mask your grays between salon appointments or itching to try a fashion color without committing to a major change right away, look no further than Bumble and Bumble’s Bb. Color Sticks. Available in both natural and statement shades, these velvety, dry fiber color sticks offer vibrant color accents with a blendable, mess-free application.
Bumble and Bumble Bb. Color Stick, $26.00 MSRP
Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care Nutritive Masks With Temporary Coloring
If you’re no stranger to switching up your hue, you know that certain shades can turn brassy over time. The Christophe Robin Shade Variation Nutritive Masks With Temporary Coloring can help to nourish and revive your color. Whether you’re blonde, brunette, or a redhead, the nourishing ingredients combined with an acidic pH minimize porosity, fix natural oxidation, and evenly distribute pigments.
Christophe Robin Shade Variation Care Nutritive Masks With Temporary Coloring, $53.00 MSRP
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Full Coverage Semi-Permanent Fantasy Hair Color
The unicorn hair trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. If you’re interested in trying a full-blown unicorn mane without damaging your strands, opt for Lime Crime’s Unicorn Hair Full Coverage Semi-Permanent Fantasy Hair Color. The ultra-conditioning formula delivers high intensity, magical color results. The range features full coverage shades in vibrant, bold and darker hues.
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Full Coverage Semi-Permanent Fantasy Hair Color, $16.00 MSRP
Colorsmash Color Kissed Hairspray
Looking for a quick spritz of color? Colorsmash Color Kissed Hairspray delivers temporary, translucent, vibrant color that has the look and feel of permanent hair color without the commitment or damage. The flexible hold and nutrient-enriched formula leaves hair healthy, shiny and hydrated.
Colorsmash Color Kissed Hairspray, $20.00 MSRP
Interested in learning more about temporary hair color? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Hair Touch Up Root Concealer in Light Brown
A root concealing spray to cover grays.
