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7 Temporary Hair Dyes For Dark Hair Without Bleaching
New color, no commitment.
If you're wary of bleaching your hair, you're not alone. From tales of bleaching disasters to warnings over how bleach breaks down hair's protective coating, there are plenty of reasons to stay clear of it. But bleach does allow for better color transfer when dyeing your hair, so if you're looking for a temporary hair dye for dark hair without bleaching, you have a few different options. Your best bet is to choose a temporary or semi-permanent dye formulated specifically for dark hair, whether you choose a box dye or color-depositing conditioner, or a short-term dye like a hair chalk, wax, or spray, that sits on top of your strands rather than actually changing their color. Darker colors will also show up better on black or brown hair, so try rich purple dyes, dark reds, or even blues that are deep enough to stain dark hair, rather than pale or subtle options.
What To Consider When Shopping For Temporary Hair Dyes For Dark Hair
Before you buy, it's important to be real about your expectations. A vibrant teal won't show up as well on dark hair without bleach, but that's no reason not to use it. In fact, there are tons of at-home hair dyes that use special formulas to help brown hair cling to color for longer. If you're looking for a pop of color that will last for at least a few weeks, you may want to consider a box dye or conditioner that stains hair fibers. A color-depositing conditioner or hair mask may be a good choice if you don’t mind a subtler hint of color. Conditioners and masks also have the benefit of helping hair maintain moisture and shine while also acting as a dye.
On the other hand, if you're searching for something even more temporary, there are a lot of eye-popping temporary hair dyes for brunettes that you can choose from. You can go for a wax, spray, or even chalk that adds in really fun bursts of color just for the day. They're easy to wash out, and you can change them up again the next day.
Shop The Best Temporary Hair Dyes For Dark Hair Without Bleaching
In a hurry? These are the best temporary hair dyes for dark hair on Amazon:
- The Best Semi-Permanent Box Dye: L'Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color For Brunettes
- The Best Fade-Resistant Option: ARCTIC FOX Semi-Permanent Hair Color
- The Best Spray: L'Oreal Paris Colorista 1-Day Temporary Hair Color Spray
- The Best Wax: SWAKER Hair Color Wax
- The Best Chalk: ArtShip Design Store Hair Chalk
- The Best Conditioner For Dry Hair: KERACOLOR Clenditioner For Brunettes
- The Best Mask: Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask
Ready to rainbow up your hair? Check out these awesome temporary dyes for dark hair to help you find your perfect match.
1The Best Semi-Permanent Box Dye
Not only is this L'Oréal box dye made just for brunettes, but it doesn't use any harsh chemicals to amp up your color. There's no ammonia, peroxide, bleach, or other color-lifting agents in this formula. It goes on silky smooth and actually conditions your hair while it goes to work. Depending on how long you let the color set, this box dye can last for up to 10 shampoos, which is the perfect amount of time to color up temporarily. Even professional stylists absolutely love this dye, and you can choose from 11 different highly rated colors.
According to one reviewer: "This hair color is amazing. I have naturally dark brown hair. It definitely gave me a burgundy color. I’ve used it a few different times and love the outcome everytime! I would definitely recommend this hair color for anyone whose got dark hair and wants a nonpermanent fun color."
Colors: 11 | Lasts: Up to 10 shampoos
2The Best Fade-Resistant Option
If you'd rather keep your color for a bit longer, this semi-permanent conditioning dye is the perfect solution. It applies like a standard hair dye, but it’s free of harmful chemicals and the vegan formula is actually hydrating for soft, shiny strands. Best of all, reviewers report that your fun new hair color should last a few months before it needs a touch-up. More than 66,000 reviewers couldn't say enough good things about this dye. Bonus: It comes in the most color options, with a whopping 30-plus different shades.
According to one reviewer: "Fantastic dye. Compared to other brands we’ve used, it is thick and gel-like. [...] Even took on dark brown hair - you could see the purple highlights. Seemed to rinse out heavily and I was worried it was not going to hold but it turned out perfect. Bright and vibrant. Lasted for over a month, even when occasionally exposed to chlorine in a pool.”
Colors: 31 | Lasts: Approximately 30 — 40 washes, according to the seller
3The Best Spray
For a one-day fix, this temporary color spray is really effective and tons of fun. This formula is made to color hair in a variety of vibrant colors without any bleach, making it suitable for even the darkest shades. Just spray anywhere to create highlights or all-over color, give it a few minutes to set, and you're good to go. It’s super lightweight and never sticky, and it's really easy to wash out at the end of the day. Hot pink is featured here, but you can also get it in silver, red, rose gold, gold, blue, and other shades.
According to one reviewer: "I wanted to stop coloring and using the silver Colorista helped the transition. The definitive line of brown and gray was diminished by using this. Bonus: I was able to “try out” silver hair making the decision to go gray that much easier! Once in awhile, I sill use Colorista for a little extra shine. It’s not sticky like hairspray and it actually adds body. I love this stuff!"
Colors: Various, each sold separately on Amazon | Lasts: 1 shampoo
4The Best Wax
You can style and dye your strands at the same time with this genius hair dye wax. Made with environmentally safe and gentle ingredients, this wax works similarly to other waxes and pomades by holding your hair into place without hardening. Yet it also features highly pigmented colors that add a vibrant burst to your hair as you style it. This wax works great for a one-day transformation and is really simple to wash out when you're ready to go back to your original color. This pick comes in a pack with six bright colors, so you can try them all.
According to one reviewer: "This was really easy to use, and shows up surprisingly well on my dark brown, almost black hair. It was a bit messy on my shoulders at first, because you apply it to your hair while it’s wet. But after it was dry, it was fine. I expected my pillow case to be pink, purple, and blue the next morning, but it’s still white."
Colors: 3 color pack options | Lasts: 1 shampoo
5The Best Chalk
Using these hair chalks is just like painting your hair for the day. They come as a set with 10 rainbow and six metallic colors that you can mix and match all over your hair for a super fun effect. You can even blend multiple colors together to create an ombre effect or chalk your whole head in every color to create a vibrant rainbow. Plus, these chalks easily wash out with your regular shampoo when you're finished, and reviewers noted that they don't create too much of a mess.
According to one reviewer: "These worked so well for my girls! I have 3, 1 blonde, 1 brunette and 1 with dark brown and they showed up on all 3 of them! Would definitely recommend!"
Colors: 2 color pack options | Lasts: 1 shampoo
6The Best Conditioner For Dry Hair
This color-depositing conditioner boasts three-in-one benefits and works to cleanse, color, and condition your hair all at the same time. It’s been specifically formulated to deposit subtle yet rich color on dark hair and is sulfate, paraben, and cruelty-free. It’s infused with ingredients like keratin, shea butter, and almond oil to nourish your hair and can be applied as little or often as you like to achieve your desired hue. When you’re in the shower, simply massage the conditioner throughout your strands, let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, and then rinse it out.
According to one reviewer: "This color depositing shampoo works so well and looks great! I love the way it feels in my hair and I look adorable. This is the easiest way I've ever colored my hair. I get the best compliments on it and no one can believe I don't spend a ton of money in a salon.[...] and you can change the intensity to fade out after a few days or use it a few days in a row to make it super vibrant.”
Colors: 2 | Lasts: Through several washes, according to reviewers
7The Best Mask
This Moroccanoil color depositing mask allows you to enjoy the benefits of a premium-quality deep conditioning mask paired with those of a temporary dye. The mask infuses your strands with nourishing argan oil and amino acids while apricot kernel oil, vitamin E, and other ingredients soften and hydrate. The mask doesn’t take long to work its magic, either — just five to seven minutes. It deposits color at the same time, and you can choose from several different shades.
According to one reviewer: “This mask is Amazing!! It hydrates you’re hair while depositing a rich beautiful color to your hair. I went with the cocoa brown. The color deposit lasted through several washes.”
Colors: 10 | Lasts: It varies, according to the brand
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