The Best Temporary Hair Dye 2024: Rita Hazan, Moroccanoil, More

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Best for Oily Scalps

Oribe Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray in Light Brown

Best for Oily Scalps

Oribe Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray in Light Brown

Pros

• Easy to use

This root touch-up spray from Oribe is dermatologist-tested and uses fine mineral colorants that bind to grays and expertly hide new growth. It’s also perfect for those dealing with oily hair, since its rice starch formula quickly absorbs dirt and excess oil.

One satisfied customer writes: “The best I’ve tried! Doesn’t spray all over, more direct spray to the roots. Will buy again!” —Julie

Best Color Depositing Mask for Strength

No Fade Fresh Sunflower Bright Blonde Hair Color Depositing Conditioner in Sunflower Bright

Best Color Depositing Mask for Strength

No Fade Fresh Sunflower Bright Blonde Hair Color Depositing Conditioner in Sunflower Bright

Pros

• Vegan
• Long-lasting

Cons

• Not ideal for gray coverage

You’ll get up to eight applications per bottle with this semi-permanent color depositing conditioner. It also happens to be ideal for reducing breakage and strengthening hair bonds as it balances your hair’s tone.

One satisfied customer writes: “Love it! Works great on bleached blonde hair!” —Anne S.

Best Color Stick

Hally Shade Stix Temporary Wash Out Hair Color in Blue

Best Color Stick

Hally Shade Stix Temporary Wash Out Hair Color in Blue

Pros

• Under $10

Cons

• Washes out in one shampoo

This all-in-one dye option makes it a breeze to test out vibrant highlights or peekaboo color, and happens to be extremely travel-friendly. The color stick also nicely includes a built-in wand and brush to keep the application process mess-free.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have super dark brown hair and this color is vibrant but also washes out perfectly afterwards. Love!” —Hayley

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Best Touch-Up Spray

Rita Hazan Root Concealer Touch Up Spray in Dark Brown/Black

Best Touch-Up Spray

Rita Hazan Root Concealer Touch Up Spray in Dark Brown/Black

Pros

• Great for temporary gray coverage

Keep this spray from Beyoncé’s colorist Rita Hazan on hand between salon visits to keep overgrown roots at bay. And as an added bonus, its formula is both sweat-and waterproof, which means it stays put until you’re ready to wash.

One satisfied customer writes: “I have tried just about every root spray out there and is brand is by far the best. It is easy to use, looks very natural, and lasts. It is more expensive than the others but so worth it! Rita Hazan nailed it with this product!” —Scubacat

Best for Curly and Coily Hair

Curlsmith Hair Makeup Temporary Color Styling Gel in Copper

Best for Curly and Coily Hair

Curlsmith Hair Makeup Temporary Color Styling Gel in Copper

Pros

• Minimizes frizz

The bounce experts at Curlsmith developed this temporary color essential that keeps coily and curly hair in mind. Combining the hold of a gel with plenty of color payoff, this pigmented favorite nicely rinses out with a single wash.

One satisfied customer writes: “Obsessed with how easy this was to do. It wasn’t too dramatic but just enough for a pretty rose gold hint and shimmer! I got so many compliments. I did a whole tutorial on my Instagram and it’s a top video of mine! Now gonna order more colors to have fun! And I’m a hair stylist, so I’m sometimes skeptical about products, but love this.” —Beauty Revealed

Best Vegan Conditioner

Biolage Color Balm in Cinnamon

Best Vegan Conditioner

Biolage Color Balm in Cinnamon

Pros

• Popular on Amazon

Cons

• Not ideal for gray coverage

This color-depositing conditioner works in up to 10 minutes to repair hair damage while transforming its color. Opt for a more classic shade, like Biolage’s cinnamon, or something a bit bolder, like lavender or red poppy.

One satisfied customer writes: “Brilliant color! Doesn’t dry out hair. Fades out slowly and evenly. Fun fun fun!!” —Anonymous

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Best Foam

milk_shake Color Whipped Cream Leave-In Coloring Conditioner in Light Red

Best Foam

milk_shake Color Whipped Cream Leave-In Coloring Conditioner in Light Red

Pros

• Available in 12 colors

Cons

• Subtle scent may be off-putting to some

This hair color foam almost looks good enough to eat—that might be because it actually contains milk proteins to keep hair hydrated. Once you add it to your hair in sections, no need to rinse this foam out—it doubles as a leave-in.

One satisfied customer writes: “Easy to use, just like ordinary mousse, lovely color that easily washes out, great price and fast delivery.” —Anne

Best Color Depositing Mask for Hydration

Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Platinum

Best Color Depositing Mask for Hydration

Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask in Platinum

Pros

• Works in up to seven minutes

Just like all of Moroccanoil’s products, this top-rated color depositing mask contains argan oil to fortify dull, dry hair as it processes. Pro tip: The mask works best after your hair is clean and towel-dried.

One satisfied customer writes: “If you’re wanting to cool down/tone brassy blonde, the platinum hair mask is amazing. My natural hair is dirty blonde but I have light blonde balayage.” —momto6

Best Gloss

Kristin Ess Hair Signature Hair Gloss in Smoky Topaz

Best Gloss

Kristin Ess Hair Signature Hair Gloss in Smoky Topaz

Pros

• Vegan
• Lasts three to four weeks

Kristen Ess, colorist to stars like Lucy Hale and Lauren Conrad, created a line of salon-worthy products to use at home. Her Signature Gloss helps boost shine while reducing brassiness all from the comfort of your bathroom.

One satisfied customer writes: “The perfect natural chocolate golden brown color and so easy to use. Won’t be spending $80 at the salon again.” —Kfodge

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Best for In-Shower

dpHue Glossy Glaze in Cool Blonde

Best for In-Shower

dpHue Glossy Glaze in Cool Blonde

Pros

• Works quickly

Using this in-shower glaze from dpHue is as easy as lathering up your washcloth—maybe easier. It works in two minutes after shampooing to boost color dimension and shine, powered by mullein flower extract, lemon zest, and ceramides.

One satisfied customer writes: “This product left such a beautiful shine to my hair. It was so effortless to apply, and instructions were so easy [to] follow. Highly recommend to anyone who loves the salon glow, but doesn't want to splurge.” —Viv

Best Value Dye

L’Oréal Paris Colorista 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Rose Gold

Best Value Dye

L’Oréal Paris Colorista 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Rose Gold

Pros

• Easy to use

Cons

• Washes out in one shampoo
• Contains peroxide

L’Oréal's temporary color spray is available in seven shades, depending on your mood, and becomes even more vibrant once dries down. And did we mention it’s under $12?

One satisfied customer writes: “I have been using this for over a week. My hair is a dingy gray, and I love how I can highlight it or just do the front. It makes my hair shiny, and I just love it.” —Juled

Best Gel for Gray Coverage

Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel in Golden Blonde

Best Gel for Gray Coverage

Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel in Golden Blonde

Pros

• No mixing required
• Great for sensitive scalps

Cons

• Only available in three color options

Made with oat flakes and inula flower extract, Christophe Robin’s professional-level formula not only leaves behind a semi-permanent color, but also guards against scalp irritation. Plus, the gel seamlessly disguises grays by blending them into your base hair color.

One satisfied customer writes: “This product is great for giving a temporary uplift to your hair. It provides a nice color and shine that makes your hair look healthy and would be brilliant to help find the right color for you. Much better color than others I have tried and little to no transfer. Would totally recommend.” —Stace

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Best Color Cream

Manic Panic Classic Creme Hair Color Electric Amethyst

Best Color Cream

Manic Panic Classic Creme Hair Color Electric Amethyst

Pros

• Lasts up to six weeks

Cons

• Works best on pre-lightened hair

Over 26,000 Amazon shoppers agree: For bold color that lasts slightly longer than a few washes, turn to this option from Manic Panic. Plus, these creams are also safe to mix, which makes creating your own custom color simple.

One satisfied customer writes: “This stuff is awesome!!! I have very short, shaved on the sides, sort of faux hawk on the top, hair that I bleach. I have tried a lot of different products to tone it afterwards but haven’t had much success. I still end up with brassy, yellow tones that I can’t quite get rid of. This is the first time I have gotten those ugly tones to go away! I can’t speak to the longevity of it yet, but as of right now, my hair looks great! It’s the perfect silvery blonde I have been looking for.” —Dawn M.

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