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Get wacky colored hair without changing your hair permanently or damaging it. This tutorial explains how to use food dye to change your hair color temporarily.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the dye solution

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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Preparing your hair

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  1. [1]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Adding the dye to your hair

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  1. [2]
  2. [3]
  3. Put the dye solution prepared earlier on this section of hair. Repeat for each hair section.[4]
  4. The longer you leave it in, the stronger the hair color will be.
    • If you can, put on a cap and wear it for a few hours. Many hours makes for a better color. Realize that any leakage of the dye will stain, so sleep on a few layers of old, unwanted towels if you're leaving it in overnight.
  5. Brush it.
    • The hair color will wash out after several washings. But the color may last for about 3 to 12 weeks for some hair.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    If I wanted pink, would I just use red?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    I would use red with the tiniest bit of blue. That way it will add that slightly purple color that distinguishes pink and magenta from red.
  • Question
    My hair is super dark brown and I want to dye it blue. How long should I leave the dye in for?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should leave it in for at least one hour, maybe a little more.
  • Question
    How can I make the dye last a shorter amount of time?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Don't leave the food coloring in your hair for too long. Try leaving it in for two minutes and then rinsing it out.
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Tips

  • Put old newspaper and towels around the area you are dying your hair because the dye can stain floors and walls badly.
  • If you want a color like purple, orange, or teal, you need to mix the dyes together. Blue + red = purple, red + yellow = orange, blue + green = teal.
  • It is best if you have a friend to help you
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Warnings

  • This dye will stain everything. Work over tiles or other suitable surfaces; the bathroom is ideal. Wear old clothes too.



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About This Article

Jasmin Todd
Reviewed by:
Master Hair Stylist
This article was reviewed by Jasmin Todd. Jasmin Todd is a Master Stylist and the Owner of Austin Curls in Austin, TX. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in cutting and styling naturally curly hair. Jasmin trained at the world-famous Ouidad salon and is Ouidad certified. In 2022, Mane Addicts named Austin Curls as one of the Top U.S. Salons for Curly Hair. This article has been viewed 114,590 times.
17 votes - 86%
Co-authors: 14
Updated: August 19, 2024
Views: 114,590
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 114,590 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Jessica Asali

    Jessica Asali

    Nov 28, 2017

    "I'm actually reading this because I want to change my hair color for the school Christmas holiday. I'm..." more
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