How to Make Temporary Hair Dye Last Longer

The great thing about temporary hair dye is that it washes out, so you aren't stuck with the color. The bad thing about temporary hair dye is... it washes out, even if you like the color! Whether you're dying your hair bright pink or just giving a darker shade of brown a test drive, here's some tips to make sure that you get the most out of your hair dye.

(Note: this is intended for tint-only dyes like Manic Panic or RAW, not boxed semi-permanent dyes.)

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shampoo
• Temporary hair dye
• Gloves
• Cap
• Hair dryer
• Good quality conditioner
• Tint brushes (optional)

1. Preparing your hair for dying is important. Wash your hair using only shampoo (no conditioner) and allow it to dry completely. This opens up the follicles so that the hair dye will take better and more evenly.

2. Put on gloves and apply the dye! I find that tint brushes are the easiest way to get the application even if you're doing your own hair. Once all of your hair is saturated, put it under a plastic cap.

3. Now the waiting! Since tint-only dyes like Manic Panic don't actually do any lifting, you can leave them on much longer than traditional dyes. Try to wait at least three hours in order to get the maximum effect. Use a hair dryer to heat your hair through the cap for 10 minutes before you rinse out the dye.

4. Rinse the dye under lukewarm or cool water until it runs clear. Towel dry, then apply a good conditioner to leave in for two minutes. Rinse the conditioner out with lukewarm water and blow dry. If you use a color protecting shampoo and conditioner each time you wash your hair, the color should stay strong for longer.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a thick lotion around hairline and ears to keep dye from staining.
• Temporary hair dye takes better to hair that has been bleached or lightened.

Resources

• Manic Panic website