If you’re interested in trying a temporary hair color for your kids (because let’s be honest, pulling that permanent hair color trigger with our children isn’t necessarily something we’re ready for), you’re in luck. First things first though: can we all agree that all hair colors, especially non-traditional hair colors and temporary hair colors, are having A Moment?

It feels like every social media outlet is rife with gorgeous photos of bold, gem-toned hair on people of all ages. Kids, too, are even getting in on the trend—whether it’s for back-to-school hair styles or just for fun one random weekend. So chances are, if you have children in your home, they’re going to be begging you for blue hair. Or magenta hair. Or, better yet, rainbow hair. And why not? It looks so cool!

Hair color for kids girl smiling with temporary hair color
Hanni/Twenty20

How long does temporary hair color last?

Not long! Since temporary hair dye only coats the outer layer of the hair (whereas permanent hair color bonds with the inside of the hair cortex), it simply washes out after a short period of time. Depending on the type of hair your child has (some hold dye better than others), temporary hair color may wash out after a couple shampoos, or may last a bit longer, but it does not permanently alter the hair as regular hair color does.

Does temporary hair color damage hair?

Temporary hair color does not lead to the chemical reaction with the hair in the way permanent hair color does, and does not cause the damage that the bleaching of permanent dyes might cause. Because the dye stays on the outside of the hair shaft as an outer coating, it simply washes out after a shampoo or two with little or no damage to the hair.

Temporary hair color products are safe, easy, affordable ways for kids to be able to freely express themselves via their hair, which is an awesome gift to give them. If you have any questions or concerns, ask your hairstylist or someone at a local salon.

Many parents are ready to (temporarily) indulge this trend for kids by saying yes to bold hair colors, which is why we’ve compiled the best, safest, most popular temporary hair colors for your kids to try. Hair color for kids come in all forms: color hair spray for kids, colored hair chalk, clip-ins, and even temporary hair dye. These options are, undoubtedly, the best temporary hair color for kids.

Related: The 9 best detangler sprays to make hair brushing tear-free

8 of the best products for hair color for kids

L'Oreal Paris Colorista 1-Day Temporary Hair Color Spray

L'Oreal Paris

1. Colorista 1-Day Temporary Hair Color Spray

$8.97

Color as much of your hair or as little of your hair as you want with this spray-on color by L’Oreal. You simply can’t beat the good, ol’ fashioned spray-on color—it’s basically a rite of passage in childhood. This spray comes in a variety of different hues and washes out after a day. No commitment, no mess. We love a good color hair spray for kids!

KC Republic Kids Hair Chalk

KC Republic

2. KC Republic Kids Hair Chalk

$14.95

This hair color chalk lasts for three days and comes in a variety of metallic, sparkly colors. You can even layer them and blend them together! Your child can experiment with different looks and it lasts less than a week. The chalk seals in the hair color within 60 seconds and covers large areas of your hair. You can style your colored hair with a flat iron or curling iron without making a mess, too, which is pretty cool for tweens. I’ve used this on my 6-year-old though, and she agrees it’s awesome to switch up the colors (temporary hair color for kids FTW).

Spdoo Multi-Color Temporary DIY Hair Color Wax

Spdoo

3. Multi-Color Temporary DIY Hair Color Wax

$37.88

This hair color wax comes in six different colors, it’s easy to use, it’s clean, and long-lasting. Make sure when you’re applying it, your child is wearing an old shirt you don’t mind getting colored. This wax washes out completely after about 1-2 shampoos, and you can keep experimenting with all the colors offered. Add in bold streaks, or do a whole-head color! The choice is yours.

Colored Clip Hair E​xtensions Motherly

4. Colored Clip Hair E​xtensions

$9.99

You can choose your color and pick your length with these clip-in colorful hair extensions. You can also heat-style them, which is perfect for a dance recital or any special occasion! This package includes 24 pieces of 22-inch hair extensions in a dozen brilliant colors. This is probably the easiest, most mess-free way to play around with temporary hair color ofr kids.

Punky Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Colour

Punky

5. Semi-Permanent Conditioning Hair Colour

$8.90

Maybe your kiddo is looking for a color to last all summer long, but will be washed out long before school starts again. If that’s the case, then this Punky semi-permanent, conditioning hair color is a great choice. There’s no need to add peroxide or bleach, and this hair color is safe for all hair types. Because it’s conditioning, it prevents breakage and over-drying, and it fades after no more than 35 shampoos. Kids can have fashionable hair color without any damage.

Lime Crime Unicorn Hair Dye

Lime Crime

6. Unicorn Hair Dye

$16.47

Unicorns are all the rage and so is this hair color, especially in the Strawberry Jam color. This shade transforms hair into a magical shade of fuchsia and delivers intense color on pre-bleached platinum to medium blonde hair, and adds a tint of color to dark blonde and light brown hair. It conditions the hair and it’s cruelty-free. Your unicorn-obsessed child will thank you for this one, no doubt! (Looking for something even more short-lived? Try the temporary version which washes out after one wash instead!)

Keracolor Clenditioner Hair Dye

Keracolor

7. Clenditioner Hair Dye

$22

With 19 colors to choose from and over 40K 5-star ratings, the Keracolor Clenditioner Hair Dye is infused with color and keratin, coconut oil, shea butter and jojoba oil to leave hair healthier than when you started. Just apply it like conditioner, wait and rinse. It can be used solo for a tint or to extend the life of a salon job if your kiddo talks you into going the professional route.

jerome russel temp hair dye

Jerome Russell

8. Temporary Hair Color Spray

$11.19

This spray-on temporary hair color for kids can be sprayed directly onto the section of hair you want to transform. It comes in over 10 different shades including fun glitter options. Make sure to shake the can before use and apply it onto dry hair that’s already styled.

A version of this story was published May 6, 2021. It has been updated.