How To Use a Temporary Hair Color Spray

Deciding to venture into fantasy color is often a lengthy process—one that involves tons of inspiration pics, lots of advice from friends, and ultimately, cold feet from wondering if you can pull it off. If you can relate, a color hair spray may be just what you need to confidently switch up your look sans the committment. Whether you want to cash in on the pink hair trend or slip into something silver for the holidays, all things are possible with these wash-out formulas. Keep reading to learn how to use a temporary hair color spray to get a fresh, new hue for any type of occasion. 

What Is Color Hair Spray?

A hair color spray is a form of temporary hair dye (also known as wash-out hair color) that offers a short-term way to color your hair. Unlike other types of hair color, temporary sprays can’t penetrate the hair shaft—meaning they won’t alter the natural color of your hair. Instead, they coat the surface of your strands with non-permanent pigment that usually washes out with your next shampoo. Best of all, hair dye sprays are no harder to apply than traditional hairsprays; just shake the can and spritz the formula onto desired areas of hair for an instant transformation.

Temporary Hair Color Spray vs. Semi-Permanent Hair Dye: What’s the Difference?

Color hair spray and semi-permanent hair dye are both forms of temporary color, but they differ in their longevity. As mentioned, a temporary hair color spray provides quick, wash-out color for short-term use (typically, about a day). Semi-permanent hair dye, on the other hand, offers a longer-lasting color change that gradually fades within four to eight washes, depending on how often you shampoo your hair. Both, however, are peroxide- and ammonia-free, so they’re gentler on your strands than permanent hair dye. 

Understanding the distinctions between spray-on color and semi-permanent hair dye can help you choose the right one for your next color makeover. If you want a fast, 24-hour pop of color, pick up the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray. This temporary spray coats hair with pure color pigments that rinse out after just one shampoo, allowing you to spray, play, wash, and repeat. Plus, the vivid colors show up on even the darkest of hair without the need for pre-bleaching or lightening.

For something slightly longer lasting yet equally non-committal, consider the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color. The 2-in-1 hair dye mask moisturizes and softens hair while depositing pure, direct dyes. It delivers a supercharged bold look in one easy step and gradually fades with every wash. Just keep in mind that the lighter your natural hair color is, the brighter and more saturated the semi-permanent shade will appear. As such, those starting with a black to dark brown base may want to opt for a hair dyeing spray for the most visible results.

What Do You Use Color Hair Spray For?

There are tons of reasons to use a color hair spray. For one, it can give you the freedom and flexibility to experiment with a new look. Whether you want to dive into the latest hair color trend or see if a shade flatters your complexion, a spray-on hue is a convenient way to test the waters before deciding on a permanent hue. Alternatively, if you tend to swap your hair color as often as you switch lipsticks, the gentle, temporary formula is just what you need to keep damage and overprocessing at bay. This way, you never have to choose between self-expression and preserving the integrity of your strands.

Another reason why we love temporary hair color sprays is because they can punch up your look for special events. Maybe you need a black hair spray to complete your gothic Halloween costume or red spray-in hair color to cheer on your favorite football team. Temporary color sprays allow you to seamlessly transition from color to color without damaging your mane.

How To Use Color Hair Spray

If you’re interested in scoring a quick hair color change, a hair color spray is a non-permanent solution worth trying. First, choose your favorite hue from the Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray collection. With six colors available, including red, silver, rose gold, purple, blue, and pink, experimentation options abound. This wash-out hair color is designed for both blondes and brunettes, and is suitable for all hair types, so everyone can get in on the fun. Here’s how to use it in five simple steps.

Step 1: Start with clean, dry hair

Before getting started, you’ll want to ensure your hair is clean, dried, and free of product build-up. This will allow your temporary dye to better adhere to your strands for a more even application and a brighter color payoff.

Step 2: Prepare your area

If possible, spray your hair in a well-lit bathroom so you can see exactly where you’re placing your color. Drape a towel around your shoulders (or wear an old T-shirt) to keep unwanted dye from transferring onto your clothing.

Step 3: Section your hair

Decide on your color placement, which will dictate how you divide up your hair. You can try a peek-a-boo highlight, an ombré dip-dye, or an all-over color application. Use duckbill clips to keep the remaining sections of your hair out of the way as you work.

Step 4: Spray on your hair color

Shake the can well, hold it about 4-6 inches away from your head, and spray it onto the desired areas of hair. It’s worth noting the color will become more visible as it dries down, so go slow. How long the dye takes to dry may depend on a few factors, including your hair type, the ambient humidity, and of course, how much product you use. We recommended spraying on a little bit at a time and waiting until the dye is dry to the touch before layering on more.

Step 5: Style your hair as usual

Once you’re satisfied with your color, add your finishing styling touches. Take care not to overmanipulate your hair, which can cause your dye to transfer and fade more quickly.

How Long Does Color Hair Spray Last?

We mentioned that a hair color spray usually lasts until your next shampoo, but that doesn’t mean you’re obligated to wash your mane. If you plan on waiting a few days, just know that the color pigments may fade as you brush and style your hair. Fortunately, you can easily restore vibrancy by reapplying your spray-on color between wash days. Another thing to keep in mind is that the color may transfer onto your clothes or bedding, so be sure to lay a towel over your pillow before turning in.

Is Color Hair Spray Safe?

Hair color spray is generally considered safe since it doesn't contain chemicals that can damage your hair or irritate your scalp. The dye sits on the surface of your hair and washes out easily with shampoo, so there’s little risk of it damaging your strands. 

How To Wash Out Color Hair Spray

Once you’re ready to return to your natural hair color, all you need is to jump in the shower with your favorite shampoo and conditioner. If you’re looking for recommendations, the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo, Paraben-Free and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner, Paraben-Free are among our favorite formulas. The hyaluronic acid-infused duo helps replump dry strands, giving them noticeable volume, shine, and bounce. Use the shampoo to wash out yourhair color spray, follow it up with the conditioner to restore moisture, and voilà—your green, pink, or blue hair dye spray will be a distant memory.

Next Up: What Is Wash Out Hair Color & How to Use It

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris