Unlike altering your haircut (which may have long-term ramifications if you don’t like the results), changing your hair color is a simple method to update your look without making a significant commitment. Temporary or semi-permanent at-home dyes are the most low-commitment choice of all.
These bleach-free dyes simply color the exterior of the hair strand, rather than the inside, according to stylist Karissa Schaudt. They deposit temporary pigments that wash out after approximately 10 washes, making them perfect for a result that lasts long enough for you to have a feel for your new color but not so long that it’s the end of the world if you don’t like it.
And what if a week’s worth of dedication is still a turn-off? Some are only effective till your next shampoo. Temporary dyes are the ideal method to experiment with vivid, fashion-forward hues, however, natural colors are also available. The other good news?
They are not harmful to the hair, which makes them ideal for those who frequently change their hair color, according to Schaudt. Check out the best temporary hair dyes below and start making your own.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
- Colorist at Maxine Salon in Chicago, Karissa Schaudt.
List of The Best Temporary Hair Dyes In 2023
1. L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Color is the best overall.
This mix comes in 16 different tones, including options for blonde and dark hair. They’re bright and vivid, but a clear mixer is available to produce a more pastel color from any of the current colours. It’s ammonia-free and really mild, not to mention inexpensive. Expect effects to last between four and twelve washes.
What We Like
- Gentle
- Ammonia-free
- There are shades for both blondes and brunettes.
What We Don’t Like
- Only fantasy colors are available.
2. John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss is the best drugstore product.
This color-boosting gloss comes in a container with six treatments that should be applied regularly to maintain your hue vivid. It deposits just enough tones while also removing any undesired brassiness or dullness, and it works in three minutes, making it a simple add-on step you can perform in the shower. It is available in seven different tones, making it suitable for almost all hair colors.
What We Like
- Weekly application keeps the color vivid.
- Removes brassiness and dullness
- It takes three minutes to complete.
What We Don’t Like
- The outcomes are subtle.
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3. Splat 10 Wash Temporary Hair Color comes in second place for bold colors.
Temporary hair dyes are perfect for experimenting with vibrant colors, and this recipe makes it simple to do so. It only lasts 10 washes, as the name implies, and you may easily reduce or enhance the brightness depending on how long you keep it on. It comes in seven different tints, each of which specifies which base colors it works best with.
What We Like
- Can change the vibrancy
- Affordable
- Formula without bleach
What We Don’t Like
- Shades are limited in quantity.
- Long or thick hair may require two boxes.
4. Runner-up for Best Gloss: Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss
Another fantastic tinted gloss, this one available in 10 tones to help enhance the tone of your color without altering it. The recipe also provides mega-watt shine to your hair; think of it as the haircare equivalent of a nail polish top coat. It’s also silicone- and ammonia-free, and while the bottle only has one usage, the results last three to four weeks—much longer than many other comparable products.
What We Like
- Subtle outcomes
- Excellent value
- The effects continue for three to four weeks.
What We Don’t Like
- It takes 20 minutes to complete.
- Phosphates and ethanolamine are present.
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5. Keracolor Color + Clenditioner is the best conditioner.
Yes, it provides color—13 colors in a variety of natural and brilliant hues—but it also conditions and gently washes your hair. All you have to do is apply it to damp hair as you would any shampoo or conditioner and let it on for up to 20 minutes before washing. You may repeat for a more dramatic effect if you start with a darker base. The solution contains keratin to increase strength, and the benefits can last up to 15 washes.
What We Like
- Strengthening
- Cleanses and conditions the skin
What We Don’t Like
- It takes a few applications to create color.
Let’s check: Best Color-Depositing Shampoos In 2023
FAQ
What Should You Look for in a Temporary Hair Color?
Bleach-Free
Make sure the coloring you chose is transitory, advises Schaudt. Some may be advertised as temporary, but they may include substances like as bleach or ammonia, which may permanently affect the color of your hair, according to her.
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An indication of how long it will last
Until then, not all temporary hair colors are made equal. Some may wash out entirely with only one shower, while others will fade gradually with each wash and can persist for days.
What is the procedure for using temporary hair dye?
Rather of modifying the hair strand chemically, either by removing pigment or depositing color into it, they merely lay on top of the hair, covering it with temporary color pigments.
What is the lifespan of temporary hair dye?
This is dependent on the product you pick; some will last longer than others, but none will last more than a few weeks. (How frequently you shampoo also has an affect on lifespan.) To that end, if you’re using a temporary hair dye to get long-lasting color, count on numerous touch-ups, says Schaudt.
How can you get rid of temporary hair dye?
In summary, if you’re unhappy with the temporary hue, it’s not difficult to remove it. Because the dye is just on the hair’s exterior surface, something as simple as washing with a clarifying shampoo would typically enough, according to Schaudt.
