Halloween is around the corner, and the quest to find the perfect costume is on. This aside, we all know that a lot more goes into a great costume than just the garb. There is makeup to be done, accessories to be gathered and Halloween hair to be perfected. That last one can be tricky, especially if your costume of choice requires some less-than-natural colors. Here are some easy, safe and temporary ways to achieve rad hair color this Halloween.
Temporary hair color products: quick, vibrant options
- L’Oréal Professionnel Hairchalk ($20): This variation on traditional hair chalk uses a liquid formula and comes in eight unique shades ranging from Coral Sunset to Coffee Break.
- Bumble and bumble Spraychalk ($19): Love Pastels? Renowned hair brand Bumble and bumble’s limited edition Spraychalk offers quick-dry tints that will have you looking pretty in pastel in no time. It would be perfect for that mermaid costume you’ve been dreaming up.
- STREEKERS Temporary Hair Color ($12): Sure, it looks like lip gloss, but don’t be confused. This is actually temporary hair color and comes in eight bright shades that won’t make your hair brittle. That means you can brush your hair after applying without losing your color!
- Splat Hair Chalk ($4): Splat Hair Chalk glides on dry and comes in seven fun colors. Whether you are going all-out fairy or gothy vamp, these shades will help you get there.
- Wild Streaks Henna Hair Tints ($10): Those looking for a more natural color option should consider these semi-permanent henna hair tints. But be warned, these may take a few weeks to wash out completely!
- Rita Hazan POP Color ($18): Designed to work on all hair colors - from blonde to black tresses - this hair color spray will be great to share with your girls while getting ready. It gives it a vibrant all-over coverage that washes out easily.
- UV Hair Streak Painted Glow ($6): Yup, hair mascara is a thing. Most use it to touch up their roots, but these bright beauties provide a fun temporary color option for All Hallow’s Eve.
- Kevin Murphy Color Bug ($10): If you are looking for a wipe-on, wipe-off color, then look no further. Available in a variety of colors, this one comes in neat containers that are easy to apply without getting color all over your costume.
Color techniques and where they fit your look
There are also options to extend or alter your look without dyeing your whole head. Blue Lagoon Ombre Hair Extensions ($140) offer a high-impact option for a Kylie-inspired look without committing to permanent color. Manic Panic Glam Strips ($7) are easy clip-in hair strips that glow under black lights and come in a variety of neon colors, perfect for rainbow-inspired costumes. Manic Panic Dye Hard Gel ($5) glows under black lights and allows you to style and color at the same time. Temporary Hair Chalk Set ($14) provides a rainbow of colors, non-toxic and reusable for many Halloweens to come. UV and glow-ready options can be easily incorporated to enhance your spooky mood with minimal effort.
For a more natural route, Wild Streaks Henna Hair Tints offer semi-permanent options, though they may take a few weeks to wash out completely. If you prefer to swap looks quickly, a clean and dry mane is the perfect canvas for Halloween color. When selecting a shade, aim for tones that tie into your costume’s overall color palette to create a cohesive look.
Maintenance and safety tips
To keep color vibrant and hair healthy, use color-safe, sulfate-free hair care products like Color Shield shampoo and conditioner, and always rinse with cool water to seal in the pigment. The most popular Halloween hair colors tend to be the spooky classics that pair well with many costumes: purple, green, black, silver, and red. Seasonal trends include pumpkin spice and villain-inspired styles, but the possibilities are endless.
Consider investing in high-quality extensions or temporary color kits if you want a dramatic change without committing to permanent dye. A wearable, non-permanent option can be swapped out from one look to the next with ease, making it ideal for party-hopping and themed events.
Practical tips for choosing your shade
- Match the hue to your costume’s palette for a cohesive effect.
- Opt for temporary formulas for ease of removal after the event.
- Test a small strand first to gauge color payoff on your base hair.
- Consider how the color will photograph in low light or under black lights, if that’s part of your plan.
What's the Difference Between Permanent, Demi & Semi-Permanent Hair Colors?
Do you have an easy temporary hair color methods we missed? We’d love to hear it! Anything goes on Halloween! This ghoulish holiday is the perfect occasion for dressing up and flaunting your alter ego. Create the most standout getup by going all the way with bold hair colors to match the mood. The possibilities are endless, and Garnier has all the Halloween hair colors you need. The perfect canvas for Halloween hair colors is a clean and dry mane. To match your Halloween hair color with your costume, look for a shade that ties in with the overall color palette. If you like your Halloween hair color and want to commit, use color-safe, sulfate-free hair care products like Color Shield shampoo and conditioner, and always rinse with cool water to seal in the pigment. The most popular Halloween hair colors are the spooky classics that go with lots of costumes: purple, green, black, silver, and red. There are also seasonal trends like pumpkin spice and villain-inspired styles.