9 Best Temporary Hair Dyes, According to the Pros

an elementary school age girl dyes her hair pink with a white towel over her shoulders in a gray bathroom near the sink and mirror back view, focus on hair
9 Expert Approved Temporary Hair DyesSvetlana Iakusheva - Getty Images


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Hair is so versatile. One minute your go-to style looks fantastic, and then the next minute, you can transform your soft silk strands into protective hairstyles like braids and twists. Then there are wigs, weaves, and endless ponytail styles for when you want to add extra length or switch up your hair texture. Hats are a fun option for when you want to keep your tresses concealed. Even when it comes to coloring, the possibilities are endless. While Kim Kardashian's Marilyn Monroe-inspired bleached blonde bun was the talk of the Met Gala, you don't have to go for permanent changes when you're in the mood to switch it up.

Temporary hair dyes achieve fun, vibrant hair transformations without commitment. Yep, you read that correctly. Slime green and bold pink pastel hues can be achieved by temporary hair dyes that can be rinsed out, and no, they don't damage your hair either. Unlike bleaching and permanent colors, which chemically alter the state of your hair, temporary hair dyes deposit a coat of pigment to change the hair color, says celebrity hairstylist Dhairius Thomas. Whether you love your new hue or hate it, the best temporary hair dyes can be rinsed out anywhere from one to ten washes.

According to colorist and Redken Ambassador Cassondra Kaeding, "deposit color onto hair strands," and do not contain amonia like some permanent dyes do. Finding the right temporary hair dyes all boils down to what you're looking for. "Semi-permanent dyes will wash out quickly," she explains. " And there are so many semi dyes to choose from. Hair chalk, mascara, gels, masks, and highlights are many options for temporarily transforming hair color.

Before running to the nearest store to grab your next color, both experts agree that maintenance is equally important. Thomas suggests nourishing the hair with a clarifying wash, conditioner, and moisturizer to ensure the hair is thoroughly hydrated before adding the color. Kaeding recommends using restorative treatments like Redken's Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment to strengthen hair before coloring.

Temporary hair dyes, like semi-permanent options, work to transform your hair without the risk of damage. Kaeding and Thomas share the best temporary hair dyes and explain how temporary hair dyes work.

Unicorn Hair Full Coverage

This conditioning hair dye helps achieve theee most bold and colorful hues without compromising your hair health.

Type: Semi-Permanent

Size: 6.76 ounces

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Flimecrime.com%2Fproducts%2Funicorn-hair-full-coverage%3Fvariant%3D40444044935221&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seventeen.com%2Fbeauty%2Fhair%2Fg39928519%2Fbest-temporary-hair-dye%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Unicorn Hair Full Coverage</p><p>$13.00</p><p>Lime Crime</p>

Barbie + Hally Temporary Hair Color Set

Get ready to turn your tresses bubble gum pink courtesy of Barbie x Hally's limited edition Temporary Hair Color Sets. If Barbiecore pink isn't your vibe, the collection also features Malibu Blue and Pump Up Purple. This fast-acting temporary hair color dries quickly and comes out in one wash.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ulta.com%2Fp%2Fbarbie-hally-temporary-hair-color-set-pimprod2039764&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seventeen.com%2Fbeauty%2Fhair%2Fg39928519%2Fbest-temporary-hair-dye%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Barbie + Hally Temporary Hair Color Set</p><p>$16.00</p><p>ulta.com</p>

Color Reviving Gloss

Sometimes you don't want a drastic hair transformation, and that's okay. This gloss revives color and enhances color through a sheer tint.

Type: Semi-Permanent

Size: 4 ounces

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.madison-reed.com%2Fproduct%2Fcrema&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seventeen.com%2Fbeauty%2Fhair%2Fg39928519%2Fbest-temporary-hair-dye%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Color Reviving Gloss</p><p>$30.00</p><p>Madison Reed</p>

Color Gloss Up, Semi-Permanent Toning Hair Color

This nourishing dye lifts hair color without drying, and it's one of Dhairius Thomas's faves.

Type: Semi-Permanent

Size: 4.3 ounces

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F154448698%3Fselected%3Dtrue&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seventeen.com%2Fbeauty%2Fhair%2Fg39928519%2Fbest-temporary-hair-dye%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Color Gloss Up, Semi-Permanent Toning Hair Color</p><p>$11.97</p><p>Walmart</p>

Semi-Permanent Color Depositing Conditioner with Shea Butter & Coconut Oil, Blue for Brown, Cruelty-Free, 8 oz

Enriched with shea butter, coconut, and jojoba oils, this cream conditioner works based on your hair color. Celeb stylist Dhairius Thomas recommends this blue for brown hair dye because it delivers varying hues of blue depending on the color of your natural hair. How cool?

Type: Semi-Permanent

Size: 8 ounces

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B091248VJD?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10065.g.39928519%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Semi-Permanent Color Depositing Conditioner with Shea Butter & Coconut Oil, Blue for Brown, Cruelty-Free, 8 oz</p><p>$32.00</p><p>Amazon</p>

Personalized Masque

Dhairius Thomas suggests reaching for this gem when you want to achieve a color change with a twist. Not only can you transform your hair color with this mask, but you can personalize it to meet your hair care needs.

Type: Semi-Permanent

Size: 8 ounces

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aurahaircare.com%2Fpersonalized-masque&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seventeen.com%2Fbeauty%2Fhair%2Fg39928519%2Fbest-temporary-hair-dye%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Personalized Masque</p><p>$28.00</p><p>Aura Haircare</p>

Hair Makeup - Vegan Temporary Hair Color and Styling Gel

Does it get any better than a two-in-one? Not only can you switch up your hair color for a new colorful shade, but this temporary hair dye doubles as a styling gel.

Type: Semi-Permanent

Size: 3 ounces

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FXNGYTX?tag=syn-yahoo-20&ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C10065.g.39928519%5Bsrc%7Cyahoo-us" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Hair Makeup - Vegan Temporary Hair Color and Styling Gel</p><p>$15.00</p><p>amazon.com</p>

Magic Root Cover Up

Conceal your roots with this ammonia and peroxide-free spray.

Type: Semi-Permanent

Size: 20 ounces

<p><a href="https://www.lorealparisusa.com/hair-color/root-touch-up/magic-root-cover-up" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Magic Root Cover Up</p><p>$11.99</p><p>L'Oréal Paris</p><span class="copyright">Richard Pierce</span>

Shop Now

Magic Root Cover Up

$11.99

L'Oréal Paris

Richard Pierce

Electric Lizard Semi Permanent Cream Hair Color

Go bold or go home. This OG temporary hair dye achieves the wildest, most vibrant hair colors without the risks associated with bleaching or permanent dyes.

Type: Semi-Permanent

Size: 4 ounces

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sallybeauty.com%2Fgreen-hair-color%2Felectric-lizard-semi-permanent-cream-hair-color%2FSBS-484040.html&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.seventeen.com%2Fbeauty%2Fhair%2Fg39928519%2Fbest-temporary-hair-dye%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Shop Now</a></p><p>Electric Lizard Semi Permanent Cream Hair Color</p><p>$11.00</p><p>Sally Beauty</p>

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