How to Dye Hair for the Holidays

The holidays are a perfect time to become that sultry red head you always wanted to be. Or perhaps you’d rather spruce it up with hair done in gold, silver or even forest green. You can dye hair for the holidays in a variety of ways—none of them permanent—to make sure your head is full of festive cheer. Follow these colorful tips to get the right hair color this holiday season.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Spray it on. Spray-on hair colors are a staple at costume and beauty supply stores. Here’s where you’ll find the greens you need to make your head a holiday heaven. Have fun by striping your hair red and green, or spray random chunks in Christmas colors for those parties that need a little added fodder for conversation. Metallic sprays in gold and silver are also surefire hits.

2. Get a temporary rinse. In the hair coloring aisle of any store that sells dye, you'll find an entire line or two of temporary dyes. These non-permanent dyes wash out in several weeks. This way you can experiment with an all-over color that glows for the holidays or matches your holiday dress.

3. Try henna. Sold in beauty supply stores, this product provides a temporary reddish hue when rinsed through your hair. The color is very subtle and may not be evident on very dark hair. Henna adds more of a richness than a blaring color, so it’s a good one for shier dyers.

4. Glamorize with glitter. Find a spray-on glitter at many beauty or costume shops. Use it right after your hair spray. You can also find glitter gels or body glitter, some with a soft hue, that can be used in your hair. If all else fails, mix your own glitter with gel, or sprinkle on strategically while your hair spray or mousse is still sticky.

5. Get fanciful with food coloring. You can always mix a dollop of food coloring with hair gel and apply as desired throughout your hair. Just make sure your hair doesn’t brush against anything, as the food coloring will wipe off on anything it touches.

Tips & Warnings

• Whatever method you choose, test it in advance of the big debut. You don’t need to show up at a party with green globs in your hair. Play around the day, week or even month before to ensure you're achieving the effect you desire.
• You don't have to go nuts. Use a little gold or silver spray just on the ends or framing your face for an understated holiday look.
• Don't wear green hair to a corporate holiday party.

Resources

• Temporary Hair Color Products
• Metallic Hair Spray