When it comes to beauty looks, I love to change it up. This applies not only to makeup, but also to new hair looks. While there are a variety of popular layered haircuts and easy hairstyles, I've found myself interested in the best semi-permanent hair dyes in trendy colors, so I don't have the long-term commitment.
What's more? Semi-permanent hair dyes are great for dry, damaged, or high-porosity hair. "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," explains professional hairstylist Jennifer Korab. "Semi-permanent dye is also less damaging, as it uses a lower developer and less processing time."
But what are the best temporary hair dyes, and how should you go about finding the right one for you? Ahead, we narrowed down a list of the best semi-permanent hair dyes and asked Korab and fellow stylists Desirae Blais and Michelle Cleveland to school us on temporary hair color at home. Read on for your easiest, hair-healthiest dye experience yet.
Best Semi-Permanent Hair Dyes
- Best Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Overall: Manic Panic Semi Permanent Cream Hair Color
- Best Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Gloss: 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 Mask: Schwarzkopf Color Boost Color Vibrancy Booster
Manic Panic's semi-permanent hair dye, which promises to last for four to six weeks, is one of Blais's favorite options. 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. 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.
Hair It's Best For: Ideal for pre-lightened hair
How Long It Lasts: 4-6 weeks
Available Colors: 21
What I Love: Vegan; Cruelty-free; Expert-approved; Free of parabens, ammonia, and peroxide; Easy to use and mix
What I Don't: Some users say it fades unevenly
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. Reviewer after reviewer marvels online about the shine that this delivers. The semi-permanent dye comes in 12 natural-looking options from red to blonde to brown. Simply apply to clean, damp hair, leave on for three to 20 minutes, and rinse—it’s that easy.
Hair It's Best For: All hair types
How Long It Lasts: Up to 8 washes
Available Colors: 14
What I Love: Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates; Natural-looking results; Vegan; Cruelty-free; Easy to use
What I Don't: More expensive than competitors
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 20 to 30 minutes.
Hair It's Best For: All hair types, including thin or damaged hair; ideal for blonde or pre-lightened hair
How Long It Lasts: Up to 8 weeks
Available Colors: 22
What I Love: Vegan; Cruelty-free; Gluten-free; Conditioning; Protein-infused; Expert-approved
What I Don't: Some users said it dyed their skin
ColorCharm's semi-permanent hair dyes come in 16 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."
Hair It's Best For: All hair types
How Long It Lasts: Up to 20 washes
Available Colors: 16
What I Love: Many natural shades; Expert-approved
What I Don't: Doesn't have as many vibrant shades; Contains sulfates
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 infused with conditioning agents like shea butter and argan oil. This color provides intense results and gray coverage."
Hair It's Best For: All hair types
How Long It Lasts: Up to 20 washes
Available Colors: 5
What I Love: Expert-approved; Hydrating; Contains natural ingredients
What I Don't: 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 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 promoting shine and hydration.
Hair It's Best For: All hair types
How Long It Lasts: Not specified
Available Colors: 19
What I Love: Clean; Conditioning; Easy to use;
What I Don't: Some users say the color is hard to wash out
This affordable formula incorporates aloe vera and coconut oil, which, per Blais's 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 look jarring. The coloring process takes 20 minutes, and Clairol promises that the color will last up to 28 washes.
Hair It's Best For: All hair types
How Long It Lasts: Up to 28 washes
Available Colors: 30
What I Love: Paraben-free; Made with natural ingredients; Expert-approved
What I Don't: 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.
Hair It's Best For: All hair types; ideal for pre-lightened hair
How Long It Lasts: Not specified
Available Colors: 3
What I Love: Vegan; Cruelty-free; Easy to use and easy to wash out
What I Don't: It 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 incorporates natural, nourishing ingredients like coconut oil. Reviewers rave about the feel of the cream-based product and are also impressed with the 33 shades, ranging from natural to neon hues.
Hair It's Best For: All hair types
How Long It Lasts: 4-6 weeks
Available Colors: 33
What I Love: Moisturizing; Many choices of shades; Expert-approved
What I Don't: Some customers say neon shades aren't as vibrant as promised
Countless reviewers comment on the great smell of this product but rest assured that it's also quite effective, claiming to yield results in only three minutes. 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 great moisturizing hair mask," writes one customer. "It's killing two birds with one stone."
Hair It's Best For: Ideal for blonde or pre-lightened hair
How Long It Lasts: Rinses after one wash
Available Colors: 3
What I Love: Vegan; Cruelty-free; Gluten-free; Protects hair from UV damage
What I Don't: 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 doesn’t require pre-procedure bleaching or hair lightening. "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," says Korab.
Hair It's Best For: All hair types
How Long It Lasts: Rinses after one wash
Available Colors: 8
What I Like: Free of ammonia and peroxide; Doesn’t require pre-bleaching; Easy to apply; Works on all hair colors and textures
What I Don't: 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 notes, "The product holds curls really well! It worked great for my hair type and I think it helped with frizz too."
Hair It's Best For: All curls and textures
How Long It Lasts: Rinses after one wash
Available Colors: 5
What I Love: Cruelty-free; Vegan; Free of silicones, sulfates, and alcohols
What I Don't: Some users found it drying
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 packaging. We had Blais and Korab break it down to ease this shopping process.
Ingredients: 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."
Vibrancy: 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."
Certifications: "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," Korab advises. "This will cause no damage and help moisturize your hair."
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?
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 your hair was when the product was initially applied.
Korab adds that if you take good care of your hair, the color can remain vibrant for four to six weeks. Per Cleveland, 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. It gently evolves 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."
How to Make Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Last Longer
To make your color last as long as possible, Cleveland says you should "always wash with cold water, using color-safe products." Low heat and heat protection while styling can also prevent color fading.
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Meet the Experts
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.
