How to Temporarily Dye Hair With Food Dye

Last Updated: July 25, 2022

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

1
Find an old bottle, or buy a hair dye bottle at your nearest beauty supply store.
2
Fill the bottle with conditioner till it is about 3/4 full.^{[1]
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3
Put as many drops of food coloring as you need into the bottle with the conditioner.^{[2]
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4
Shake the contents of the bottle.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Preparing your hair

1
Wash your hair.^{[3]
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2
Blow dry it until it is completely dry.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Adding the dye to your hair

1
Put on disposable gloves.^{[4]
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2
Part your hair into sections.^{[5]
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3
Unclip the section of hair you want to dye first. Put the dye solution prepared earlier on this section of hair. Repeat for each hair section.^{[6]
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4
Leave the dye in for as long as you want. 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
Wash your hair to remove the solution from it.
6
Blow dry your hair. Brush it.
7
Enjoy your awesome colored hair.
- The hair color will wash out after several washings. But the color may last for about 3 to 12 weeks for some hair.

Community Q&A

Question

If I wanted pink, would I just use red?

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

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

Don't leave the food coloring in your hair for too long. Try leaving it in for two minutes and then rinsing it out.

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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