Buzz
Temporary hair dye serves as a safer alternative to traditional hair coloring, being much gentler and causing no harm to your hair. Instead of penetrating the hair shaft deeply, temporary dye merely coats the outer layer, fading gradually over time. Besides being safer and easier to use, temporary hair dye also comes in a variety of vibrant and striking colors. If you're interested in experimenting with your look, this might be the perfect choice for you.
Steps
Select the Dye
Find a color you like. Many popular hair dye brands offer hundreds of shades to choose from. Temporary hair dye is widely available, from supermarkets to fashion stores and professional beauty shops, with a full range of products. Choose a color that you love, one that complements your wardrobe and/or enhances your eye and skin tone. Temporary dye works on all hair types but appears most vibrant on light hair and only subtly on very dark hair.
Bleach your hair if necessary. Bleaching helps the dye stand out more on all hair types. If you have dark hair and want to try vibrant colors, you’ll need to bleach your hair. Keep in mind that bleaching can damage your hair.
Perform a patch test. This is an easy way to check for allergies at home. This step is crucial, especially if you have sensitive skin. You could experience scalp irritation or even permanent hair loss if you apply the dye without testing first.
- Apply a small amount of dye to a cotton pad and stick it to a less sensitive or less exposed area of your skin, such as your upper back.
- Leave the pad on your skin for the same duration as the dye’s processing time (usually about an hour).
- Remove the pad and rinse the dye off your skin.
- Wait an additional 48 hours before dyeing your hair.
- Do not use the dye if your skin becomes itchy, red, or swollen. If itching occurs while the pad is still on, remove it immediately and wash the area with soap and water.
Test the dye on a small section of hair. Choose a small, hidden section of hair to test. Dye this section according to the instructions on the dye bottle. You can skip this step if you’re not overly concerned about the exact shade of your new hair color. If you’ve never bleached your hair before, test the bleach first, then the dye.
Dye Your Hair
Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo and dry it completely. While you should normally avoid blow-drying as it can dry out and damage your hair, the drier your hair is, the better the dye will absorb. Avoid using conditioner until after you’ve applied the dye and rinsed it out.
Protect your skin and clothing. While hair dye eventually fades, it can be difficult to remove from most fabrics. Temporary hair dye on the skin usually washes off with thorough scrubbing, but this process might take a few days. Preventing stains is always easier than cleaning them later.
- Wear clothes you don’t mind staining.
- Lay a towel on the floor where you plan to dye your hair.
- Wear medical gloves.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) along your hairline to protect your skin.
Decide on your dyeing style. You can dye your entire head one color or opt for a more creative approach. Here are some options to consider:
- Highlight only. Many people with dark hair choose to add vibrant highlights.
- Dye just the tips. This is called a “dip-dye” look, as it appears your hair was dipped in color. Section your hair with plastic clips. You can use multiple colors for this style.
- Combine two shades from the same dye brand. Dye the tips one color, the roots another, and blend the two in the middle for an ombré effect.
- Experiment with a multi-colored look or leave some sections undyed for a unique style. Apply a bit of conditioner to the sections you want to leave untouched.
Apply the dye. Spread a thick layer of dye on the sections of hair you want to color. The best method depends on your desired style:
- For large areas or full-head dyeing, use your hands to massage the dye into your hair, similar to applying shampoo. If you have long hair, you may need to repeat the process to ensure even coverage. For thick hair, work in sections.
- Use a dye brush for smaller sections. Dip the brush into the dye and apply it to your hair. A dye brush provides better control and even distribution. Apply multiple coats to ensure full coverage.
Let the dye set. Processing times vary by product but typically range from 30 minutes to an hour. Unlike permanent dyes, which contain strong chemicals that can damage hair and skin, temporary dyes don’t have a “too long” warning. If you need to move around, wear a shower cap to avoid staining.
Rinse out the dye. Rinsing in a sink is less messy but can be inconvenient. Showering is often better, even for darker dyes.
- Rinse your hair thoroughly under running water. This is especially important if the dye has dried on your hair.
- Gently shampoo with a color-safe product. Keeping your hair moisturized helps the color last longer.
- Continue rinsing until the water runs clear. Any remaining dye can stain surfaces it touches.
- Use conditioner. This step also helps maintain moisture.
- Let your hair air dry. Excessive blow-drying can dry out your hair and cause the color to fade faster.
Caring for Your Newly Dyed Hair
Limit hair washing. Temporary hair dye fades a little more with each wash. To make the color last longer, try to wash your hair as infrequently as possible. The thicker and less oily your hair is, the less often you’ll need to wash it.
Use color-preserving shampoo. When you do wash your hair, opt for a shampoo that minimizes color fading. Most major brands offer at least one color-preserving product. If you can’t find one at the supermarket, check professional beauty stores.
- Sulfate-free shampoos that enhance color are ideal. For example, purple shampoo works wonders for blonde and silver hair.
Keep your hair moisturized. Dry hair fades faster. Use conditioner regularly or try a dry conditioner. If you have curly or coily hair, consider using shea butter.
Re-dye if necessary. Temporary hair dye is inherently not permanent. You can re-dye your hair using the steps above when the color fades to an undesirable shade. You can also experiment with a different color. If you’ve previously bleached your hair, avoid re-bleaching unless your roots have grown out significantly.
Tips
- Always clean up thoroughly after dyeing your hair. Temporary hair dye may not be permanent on hair, but it can stain clothes, carpets, and furniture.
- Not all hair dye products are the same. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging carefully before use.
