Best 13 Temporary Hair Dyes for Vibrant and Bold Looks

Are you looking to experiment with a vibrant and bold new look without the long-term commitment? The best temporary hair dyes offer the perfect solution. With plenty of options available, you can easily transform your hair and overall look with bold colors. Whether you want to stand out at a special event, express your creativity, or simply have some fun, temporary hair dyes provide endless possibilities. 

We will explore the best 13 temporary hair dyes that deliver fun, new looks, allowing you to unleash your inner style chameleon.

Best temporary hair dyes overview:

• Best overall: Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Cream Hair Color 
• Best budget: Adore Semi Permanent Hair Color
• Best for pre-bleached hair: Splat 10-Wash Hair Color
• Best demi-permanent: Ion Intensive Shine Demi Permanent Crème Hair Color
• Best shampoo: Punky Colour 3-in-1 Depositing Shampoo + Conditioner
• Best vegan: Maria Nila Color Refresh
• Best for roots: L’Oreal Paris Magic Root Cover Up
• Best for highlights: L’Oreal Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray
• Best color + conditioner: Keracolor Color + Clenditioner
• Best for shine: dpHUE Gloss+
• Best for Black hair: As I Am Curl Color
• Best for dark hair: Clairol Natural Instincts 
• Best for light hair: Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Full Coverage Hair Dye 

How we chose the best temporary hair dyes

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including color options, staying power, and more, to create a short list of the top temporary hair dyes. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best hair dye that’s temporary for each category.

Our picks for the best temporary hair dyes

The #1 temporary hair dye for a truly bold look is Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Cream Hair Color. The brand has been highly rated in the hair color community for decades, and you can trust that the pigments will deliver. As with any hair dye, the lighter your hair, the more vibrant the initial color. However, even if you have a darker natural color, the product will still tone your hair. There are plenty of shades to choose from, all of which are vegan. 

Manic Panic cream hair color is also free of parabens, ammonia, and peroxide. At the same time, it does have herbal ingredients and a protein complex to reinforce your hair. You can mix different color pots and apply all over or only on certain sections. No matter what your desired color or look is, Manic Panic will deliver. 

Type: Semi-permanent | Shades: 20+ | Color longevity: 4 to 6 weeks

Adore Semi-Permanent Haircolor is designed to provide intense color while nourishing and conditioning your hair, giving you a bold and beautiful look. One of the standout features of the brand is its wide range of vibrant shades —  from vibrant oranges and blues to deep purples and neon pinks, this product offers a vast selection of colors to suit every individual’s style and preference. 

Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Color is suitable for all hair types, including natural and chemically-treated hair. It does not contain ammonia, peroxide, or alcohol, making it a gentle choice for those concerned about hair damage. Additionally, this product is cruelty-free and vegan, catering to individuals who prioritize ethical and sustainable beauty options.

Type: Semi-permanent | Shades: 64 | Color longevity: 10+ washes

Designed to make a statement, the Splat 10 Wash Infrared Hair Color provides vivid and striking results on pale blonde and pre-bleached hair. With its unique formulation, this hair dye offers intense color that lasts for up to 10 washes, allowing you to change your hair color without a long-term commitment. If you’re aiming for a pastel shade, leave the dye on for five minutes. Want a bold blue? Leave it on for 30 minutes.

Splat 10 Wash Hair Color is made with high-quality ingredients like baobab seed oil, which moisturizes, and adds shine. Quinoa extract prevents breakage, a common issue for hair that has been previously bleached. If you’re looking for bright colors like reds, oranges, greens, and blues, this hair color will be a perfect fit.

Type: Semi-permanent | Shades: 7 | Color longevity: 10 washes

The Ion Intensive Shine Demi-Permanent Crème Hair Color offers vibrant and long-lasting results with a gentle and conditioning formula. Whether you’re looking to enhance your natural hair color or try something new, this demi-permanent hair color is a fantastic choice. The main benefit is its nourishing and conditioning properties. Enriched with a blend of natural oils, including argan and alba seed, it helps to hydrate and strengthen your hair during the coloring process. This ensures that your hair remains soft, smooth, and manageable, even after coloring.

Applying the Intensive Shine Demi-Permanent Crème Hair Color is a breeze. Simply mix the color and developer in a bowl, following the instructions provided. However, you will need to purchase your own developer as it does not come in the package. Per the instructions, you’ll want to use a level 10 developer.

Type: Demi-permanent | Shades: 22 | Color longevity: Up to 24 washes

The Punky Colour 3-in-1 Color Depositing Shampoo + Conditioner combines the benefits of a shampoo, conditioner, and color-depositing treatment, offering a convenient and efficient way to cleanse, nourish, and refresh your hair color all at once. Simply wash your hair for three to five minutes, and you’ll get results. For maximum color deposit, you’ll want to leave the shampoo on for at least 10 minutes.

Formulated with beneficial ingredients like Vitamin A, C, and E, keratin, and hydrolyzed quinoa, this dual-action formula helps to improve the health and manageability of your hair while extending the vibrancy and longevity of your color. It leaves your hair feeling soft, smooth, and deeply conditioned. Keep in mind though, that this shampoo is meant to revive your hair color, not replace it. 

Type: Semi-permanent | Shades: 13 | Color longevity: Depends on how often hair is washed

The Maria Nila Colour Refresh cream is specially formulated to add vibrancy and richness to your hair color, all while providing nourishment and care. It’s enriched with nourishing ingredients like argan oil, which help to moisturize and condition your hair. These ingredients work together to improve hair health, leaving your locks soft, silky, and manageable. 

What truly sets Colour Refresh apart is its vegan and cruelty-free formulation. It’s free from sulfates and parabens, making it a safer and more eco-friendly choice for your haircare routine. This treatment is also suitable for all hair types and can be used on both natural and color-treated hair, providing versatility and convenience. Bonus: you can mix any of the colors with their White Mix to create gorgeous pastels.

Type: Semi-permanent | Shades: 15 | Color longevity: 4-10 washes

The L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up spray is a convenient and effective solution for covering up root regrowth and gray hair between salon visits. It’s available in a range of shades to match various hair colors, from light blondes to deep blacks. The coverage is instant, and the color dries quickly, so you can style your hair as usual without any inconvenience. Simply shake the can, hold it about six inches away from your hair, and spray it onto the regrowth or gray areas.

One of the standout features of the Magic Root Cover Up is its smudge-proof and transfer-resistant formula. Once applied, it stays in place until your next shampoo, providing reliable coverage throughout the day. You can confidently go about your activities —  even rainy or sweaty ones — without worrying about the color transferring onto clothes or fading away. 

Type: Temporary | Shades: 8 | Color longevity: One wash

With the Colorista Temporary 1-Day Color Spray Color, you can achieve vibrant color results that last up to one day. This temporary formula gives you the freedom to change your hair color for special occasions, parties, or simply to try out a new look without the long-term commitment. It offers a convenient and fun way to express your individuality and stand out from the crowd.

Applying the Colorista Hair Makeup is quick and easy. Simply shake the can, hold it about 4-6 inches away from your hair, and spray onto the desired sections. The micro-fine mist ensures even and precise coverage, allowing you to create highlights, ombre effects, or an all-over burst of color. The spray is buildable, so you can layer it for a more intense result.

Type: Temporary | Shades: 8 | Color longevity: One wash

Keracolor Color + Clenditioner allows you to cleanse, condition, and add vibrant color to your hair all at once. Designed for both natural and color-treated hair, the colorwash is available in a range of vibrant shades, from rich browns and reds to vivid blues and purples. 

The Clenditioner not only adds color but also functions as a nourishing conditioner. Enriched with coconut oil and keratin, it helps to moisturize and strengthen your hair, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and manageable.The product is sulfate free and gentle on the hair, making it suitable for daily or frequent use. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free, catering to individuals who prefer ethical and sustainable beauty products.

Type: Semi-permanent | Shades: 22 | Color longevity: Depends on color and how often you wash your hair

Gloss+ by dpHUE is a hair product that combines the benefits of a hair gloss and a conditioner along with temporary color. This innovative formula allows you to enhance your hair color, add shine, and maintain the health and vibrancy of your locks.

One of the key features of the Gloss+ is its conditioning properties. This product helps to replenish moisture, smooth the hair cuticles, and improve overall hair health. It leaves your hair feeling silky, soft, and manageable while providing a beautiful glossy finish.

It can be used on various hair types, including color-treated, highlighted, or natural hair. It also helps to extend the life of your existing color, making it an ideal option for those who want to prolong their salon results or refresh their hair color between appointments. We also love that you can leave it on for as little as three minutes and up to 20 for more vibrant results.

Type: Semi-permanent | Shades: 12 | Color longevity: Up to four weeks

As I Am Curl Color is a temporary hair color gel specifically designed for curly and textured hair. With a focus on vibrant and bold shades, this collection allows you to express your creativity and enhance your natural curls with stunning pops of color.

One of the standout features of the Curl Color collection is its formulation. These hair dyes are carefully crafted to be gentle on your curls, ensuring minimal damage or dryness. Infused with nourishing ingredients, such as Jamaican black castor oil and ceramides, they help to keep your hair hydrated, soft, and manageable even after color application. This makes them suitable for coiled and textured hair types that often require extra moisture and care.

Type: Temporary | Shades: 13 | Color longevity: One wash

Clairol Natural Instincts is a trusted brand of semi-permanent hair color that offers a gentle and natural-looking way to enhance your hair’s color. With a range of blonde, brown, black, and red shades to choose from, this product allows you to achieve a subtle change or a more dramatic transformation, all while maintaining the health and vitality of your hair.

The Natural Instincts hair color is enriched with a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and plant extracts, which work together to nourish and protect your hair during the coloring process. Ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil help moisturize and condition your hair, leaving it soft, smooth, and shiny. It’s also a fade-resistant formula; it gradually fades over time, allowing for a subtle transition and eliminating any harsh root lines.

Type: Demi-permanent | Shades: 38 | Color longevity: 28 washes

The Unicorn Hair Full Coverage Hair Dye by Lime Crime is a temporary hair dye that offers intense colors for a head-turning look. With a range of stunning shades to choose from, including fantasy-inspired colors like pastel pink, electric blue, and mystical purple, you can easily express your unique style and personality.

The dye comes in a jar, allowing you to scoop out the desired amount and apply it directly to your hair. Whether you’re going for an all-over color or want to experiment with streaks and highlights, the creamy texture of the dye makes it easy to achieve precise and even coverage. 

Another noteworthy feature of the Unicorn Hair Tint Full Coverage is its gentle and cruelty-free formula. It’s vegan-friendly and free from harsh chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, and peroxide, making it suitable for all hair types. However, though all textures are safe, the dye doesn’t work on hair that is brown, dark brown, or black.

Type: Semi-permanent | Shades: 35+ | Color longevity: Depends on how often you wash your hair

Final thoughts

Temporary hair color gives you the best of both worlds; it’s a versatile and exciting way to experiment with different looks without making a long-term commitment. When considering which brand to deem best overall, we needed one that had the most versatility. Whether it’s a bold and daring neon pink, a subtle brown, or a shimmering metallic silver, temporary hair color should provide endless possibilities. 

Manic Panic, as a brand, specializes in the “color rebellion,” so when it came time to crown a winner, it was a clear pick. The particular temporary hair dye we chose, Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Cream Hair Color, also has other attributes that we love. Of course, any of the products that made our list are highly recommended as well. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preferences and what look you want to achieve.

How to pick the right temporary hair dye for you

To choose the right temporary hair dye, it’s essential to consider your hair type, preferences, and specific occasion in order to achieve the desired look. Here are some factors to consider when picking the right temporary hair dye for you:

Type

• Temporary. Want to enjoy your color for one night? Most temporary dyes are meant to be washed out in a day or two. They may also run when you sweat or if your hair gets wet.
• Semi-permanent. Semi-permanent dyes last anywhere from four to twelve shampoos on average.
• Demi-permanent. If you want your temporary look for a week or two, a demi-permanent hair dye is your best bet. You’ll usually get about 20-24 washes until the color is completely faded.

Natural hair color

• Brunettes. Brown hair is in the middle ground, but coloring results can vary depending on your specific shade. Most (if not all) dyes will come with some sort of guide.
• Redheads. The pigment and tone of red hair can make it more challenging to color. For example, if you apply a blonde dye over red hair, it can appear orange; black may have a green cast. Take this into consideration with your desired result.
• Jet black. If you have natural or jet-black hair, you may want to get a dye that is a shade or two lighter in order for the best chance of it showing up. If you need to lift your starting shade, a permanent dye may be necessary for your dream color.

FAQs

What’s the longest-lasting temporary hair dye? 

When you want temporary hair dye but want it to last a bit longer, opt for a demi-permanent dye. It still falls into the temporary category because it’s not created to be permanent. However, it lasts for around 24 washes versus a temporary tint or semi-permanent dye that lasts from one to twelve washes max. 

What’s the next hair color trend for 2023?

The next hair color trend for 2023 could be shifted to slightly darker hues or colors in varying tones. However, it’s hard to predict trends in beauty and fashion. Based on past seasonal trends, people tend to move through the blondes, pinks, and pastel blues of the spring and summer. In the fall and winter, you could expect to see hazelnut, reds, and balayages. 

What temporary dye doesn’t damage hair?

A temporary dye that doesn’t damage hair will be one made without harsh chemicals. You want to look for formulas without ammonia, bleach, or peroxide to remain damage-free.