15 Temporary Ways To Color Your Hair

2 Shares

Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

Comments

At times, you just want to give your mane a temporary makeover by adding some hues. It could be for a party, adding a bit of spunk or maybe you just want a change but don’t want anything too harsh and long lasting or it could be also to cover some gray hair. There are a number of ways in which you can do that without damaging your hair and they are totally reversible too. Also if you are thinking of getting streaks or ombre hair it might be a good idea to try one of these temporary hair dye methods, beforehand as it will give you an idea how your hair will look before you get a professional job done. These methods will also save you from spending too much and hair damage.

There are a number of ways you can get a one-time hair color pick-me-up. We have chosen 15 temporary ways to color your hair. These are super fun and super easy. You can change the color of your hair according to your mood, clothes or personality without worrying about the health of your hair and creating a dent in your pocket. Whether you want Kylie Jenner’s blue streaks or a hint of candy floss in your hair, we’ve got you covered. Now remember the results may vary depending upon the texture and color of your hair, but go ahead experiment, let your imagination go wild with these ideas ladies!

“You can change the color of your hair according to your mood, clothes or personality without worrying about the health of your hair and creating a dent in your pocket. Whether you want Kylie Jenner’s blue streaks or a hint of candy floss in your hair, we’ve got you covered.”

15. Hair Chalks

Hey Brunettes! Guess what it’s not always the blondes who have more fun. If you want pastel-colored hair, chalking is one of the easiest ways to do it, whatever your hair color. Hair chalks are easily available and very easy to use. They last for just one wash and you can go ombre, get streaks or even streaks of multiple colors. The possibilities with these little goodies are endless! Sometimes hair chalks leave residue and come off on your clothes and hands, for that you can use non oil based chalk pastels, available at art supply stores. They work just perfectly

How to:

• For dark hair dampen your hair slightly, they should not be dripping wet. If you’re a natural blonde, skip this step.
• Take small sections of your hair and twirl them using your fingers
• Slide the pastel or chalk up and down these twirled sections, twirling makes sure your hair is coated from both sides
• Let your hair air dry or you can use a blow drier if you are in a rush
• Once it is dry, run straightening iron on the colored strands, this works like a sealant and keeps the color from leaving residue everywhere.

14. Temporary Hair Color Spray

Why go for crazy bleaches, tints or cover your hair with those peroxide solutions when you can just get almost the same results with a few sprays, right? Temporary hair color spray is easily available in the party section of any store or at the party and costume stores. Some of these even have glitter in them, making it a perfect choice for a party. You can find these in a variety of colors and the color lasts for a few hours, and any color which is left behind washes off in just one wash

How to:

• Spray it on dry hair, and after styling as it tends to get stiff just like hair holding spray
• Shake the can well and hold it about 20 centimeters from your hair
• Be careful while using these as you don’t want to spray too much in one area and too little on the other
• Make sure you color hair evenly by moving your hand
• The results last for 5-6 hours before the color starts to fade
• If you want to cover your whole head you might need two cans
• If you want streaks, lift the part you want colored and cover the remaining using paper towels
• If you have chemically treated, or dyed hair you might want to do a patch test as the result may vary slightly.

13. Kool-Aid

Kool-Aid hair or dying your hair with Kool-Aid has been around quite some time. Though this trend has become a bit unpopular with some of the newer trends, but the results are much long lasting as compared to some of the new ways. Unfortunately, Kool-Aid hair dye only works for people who have a light base color. Another thing to keep in mind is that the color might last from anything between 2weeks to six months depending entirely upon your hair. It is a good idea to do a patch test first. If you are wondering how to dye your hair with Kool-Aid, here it is:

How to:

• The quantity of the Kool-Aid sachets depends upon the length of your hair
• Empty the packets of Kool-Aid into a wide mouthed saucepan and add water. Bring this to a boil by putting over flame
• Then remove from flame and let it cool for a while
• Once the liquid is lukewarm, dip your hair in the sauce pan, This is great for that funky ombre hair
• The liquid should be of drinking consistency, and not a paste
• Increase the quantity of the Kool-Aid for more vibrant color
• You could even try mixing two different flavors if you want a different color than the basic flavors available in Kool-Aid. If you are the artsy type you can easily mix shades otherwise you can Google Kool-Aid color mixing charts.

12. Gel

Hair styling gel is very common; however there are now color styling gels also available. This is an excellent non-permanent hair color option, because you can just color your hair as you style. Another plus, it comes off just like any other hair product with one wash. A very popular one being Manic Panic’s Dyehard color gel. It comes in thick, opaque form.

How to:

• Simply squeeze a pint size product into your fingers and comb through your hair
• Let it air dry or you might want to use a hairdryer if you want to create a Mohawk or spikes
• These gels are available in a wide variety of colors such as metallic, glittery, neon and even matte
• It is ideal for up does, pixie cuts and faux hawks
• It is a great temporary hair dye for dark hair.

11. Eye Shadow

As crazy as it sounds, adding color to your hair using eye shadow actually works! I tried it myself on my dark brown hair to believe it. This is another great non-permanent hair color option for people with dark hair. It basically works on all hair types and colors; you just need a bit of practice though. Ladies, best part it is completely safe too! Though the downside of this is that the shadow comes off very easily, it’s like literally every time you touch your hair you will feel the color brushing off. But still it is worth a shot and maybe it was my hair texture and you will get better results.

How to:

• It is better to work in small sections of your hair, spray a strand of your hair with water.
• Rub a very tiny dot of conditioner on this strand
• Either you can scoop out the eye shadow of your choice and crush it, or if you are using individual shadows there is no need for this
• Hold your hair strand between the eye shadow and your thumb and lightly slight it down while gently pressing
• Repeat this a couple of times, till you get the color of desired vibrancy
• Seal it with a hairspray
• You might want to cover the remaining of your hair with a paper towel as you let the eye shadow dry
• You can also use a hairdryer to quicken the process
• In the end, spray some more hairspray to seal all the color.

10. Colored Mascaras

Colored mascaras are also used very commonly and have been around for quite some time. You will find them at most cosmetic store and these are available in a variety of colors. You can find colored mascaras from neon funky shades to metallic or glittery ones. This is a great quick one time dyeing technique. The good side is that the color doesn’t fade or come off till you wash your hair. The downside, as these come in small mascara like tubes with wands it can be very time consuming if you have long hair. It’s a good choice for adding a few streaks though.

How To:

• Simply pull the product out of the tube from the wand and coat your hair like you do with your lashes
• You can use the wand for the tips of your hair or for streaking
• It is a great product for touch ups and covering grays
• If you have dark hair and want to add light pastel streaks you should coat your hair with white mascara first, let it dry then coat with the color of your choice
• This leaves hair a little stiff, once it dries.

“As crazy as it sounds, adding color to your hair using eye shadow actually works! I tried it myself on my dark brown hair to believe it. This is another great non-permanent hair color option for people with dark hair.”

9. Permanent Marker

I remember giving funky streaks to my Barbie using markers as a little girl but I didn’t know those permanent markers work just as well on our hair too. Don’t believe us, just type dyeing your hair with marker on YouTube and prepare to be astounded! I found 4 different methods while browsing YouTube to do this. It’s an amazingly easy way to add some funk, whether you want colored streaks or want to color the tips. This works better on blondes but even brunettes can give it a shot. Pros: extremely cheap, can last up to two months depending on your hair and very fast! We are listing two ways for you to try

How to:

• If you want streaks, break open the marker and take out the tube of color
• Cut open this tube using a scissors
• Wet it slightly with water and run it along the hair strands you want colored and voila!
• This can get a bit messy so don’t forget to wear gloves
• For the second method, which works on hair tips, cut open this tube and soak it in water for a good 15-20 minutes
• Using gloves squish the color out of the tube by pressing it with your fingers
• Now dip your hair in this water for 5-8 minutes
• As the hair dries you might want to cover your clothes with a water
• Don’t wash your hair for at least a day, so the color seeps in.

8. Food Coloring

Do I see some raised eyebrows there? Well this is another way to temporary color your hair which is pure love! If it is safe enough to consume, it is safe enough to color your hair with as well. It can last up to three months depending upon your hair off course. The hues might stay in longer for blondes than for brunettes. It is an amazing way to add a hint of color to dark hair. Keeping in mind that everyone’s hair is different the results might vary, but this is one of the safest hair dyeing methods, so totally worth a shot

How to:

• Pour your desired food color into a bowl
• You can dip your hair in it for about 10 minutes and let it air dry or if you want streaks or a hint of color, using a tooth brush or a hair coloring brush, brush it through your hair
• Blow dry you hair afterwards
• Do not wash your hair for at least twenty four hours
• You can find food color in a number of colors but if you are trying to figure out how to make brown food coloring, simply mix equal parts of red and yellow food color or for purple food coloring mix 3 parts of red color with 1 part of blue and so on. Obviously if you aren’t a color expert it might take a few attempts to get the color right, but ladies this isn’t rocket science and much more easier than it sounds.

7. Clip-Ins

If you don’t want to take any sort of risk clip-in hair extensions are your safest bets. You can find them in practically any color. You can simply attach them to your hair, and style it in any way you want to. A number of companies are now making these clip ins with human hair as well so you can use hot tools to crimp, curl or even straighten them.

How to:

• Lift the strands of your hair
• Open the clasp on the clip in, snap it below the strand of hair you have lifted
• This keeps the clips hidden and the extensions look like your real hair
• Style hair in any way that you want
• At the end of the night, simply remove them, no need to shampoo or anything to get rid of the color
• Ideal for people with dark hair
• Great way to add volume and length to your hair.

6. Semi Permanent Hair Dye

Semi-permanent hair dye is ideal to use when you’ve got your calendar packed. It lasts about three to six weeks. A number of brands are making these ammonia-free dyes. They don’t damage your hair so you don’t have to worry about rough unmanageable hair. From subtle shades to candy floss or violet you will find every shade in these. The only downside to semi-permanent hair dye is that the color becomes quite dull when it is fading out and you can’t do much during that period except for be patient

How to:

• These usually come in bottle with a nozzle
• Simply part your hair in four sections if you want to cover your whole head and apply from roots to tips, section by section
• You can also take out the entire contents of the bottle into a wide bowl and dip your hair
• Leave it in your hair according to the directions on the container
• These are called shampoo dyes as well, so no need to shampoo afterwards, just rinse your hair with water
• Follow up with color protecting conditioner.

5. Henna

African and Middle Eastern women have been using henna for ages as it is not only a great hair dye for dark hair but also works as food hair. Henna nourishes your hair; it is amazing for deep conditioning as it adds that red tint to your hair. Now since it is made of henna leaves, it reacts differently on everyone’s hair and the results may vary. Blondes might sometimes get hair with a bit of Orangish tint, but it is an amazing red hair dye for dark hair. I have used henna for a very long time on my dark brown hair to make it red, and trust me most of the people thought I had gotten a professional hair job done. Although you may find a number of ways to use henna for hair online, I’m sharing what I used to do

How to:

• Brew 3-4 tables spoons of coffee
• As henna comes in powder form, use this coffee to make a thick paste
• Add 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil to this paste and mix well
• Now using a hair color brush or tooth brush, cover your hair from tips to ends
• Leave it in hair for at least two hours
• Wash off
• The downside to this is that it is a bit time consuming and washing the henna takes a while as with time the paste tends to get dry, but as henna is amazing for the health of your scalp and your hair so ladies this is worth a shot.

“African and Middle Eastern women have been using henna for ages as it is not only a great hair dye for dark hair but also works as food hair. Henna nourishes your hair; it is amazing for deep conditioning as it adds that red tint to your hair.”

4. Beetroot Juice

This is another surprising discovery thanks to all those YouTube divas! I came across this video a while back and since I am obsessed with red hair I thought I’d give it a shot. You can add a very nice hue of red or burgundy to your hair using beet root juice. The downside of this is that it is messy and takes a while for the results to show in dark hair. It adds beautiful reddish streaks to lighter hair. This lasts for about a week or two depending upon your natural hair color.

How to:

• Blend together two beetroots, about a tablespoon of fresh ginger and two tablespoons of olive oil. Massage this either on the scalp or run it along the hair shaft.
• Leave it in hair for at least 10 minutes
• Then rinse off
• Do not shampoo after this for at least 24 hours.

3. Rose, Tea And Beet Rinse

Rinse your hair with a combination of beet root juice, rose water and black tea for a hint of red. This is another all natural hair dye for dark hair and for some people this even works as a dark purple hair dye or something in between burgundy and red. This is all natural, works as a great antioxidant, and also works like hair food. This is my all-time favorite method to add a tint of red. This works equally well for people with all type of hair color.

How to:

• Brew strong black tea, combine half a cup of black tea, one cup of beet root juice and half a cup of rose water
• Fill this rinse in a spray bottle
• After washing your hair, spray it all over your hair and let it air dry
• The black tea is rich in antioxidants and dyes your hair at the same time
• It also boosts the shine of your hair and does double duty as hair food
• Use this once a week and you will start to see a natural tinge of red in your hair in no time.

2. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a great substitute for those peroxide and color cutting techniques used in the salons. It is nature’s hair lightener. It changes the color of your hair in a subtle manner, without harming the hair. Regular use of chamomile tea will give you smooth, shiny and silky hair with natural low lights. This will give you those nice golden streaks instead of that peroxide yellow brassy look.

How to:

• Combine together ½ cup of lemon juice, 2 cups of chamomile tea and ½ cup of calendula tea(optional)
• Spray it on dry hair and leave it for a minimum of two-three hours
• If you want faster results go spray your hair with this, before going out. The sun exposure will give you faster results
• Shampoo afterwards as you normally do
• This won’t give you overnight results, but regular use of this and with some sun exposure you will start to see results within a couple of weeks.
• This is one of the best ways to achieve subtle highlights with no hair damage.

1. Herbal Rinse

You can create herbal rinse for darkening your hair. This works for light brown to dark brown hair and would even darken blond tones by a shade or two. If used regularly this rinse will also help you get rid of those premature grays and roots. This is a gentle method and again takes some time, but the more it is used the darker the results.

How to:

• Simmer 1/4^th cup rosemary leaves and 1/4^th cup sage leaves in 3 cups of water for about 30 minutes, till the water changes its color
• Once cool strain it, and store in a refrigerator
• You can spray this onto your hair about an hour before shower or even use it as a final rinse, works either ways
• Repeat until you get the desired color, if you want the color to stay you can lessen the frequency of using this or completely stop for natural reversal
• These herbs also improve the health of your scalp and give a boost to hair growth

Few More Helpful Tips

We have given you 15 temporary ways to color your hair. These are worth a shot because none of these will leave your hair damaged or leave you with some irreversible drastic changes which you might regret. Here are just a few more things to remember:

• Most of these methods are messy, therefore it is a good idea to drape a towel around your shoulders and wear an old T-shirt and have some gloves handy
• When using anything like Kool-Aid or permanent markers which can stain your skin, coat your forehead, ears and neck with a thin layer of Vaseline to keep the skin from staining
• As these are natural methods unlike the permanent dyes, don’t use a shampoo for at least 24 hours when using any of these methods so the color gets sealed onto your hair shaft
• To protect your hair, give it some extra TLC after using any of these methods
• It is a good idea to invest in a shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair when using some of these methods such as semi-permanent dye, it will make the color last longer and also add to its vibrancy
• Whenever using any of the one-time coloring methods always follow up with some deep conditioning or a hair mask