How to Temporarily Dye Hair With Food Dye

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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

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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Preparing your hair

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    [1]
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Adding the dye to your hair

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    [2]
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    [3]
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    Put the dye solution prepared earlier on this section of hair. Repeat for each hair section. [4]
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    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.
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    Brush it.
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    • 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

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  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 20 Helpful 107
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • Put old newspaper and towels around the area you are dying your hair because the dye can stain floors and walls badly.
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      • If you want a color like purple, orange, or teal, you need to mix the dyes together. Blue + red = purple, red + yellow = orange, blue + green = teal.
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      • It is best if you have a friend to help you
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      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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      References

      1. ↑ https://beauty.onehowto.com/article/how-to-dye-your-dark-hair-with-food-coloring-5915.html
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lheUtmIhxMg
      3. ↑ https://www.reference.com/world-view/dye-hair-food-coloring-a379297219a8409d
      4. ↑ https://www.reference.com/world-view/dye-hair-food-coloring-a379297219a8409d

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