The 14 Best Semi-Permanent Hair Dyes for a Temporary Pop of Color

Redken is a fan-favorite brand for its premium shampoos, conditioners, and strengthening treatments, but it also offers aesthetic products like this demi-permanent dye. "Redken Shades Eq Gloss is my all-time favorite," says Korab. "This semi-permanent dye has a wide range of colors, provides high shine, and is long-lasting."

Pros: Expert-approved; Wide range of colors; Long-lasting; Corrects brassiness; Vegan

Cons: Some users find that it's not shine-enhancing enough

For vibrant color that won't budge, even after a few weeks, consider this option from Joico. "The color is rich and vibrant, and it is longer-lasting [than most competitors]," says Korab. It also comes in a wide array of shades, including this metallic mauve.

Pros: Expert-approved; Wide variety of shades; Long-lasting

Cons: Contains sulfates

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.

Pros: Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates; Natural-looking results; Vegan; Cruelty-free; Easy to use

Cons: 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.

Pros: Vegan; Cruelty-free; Gluten-free; Conditioning; Protein-infused; Expert-approved

Cons: Some users said it dyed their skin

ColorCharm's semi-permanent hair dyes come in 12 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."

Pros: Many natural shades; Expert-approved

Cons: 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."

Pros: Expert-approved; Hydrating; Contains natural ingredients

Cons: 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.

Pros: Clean; Conditioning; Easy to use;

Cons: Some users say the color is hard to wash out

This affordable formula incorporates aloe vera and coconut oil, which, per Blais' 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.

Pros: Paraben-free; Made with natural ingredients; Expert-approved

Cons: 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.

Pros: Vegan; Cruelty-free; Easy to use and easy to wash out

Cons: 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 35 shades, ranging from natural to neon hues.

Pros: Moisturizing; Many choices of shades; Expert-approved

Cons: Some customers say neon shades aren't as vibrant as promised

Manic Panic's semi-permanent hair dye, which promises to last for four to six weeks, is another of Blais' 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.

Pros: Vegan; Cruelty-free; Expert-approved; Free of parabens, ammonia, and peroxide; Easy to use and mix

Cons: Some users say it fades unevenly

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."

Pros: Vegan; Cruelty-free; Gluten-free; Protects hair from UV damage

Cons: 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.

Pros: Free of ammonia and peroxide; Doesn’t require pre-bleaching; Easy to apply; Works on all hair colors and textures

Cons: 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."

Pros: Cruelty-free; Vegan; Free of silicones, sulfates, and alcohols

Cons: Some users found it drying