This Is the Hair Dye You Need For a Temporary Color Change

Every week, it seems, there’s a new hair color trend to fall in love with. But between the time it takes to achieve a new hue and the upkeep required to keep your color looking its best, committing to a permanent dye job can feel daunting. That’s where temporary hair dyes come in handy. Dying your hair temporarily allows you to experiment with a trendy new hue or fantasy color without committing to the shade—or the maintenance required to keep color-treated hair vibrant and healthy-looking.

If you’re wondering how to use temporary hair dye or are wondering how long washable hair color lasts, keep reading. Ahead we’ll share the details, explain how to apply temporary hair dye, and introduce you to our favorite formulas for your next at-home transformation.

What Is Temporary Hair Dye?

Temporary hair dye is, quite simply, hair dye that washes out after a short period of time. Unlike permanent hair dye, which penetrates inside the hair strand to produce a lasting color change, wash-out hair dyes simply coat the outside of each strand in pigment. The color sits on the surface of your hair and rinses out easily in the shower. This enables you to freely experiment with bold new hues without having to settle on a single color for weeks or months.

How Long Does Temporary Hair Dye Last?

Typically, temporary hair dye lasts around a day (or until your next shampoo). They’re designed to wash out in the shower, so rocking your temporary hair color on a rainy day, or while you’re sweating heavily, may cause the color to bleed or fade faster than intended. To keep your temporary new hue intact, be sure to let the dye dry fully before styling your hair, keep your strands dry, and try to minimize how often you touch your strands.

Does Temporary Hair Dye Damage Hair?

You’re probably aware that bleaching and coloring your hair can be damaging, especially over time. That’s because bleaches and permanent dyes are typically made with strong chemical ingredients such as ammonia or peroxide. These chemicals help “lift” your base color to create a clean slate before depositing pigment into your strands. They’re effective, but can leave your strands weak, brittle, or fragile if used frequently or incorrectly.

Temporary dyes, however, don’t pose this problem. As we mentioned earlier, the wash-out formulas simply coat the outer cuticle of your hair in pigment—they won’t lift (or alter) your natural color in any way. As such, they’re generally considered to be kind on your hair—a major plus for those who love experimenting with new colors but don’t want to risk their hair’s integrity to do so.

Our Best Temporary Hair Dye for Your DIY Transformation

If you’re ready to take the first step in experimenting with hair color, try the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray. This temporary hair dye spray lets you instantly achieve bold, vibrant looks that wash out with just one shampoo. The ammonia-free formula is designed to be kind on your hair, and it’s suitable for all hair types and textures, from straight to coily.

Each of the six vivid shades in the lineup provide bold, vibrant color in a flash, with no bleaching needed, even if your hair is naturally dark. Pick your favorite hue from the bunch and use it to test-drive a new all-over hue, give yourself colorful highlights, or try your hand at creating a trendy ombré gradient. You can also mix and match shades to create an eye-catching multi-colored look—the options are (nearly) endless.

How To Use Temporary Hair Dye

If you're ready to take the plunge and try something new, follow these steps to nail your temporary hair color application.

1. Prep your workstation

Before getting started on your at-home dye job, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got everything you need for a seamless application process. Start by gathering your chosen dye (or dyes), a fine-toothed comb, a hairbrush, and bobby pins or hair clips. We also recommend placing a towel around your shoulders to help protect your skin and clothing from staining.

2. Section your hair

Before applying the wash out hair dye, it's a good idea to part and clip your hair into sections. This helps you control the application process and ensures even coverage.

Brush your hair to remove any knots or tangles, then use a fine-toothed comb to part your hair into sections. These sections should be guided by your desired placement. If you want to create highlights, for example, section out the strands you want to color. For an all-over temporary color job, we suggest parting your hair into several even sections to help streamline the process After parting, clip the sections you're not working on to keep them out of the way. Keep in mind that your hair should be completely dry before applying your color—moisture may interfere with the application process.

3. Apply the color

Now it's time to apply your temporary hair dye, and the exact instructions for this depend on the product you've chosen. Here’s how to apply the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray.

Shake the can thoroughly before use. Hold the can about 4-6 inches away from dry hair and lightly mist the product over the sections you want to color. Start with a small amount, as the color will become more vibrant as it dries. If you want a more intense look, wait for the first layer to dry before adding more. Spray in controlled sections to avoid oversaturating your hair, and remember that building up the color gradually gives you the most even, polished finish. Once you’re satisfied with your color and placement, allow the temporary hair dye to dry fully, then style your hair as desired.

Removing your color is the same regardless of whether you’ve opted for a light color or a dark temporary hair dye. When you’re ready to return to your natural hue, wash your hair thoroughly with a gentle shampoo, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo. Complete your in-shower routine by conditioning your strands with the coordinating L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner.

Are There Any Alternatives To Wash-Out Hair Color?

If you want something with a little bit more longevity than temporary hair dye—but less commitment than a permanent dye—you may want to consider reaching for a semi-permanent dye, like the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color. Like the temporary spray, this pigmented formula is ammonia-free, peroxide-free, and suitable for all hair types and textures. The difference is that it lasts longer—typically, around 10 washes—and fades over time. The lineup includes a range of shades designed for light and dark hair, from bright red to metallic blue. Keep in mind that the lighter your starting color is, the more vibrant your end result will be. If your hair is on the darker side, you’ll likely fare best with one of the shades designed for brunettes.

Tinted glosses can also be useful for those who want to subtly change their color. The L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss In-Shower Toning Gloss, for example, adds a soft wash of color that lasts up to 10 days. It’s an easy, low-maintenance way to tone, give you a glass hair effect, and refresh your hair color without damaging it.

Next Up: What is a Hair Gloss and How Do You Use One?

Photo Courtesy of L'Oréal Paris