How to Use Hair Color Spray for Temporary, Fun Hair Makeovers

Have you ever wanted to experiment with a bold, temporary new hair color but didn’t want to commit to a full dye job? Hair color sprays allow you to temporarily transform your tresses into any vibrant shade under the rainbow. They wash out in just one shampoo, making them the perfect way to try out a new colorful style for a day or event.

At Heather Annz Salon, we love hair color sprays for their versatility and temporary nature. Read on for our complete guide to using hair color sprays to give yourself a temporary makeover, including application tips, tricks for blending, and how to remove hair spray when you’re done experimenting.

What is Hair Color Spray?

Hair color spray, also called hair makeup or temporary hair dye, allows you to temporarily change your hair color without damaging chemicals. The color is deposited onto the outer cuticle of the hair shaft and washes out with one shampoo.

Color spray comes in a wide variety of vivid shades like pink, blue, purple, green and more. It’s great for:

• Experimenting with fun, bold hair colors
• Adding temporary highlights or lowlights
• Color toning for blondes and brunettes
• Root touch-ups in between permanent dye jobs
• Costume parties, concerts, events, holidays like Halloween
• Spicing up a ponytail or updo with a blast of color

Unlike permanent dye, hair color sprays don’t contain ammonia or bleach so they won’t lighten your natural hair color. They simply coat the hair with temporary pigment.

This makes hair color sprays safe for all hair types, including color-treated and chemically processed hair. They can be applied to wet or dry hair.

How Long Does Hair Color Spray Last?

On average, a hair color spray will last 1-2 shampoos before completely washing out of hair. Some factors that affect longevity include:

• Hair type: More porous hair will hold onto color longer. Oily hair tends to cause the color to fade faster.

• Color shade: Darker shades last a little longer than lighter pastels.

• Amount applied: The more coats of color you apply, the longer it will last.

• Shampooing: Frequent shampooing will speed up fading.

• Heat styling: Using hot tools can cause the color to fade faster.

While results vary, you can typically get 1-3 days of wear from a hair color spray before it fades significantly, which is perfect for a temporary change.

Choosing a Hair Color Spray

There are a few considerations when selecting a hair color spray:

• Hair color: If you have dark brown or black hair, choose a vivid shade like pink, blue or purple. For blonde or light brown hair, pastels work best.

• Undertone: Cool undertones look best with cool shades like blue and purple, while warm undertones are complemented by warm shades like orange and red.

• Desired result: Do you want an all-over tint, bold streaks, highlights, a hint of color at the ends? Certain application techniques (see below) work better for different looks.

• Formula: Alcohol-free sprays are less drying for hair. Clear formulas add a sheer tint of color without chalky opaque coverage.

Some of our favorite hair color spray brands include Overtone, L’Oreal Paris Colorista, and Kenra Neon.

How to Apply Hair Color Spray: Techniques & Tips

Applying hair color spray is quick and easy. Here are some techniques for achieving different looks:

All-Over Tint

For an all-over sheer tint of color:

• Apply to dry, brushed-out hair in sections. Lift sections and spray roots to ends.

• For thicker hair, saturate each section more thoroughly. Thinner hair needs less product.

• Use your fingers to blend the color and remove any excess on ends.

• Let dry fully before moving sections.

• For extra intensity, repeat application.

Highlights/Lowlights

For temporary highlights or lowlights:

• Section out the pieces you want to highlight. The thinner the sections, the more defined the highlights.

• For balayage-style highlights, alternate between foils and color. Lay foils under sections you want left untouched.

• Apply color spray just to the sections you want to highlight.

• For a lived-in look, avoid spraying roots and concentrate color on mid-lengths and ends.

• Let dry fully before removing foils.

Dip-Dye

For dip-dyed ends:

• Pull hair into a ponytail and secure with an elastic.

• Saturate the ponytail with spray, massaging color into ends. Add more coats for vivid saturation.

• For a blended look, take small sections out of the ponytail and spray ends.

• Let dry before removing elastic.

Blocked Color

For a block of color:

• Section out the piece of hair you want to be a block of color.

• Use foils to separate it from the rest of your hair. Apply color spray just to this section.

• Allow to dry fully before removing foils.

• For extra prep, you can pre-lighten this section with bleach if your natural hair is very dark.

• Use a tint brush to crisply outline and define the edges.

Touching Up Roots

To camouflage grown-out roots in between permanent dye jobs:

• Identify the most obvious areas of regrowth around the hairline and part.

• Lightly spray color onto roots in these areas. Apply sparingly to avoid an obvious line of demarcation.

• Use a tint brush to help softly blend and diffuse edges.

• Style as usual, using heat styling if needed to blend and set the color.

Rainbow Pieces

For fun rainbow strands:

• Start with dry, styled hair. Pull out small sections around the face or underneath layers.

• Spray strands different colors using two or more shade. Spritz lightly for a pastel ethereal look.

• Braid, twirl or twist strands while drying to blend the colors together.

• Lock in with hairspray or heat from a curling iron.

Tips for Applying Hair Color Spray

• Protect clothing and skin. Cover shoulders with an old towel or cape. Wear gloves and use petroleum jelly to protect skin around hairline. Rinse skin after application.

• Work in sections. Section clean, dry hair with clips. Apply color section-by-section for maximum control.

• Shake well. Always shake the spray can vigorously before and during application. This helps properly mix up the pigments.

• Spray from a distance. Hold the can 6-8 inches from hair to avoid saturation. You can always add more.

• Apply sparingly to roots. When spraying all over, use a light hand around roots and scalp to prevent staining.

• Blend with fingers or a brush. Use your hands or a tint brush to gently sweep color and blend for a smooth gradient.

• Heat set the color. Use a blowdryer or flat iron to heat set the color and help it grab onto hair better. This extends wear time.

• Let color dry fully. Before applying more coats or styling, allow hair color to dry completely so it sets properly.

• Use dry shampoo to extend color. Dry shampoo helps keep your hair fresh between washes, extending the life of your temporary color.

Removing Hair Color Spray

Hair color sprays wash out with just shampoo and water. Here are some tips for easy removal:

• Shampoo 2-3 times. It often takes a couple of good lathers to fully remove temp color from hair. Avoid skipping the shampoo!

• Use a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos help efficiently cleanse away product buildup.

• Wet hair thoroughly. Make sure hair is saturated with water before shampooing for easiest rinsing.

• Massage shampoo into hair. Take time to gently scrub shampoo into all parts of hair and scalp to lift color.

• Rinse thoroughly. Rinse and repeat until water runs clear. This ensures no leftover tint.

• Use conditioner. Condition as usual after shampooing to prevent drying of hair and return moisture.

Maintaining Healthy Hair

While hair color sprays don’t damage hair like permanent dyes, overuse can lead to dryness. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy, hydrated hair:

• Don’t overdo it. Use color sprays sparingly, for special occasions. Opt for semi-permanent dye for frequent use.

• **Deep condition weekly