In recent years, colorful hair has become increasingly popular. From rainbow locks to pastel highlights, people are embracing vivid hair colors like never before. One convenient way to get bright, eye-catching hair is with color spray. But is this temporary hair color actually bad for your hair? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Color Spray?
Hair color spray, also sometimes called hair chalk or hair mascara, is a temporary hair dye that comes in an aerosol can. It easily sprays onto the hair, coating the strands with vibrant color. The color washes out with one shampooing. Some key features of hair color spray include:
- Temporary – color washes out easily
- Quick and easy to apply
- Available in vivid, bright shades
- Minimal mess or damage
- Inexpensive
This type of coloring has become popular because it allows people to experiment with fun colors without the damage or commitment of permanent dyes. The vibrant colors wash out quickly, so you can easily try a new look.
How Does it Work?
Hair color spray contains pigments suspended in alcohol-based solvents. The pigments temporarily coat the outer cuticle layer of the hair shaft, similar to hair makeup or chalk. The color is not absorbed into the inner cortex of the hair like permanent dye. It simply provides a thin layer of color that washes away easily with shampooing.
Most color sprays use food-grade pigments that are safe for hair and skin contact. They typically contain a blend of pigments to create the desired hair color shade.
Is it Bad for Your Hair?
When used according to directions, hair color spray is generally considered safe for most hair types. However, there are a few considerations regarding potential damage:
| Potential Damage | Details |
|---|---|
| Dryness | The alcohol solvents can be drying to the hair and scalp. This can cause or worsen dry, brittle hair. |
| Coating Buildup | With heavy or repeated use, product buildup can make hair dull, crunchy, or tangled. |
| Irritation | For sensitive skin, the alcohol and pigments may cause irritation or allergy symptoms. |
To avoid potential damage, it’s recommended to:
- Use sparingly and avoid over-spraying
- Allow the product to fully dry between applications
- Thoroughly wash hair after each use
- Deep condition regularly when using
- Do a strand test if you have sensitivities
Using good hair care practices can help minimize any risk of dryness or irritation from color sprays.
Tips for Using Color Spray
When used properly and in moderation, hair color spray is generally safe for most people. Here are some tips for best results:
- Prep hair – Work on clean, dry, tangle-free hair for maximum coverage.
- Section hair – Divide hair into manageable sections for easy, controlled spraying.
- Protect skin and clothes – Cover shoulders, neck and ears to avoid staining.
- Shake can – Shake the can vigorously before each use to mix pigments.
- Hold can 6-8 inches away – Get a light, even mist by spraying 6-8 inches from hair.
- Focus on the mid-lengths and ends – Concentrate spray on the mid-lengths to ends for best color deposit.
- Let dry completely – Allow each section to dry fully before spraying again or brushing.
- Heat set – Optionally use a blowdryer on warm to set the color and reduce transfer.
- Wash thoroughly – Shampoo well and repeat washes as needed to fully remove color.
Maintenance and Removal
One of the perks of hair color spray is that it washes out easily. However, the vibrant color can bleed or transfer onto pillowcases, clothes, or skin until it is removed. Here are some tips for maintenance and removal:
- Avoid wetting or washing hair for 12-24 hours after application. This allows the color to set.
- Use a towel or paper towels to blot hair gently and absorb excess color after spraying.
- Sleep on a towel or disposable pillowcase to avoid color transfer.
- Wash hands immediately after spraying to avoid stained skin.
- Shampoo hair 1-2 times to fully remove color. Repeating washes helps lift all traces of pigment.
- Use a clarifying shampoo designed to deep clean if needed.
- Consider doing a conditioning hair mask after shampooing out color.
With a few easy steps, you can keep the vibrant color under control and wash it out without hassle.
Long-Term Use Considerations
While hair color sprays are temporary, you may be wondering about regularly using them long-term. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Can cause buildup or drying with daily use. Limit to 1-2 times per week.
- Works best on light to medium blonde shades. Very dark hair is harder to cover.
- Frequent use can stain gray hairs over time.
- Not as damaging as permanent dye, but any chemical can be drying long-term.
- Re-spraying without washing can mix colors in unappealing ways.
- Consider giving hair “rest periods” between colorings.
While hair color sprays are low commitment, it’s still best to use them in moderation as part of an overall healthy hair care routine.
Color Spray vs. Other Color Options
How does temporary color spray compare to other hair coloring methods?
| Temporary Spray | Semi-Permanent Dye | Permanent Dye | Bleach and Lightener | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lasting Power | 1-2 shampoos | 4-8 shampoos | Until regrowth appears | Until regrowth appears |
| Application Time | Minutes | 15-30 minutes | 30-60 minutes | 15-45 minutes |
| Damage Risk | Very low | Low | Moderate | High |
| Color Options | Limited | Good range | Very wide range | Lifts and lightens |
| Mixing Required | None | Some | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Cheap | Affordable | Expensive | Very expensive |
As you can see, color spray offers a quick, affordable way to temporarily transform your look. The trade-off is less variety and longevity compared to permanent options.
Fun Uses for Hair Color Spray
Beyond all-over color, hair spray can be used in creative ways for a fun pop of color. Some ideas include:
- Holiday looks – Spray hair green for St. Patrick’s Day or red and green for Christmas.
- Costumes – Use bright colors like pink, blue and purple for a fun costume.
- Accent pieces – Highlight bangs, ends, or small sections.
- Hair stencils – Cut shapes out of cardstock to spray designs.
- Ombre – Lightly spray mid-lengths and ends for a faded effect.
- Root touch-up – Cover grown-out roots between permanent coloring.
- Highlight strands – Boost dimension by brightening lighter pieces.
The possibilities are endless for temporary coloring effects!
The Bottom Line
When used in moderation and removed thoroughly, hair color spray poses a very low risk of damage for most hair types. While not completely risk-free, it’s far less damaging than permanent dyes. Taking proper precautions allows you to have fun with temporary color while keeping hair healthy.
If you notice any adverse effects like persistent dryness or irritation, discontinue use. As always, consult a dermatologist if you have sensitivities or allergies. With smart use, hair color spray can let you enjoy vibrant locks without the lasting commitment!
