How to Use Temporary Hair Color Spray Evenly

To apply temporary hair color spray evenly, work on dry, styled hair, shake the bottle well, hold it at the distance the label recommends, and spray in short, light bursts while keeping your hand moving. Build the color in two or three thin layers, letting each one dry, instead of trying to cover in one heavy coat. Thin layers give even color. A heavy coat goes patchy, stiff and wet.

What is temporary hair color spray?

It is a spray that coats the outside of the hair with pigment. It is sold as a temporary color that is designed to wash out with shampoo. Because the color sits on the surface, bright and pale shades show up on dark hair to a degree, depending on the product, and it is used mainly for parties, costumes and events.

Before you start

• Read the label and follow its directions and warnings, including any about ventilation and keeping away from heat or flame.
• Do a patch test on a small area of skin, as the label directs, particularly if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
• Do a strand test. Spray a hidden strand to check the color and to see how easily it washes out. This matters most on blonde, bleached, gray or porous hair, which can hold on to pigment.
• Protect everything. Wear an old top, cover your shoulders with a towel or cape, and cover the floor and nearby surfaces.
• Wear gloves if you will be touching the hair while it is wet.

What do you need?

How to apply it evenly, step by step

1. Style your hair first. Hair should be clean, completely dry and in the style you want. Color goes on last.
2. Apply barrier cream along the hairline and over the tops of the ears.
3. Section. Clip the top layers up and start with the hair underneath.
4. Shake the bottle thoroughly, and again every so often as you work.
5. Test the spray on a tissue to see the pattern.
6. Hold the bottle at the distance on the label. If none is given, start at about 15 to 25 centimeters.
7. Spray in short bursts with a sweeping motion, moving along the hair from roots to ends. Do not hold it in one spot.
8. Apply a light first coat. It will look sheer. That is correct.
9. Let it dry for a minute or two.
10. Add a second and, if needed, a third thin coat for more intensity.
11. Release the next layer and repeat.
12. Leave it to dry completely before touching or dressing.
13. Loosen gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb if the hair feels stiff.

How do you get specific effects?

• Streaks: lay a strand over a piece of card or foil and spray only that strand.
• Dipped ends: hold the lengths out and spray from mid-length down, fading upward with a lighter touch.
• Roots or a parting: shield the forehead and spray in very short bursts.
• Stencilled shapes: hold a stencil flat against smooth hair and spray lightly.

How does your starting hair color affect it?

• Light hair: shows color most vividly, and is also most likely to hold a tint after washing. Always strand test.
• Dark hair: needs more layers. Pale and metallic shades tend to show better than deep ones.
• Dry or porous hair: grabs more pigment. Go lightly.

A spray in eight shades

The Uexim temporary washable hair color spray is a temporary color spray that washes out, for costume, party and event styling. The listing describes it as quick and easy to apply and as long-lasting and water-resistant once applied. Each bottle is 30 ml, it comes in pink, grey, blonde, green, red, purple, blue and white, and the listing advises using it within 18 months of opening.

How do you avoid transfer?

• Let the color dry fully before putting on your outfit.
• Avoid touching your hair through the day.
• Keep sprayed hair off pale collars, scarves and upholstery, especially if you get warm or damp.
• Do not go to bed with it in. Wash it out, or cover your pillow with an old towel.
• Rain and sweat can make color run, even with products described as water-resistant. Carry tissues.

Common mistakes

• Spraying too close. It lands wet and clumps.
• One heavy coat. It dries stiff and uneven.
• Not shaking the bottle. Pigment settles, and the color comes out weak or blotchy.
• Spraying damp hair. The color runs and takes unevenly.
• Skipping the strand test on light hair.
• Brushing hard afterward. It removes color and creates dust.

Frequently asked questions

Does temporary color spray work on dark hair?

It can, with several thin layers. Results vary by shade and product. Test a strand first.

How long does it last?

Until you wash it out. It is meant for a day or an evening.

Will it stain my hair?

It should not on most hair, but light, bleached or porous hair can hold a tint. A strand test tells you in advance.

Can I use heat tools after spraying?

Style first, then spray. Using hot tools over color spray can bake it on and may stain the tool.

The bottom line

Dry, styled hair, a well-shaken bottle, the right distance, and thin layers built up one at a time. Test a strand first and protect your clothes.