There’s no better way to instantly change our look than giving our hair a makeover! The best temporary hair colors enable you to experiment with your look and also quickly undo it in case you despise it. Celebrities like Megan Fox, Hilary Duff, and Joe Jonas have been trendsetters of wild hair colors. This is definitely better than permanent hair color that cannot be reversed as easily. Also, you are not really doing your hair a favor by using permanent hair color.

Permanent hair colors require substantial time and money at the end of which you may not necessarily like what you get. And you will be literally soaking your hair in chemicals like ammonia and bleach which can be pretty catastrophic for your hair. Suddenly, your beautiful hair looks dry and lusterless. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Andrea Suarez says that, “Because of the peroxide component, it causes the outer cuticle to swell. It’s very alkaline and the outer cuticle of the hair swells and this can result in brittleness, dryness, and damage to your hair. You should be considering a semi-permanent hair dye that differs from a permanent one and uses more intermediate-sized compounds that can enter and exit the hair more readily and so they are rinsed off after a few shampoos”. 

Our contributor Eliza Penida, In-house hair expert at Mayraki Professional, lays down the difference between temporary and semi-permanent hair color, saying, “Permanent colors usually have ingredients that allow it to penetrate and lighten the hair all the way through. These ingredients can be toxic and damaging. Semi-permanent dyes are less likely to have this quality as these are designed to only deposit color on top of the hair. This means that semi-permanent dyes are less damaging and toxic.”

Using temporary hair dyes is a simple way to change your look without such long-term effects. Devoid of bleach, they only coat the outer shaft of your hair and completely wash out in 8 to 10 washes at the most. And the best part is they don’t damage your hair so you can play around with all the colors you want. 

Furthermore, temporary hair dyes are available in various interesting formulations without the usual nuisance of bleach, color concentrate, developer, etc. These consist of chalks, tinted shampoos and conditioners, sprays, hair mascaras, colored wax, and so on, which easily fit into your hair care routine and are perfect for beginners. However, one thing you must be aware of before using temporary hair colors is that you cannot expect dramatic hair transformation, no matter how effective the product claims to be. This is especially true for those who don’t pre-lighten their tresses. Even so, the subtle pigment that your hair gets can also go a long way in sprucing up your appearance, and it is a great way to determine what looks good on you before indulging in permanent dyeing. 

We have put in hours of research to compile some cult-favorite hair colors based on their shades, longevity, and ingredients. We hope this helps you to discover your bold and adventurous self.

• 1
  Best Non-Bleeding Color

  Arctic Fox Ritual Semi-Permanent Hair Color

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With added conditioner and its long-lasting effect, Arctic Fox Ritual Semi-Permanent Hair Color is one of the best temporary hair dyes. This semi-permanent hair color bleeds less than most other brands and contains no toxic chemicals like peroxide, ammonia or ethyl alcohol or that can damage your hair. This color is a beautiful rich shade of burgundy that is highly pigmented and works best on level 7 upwards. You also have the option of going for a lighter version by diluting the color. This vegan and cruelty-free hair color contains no animal by-products and is gentle enough for frequent use. And as an added incentive, this temporary hair color has a sweet fragrance.

Key Ingredients

• Cetyl alcohol
• Glycerine 

Size - 236 ml or 8 fl. oz.

Type - Cream

Number of Shades -22 shades

2

Punky Semi Permanent Conditioning Hair Color - Cotton Candy

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To get hair that looks rather funky, we highly recommend you to try out Punky! This product is a holy grail semi-permanent color for teenagers and beginners to hair coloring, who don’t want to commit to one color for long or want to transform their look drastically. Its shade Cotton Candy is a beautiful light pink color that will help your nail that Barbiecore aesthetic. Besides, the formula has a delectable gel-like texture with concentrated pigments that give a vibrant pop of color to your hair! 

Key Ingredients: Glycerin

Size: 3.5 Fluid ounce

Type: Cream

Number of Shades: 15

3

Wella Professionals Color Fresh Mask - Chocolate Touch

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Enriched with the goodness of avocado oil, this temporary hair color mask by Wella ensures that the barrier of your hair. This pomade-like formula is infused with rich pigments that deposit on your hair in just about 10 minutes and give a beautiful pop of color to it. While the product is available in several color options, the shade Chocolate Touch is our favorite as it gives a delicious brown hair color and suits all undertones. Adding to that, the product also increases shine and beautifies your tresses.

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, apricot kernel oil, vitamin E, and glycerin

Size: 5 Ounces

Type: Hair mask

Number of Shades: 18

4

Best Natural Formula

Kiss Tintation Semi-Permanent Neon Orange Hair Color

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Made with aloe vera water rather than distilled water for maximum hydration and treatment of your hair, Kiss Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Color is one of your safest bets. Aloe vera water is rich in amino acids and proteolytic enzymes that maintains the pH balance of your scalp and also regenerates dead cells. You can be as adventurous as you want with the 54 shades that this brand offers you. You have endless possibilities with these vivid colors without compromising the health of your hair. Crafted with natural ingredients like argan and olive oil as well as keratin and collagen it conditions and protects your hair. So go wild with your choices of this temporary hair dye for dark hair and take on a new look every few days!

Key Ingredients

• Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
• Castor Oil
• Hydrolyzed collagen
• Hydrolyzed keratin

Size - 148 ml or 5 fl. oz.

Type - Liquid

Number of Shades - 54 shades

5

Best for All Hair Types

Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Moisturizing Semi-Permanent Hair Color - 1N Light Natural Blonde

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Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Moisturizing Semi-Permanent Hair Color gives your hair a rich and luminous texture and color. It causes no damage to your hair and is suitable for all textures like curly and coily hair. It's infused with natural plant ingredients like jojoba oil and aloe vera and a good measure of vitamin E and is devoid of harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide. Its gentle action leaves your hair feeling soft and moisturized. This temporary hair dye is also gentle and safe enough to be used after relaxing and other chemical treatments. It gradually fades after every wash and lasts for up to 8 washes. So get ready to enjoy the various inter-mixable shades this brand offers you!

Size - 88 ml or 3 fl. oz.

Type - Cream

Number of Shades - 20 shades

6

Best for Bleached Hair

L'Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color - Hot Pink

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L'Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color gives you the freedom to play around with bold and vibrant colors. For bleached or light blonde hair, you can use the color directly or you can combine it with the clear mixer to create customized pastel shades. This non-permanent hair color is ammonia-free and gradually fades with shampooing. It is crafted with pure dyes in a conditioning hair mask and is convenient and easy to use. It has a safe and gentle vegan formula and contains no harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide.  A whole range of beautiful trendy colors from light pastels to vibrant dark colors are available for you to let your imagination run free. You can mix and match the colors you want to create a mystical, subtle, or vivacious look.

Key Ingredients

• Water
• Cetearyl alcohol
• Amodimethicone
• Cetyl Alcohol

Size - 118 ml or 4 fl. oz.

Type - Cream

Number of Shades - 11 shades

7

Best Fragrance-Free Color

Color X-Change Semi-Permanent Hair Color - Tropical Turquoise

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Pamper and dress up your hair with Color X-Change Semi-Permanent Hair Color that gives it extra shine and moisturizes it at the same time. Highly pigmented, this temporary hair color will ensure that your hair is at its best. You can switch between different colors as often as you want as your hair doesn’t have to suffer the damage caused by peroxide and bleach with this hair color. It’s also free of ammonia and parabens as well as all other harsh chemicals. Not only is it fragrance-free, but it also doesn’t have that nasty chemical smell. This bright and vibrant color comes ready to use and doesn’t require any mixing and is sure to make your hair pop. 

 

Key Ingredients

• Water
• Cetyl alcohol
• Stearyl alcohol
• Glycerin
• Olea europaea fruit oil

Size - 118 ml or 4 fl. oz.

Type - Liquid

Number of Shades - 13 shades

8

Best for Color-Treated Hair

dpHUE Gloss+ Semi-Permanent Hair Color and Deep Conditioner - Dark Blonde

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You can either deepen or boost your natural hair color or use it to color your chemically treated hair for a freshly groomed look. It does an incredible job of conditioning your hair and also of toning ombre ends. You can enjoy shiny, soft, and manageable hair thanks to its hydrating ingredients. This temporary hair color is specially blended to give a boost of color to your hair and a healthy shine. It is not for grey coverage. It takes just minutes to see the effects and doesn’t require any mixing. It doesn’t cause any damage to the hair either as it doesn’t penetrate the hair cuticle and is free of harmful ammonia and other harsh chemicals.

Key Ingredients

• Water
• Cetearyl alcohol
• Dimethicone

Type - Cream

Size - 192 ml or 6.5  fl. oz.

Number of Shades - 12 shades

9

Best Intermixable Colors

Wella Color Charm Paints Semi-Permanent Hair Color - Strawberry

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Wella Color Charm Paints Semi-Permanent Hair Color boasts a gentle acidic pH formula that can last up to 20 shampoos. You can mix shades to customize your shade of color and also control shade intensity. This is thanks to its unique Colorinvent (TM) technology, If you are feeling very adventurous, you can use several colors together without foils. This temporary hair dye offers you 20 other inter-mixable shades and a clear pastelizer. It is safe and gentle on the hair with no harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide and doesn’t need a developer. This color works best on pre-lightened hair and requires you to keep it on for just 20 minutes.

 

Key Ingredients

• Cetearyl alcohol

Type - Cream

Size - 59 ml or 2 fl. oz.

Number of Shades - 21 shades

10

Best in Moisturizing

Bigen Semi Permanent Hair Color - Natural Black

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Enriched with coconut oil, shea butter, as well as argan oil, Bigen Semi Permanent Hair Color, is safe for all hair types. It also contains natural moisturizers like beeswax, honey, and sunflower. It’s also extremely safe and gentle for relaxed and chemically treated hair. The oil-rich formula of this temporary black hair dye conditions and nourishes your hair while coloring it. Its rich and creamy formula keeps your hair moisturised and healthy even under dry conditions. It doesn’t have a typical chemical smell like most hair colors as it doesn’t contain peroxide or ammonia. Instead, it has a new, pleasant floral fragrance with notes of exotic spices and mixed fruits.

Key Ingredients

• Cellulose gum
• Tartaric acid
• P-phenylenediamine sulfate
• Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate

Type - Liquid

Size - 88 ml or 2 fl. oz.

Number of Shades - 14 shades

11

Best Transfer-resistant Hair Color

Curlsmith Hair Makeup - Copper

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Color and style your hair with Curlsmith Hair Makeup with its vibrant temporary hair dye that washes off with just one shampoo. It’s an innovative amalgam of high-pigment mica pearls that coat even dark hair with intense color. It also doubles up as a strong styling gel that works beautifully on all hair colors and types giving it long-lasting definition. You just need to apply it to damp hair for the desired color. It creates no mess as it’s devoid of dyes and stains and after it dries, it’s completely transfer-resistant. The color washes off with just one shampoo. Crafted with natural and healthy ingredients, this premium product is completely safe to use.

Key Ingredients

• Synthetic fluorphlogopite
• Glycerin
• PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil
• Pumpkin seed extract
• Orange peel extract

Type - Gel

Size - 88 ml or 3 fl. oz.

Number of Shades - 5 shades

12

Best Shimmery Finish

Clairol Color Crave Hair Makeup - Amethyst

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The exclusive micro-crystal formula of Clairol Color Crave Hair Makeup is exclusively designed to reflect light and give your hair extra shimmer. It instantly colors your hair and works on all hair textures and types. This temporary hair color works equally well on all hair colors from light blondes to dark brunettes. It includes a sponge applicator for precise application and easy styling. If you get tired of the color it requires just 1 to 2 shampoos to wash it out. It is crafted without harsh chemicals like parabens and ammonia and causes no damage to your precious hair. 

Type - Cream

Size - 45 ml or 1.5  fl. oz.

Number of Shades - 6 shades

13

Lucky One Supguder Hair Coloring Material - 6IN1

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Color your hair in vibrant shades almost instantly with Lucky One Supguder Hair Coloring Material. Crafted with 100 percent natural ingredients it comprises carnauba wax and castor oil as well as licorice and tea extract. Easy to apply, this non-sticky wax causes absolutely no damage to your hair shaft. It allows you to sculpt your hair and also create texture apart from dyeing your hair. Men can also use this on their beards. It is simple to wash out with plain water and is suitable for all hair types. With colors like wine red, blue and green, enjoy coloring and styling your hair with this versatile temporary hair color.

Key Ingredients

• Carnauba wax
• Licorice extract
• Castor oil 
• Tea extract

Type - Wax Mud Dye Cream

Size - 120 gms or 4.23  fl. oz.

Number of Shades - 6 shades

We have put in a lot of research to curate this list of the 11 best temporary hair colors for you so that you can have a field day trying out different colors on your hair. At the same time, it's a good idea to follow a few pointers so that you can get the best possible one for your hair type and style.

A hair color may look good but you also need to be careful that it doesn’t damage your hair or stain your clothes among other things. 

Ingredients 

You should be sure that the hair color you pick up free from ingredients like ammonia or bleach. Check that the ingredients do not damage your hair and are devoid of peroxide and sulfates as well as parabens and phthalates. In fact, try to go for a product that contains conditioning elements that strengthen your hair and make it healthier. Products enriched with mild and organic ingredients are a good option. As per our contributor Eliza Penida temporary color can be safe for all ages. “These colors can be safe for all ages as long as ingredients do not include hydrogen peroxide, formaldehyde, ammonia, and other toxic substances. Opting for conditioning temporary colors can be great.”, she adds.

Ease of Use

Ideally, your temporary hair color should be easy to apply and not spread everywhere. You need to be especially careful with hair sprays as they can fly in any direction. Waxes and dyes can also be a tad messy. Creams are a safe bet but be sure they come with application tools like a sponge or brush as well as gloves.

Washability

The idea of a temporary hair color is that you want it for a short duration of time so the product should not color or tint your hair for an indefinite period and should be fairly easy to wash out. Always check if the label says  'temporary' or 'semi-permanent' as that decides how long-lasting the color will be. It can be anything between a day to 6 weeks so if you want it for a short time you should choose a brand that easily comes out with a wash.

Shade Range

If you love experimenting with hair colors, go for a premium product that offers an array of incredible shades along with great results. Usually, warm colors are great for warm skin tones while cool shades are perfect for cool skin tones. There are some temporary hair dyes for dark hair that will not work well on lighter hair. If you like vibrant and bold colors, go for a product that works well on all hair types including unbleached hair. Also, it should be ammonia-free or it can make your hair dry and brittle.

Color Coverage

If you are buying a temporary or semi-permanent hair color with the sole purpose of covering grey hair, then color coverage of the product is something you need to look at. Go for a product that gives good color coverage and helps hide unwanted grey hair. These colors also help in touching up your roots, so you can avoid frequent and expensive trips to the beauty salon.

Regardless of which formulation you are using, wearing gloves before your start is non-negotiable! We recommend wearing skin-tight rubber gloves over plastic ones for ease of application.

1. Tinted Shampoo: Start by dampening your hair. Take a small generous amount of the product and rub it in your palms to emulsify it for even distribution. Then, apply the product on your scalp area first and lather all the way through your lengths. Leave the shampoo on for 15-20 minutes before carefully rinsing it off. 

2. Tinted Conditioner: Follow up with a good tinted conditioner after your toning shampoo to see best results. Just like a regular conditioner, apply the product to the lengths of your hair and leave it on for 30 minutes or as directed on teh packaging before carefully rinsing off. 

3. Semi-permanent Cream/Gel: Take the directed amount of the product in a plastic/glass mixing bowl. Dip your hair coloring brush into it and part your hair. Glide the brush on small pieces of hair starting from the partition line and coat the entire length of it evenly. Repeat the process for all sections of your hair. Let the product stay on for 30 minutes or as long as directed on the product packaging. Rinse it off. 

4. Coloring Spray: Products like this are beneficial as a quick-fix for graying strands. To use, start by parting your to expose the gray hair area. Then, aim the sprayer well at a 12-centimeter distance and spray the product so the color deposits in the right place. Brush your hair to evenly distribute the product and you’re good to go. 

5. Coloring Liquid: Whether a developer needs to be added to the mix or not, take the bottle of the coloring liquid and shake it well. Then, hold it upside down and carefully release the formula onto your hair (starting from the scalp area) through the dropper. Massage your hair to distribute the product evenly through the lengths. You can also use the liquid by mixing it with your hair conditioner. Wear a shower cap and allow it to sit for the directed duration. Rinse it off. 

However trendy and different a permanent hair color may be, it’s not always the easiest choice to make and to commit to. But, choosing one of the best temporary hair colors might work best as you can change your hair color as many times as you want without worrying about hair damage. We have seen how amazing celebrities look with their multi-hued hair and this article is a sign that there’s nothing sto pping you from looking the same.

As we have established, temporary hair color removes the hassle of a long-term commitment and you don’t have to shed unnecessary tears if you don’t like what you get. They are by far the best way to play with a bold and vibrant look without paying an arm and a leg for it. So do try out these colors the next time you want to up your look or just want to be different!

Contributor: Dr. Andrea Suarez, Board-Certified Dermatologist

Eliza Pineda, In-House Hair Expert at Mayraki Professional