I Asked a Stylist to Weigh In on Hair Tinting—His Thoughts Might Surprise You (2024)

Redken

Shades EQ Color Gloss

As far as temporary hair colors go, celebrity stylistsabsolutely swear by Redken glosses. Stylists use them in the salon, too, so you know it's quality. It's a demi-permanent gloss that comes in a variety of shades and includes no lifting agents like ammonia. Use it as a color-corrector, shine booster, or an allover color.

DpHue

Gloss+ Semi-Permanent Hair Color & Deep Conditioner

This semi-permanent hair color is locked within a deep-conditioning base that leaves hair soft, shiny, and healthy. It works for all hair types and even provides protection for existing permanent color.

Good Dye Young

Semi Permanent Hair Color

Hayley Williams's ultra-cool hair color brand, Good Dye Young, offers warm, vibrant hues in a creamy, semi-permanent formula. I'm a fan of this fiery orange color on its own, but it should also be noted that the colors are designed to mix well with each other so you can truly create a custom look. It also lasts around four to six weeks.

Mydentity

MyRefresh Color Depositing Conditioner

"I recommend my #Mydentity #MyRefresh Color Depositing Conditioners.These are great for when my clients want to have fun with their hair but don't want it to last for too long. We have seven different shades in a variety of vibrant and pastel tones." —Tang

Christophe Robin

Temporary Color Gel

This temporary color gel is formulated with natural ingredients to help cover greys by blending them into the base hair color without irritating the scalp. It washes out evenly in five to seven washes and is a great option for those who don't want to commit to long-term coloring.

Kristin Ess

Rose Gold Temporary Tint

Kristin Ess offers this watercolor treatment for pre-lightened or highlighted blonde hair. It adds an instant, rosy blush of color that can be used in-shower on wet hair or on dry hair for more intense color.

No Fade Fresh

Hair Color Depositing Shampoo & Conditioner

This semi-permanent, color-depositing shampoo-and-conditioner set is great to use between color appointments or as a fun temporary color job on holidays since it comes in brighter hues, too. Both contain BondHeal proprietary technology that helps rebuild bond in the hair from the inside out. It also helps strengthen strands and reduces breakage, healing the harsh effects of bleach and other hair color.

Lime Crime

Unicorn Hair Tint

Lime Crime's Unicorn Hair Tint is great for all the DIYers out there. It's a damage-free, vegan formula that contains fatty acids and vitamins that help boost moisture and shine within the hair. It works by depositing pastel, muted, and lighter shades onto thehair shaft for a soft wash of color. It should also be noted that this formula works best on pre-lightened platinum or pale blonde hair.

Ion

Intensive Shine Demi Permanent Crème Hair Color

Ion's Demi Permanent Crème colors are classic. I even used them myself when I was a teenager to experiment with color. (I was going through my *punk* phase.) It's pretty long-lasting for a deposit-only color formula and is also fade-resistant.

Curlsmith

Hair Makeup Temporary Color Styling Gel

Another fun option from Curlsmith. This temporary color styling gel is a wash-off color, so it's great for one-night events and costumes. It coats the hair with a vibrant pop of pigmentand comesin a range of colors, from turquoise to fiery red.

Manic Panic

Classic Temporary Hair Color

Manic Panic has amassed a cult following over the years because the brand continually offers some of the best temporary hair dyes on the market. The classic high-voltage formula is vegan, requires no developer, and is moisturizing enough to be curl friendly.