The Best Temporary Hair Color to Use at Home, According to an Expert

If being stuck at home has you scrolling through Pinterest looking at wild hair colors, you're not alone. We've collectively reached the do-something-crazy-to-our-hair phase of quarantine and, with fewer public appearances on our calendars, there's no reason to hold back. If you've resisted the temptation to but your own bangs, a change in hair color may be in store for you.

We spoke to an expert hair colorist, Steph Perry of Pompadour salon, who teaches a class on alternative hair tints, to find the best temporary hair dye products for every purpose. These are the best temporary hair color products, according to an expert:

• Best Overall Temporary Hair Color: Manic Panic Dye Hard Temporary Hair Dye

• Best for Dark Hair: Splat Temporary Hair Dye

• Best for Light Hair: Lime Crime Unicorn Hair

• Best Spray: Joico Instatint Temporary Color Shimmer Spray

• Best for Kids: Jerome Russell Bwild Hair Color Spray

• Best Colored Hair Wax: Mofajang Hair Coloring Material

• Best Black Hair Dye That Washes Out: Beyond The Zone Color Bombz Explosive Black Temporary Hair Color Spray

• Best Hair Chalk: Dippity-Do ColorPop Hair Chalk

• Best Semi-Permanent Hair Color: Joico Color Intensities

Read on below to learn more about each of Perry's picks.

Best Overall Temporary Hair Color: Manic Panic Dye Hard Temporary Hair Dye

“Manic Panic has been around for decades, and rightfully so. What started out as one of the first unnatural color lines available to rebellious punks and experimental kids, now finds itself in more temporary, washable, easier-to-apply forms all over the internet and in every mall in America. New shades range from soft pastels to radical neons. (Warning: the lighter the hair naturally, the longer the temporary color will last!)”

Shop now: $10; ulta.com

Best Temporary Hair Color for Dark Hair: Splat Temporary Hair Dye

“No one out there makes a more pigmented temporary hair color, which is why this is perfect for those with naturally dark hair. Unfortunately bright color doesn’t show up as well on dark hair without bleaching, but Splat on its own definitely delivers a solid punch of color. Warning: this stuff doesn’t lie. It truly is vivid! Meaning when put on light hair, Splat stays put!”

Shop now: $9; target.com

Best Temporary Hair Color for Light Hair: Lime Crime Unicorn Hair

“Vegan, cruelty-free hair glazing brought to you by one of the top selling cosmetic companies. The formula goes on like conditioner and leaves hair feeling soft and silky. Also, how can you NOT have fun while picking out shades with titles like “Sext”, “Juicy”, “Anime”, and “Gargoyle”?!”

Shop now: $16; ulta.com

Best Temporary Hair Color Spray: Joico Instatint Temporary Color Shimmer Spray

“One of the most reputable brands on the professional hair color forefront, Joico’s well known for their hair color options. Instatint comes in mixable shades ready to spray directly onto hair. Spray less for a more subtle look or hit your strands harder for something more extreme. Regardless, Instatint can last up to three full days and washes out after one to two shampoos.”

Shop now: $12; walmart.com

Best Temporary Hair Color for Kids: Jerome Russell Bwild Hair Color Spray

“We all know kids hate sitting still for longer than three seconds. That’s why it’s a no-brainer to use an inexpensive washable spray when wanting to get unnatural color on top of their noggins. Pro tip: Grouping hair onto a foil and spraying hair close to strands will give a more concentrated look.”

Shop now: $6; target.com

Best Colored Hair Wax: Mofajang Hair Coloring Material

“This puddy comes in a myriad of colors and glides on easily, perfect for any type of texture of hair. Its biggest perk includes its thick consistency, making it foolproof when wanting different strands different colors.”

Shop now: $7; walmart.com

Best Black Hair Dye That Washes Out: Beyond The Zone Color Bombz Explosive Black Temporary Hair Color Spray

“Truthfully, most all-black hair sprays on the market can stain light hair on a permanent to semi-permanent level. However, if just trying to darken hair for a night or two, a handful of retailers carry this inexpensive washable spray. My professional opinion? Grab a wig! It will look more realistic anyways!”

Shop now: $6; sallybeauty.com

Best Hair Chalk: Dippity-Do ColorPop Hair Chalk

“This super applicable egg-shaped pod of hair chalk comes in varying bold colors like Pixie Green and Posh Pink. My favorite thing about these little cuties is definitely the ability to take them with you! While these might stain your hands, they wash out pretty quickly.”

Shop now: $7; ulta.com

Best Semi-Permanent Hair Color: Joico Color Intensities

“As a professional I’ve used almost every bright hair color line out there. Joico’s vivid semi-permanent line is absolutely my favorite for vibrant, healthy, intensely pigmented color. Each color comes out identical to what it’s advertised to be, and stays true to shade for 4-6 weeks, depending on how light previous hair was and washing routine. I use these in my salon daily and have yet to ever be disappointed.”

Shop now: $20; ulta.com