Do you love the fabulous array of hair color trends? Yet you aren’t able to or can’t take the plunge and change your own color: you might be scared of the potential damage dying might do, or that you might hate it; you might work in an industry that frowns on “funny” colored hair; or your parents simply won’t allow it. Pout about it no more because there are ways to add color to your hair without dyeing it.
1 Clip-in Extensions
One simple way to add color to your hair without using dye is to buy some clip-in extensions. They come in a wide range of colors, both natural looking and more adventurous, and they can give you a good idea of what your hair would look like if you wanted to do anything more permanent in the future. The best part of opting for clip-ins to begin with is that you can take them straight out if you don’t like the final results, so no having to wait around for dye to grow out etc.
Frequently asked questions
2 Hair Chalk
Hair chalk is something that has become increasingly popular over the last few years, and whilst the very best products can be quite expensive, but you can do some experimenting in a DIY sense with plain old art pastels. Simple wet the pastels and proceed to rub the colored solution directly on to your tresses. A good tip to seal this temporary color in is to go over your hair with a straightening iron when you have finished and apply a little hair spray; it will lock in the color and make it last longer.
3 Color Rubs
These are great if you want pops of color by picking out strands. And of course, you can mix and match colors too- ideal if you’re taken with the rainbow hair trend. They will color even the darkest of natural shades and will not rub off onto your clothes.
4 Spray-on Colors
Giving a temporary splash of color is easy with a hair spray. There’s nothing subtle about spray-on hair colors – they’re usually full on reds, pinks, purples, blues and green. And the beauty is, they wash right out.
5 Headband Extensions
Headband extensions have also been called ‘secret’ extensions, and though they used to be a bit obvious looking, newer versions of the product actually look really good if you wear them properly. They are a super quick problem solver if you want to add something different to your hair without dyeing. Headband extensions always look better when worn with a hat or secured in to a plait or ponytail.
6 Bonded Hair Extensions
Bonded hair extensions can offer a more secure color boost than headband extensions. The groups of colorful strands are bonded to a small piece of your own hair and can be washed, curled, straightened etc. without the worry of ruining them. Though they are super secure, they are also incredibly easy to remove once you are over it or if you change your mind about what you want your hair to look like.
7 Braided Ribbons
If you want something colorful that doesn’t necessarily look like real hair, then you can have great results by braiding assorted ribbons and fabric in to your hair. It looks amazingly bohemian and definitely makes you stand out from the crowd. It’s a bold hairstyle choice but those who can pull it off always look absolutely great.
8 String Wrap
If you like the idea of fabric in your hair but want something a little more refined and subtly textured, then why not have a go with string wraps. They can be made in lots of entertaining patterns and look a little bit neater than casual fabric braids. They are generally popular with younger children, but some fashionistas are bringing them back for adults!
9 Flowers
Something that always adds a touch of color and class without any real hassle is a simple flower behind the ear, but if you like flowers then the possibilities are really endless. From flower crowns to literally weaving daisy chains in to your existing plaits and braids, the look is wonderfully natural and adds a touch of innocence and youth to your look.
With a little creativity and experimentation you can add color without dye to your hair in all sorts of ways. And the big advantage of these temporary measures is that you can change them up as often as you like.
Do you like the idea of being your own creative stylist?