How to Temporarily Dye Hair With Food Dye

Last Updated: October 21, 2021

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.

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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.

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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.
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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.
Question

How long will it last for super dark brown hair?

Community Answer

It depends on how much you wash your hair. It can last 2-4 weeks if you wash your hair infrequently.
Question

How long will it stay visible in blond hair?

Community Answer

It should last a couple weeks, give or take a few days.
Question

Is this harmful to hair?

Hlingafelter

Community Answer

No. Since food coloring has no harsh chemicals, it won't damage your hair at all.
Question

Can I air dry my hair after applying the dye?

Hlingafelter

Community Answer

I would advise against that, because your hair could become crusty as it dries with the food coloring. Instead, try leaving it in for a long time and then rinsing it out after you feel the job is done.
Question

How can I get the color dark brown?

Community Answer

You can buy brown food coloring or just mix some red and green food coloring. Some brands do not make brown food coloring, but Wilton does. If you are using Wilton, a little drop if gel paste will go a long way.
Question

How would blue turn out on dirty blonde hair?

Hlingafelter

Community Answer

It will show. Just follow the directions and you will get good results.
Question

Can I dye my black hair blue?

Community Answer

Yes, but you might have to leave it in for a bit longer. If you'd like more of an aqua color, add a hint of green.

Warnings

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

Thanks!
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