# Temporary hair dye

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temporary-hair-dye/499252>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [June 9, 2009, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temporary-hair-dye/499252 "2009-06-09T21:12:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\
**Post date:** [June 9, 2009, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temporary-hair-dye/499252/1 "2009-06-09T21:12:19Z")

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My chorus is doing an “80s” concert a week from Friday, and we’re all wearing clothes from that decade. I want to dye my hair bright red (hair on top, plus goatee) for the occasion, but it has to be temporary. It has to wash out completely, and also not run down my face if I sweat.

What can I use, and where would I get it?

Thanks.

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**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\
**Post date:** [June 9, 2009, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temporary-hair-dye/499252/2 "2009-06-09T21:19:50Z")

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I’ve used two different kinds. One kind was the “color” hair spray like this:

> **[Party Supplies, Glow Products, Decorations & Novelties](https://www.windycitynovelties.com/)**
>
> We strive to be your #1 source for party supplies, glow products, decorations, accessories, and more! Shop for your next party with Windy City Novelties.

and it usually washed out in a couple of days.

The other kind I got from Hot Topic and it lasted about a month before it washed out:

[http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/Accessories/HairDye/HairDyeBleach/Color-Fiend-Red-Rum-Hair-Color-251214.jsp](http://www.hottopic.com/hottopic/Accessories/HairDye/HairDyeBleach/Color-Fiend-Red-Rum-Hair-Color-251214.jsp)

Of course the lighter your hair is the more colorful it will be. When I did the latter one I bleached my hair first, because I have dark brown hair, and then dyed it green.

It sounds like you are looking for the first kind though. I think a novelty shop, Party City type place, or even a big local hair salon place might have the hair spray type.

Edit: Also the first kind did tend to get runny when I got sweaty but the second kind did not once it set.

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**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\
**Post date:** [June 9, 2009, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/temporary-hair-dye/499252/3 "2009-06-09T22:26:09Z")

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I’d get those hair sprays; they’re like washable hair paint.

Be careful if you’re naturally a light blond; even temporary dyes can permanently stain light hair.