Temporary Hair Color for Kids: 6 Safest Products to Try

As children grow, they’re naturally inclined to explore more, which often makes them want more control over their appearance. Unlike experimenting with clothing and getting their ears pierced, it tends to get tricky when the subject of hair color comes up. A perfect way to hack it is temporary hair color for kids — a creative outlet for your little one minus the commitment and risks that come with permanent dyes. Thanks to the growing trend toward non-toxic, water-based formulas and user-friendly DIY solutions, you can now enjoy a rainbow of choices that not only boost your child’s self-confidence but also ensure their hair remains healthy. To help cut down on your research time, we’ve gathered several options for you and your child to try out. Jump To:What Is Temporary Hair Color?6 Options for the Best Temporary Hair Color for KidsHow to Choose the Right Temporary Hair Dyes for Your ChildFind the Best Temporary Hair Color for KidsFAQs What Is Temporary Hair Color?  Temporary hair color is anything that alters the shade of hair without making long-term chemical alterations. Unlike permanent dyes, these products wash out after a few shampoos without having to cut off hair to regrow. They come in various forms — from professional semi-permanent dyes and sprays to chalks and waxes. Each option is tailored to minimize harsh chemical exposure while maximizing creative freedom — even if your little one accidentally leaves it on too long before rinsing. You can buy commercial preparations or create DIY temporary hair color for kids at home using everyday household items. You can even invest in clips that let your little one add a few streaks of pink or purple for fun or school colors for upcoming cheer competitions. Benefits of Temporary Hair Color for Kids  Temporary hair coloring goes beyond just changing a look. It has some impressive benefits for kids, including the following: Cultivates agency: A sense of agency is your belief that your actions make a positive difference — your life isn’t up to the capricious winds of fate. A strong sense of agency is crucial to psychological health, as a lack of it can trigger anxiety and depression. Inspires a sense of belonging: Friend groups and sports teams often show unity through similar hairstyles or team colors. Temporary hair color lets kids participate in these bonding experiences. Allows self-expression: Children often face enormous pressures to conform. The best temporary hair colors for kids allow your little one to express their personality and mood, even if their school has a strict uniform policy. Inspires self-confidence: Children who feel good about their appearance display greater confidence, which supports healthy social development and self-esteem. Boosts creativity: From clip-in extensions to DIY solutions, kids can personalize their style with ease, developing their artistic exploration outlets. Teaches hair care: Using temporary color products can introduce children to proper hair care routines and product application skills. 6 Options for the Best Temporary Hair Color for Kids  The best temporary hair color for kids may depend on how you use it. For example, someone on the swim team is better off choosing a semi-permanent dye rather than a 1-day paint. Here are six options to consider when letting your little one transform their locks. 1. DIY Kool-Aid Hair Dye If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, you’re in luck because you might already have the ingredients for this next one in your cupboard. Kool-Aid is a fun and safe way to dye your child’s hair temporarily.  Make a concentrated mix with water and let your child’s hair rest in the mixture for at least 10 minutes before rinsing. If you want to dye large swathes of their hair, mix it with conditioner and paint it on like regular dye. Red, purple and blue Kool-Aid shades tend to last longer than yellows or greens. The color typically lasts a few weeks, fading with each wash. Drawback: Food-grade Kool-Aid can temporarily stain skin, clothing and bathroom surfaces, so protect them during application. Make sure you wear gloves, or your hands will match their hair. This method also only works well on blond and light brown hair. 2. Clip-In Hair Extensions For the most temporary hair color for kids, purchase some clip-in hair extensions. You can find versions of these just about anywhere. Plus, they come in a multitude of colors, lengths and finishes — perfect for all creative ideas. Your kiddo can have glittery pink highlights one day and a black bun the next. There’s no limit to the creativity they can express with this mix-and-match option.  Some of the best clip-on hair extensions you can find for a low cost include: SWACC 22-pcs colored party clip-ins deliver 11 shades with two strands of each to easily add purple or yellow streaks.  FENTISAR 18-pack party clip-in hair extensions come in gorgeous unicorn hues. WENNALIFE hair tinsel clips create the magic of shimmers without a trip to the salon. Application tip: Teach your child to section hair horizontally before attaching clips. Start about an inch away from the hairline for the most natural look. 3. 1-Day Temporary Hair Color Spray When you want a truly temporary hair color for kids, seek 1-day spray products. Many formulations come in various hues that are free of ammonia and peroxide. All you need to do is spray it onto your child’s hair, and it will stay until you wash it out. This is the perfect option for Crazy Hair Day at school or a first experiment with hair color. Some brands to try include:  Azonbay Temporary Hair Color Spray comes in 13 shades with an easy-to-spray canister.  Punky Temporary Color Spray also comes in 13 hues for instant, vivid color.  ROVEMJ One-Time Use Temporary Spray comes in six quick-drying shades. Best practices: Spray from a good couple of inches from dry hair, moving continuously to avoid oversaturation. Use a towel to protect clothing and skin during application. 4. Hair Coloring Chalk Hair chalk is a fairly easy method for kids to experiment with color. The best part is it typically washes out after one shampoo. All you need to do is get the hair wet and run the desired color along the strands. After depositing the chalk, blow dry the hair to seal everything in. This would be a fun activity for a kid’s birthday party or sleepover. Some brands to try include:  GirlZone Hair Chalks Set includes 10 shades in one box and comes in formulas for dark, light and brown hair.  Jim and Gloria Dustless Hair Chalk for Girls comes with 12 included colors and is specially designed for teens. Application tip: For darker hair, apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner before chalking to help the pigments adhere better. 5. Hair Paint Wax While many of these options so far work best on blonde and light brown hair, hair paint wax is designed with curly girls and dark hair tones in mind. Similar to the chalk, you’ll need to wet the strands first and then apply the wax with your fingers. Once it dries, it will stay in until you wash it out. On particularly porous hair, it may stain for a few washings. Some brands you should try include:  Color Blast Hair Wax is formulated to work on darker hair and comes in 15 shades.  Qunco 4-Colors Temporary Hair Colors Wax comes in pink, green, purple and blue for the perfect unicorn paint job. 6. Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Colour If your child has identified a color they love and want to try it more permanently, you could go with a semi-permanent dye. Like many chalks and sprays, these work best on light-colored hair. Achieving the hue shown on the box requires bleach on darker strands, which permanently alters the lock’s natural color. However, you’ll get gorgeous highlights and a hint of the right shade is a good way to try it before committing to a permanent job.  Manufacturers have designed the following with the younger crowd in mind: Adore Semi-Permanent Hair Color is vegan and cruelty-free.  Good Dye Young Streaks and Strands lasts for 15 to 24 washes and offers UV protection. Safety note: Always do a patch test 48 hours before application, even with gentler, semi-permanent formulas. How to Choose the Right Temporary Hair Dyes for Your Child When selecting a temporary hair color product, consider the following to make the right choice: Hair type and color: Darker hair requires more pigmented products like hair wax or specially formulated chalk. Age appropriateness: Younger children (under 8) may do better with clip-ins or quick-wash products, while older kids can manage the application process of semi-permanent options. Ingredient sensitivity: Check ingredients carefully and conduct patch tests, especially if your child has sensitive skin or allergies. Occasion: For a one-day event, sprays or chalks are ideal. Semi-permanent dyes might be better for longer-lasting color. Maintenance level: Consider how much time you're willing to spend on application and removal when choosing products. Find the Best Temporary Hair Color for Kids Buying a new wardrobe is expensive, and piercings are permanent. However, experimenting with temporary hair color lets your kids test out new looks without lasting effects or breaking the budget. You have a range of options at your disposal, from clip-in extensions, an extremely temporary hair color for kids, to semi-permanent dye, which lasts a couple of months. FAQs 1. What is the best temporary hair color spray for kids? The best option is a 1-day temporary hair color spray that’s free of harsh chemicals like ammonia and peroxide. 2. What is a safe temporary hair color for kids? A safe temporary hair color for kids is one formulated with non-toxic, water-based ingredients and free from harsh chemicals. Products that have undergone patch tests and are designed specifically for sensitive scalps are recommended. 3. What are some DIY temporary hair colors for kids? DIY options include Kool-Aid dye, food coloring with conditioner, colored gelatin made from mixing unflavored gelatin with food coloring, beetroot juice and turmeric paste. 4. What is the best temporary pink hair dye for dark hair for kids? Hair paint wax is the most effective option for darker hair. It is specially designed to provide vibrant color on darker strands. Go for brands that offer formulas in various shades, including a striking pink. 5. Is temporary hair dye ok for kids? Yes, temporary hair dye is generally safe for kids when you choose products specifically formulated for them. Always read the label, perform a patch test and follow the application instructions carefully to ensure a safe and fun experience. TL;DR Temporary hair color offers kids a safe way to express creativity without permanent changes. The six safest options include DIY Kool-Aid dye, clip-in extensions, 1-day color sprays, hair chalks, hair paint wax and semi-permanent conditioning colors. Just remember to always check ingredients, do patch tests and consider your child's hair type to choose the best temporary hair color for kids. Originally published August 10, 2023. Updated February 28, 2025.

When you have curly hair, it’s tough to predict how your twists look after a shower. You can follow your routine to a T and still wind up with zero volume or undefined coils, leaving you frustratedly tucking them back in a braid or ponytail. However, the brush you use in the styling phase could cause lackluster strands. Here is when knowing how to use a Denman brush curly hair could be very useful. The Denman brush has gone viral on TikTok, with many showing off how the product has helped them style their curls to perfection. Its internet fame and outstanding Amazon reviews may have you itching to pick one up, but how does it work?  https://www.tiktok.com/@denmanbrush/video/7414082534276975904?lang=en Properties of Curly Hair Curly hair requires much more maintenance than straight hair, but it has the volume and beauty to compensate for the extra time spent taking care of your locks from beginning to end. Since curly hair is so dry by default, you must ensure it retains moisture by adding additional products to your routine. Keeping your scalp and hair moisturized is the best way to ensure your curly hair stays healthy. Since curly hair is so dry, you should know a few things about your individual strands while learning how to brush curly hair. You should brush or comb your hair infrequently — a good rule of thumb is to only brush your curls as often as you wash your hair, and only when wet. That way, you promote the strength of your curls while ensuring they are brushed thoroughly once in a while. However, your specific hair type might require more frequent brushing. How to Use a Denman Brush When Styling It might have taken some trial and error, but now you have the perfect Denman brush for your curl pattern. But how can you make it work to your advantage? 1. Choose the Right Brush Style The hair brush you use can affect several factors in your hair’s growth and appearance. The Denman brush is ideal, as you can hold it effectively and twist the curls with them. That said, you must still choose the right style to benefit your hair texture.  For example, those with medium-type curly hair should try out the D31 or the D41 9-Row Freeflow. The nine columns of pins are spaced out enough not to ruin your curl pattern but close enough to define each twist excellently. However, if your texture is a bit tighter than other medium-curly types, consider sticking with the D31 7-Row. Those with hair more coily than curly should also look for the D31. The seven rows avoid wrecking your tight hair pattern while also giving you the definition and detangling you require. Any healthy curly hair routine should feature a brush that can safely relieve any tangles to produce the bounciest coils possible. If you have looser, finer curls, your hair might love the D3 Original Styler 7-Row. While it has the same amount of columns of pins in the other brushes, the rows are much closer together. People with thinner hair and a wavy curl pattern might find this Denman brush can help them achieve the best definition possible. 2. Brush Your Hair Damp Ensure you’re only brushing curly hair when it’s wet or damp. While those with straight hair might actually experience more damage when brushing their hair wet, curly hair requires the slip water and styling products provide. Brushing your curls when they’re dry might cause tangles, and you want your curls to look soft and bouncy. Brushing your hair while dry can also cause frizz, which can make your curls lose shape over time. Messing with your hair while it’s dry, even without tools and just your fingers, can also make your curls permanently fall out, though you may have tried hard to define them.  You’re ready for styling fresh out of the shower. If you need to brush your curls out when they’re dry, add a product first. A leave-in conditioner could be an excellent option to keep your curls moisturized enough to comb through them.  If you have thicker hair, start by applying your leave-in conditioner, gently detangling with a wide-tooth comb and adding your curl cream. Those with thinner hair can simply use a light cream or mousse and skip the comb. 3. Work With Your Hair Once you realize that your hair operates by its own rules, knowing how to brush curly hair becomes easier. Learn to work with your hair rather than against it. Detangling and combing through your curls shouldn’t cause pain. Take it slow and understand how your hair moves, and you shouldn’t have any issues combing through your moist curls. Knowing how to brush curly hair effectively means learning to brush from the bottom up. Start by detangling the ends and work your way up. This technique works well for any hair type. You can also study your specific hair type and learn the moisturizers that work best for you.  With the Denman brush, part your hair into sections. Thin hair should use larger sections, while thicker hair should part into smaller ones. Holding the brush with the pins facing away from you, start at the root and glide the Denman all the way down your hair.  Scrunch the section after pulling the brush out and work around your head until you’ve brushed it all. Looser waves can also benefit from wrapping each section around the handle to form a better curl. Finally, finish your routine by diffusing your hair until it’s dry. Lower heat can keep your curls healthy and a lower fan speed can help avoid frizz. If the products you use leave your hair a bit crunchy after styling, gently scrunch with hair oil after drying. Boosting Your Curls by Using a Denman Brush Brushing isn’t all bad for curly hair. Using a Denman brush can help your flat strands transform into bouncy, defined twists. Consider utilizing this guide the next time you pick up your Denman to give yourself the luscious hair you deserve. Original Publish Date 1/5/2024 — Updated 2/4/2025

If you have curly hair, then you’re no stranger to inconsistency. It’s as if curls have a mind of their own at times. When your curls cooperate, you feel like you’re on top of the world.  There’s nothing like having a good hair day. Sometimes, knowing what products to use can be a game changer for your hair. Learn about what products are best for your 3A curls — hopefully, you’ll never have a bad hair day again. Do You Have 3A Hair? Did you know that there are different types of natural curls depending on your hair type? Curls range from numbers one through four and can vary by texture, size and tightness. Class two curls define wavy hair with limited curls. Types three and four, accompanied with letters, help classify and determine the type and shape of curl you possess.  People with 3A curls have defined spiral curls that are typically lightweight. The tighter your curl is, the more moisture it requires. If you have hair type 3A, there are many different types of products that you can use that will take your hair to a whole other level.   How To Care For 3A Hair Different types of hair require different amounts of product and maintenance. If you have 3a curly hair, you might consider incorporating a 3a curly hair routine to cater to your strands better. Hair type 3a is delicate since 3a curls can be fragile, especially if you live in a dry climate. You can nourish and protect your hair with a hair mask or other home remedies. You might even consider getting a specific hairstyle to foster your locks. Some 3a curly haircuts can revive your hair. That way, you can begin with a clean slate and use appropriate products for your hair type. Caring for curly hair can be confusing, especially if you haven’t identified what type of curls you have. Research the different types of curls and find out which ones you possess.  Diffusers are fantastic for giving your curls life and volume. The plopping technique can provide freshly styled curls without frizz or tangles that often come with naturally curly hair. Plopping your hair is as simple as wrapping your wet hair in a t-shirt and leaving it overnight. You’ll wake up to less frizzy and more defined curls.  Best 3A Curly Hair Products The hair products for curly hair vary by texture, shape and manageability. Knowing which products are specifically helpful for your hair type can significantly affect your results. Hair products beneficial for 3a hair can amplify and liven up your locks and make you never look back. Think about your preferences for natural or organic products, such as essential oils. The best thing you can do for your curls is use sulfate-free products. Ensuring natural ingredients in your products can prevent buildup and other components from weighing down your hair. You must check your beauty product ingredients to obtain optimal results.  Try these 3a curly hair products for beautiful locks.   1. Not Your Mother's Naturals Curl Defining Shampoo and Conditioner There's a reason many love this hair product for their springy curls -- it's because it's 98% natural. Instead of damaging chemicals that most hair products have, it contains ingredients like Tahitian gardenia flower and mango butter to care for, moisturize and enhance your curls. Did you recently get a dye? No worries since it's safe to use for color-treated locks. You'll love the peachy, pineapple scent of this shampoo and conditioner duo. $16.99 from Amazon 2. Kinky-Curly Knot Today Leave-in Conditioner Is tangled hair always a problem? Does it make your bad hair day worse? Try this creamy and herbal condition to smooth knots, snarls and tangles painlessly. Use it as a regular conditioner for wavy hair and a leave-on after a wash if you have gorgeous, thick curls. This plant-based conditioner with a mild scent has been a game-changer for many ringlet hairs -- it will be for you, too. Add this to your hair care product list.   $32.03 from Amazon 3. The Mane Choice Heavenly Halo Deep Hydration Mask This hair mask provides deep hydration to your beautiful locks, nourishing them from the roots to tips and inside out to reveal their shine. It has all the beneficial oils to reduce frizziness and breakage, featuring a premium blend of umutanga, palmarosa, burdock root and vitamin E oils. The product's nourishing formula also includes biotin, soy, licorice and yucca roots that promote longer, thicker hair. Treat your locks to this revitalizing hair mask. $19.99 from Amazon 4. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk Whether it's tangles, frizz, knots, breakage or roughness you want to get rid of, this styling milk helps solve all your hair worries. This product is boosted with natural ingredients like coconut, hibiscus, neem oil and silk proteins to make your precious strands soft, shiny and bouncy. It also cures dandruff in the case of a flaky scalp. Use this for lustrous and manageable hair every single day. $10.50 from Amazon 5. Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl-Boosting Mousse Are you tired of dealing with uncontrollable ringlet locks? You'll love the versatility and effectiveness of this mousse in controlling hair frizz and humidity. It firmly holds your gorgeous strands beautifully without feeling sticky or stiff. Just shake it, foam it and apply it to wet hair. Air dry to finish. Most of all, it doesn't contain parabens, colorants or silicones, so the product is guaranteed safe to use. $22.99 from Amazon Curly Hair King or Queen Your curls will bow down to the almighty king or queen with gratitude for trying these products and giving your hair the life it deserves. You will achieve the maximum moisture and curl definition you’ve always wanted. Try a few of these out and find what 3a curly hair products work best for you.  Original Publish Date: August 10, 2022 — Updated May 30, 2024