8 Best Temporary Hair Dye Gels Of 2025, According To A Cosmetologist
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Lindsay Loo is a cosmetologist who has spent 10 years behind the chair in a storied salon in Chelsea. She is a certified Wella Master Color Expert and also has experience backstage at New York Fashion Week.
Read full bio of Lindsay Loo
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Experience: 3 yearsEshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
Read full bio of Eshna Das
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Temporary hair colors are the way to go if you want to change your natural hair color without permanently damaging it. These products provide a fun option for individuals of all ages to experiment with bold and exciting colors. Because your beautiful hair only deserves the best there is. We’ve put together a list of the 8 best temporary hair color gels that you can experiment with and flaunt your beautiful tresses in all their glory. Unlike permanent, demi-permanent or semi-permanent hair colors, these temporary hair dye gels allow you to switch up your look anytime with ease! Feel free to try these temporary hair colors and that pop and oomph to your hair to make you stand out of the crowd for the diva you are! What are you waiting for? Get started on the list now!
In This Article
8 Best Temporary Hair Dye Gels
1. Best Affordable: Manic Panic Hair Color Gel – Vampire Red
Go for a temporary hair makeover with the Manic Panic Hair Color Gel which comes in convenient squeeze tubes and is easy to apply. It is available in 11 punky and expressive hair color shades and is suitable for wavy, curly, standard, textured, and straight hair. The non-dripping formula provides instant color and can be easily washed off with shampoo. The colors can be mixed to customize your shade. The gel provides a strong hold, vibrant color, and gives vibrant results on dark hair. The shade Vampir Red has a bold, blood-red color and gives reddish-burgundy results on unbleached hair. Check out this video detailing a tester’s experience with the product for more information.
Pros
- Washable
- No stains
- Affordable
- PPD-free
- Ammonia-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Resorcinol-free
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Transfers easily
- Takes time to dry
"This hair color gel is highly pigmented. It coats my hair with a deep red shade that looks stunning. I often use it to create red highlights. The color never stains my scalp, forehead, and my fingers. It comes in an easy-to-squeeze tube."
Pro Tip2. Best Damage-free: Curlsmith Rainbow Hair Bundle
The Curlsmith Rainbow Hair Bundle has multiple vibrant shades that can give you a colorful transformation and leave a shining hue on your locks. The color is temporary and washes off easily without damaging the hair or skin. The smooth color coating is completely stain proof and doesn’t transfer on clothes. These gels contain vegan ingredients and are not tested on animals. Multiple reviewers suggest that this product is easy to use and works well for curly hair as well.
Pros
- Multiple shades
- Easy to wash off
- Stain-proof
- Safe for scalp and skin
Cons
- Sticky consistency
"I like that these hair color gels are free of any irritants. They color my hair evenly and hold its style for hours. They do not dry out my hair or make it greasy. The best thing about these gels is that they add a glossy shine to my hair."
3. Best Vegan: Moon Glow Neon UV Hair Gel – Intense Red
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If you are searching for bright neon hues to make a bold hair statement, try the Moon Glow Neon UV Hair Gel. It is ideal for fun hair experiments like adding streaks and accents. It is available in eight non-permanent colors. The vibrant hair gel gives bright neon tones in natural light and glows under UV lighting or black lights. It provides a strong hold and is designed to last long. The color is available in small tubes that are easy to carry for instant touch-ups and offer an easy application. It is suitable for all hair types.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to wash
- Vegan
- Non-toxic
- Suitable for creative hair looks
Cons
- Slightly Expensive
- Contain parabens
"I love this hair color gel as it dries quickly on my hair to prevent smears. It spreads nicely on my hair and hides my gray roots. The color shines brightly under natural daylight but it emits an immense glow under UV backlights. I always use this gel whenever I want to dress up loud."
4. Best Non-Toxic Formula: Gemini Naturals Get Hued Temporary Hair Color Gel
Gemini Naturals Get Hued Temporary Hair Color Gel offers a bright, natural hue. It is a non-toxic formula with pigments that are safe for the scalp and skin. It contains nourishing ingredients like avocado oil and aloe vera that moisturize your hair. The temporary-style hair gel offers a buildable color with minimal transfer to impart perfect hair definition. This chemical-free hair gel makes your locks stay graceful and healthy!
Pros
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Smooth consistency
- Minimal transfer
- Safe for skin
Cons
- Might turn dry after application
"I like how buildable this hair color gel is. It nourishes my hair and colors it evenly. The product also defines my hair and enhances its volume. What I like the most about this product is that it washes out easily from my hair without causing buildup."
5. Best Easy To Wash: Zach’s Wax Hair Color Gel – Black
The Zach’s Wax Hair Color Gel has a water-based formula that is easy to apply and suitable for all hair types. It is available in neon and vibrant, bright colors and is easy to apply and remove. The wash-out dye formula does not damage the hair and can be used by adults and kids to fulfill their colorful hair dreams.
Pros
- Multiple color options
- Easy to wash
- Safe for kids
Cons
- No color payoff in dark hair
- May stain blonde hair
"This black hair color gel blends nicely in my hair and colors it evenly. It does not smudge out or transfer onto my clothes. The formula never irritates my scalp or causes flakiness. It stays on for a long time before I rinse my hair."
6. Best Ammonia-Free: Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel – Dark Chestnut
The Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel is perfect for a quick change. It is infused with natural ingredients and gives a rich color payoff. It has a gentle formula that stays for 5-7 washes. The non-committal color masks gray hair and adds shine to it. The innovative formula is ammonia- and peroxide-free and does not damage the hair shafts. Natural shades like the Dark Chestnut imparts a reddish-brown color to light hair and a dark tan color to dark hair.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Non-drying
- Non-flaking
- Ammonia-free
- Peroxide-free
- Contain natural ingredients
- Imparts shine
Cons
- Expensive
"This color gel hides my grays and lends my hair a smooth look. The color stays put for days without fading. What I like the most is that the color lightens evenly without leaving patchiness. It does not dry out my hair or turn it brittle."
7. Best Cruelty-Free: Good Dye Young Poser Paste – Ex-Girl Pink
Add a pop of color to your tresses with the Good Dye Young Poser Paste! It is a high-quality oil-based color and has a gel-based formula. It contains sunflower extract that conditions the hair and makes it shiny. The formula contains bergamot and sweet orange essential oils and has a refreshing fragrance. You can mix different colors of the same brand to customize your shade. The product is PETA approved, safe for all hair types, and washable. The shade Ex-Girl Pink is a vibrant pink shade and does not stain bleached or blonde hair.
Pros
- Easy to wash
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Safe for all hair types
- Provides medium hold
- Non-staining
Cons
- Pigments may flake
"What I like the most about this color gel is that it is completely transfer-proof. It colors my hair in a vibrant pink shade and smoothes it out. I like that it is washable and non-drying. It infuses my hair with a revitalizing fragrance that stays on for a long time."
8. Best Curl Definition : As I Am Color & Curling Gel
As I Am Color & Curling Gel imparts perfect definition to your curly locks. It is a temporary color that washes off easily. The hair color styling gel is infused with ceramides that have proven efficacy in strengthening the curls and offering them a medium hold. This nourishing hair gel is suitable for all hair types and is completely vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Medium hold
- Sets quickly
- Smooth texture
- Easy to wash off
Cons
- Not transfer proof
"This color gel applies easily and washes off without creating a mess. It strengthens my hair and defines my curls. I love the beautiful golden color that it imparts to my tresses. The gel dries quickly on my hair and prevents transferring the color to my dress."
Pro TipInfographic: What Makes Temporary Hair Color Gels A Good Choice?
If you are not ready to commit to a permanent hair dye, temporary hair colors can be a good alternative. These colors are very popular among teenagers as they are easy to use. You can even apply them at home without having to go to a salon. Take a look at the infographic below to find out why they can be a good investment.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Experimenting with different hair colors is fun and the hair color gel trend can help you do so easily. Temporary hair color products are the best way to change your overall look without damaging your tresses. Opt for the ammonia-free Manic Panic Hair Color Gel – Vampire Red for a non-drip formula in tube-from. Try the Gemini Naturals Get Hued Temporary Hair Color Gel for buildable color and smooth consistency. Embrace the gel-based non-staining formula of Good Dye Young Poser Paste – Ex-Girl Pink for vibrant tresses. The best temporary hair dye gels help with quick color change and create unique hairstyles that you can flaunt every day. They are available in various colors and shades to suit your hair types. These are easy to wash, vegan, and provide long-lasting results. However, some dye gels may not offer intense color payoff and take time to dry. Our detailed product reviews will help you choose the suitable hair dye gel for your strands. It is recommended to test the gel on a small section of your hair to check how it looks and feels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Manic Panic hair color gel wash out?
Yes, the Manic Panic hair color gel easily washes out. The formula offers a strong yet temporary hold and is fairly easy to apply.
How long does a temporary hair dye gel last?
A temporary hair dye gel lasts until the next shampoo.
How long can I leave the Manic Panic hair color gel on my hair?
You may leave the Manic Panic hair color gel on your hair for 30 to 40 minutes before thoroughly rinsing it with running water.
Does hair color gel hide gray hair?
Yes, colored hair gels hide gray hair and roots.
Do temporary hair color gels work on dark hair?
Yes. The vibrant and eye-popping temporary hair color gels work more than the subtle shades.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach who enjoys all things related to hair, keeping a close eye on the newest hair trends. She advises that the right dye can give you dark, rich, and luxurious locks that look salon-style. She compiled this list of the top products after extensive research and analysis of many online reviews. If you want the color you’ve been dreaming of, temporary hair dye gels can help you get it.
Read full bio of Lindsay Loo
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Aditi Naskar
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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