I don't know about you, but when it comes to trying out beauty looks, I love to change it up. This applies not only to makeup, but also to new hair looks that venture beyond the monotony of my favorite shampoos and conditioners, leave-ins, and tried-and-true hair wraps. And while there are a variety of hair cuts and styles out there that can facilitate giving you a new look every day, the most adventurous among us may also be interested in trying out semi-permanent hair colors, which can be applied from the comfort of your own home.
Semi-permanent hair dyes are also great for people with dry, damaged, or high-porosity hair. Professional hairstylist Jennifer Korab explains, "Semi-permanent hair dye is less damaging, as it does not contain harsh chemicals like ammonia or peroxide, which are found in more permanent color. These chemicals are used to open the cuticle of the hair to deposit color, which can cause damage to the hair structure leading to dryness and breakage. Semi-permanent dye is also less damaging, as it uses a lower developer and less processing time."
But how do you find the right temporary hair dye for you, and how do you go about applying it? We asked Korab and fellow stylists Desirae Blais and Michelle Cleveland to teach us about all things at-home temporary hair color. Read on for your easiest, hair-healthiest dye experience yet.
What To Look for in a Semi Permanent Hair Color
Considering the wide range of temporary hair colors on the market, it can be difficult to understand which one is the right one, and even more impossible to decipher the long lists of ingredients on the backs of the packages. To ease this shopping process, we had Blais break it down.
"I always suggest vegan or cruelty free products for temporary hair colors since these are made from natural ingredients like shea butter and vegetable dyes," she advises. "This will cause no damage and help moisturize your hair."
And when it comes to ingredients you should stay away from? Blais suggests "staying away from any temporary color that has hydrogen peroxide or ammonia, as these products will affect the cuticle and be a more permanent color, shifting your natural hair chemistry."
Finally, Korab says to think about how vibrant you want your color. Some formulas offer bright, thick shades that completely transform your color and sit on top of your individual strands, while others offer "translucent color that will blend well with your natural color for a more subtle look."
How to Apply Temporary Hair Color
Blais says that when it comes to temporary hair color, the safest way to proceed is on clean, damp hair. "This allows you a little leeway during application to make sure everything is fully saturated," she explains. "Always follow manufacturer instructions on processing time to make sure you maximize your results!"
How Long Does Temporary Hair Color Last?
Per its name, semi-permanent hair dye doesn't last forever. Cleveland says that's because "the color never goes much further than the outside of the hair shaft and merely acts as a glaze that sits on the surface of the hair, thus making it color that will gently evolve with each shampoo." On the other hand, she says, permanent hair dye often contains ammonia and "raises the cuticle and enters into the cortex of the hair, permanently altering the color."
Once the temporary hair color has successfully been applied, Blais says that it typically lasts "10 to 12 washes, depending upon how often you wash your hair or how light the canvas of hair they were applied to. Vivid color always lasts best on hair lifted to pale blonde or what I like to tell people—the color inside of a banana." Korab adds that if you take good care of your hair, the color can remain vibrant for four to six weeks.
To make your color last as long as possible, she says you should "always wash with cold water, using color-safe products. Also, use low heat and heat protection while styling where high heat will also result in color fading."
And when it's time to wash that dye out completely? She advises using a clarifying shampoo, and adds that "hot water is the safest way to remove without damage to the hair canvas."
Best Semi Permanent Hair Dyes
- Best Hydrating Semi-Permanent Hair Dye: Joico Vero K-Pak Intensity Semi-Permanent Hair Color
- Best Shine-Enhancing Semi-Permanent Hair Dye: dpHUE Gloss+ Semi-Permanent Hair Color and Deep Conditioner
- Best Vivid Semi-Permanent Hair Dye: Strawberry Leopard Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Color
- Best Natural Semi-Permanent Hair Dye: Wella Colorcharm Demi-Permanent Cream Hair Color
- Best Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Overall: Redken Shades Eq Gloss Demi-Permanent Color
For vibrant color that won't budge, even after a few weeks, consider this option from Joico. Korab agrees, "Joico color intensity is another great option. This color is rich and vibrant, and it is longer lasting [than most competitors]." It also comes in a wide array of shades, including this metallic mauve.
Pros: Expert-approved; wide variety of shades; long-lasting
Cons: Contains sulfates
This product is formulated without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, so you don't need to worry about it drying out your strands or causing permanent damage. It's also a great option if you're looking to turn heads: Reviewer after reviewer marvels online about the shine that this delivers! The semi-permanent dye comes in 12 chic, natural-looking options from red to blonde to brown and just about every shade in between. Simply apply to clean, damp hair, leave on for three to 20 minutes, and rinse—it’s that easy.
Pros: Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates; natural-looking results; vegan; cruelty-free; easy to use
Cons: More expensive than competitors
ColorCharm's semi-permanent hair dyes come in 12 different shades, including realistic ones like this light brown. Cleveland personally recommends this option. "I’m a professional hair colorist so my advice will always be to leave the job to us," she admits. "However, if you must attempt a DIY hair color I would recommend Wella Color Charm, as the brand has a long history in the hair color industry and their main focus is on hair care products."
Pros: Many natural shades; expert-approved
Cons: Doesn't have as many vibrant shades; contains sulfates
Blais specifically recommends Strawberry Leopard for color that pops. She explains, "Strawberry Leopard has a hair care line specifically catered to vivid color hair and includes a shampoo, conditioner, heat protector, and color sealing spray to maintain the life of your new vivid hue." The formula is also infused with hair-healthy products like amino acids, shea butter, mango oil, Vitamin B5, and rice proteins—ideal for thin or damaged hair. And, according to the dye’s instructions, you can expect results in only 20 to 30 minutes.
Pros: Vegan; cruelty-free; gluten-free; conditioning; protein-infused; expert-approved
Cons: Some users said it dyed their skin
Redken is a fan-favorite brand for its premium shampoos, conditioners, and strengthening treatments, but it also offers aesthetic products like this demi-permanent dye. "Redken Shades Eq Gloss is my all-time favorite," says Korab. "This semi-permanent dye has a wide range of colors, provides high shine, and is long-lasting."
Pros: Expert-approved; wide range of colors; long-lasting; corrects brassiness; vegan
Cons: Some users find that it's not shine-enhancing enough
Also Recommended
This mask requires a bit of work, but the payoff is more than worth it. Simply mix it in with your conditioner on your next wash day and voilà. Korab says, "Schwarzkopf Color Boost Mask is another great option. This color is infused with conditioning agents like shea butter and argan oil. This color provides intense results and gray coverage."
Pros: Expert-approved; hydrating; contains natural ingredients
Cons: Requires an extra step (mixing)
Reviewers love this option, citing it as a low-maintenance way of maintaining the hair color of their choice. To use it, simply incorporate into your regular hair-washing routine, and you’ll find that your color is not just maintained but intensified with every wash. What’s more, customers say that the formula doesn't stain their tub, clothes, or towels. It’s also infused with natural ingredients like coconut oil, rosehip seed, jojoba oil, and protein-rich keratin, all of which promote shine and hydration.
Pros: Clean; conditioning; easy to use;
Cons: Some users say the color is hard to wash out
This affordable formula incorporates aloe vera and coconut oil, which, per Blais' recommendation, are great for ensuring that your hair doesn't become damaged or frizzy as a result of the dye. The product is also designed to look and fade naturally by blending your natural colors—including gray hairs—with the dye so that your new 'do doesn't need to look jarring. The coloring process only takes about 20 minutes, and Clairol promises that the color will last for up to 28 washes.
Pros: Paraben-free; made with natural ingredients; expert-approved
Cons: Some users say it's not strong enough
This super conditioning product, which comes in six colors, works best on blonde hair. According to reviews, users love the ease with which it washes out. It's also great for those with a creative, ever-changing mind: One pleased customer writes, "There [are] so many color choices and you can change it up without damaging your hair." The formula promises to dye hair in about 45 minutes but can be left on for one to two hours for longer, more intense results.
Pros: Vegan; cruelty-free; easy to use and easy to wash out
Cons: Doesn’t work as well on dark hair
Blais says that this is one of her favorite temporary hair color lines, calling it "super moisturizing" and praising its large selection, vegan formula, and cruelty-free ethics. It’s also 100 percent vegan and cruelty-free, and incorporates natural, nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, promising to restore dry, tired hair. Reviewers rave about the feel of the cream-based product and about how long the color lasts. They also love how many shades there are on offer—an impressive 35, ranging from natural shades to neon hues.
Pros: moisturizing; many choices of shades; expert-approved
Cons: some customers say neon shades aren't as vibrant as promised
Manic Panic's semi-permanent hair dye, which promises to last for four to six weeks, is another of Blais' favorite options for temporary do’s. It comes in 21 shades of vibrant colors that are perfect for costumes and stand-out looks, including electric greens, Barbie pinks, and metallic silvers. Blais loves the brand for its "large color selections that can be mixed together to create custom colors." Korab agrees, adding, "Manic Panic is a great option for semi-permanent color if you are looking for bold, vibrant, unconventional shades." Both stylists also love that the formula is vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros: vegan; cruelty-free; expert-approved; free of parabens, ammonia, and peroxide; easy to use and mix
Cons: some users say it fades unevenly
Countless reviewers rave about the great smell of this product, but rest assured that it's also quite effective, claiming to yield results in only three minutes. Plus, the formula is made from 95 percent natural ingredients, including protein-rich baobab seed extract and quinoa. "What I really love about this product is that it's great for refreshing my color and it's a really great moisturizing hair mask at the same time," writes one customer. "It's killing two birds with one stone."
Pros: vegan; cruelty-free; gluten-free; protects hair from UV damage
Cons: some users say it stains the skin and tub
Looking for a temporary hair color that's especially easy to apply? Consider this spray-on option from L'Oréal, which is great for very temporary looks (think: a music festival, a costume party, etc.). Unlike many at-home dyes, this option also doesn’t require any pre-procedure bleaching or hair lightening. Korab loves this option, explaning, "L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Dye is a great option that offers a wide range of colors and is easy for at-home application."
Pros: free of ammonia and peroxide; doesn’t require pre-bleaching; easy to apply; works on all hair colors and textures
Cons: some users say it’s messy and sticky
This hair color is designed to sit on top of the hair shaft rather than penetrating strands, thereby preventing damage and making application easier. Made with curly and textured hair in mind, it also promises to help hold and scrunch curls—a true multi-purpose product for those who like to keep their morning routines as simple as possible. One reviewer raves, "The product holds curls really well! It worked great for my hair type and I think it honestly helped with frizz too."
Pros: cruelty-free; vegan; free of silicones, sulfates, and alcohols
Cons: some users found it drying
Meet the Expert
Desirae Blais is a licensed cosmetologist and hair stylist based in Maine. In addition to working as a hair expert for Sally Beauty, she also works as a stylist at Blush Beauty Me and creates content on TikTok.
Michelle Cleveland is a hairstylist, extensionist, and colorist. She has styled celebrities, including reality television stars from Mob Wives, Real Housewives, and Glam Fairy. She is currently based in Toms River, New Jersey.
Jennifer Korab is a hairstylist specializing in color and and extensions. She owns the Renaissance Salon and Revival Barber Shop, both of which are located in New Jersey. She also serves as a haircare educator for Pureology.
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