Below are the best temporary hair colors, no matter if you’re blonde, brunette, looking to color grays, or just get a fun look:

1. Hair Color Spray

When using colored hair spray, Diaz says to always make sure to spray from a distance to get an even surface coverage. “The closer the applicator is to your hair, the more of a localized ‘spot’ placement you’ll get,” she says, “Be sure to move the can around as you apply for even surface coverage and hold 6-12” away.”

2. Hair Color for Brunettes

Dying brown hair, even if it’s only temporary, requires a lot more effort than dying blonde or bleached hair. Overtone makes it easy with a formula designed for dark strands. This complete rose gold system comes with a coloring conditioner and a daily conditioner that’s hyper-pigmented, resulting in a subtle change in color for brunettes.

3. Hair Color Stain

Also known as stains, direct dyes use all natural formulas that won’t harm your hair. “These are called direct dyes or vegetable dyes because there is no chemical action happening, meaning it is not mixed by instead comes ready to apply,” explains Diaz. They show up best on lighter hair, but they’re a safe bet for everyone because there is no possibility for damage.

4. Hair Color Spray for Gray Hair

For a quick solution to covering gray hairs, dpHUE’s Color Color Touch-Up Spray has a targeted nozzle that makes application precise and easy. The brand claims that the formula dries quickly, won’t rub on clothes, and will not leave a sticky residue.

5. Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Semi-permanent dye can’t lighten your hair but only darker or deposit tone. Diaz suggests this temporary dye “for translucent toning blondes, reds and brunettes, or some fashion colors.”

6. Temporary Hair Color Wax

Hair wax is a great way to color and style your hair at the same time. It lets you sculpt and create texture while achieving the perfect vibrant look. Apply this with your fingers for full coverage or use an eyebrow brush to target smaller sections.

Low commitment, high impact color.

Temporary hair dyes make it easy to switch up your color using a non-permanent hair dye alternative — you’ll score tons of compliments, and the best part? It’s only temporary!

Is temporary dye bad for your hair?

Absolutely not! In fact, the less-damaging dye is the only dye you should be using on your hair outside of the salon. “Temporary hair color is a whole different ballgame,” says Diaz. “There is no possibility for damage.” Just make sure you switch to a color-safe shampoo to preserve any temporary color.

There’s a catch, though: If you have ultra-light, natural hair, even temporary color might wind up being more permanent. “The darker the temporary color and the lighter the hair, the longer it will take the color to wash out,” warns O’Connor. It won’t necessarily ruin your natural hair color, but it may alter it for a bit longer than you hoped for.

What is the best temporary hair dye?

Hair mascara isn’t just for covering up grays: it’s an easy technique to add a fun pop of bold color. Apply the wand directly to your hair and brush on some color. It’s the most temporary dye, lasting just 1-2 shampoos.

Hair chalk is great: because of its opacity, it typically shows up on every hair color. To use, simply wet your hair, separate it into sections, then run the chalk down your strands. It lasts 2-4 shampoos.

Colored hairspray is exactly what it sounds like — hairspray with added color! Each application lasts about 2-4 shampoos.

Semi-permanent hair dye lasts at least a week. “Semi-permanent hair color molecules are larger, so they don’t penetrate into the hair and instead act as a stain in the cuticle layer of the hair,” explains Diaz.

Vegetable dye is the longest lasting temporary dye. The chemical-free method can “last anywhere from 1-30 shampoos, depending on how dark or saturated the tone of color is,” Diaz says.