When ready to apply temporary hair dye, the first step is selecting the right dye. Shop for a dye that will last for the amount of time desired. Compare many products to find the one that will give you the right result. Color will be important. If you want a really bright color it may be best to buy a temporary hair dye that will wash out after only one or two washings. If the color choice is one that you are trying out before committing to it, a dye lasting a week will probably give you enough time to determine whether or not it is a good choice.


The application process is next. Since the temporary hair dye will come in different application types, select one that you feel you can comfortably apply. Some dyes are applied and kept on for a few minutes before washing out, and some are applied and left in the hair. They will all come with detailed instructions on how to apply to get the proper color. It will be much faster to apply than a permanent hair color. The color will come out quicker if the hair is washed often, but all of the temporary dyes will start to fade after the first hair wash.

Application Process

Temporary Hair ColorStart by washing the hair and make sure it is completely dry. Do not use any conditioner. The hair follicles will be open and more receptive to the dye.

Put on protective plastic gloves and start applying the dye to the hair. If only coloring parts of the hair, make sure that foil for dying hair is used to protect the hair that is not being colored. Some dyes include a paint brush style applicator to make sure all hairs are covered.

Cover the hair with a plastic cap and wait the amount of time identified in the instructions. Sometimes sitting under a hair dryer for the last ten minutes of the process will help the temporary dye last longer.

Rinse the hair under lukewarm or cool water. Now is the time to apply a conditioner to the hair. Rinse out the conditioner and style as normal.

There are certain risks with any hair dye. An allergic reaction could occur causing rashes or swelling. Since there are fewer chemicals used in temporary hair dye the risk is much less than when using permanent hair dye. If the color is wrong, it can be removed from the hair by repeated washings.

It is very important to follow the directions exactly when using temporary hair dye. Make sure all of the required supplies are on hand before starting the process, and wear old clothes so nothing gets stained or ruined. It would be good to have a friend assist with the process to make sure the dye is applied the correct way and is totally rinsed out of the hair when the coloring process is finished.

Maintaining Hair with Temporary Hair Color

Though the temporary hair dye is not as harsh and damaging to the hair, care still has to be taken because it does contain chemicals. The temporary dyes state that the hair can be re-colored after 24 hours, but it is still a good idea to make sure the color is one will look good because using chemicals too often can damage the hair.

The shampoo and conditioner that is used on natural hair may be all wrong for hair that has color in it, even if the color is only temporary. Always choose a shampoo and conditioner made for hair with color, especially if you plan on changing the hair color often with temporary hair dye. Using the wrong types of products on colored hair can damage it, and the damage could be permanent.

Removing Temporary Hair Dye

Sometimes the dye just does not look good after it has been applied to the hair. Temporary hair dye can be removed naturally. Start by washing the hair with a clarifying shampoo. Repeat the washing three times in 24 hours. This should remove all of the dye, but if remnants of the color remain, heat olive oil until it is warm. Apply the olive oil to the hair and cover with a plastic cap and let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse. Squeeze the juice from a lemon into one cup of vinegar. Apply to hair for 30 minutes and rinse. All of the dye should be gone.