Temporary hair color is one of the quickest ways to finish a costume or a party look. You can color all of your hair, add a few streaks, dip the ends, or pick out a fringe, and wash it out afterward. The ideas below are grouped by effect and by occasion, with the shade to reach for and how to do each one.
Ideas at a glance
| Look | Shades | Effort |
|---|---|---|
| Face-framing streaks | Any bright shade | Low |
| Dipped ends | Pink, blue, purple, green | Low |
| Rainbow stripes | Red, gold, green, blue, purple | Medium |
| All-over color | White, grey, or one bright shade | High. Uses the most product |
| Colored parting or roots | Gold, pink, blue | Low |
| Stencilled shapes | Gold, white, any contrast shade | Medium |
Ideas by effect
Face-framing streaks
Take a thin section on each side of your parting, lay it over a piece of card or foil, and spray. Two bold streaks at the front show up in every photo and use very little product.
Dipped ends
Gather the hair in a low ponytail and spray the lengths below the tie, heavier at the tips and lighter toward the tie for a faded edge. Works well on braids and pigtails too.
Rainbow stripes
Part the hair into vertical panels and give each a different shade, in order. Shield each finished panel with card while you spray the next. On an updo, color each twist or bun separately.
Two-tone split
Part the hair down the center and color one side only, or one shade on each side. Clip the side you are not working on well out of the way.
Colored braids and buns
Style first, then spray the finished braid, space buns or ponytail. The color sits on the surface, so it catches the shape of the style.
Stencilled shapes
On smooth, sleek hair, hold a stencil flat, such as stars, hearts or stripes, and spray lightly from straight on. Lift the stencil away carefully.
Roots and partings
A line of gold or pink along a center parting is quick and striking. Shield your forehead and use very short bursts.
Ideas by occasion
- Halloween and costume parties: white or grey for ghosts, witches and aged characters. Green or purple for witches, monsters and villains. Red streaks for vampires and devils. Blue or pink for fantasy and cartoon-style characters.
- Festivals: pastel dipped ends, rainbow braids, or gold on space buns.
- Sports days and team events: stripes or pigtails in team colors.
- Holidays: red and green for Christmas, red and pink for Valentine's Day, red, white and blue for the Fourth of July.
- Themed parties: gold for a glam or disco theme, purple and green for Mardi Gras.
- Photoshoots: a single streak in a color that picks up your outfit.
How do shades behave on different hair colors?
- Blonde and light hair: every shade shows clearly. Strong colors can leave a tint, so strand test first.
- Brown hair: brights show with a couple of layers. White, grey and gold tend to stand out most.
- Black and very dark hair: expect a more muted result and more layers. Pale and metallic shades usually show best. Test before the day.
- Gray hair: takes color readily and can hold it. Strand test.
A spray in eight party shades
The Uexim one-time washable hair color spray is a washable temporary color spray for one-time color at parties and events, with instant application. Each bottle is 30 ml, and it comes in red, blue, pink, green, grey, white, purple and gold. A 30 ml bottle suits streaks, ends and accents. For all-over color on long or thick hair, plan on more than one bottle.
How do you plan a look?
- Choose the effect first, then the shade.
- Do a strand test a few days ahead, for color and for how it washes out.
- Style your hair before coloring. Braids, curls and updos go in first.
- Dress in your costume base layer, or something you can step out of without pulling it over your head, and cover your shoulders.
- Spray in thin layers and let each dry.
- Let it dry completely before adding hats, wigs, collars or accessories.
- Carry tissues in case of rain or sweat.
Good to know
- Follow the directions and warnings on the product label.
- Do a patch test as the label directs if you have sensitive skin.
- Protect your eyes and face while spraying, and spray in a ventilated space.
- Temporary color can rub off on pale clothing, furniture and pillows.
- Wash it out before bed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest temporary hair color look?
Two face-framing streaks or dipped ends. Both take a few minutes and little product.
Which color shows best on dark hair?
Pale and metallic shades such as white, grey and gold usually stand out most, with several thin layers.
Can I mix colors?
Yes. Let one color dry before spraying the next beside it, and shield finished sections with card.
How long does a look last?
Until you wash it, so plan it for a day or an evening.
The bottom line
Pick an effect, test a strand, style first, and spray in thin layers. Streaks and dipped ends give the most impact for the least effort, and it all washes out afterward.
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