Gray hair happens to everyone, but sometimes we want a splash of color without the long-term commitment.
Temporary hair colors offer a fun way to experiment with your look while being gentle on aging strands. From wash-out sprays to color-depositing conditioners, these options add vibrancy without damaging your precious locks.
1. Spray-On Root Touch-Ups
Roots showing between salon visits? These handy sprays conceal grays instantly with just a few quick spritzes. They wash out with your next shampoo, making them perfect for special occasions or last-minute confidence boosts.
Most formulas come in a range of natural shades from blonde to black.
2. Color-Depositing Conditioners
Brilliant for gradual color enhancement! Replace your regular conditioner with these pigment-rich formulas that subtly deposit color while moisturizing dry, aging hair.
Use them once weekly for a hint of color or more frequently for deeper tones. They fade naturally with no harsh line of demarcation.
3. Tinted Mousses
Whipped to perfection, these airy formulas distribute evenly through hair while adding volume—a bonus for thinning strands! The color washes out after 1-2 shampoos.
Simply work through damp hair and style as usual for a subtle tint that brightens dull grays.
4. Colored Hair Mascaras
Who says mascara is just for lashes? These wand applicators let you target specific strands for fun pops of color or creative highlights.
Perfect for those wanting to experiment with bold colors like purple or blue without commitment. The precision applicator makes application a breeze!
5. Temporary Color Chalks
Playful grandparents rejoice! These vibrant chalks glide onto hair for instant color that’s perfect for themed parties or just having fun with grandkids.
They work especially well on lighter hair and gray strands. Simply rub the chalk onto dry hair and seal with hairspray if desired.
6. Wash-Out Color Glazes
Salon-inspired glazes add a gorgeous shine while temporarily tinting hair. Unlike permanent dyes, these contain no ammonia or peroxide.
Apply to freshly washed hair, leave for 3-5 minutes, then rinse. The glossy finish and subtle color boost last through several washes, gradually fading without harsh lines.
7. Clip-In Colored Extensions
Not ready for rainbow hair all over? Clip-in extensions offer commitment-free fun! These pre-colored strands attach easily to your natural hair.
Choose subtle highlights that complement your silver strands or go bold with vibrant streaks. Remove them before bedtime—no damage, no fuss!
8. Tinted Dry Shampoos
Multitasking magic in a can! These products refresh oily roots while depositing a hint of color to blend grays.
A quick spray at the roots absorbs excess oil and adds volume to thinning areas. The subtle tint helps disguise emerging silver strands between washes or color appointments.
9. Overnight Color Serums
Beauty sleep gets colorful with these gentle serums that gradually tint hair while you dream. Unlike harsh dyes, they contain nourishing ingredients that hydrate aging strands.
Apply to dry hair before bed, sleep on a dark pillowcase, and rinse in the morning for subtle, temporary color that builds with repeated use.
10. Temporary Color Waxes
Funky grandma alert! These colorful waxes offer vibrant hues while providing texture and hold. Perfect for short styles or creating statement pieces in longer hair.
The waxy texture helps tame flyaways common in aging hair. Colors appear more vivid on pre-lightened or naturally white strands.
11. Peel-Off Hair Tints
Revolutionary peel-off formulas create a colored film around each strand that stays put until you decide to remove it. Water-resistant but not waterproof, they withstand light rain and humidity.
Perfect for special events when you want color that lasts a few days without commitment.
12. Herbal Color Rinses
Grandmother’s wisdom meets modern convenience! Plant-based rinses using henna, chamomile, or indigo offer gentle coloring without harsh chemicals.
These ancient remedies not only add subtle color but also condition and strengthen aging hair. Results vary beautifully depending on your natural hair color.
13. Shimmer Highlight Sprays
Add instant dimension with these light-reflecting sprays that create temporary highlights. The subtle metallic particles catch the light, bringing movement and life to flat-looking gray hair.
Available in gold, silver, and rose gold tones to complement different hair colors. Brushes out easily with no residue.
14. Color-Enhancing Foams
Light-as-air foams spread evenly through hair, delivering temporary color without weighing down fine, aging strands. The whipped texture ensures foolproof application with no patchy results.
Simply massage into towel-dried hair and blow dry for color that lasts 2-3 washes.
15. Temporary Color Sticks
Crayon-like precision tools allow for targeted application on specific areas—perfect for touching up temples or creating fun streaks! The waxy formula glides on smoothly without tugging delicate aging hair.
Keep one in your purse for emergency gray coverage on the go.