Hair is so versatile. One minute your go-to style looks fantastic, and then the next minute, you can transform your soft silk strands into protective hairstyles like braids and twists. Then there are wigs, weaves, and endless ponytail styles for when you want to add extra length or switch up your hair texture. Hats are a fun option for when you want to keep your tresses concealed. Even when it comes to coloring, the possibilities are endless. While Kim Kardashian's Marilyn Monroe-inspired bleached blonde bun was the talk of the Met Gala, you don't have to go for permanent changes when you're in the mood to switch it up.
Temporary hair dyes achieve fun, vibrant hair transformations without commitment. Yep, you read that correctly. Slime green and bold pink pastel hues can be achieved by temporary hair dyes that can be rinsed out, and no, they don't damage your hair either. Unlike bleaching and permanent colors, which chemically alter the state of your hair, temporary hair dyes deposit a coat of pigment to change the hair color, says celebrity hairstylist Dhairius Thomas. Whether you love your new hue or hate it, the best temporary hair dyes can be rinsed out anywhere from one to ten washes.
According to colorist and Redken Ambassador Cassondra Kaeding, "deposit color onto hair strands," and do not contain amonia like some permanent dyes do. Finding the right temporary hair dyes all boils down to what you're looking for. "Semi-permanent dyes will wash out quickly," she explains. " And there are so many semi dyes to choose from. Hair chalk, mascara, gels, masks, and highlights are many options for temporarily transforming hair color.
Before running to the nearest store to grab your next color, both experts agree that maintenance is equally important. Thomas suggests nourishing the hair with a clarifying wash, conditioner, and moisturizer to ensure the hair is thoroughly hydrated before adding the color. Kaeding recommends using restorative treatments like Redken's Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment to strengthen hair before coloring.
Temporary hair dyes, like semi-permanent options, work to transform your hair without the risk of damage. Kaeding and Thomas share the best temporary hair dyes and explain how temporary hair dyes work.
Our Top Picks
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Unicorn Hair Full Coverage
Actress Sarah Michelle Gellar showed off her 'Quarancolour' pink hair during lockdown
Tempted? Luckily, semi-permanent hair dyes can be done yourself, so you don't need to wait for a hairdresser to update your look. The experts at Bleach London have put together some tips for dyeing your hair at home.
Top tips for dying your hair pastel pink
Tip 1. To create a pastel look, the hair has to be a very light blonde for the colour to show. Use the Bleach London Total Bleach Kit to lift the hair to a pale blonde. For extra guidance, head to chat.bleachlondon.com for a virtual consultation followed by a video appointment with a Bleach Colour Expert.
Tip 2. Knock out any yellow tones and create a clean base by using a toner. This colour correcting step is important, otherwise your pink will look more peach, for example.
Tip 3. Follow with the semi-permanent or temporary hair dye.
READ: Jennifer Aniston's hair secrets revealed by her celebrity stylist - exclusive
Here are some at-home dyes you can get your hands on…
Jerome Russell Blush Pink Semi-Permanent Toner, £4.78, Superdrug
SHOP NOWJerome Russell's new Blush Pink Semi-Permanent Toner is expertly formulated to add a perfect pink tone to pre-lightened, or blonde hair. This professional semi-permanent hair toner is formulated to tone and colour blonde hair to achieve a pink finish, that banishes any unwanted brassy tones, typically caused by bleaching. The no-ammonia dye will get ride of any brassy, yellow pigments, leaving you a fresh, bright, bold, candy pink result that lasts for up to 16 washes.
Lee Stafford Kiss of Colour Playful Pink, £3.99, Boots
SHOP NOWMaria Nila Pink Pop Colour Refresh, £25.85, Amazon
SHOP NOWL'Oréal Colorista Spray Pastel Pink Hair Colour, £6.99, Amazon
SHOP NOWMORE: Jennifer Lopez’s hair secrets revealed: The products and hair tools she uses
Bleach London lavender grey toner kit, £8.50, Lookfantastic
SHOP NOWColour Vibe Pastels Conditioning Shampoo In Hair Colour Pink Blush, £2.99, Amazon
SHOP NOWGarnier color sensation vivids pastel pink, £3.99, Amazon
SHOP NOWLa Riche semi-permanent hair color carnation pink, £4.95, Amazon
SHOP NOWNo bleach bleach kit, £8, Bleach London
SHOP NOWFudge paintbox hair colourant lilac frost, £11.45, Lookfantastic
SHOP NOWRose colour, £6.50, Bleach London
SHOP NOWLime Crime Unicorn Hair, £14.50, Look Fantastic
SHOP NOWCrazy colour, £7.25, Amazon
SHOP NOWL'Oréal Colourista Washout in Aqua Blue, £4.40, Amazon
SHOP NOWLIVE Ultra Bright pretty pastels, £4.79, Superdrug
SHOP NOWHair chalks, £14.99, Amazon
SHOP NOWRELATED: How stress affects the skin & acne: Post-lockdown skin problems
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.