Passionate author specializing in the vibrant world of hairstyling. With a knack for unraveling trends and sharing expert insights, Marissa crafts engaging content on the latest hairstyles, techniques, and industry innovations. Committed to empowering readers with knowledge, inspiration, and the confidence to embrace their unique style.
Read full bio Editorial guidelines
Experience bold, beautiful hair without the commitment or damage.
Have you ever lusted over juicy, vibrant hair colors but were afraid of the long-term commitment and endless salon visits with gallons of harsh chemicals? What if we told you there’s a way to try out vivid colors (even on dark hair!) without any damage or commitment? We are talking about hair color wax. Here are the most common questions you need answered before trying it.
Hair color wax is a temporary hair dye made from a simple blend of beeswax, petroleum jelly, and temporary pigment. Unlike traditional hair dyes, it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals like ammonia or peroxide, making it a gentle option for your hair.
This means no mixing, no developing, no damage, and no foul smell. It’s ready to use straight from the jar.
Hair color wax works best for wavy, curly, and coily hair types. The wax has a bit of weight and hold, similar to a gel, which can help define curls and coils.
Straight-haired users can still use the wax but might need more experience and patience to avoid the product becoming unmanageable. For finer hair types, a little experimentation is necessary to prevent weighing down your hair.
Since hair color wax sits on the surface of the hair rather than penetrating the cuticles, it lasts until you wash it out. Typically, you can enjoy your vibrant new color for about a week. However, avoid touching up the color too much before washing, as this can lead to buildup.
One of the greatest benefits of hair color wax is that it doesn’t damage your hair. The wax doesn’t bleach or dye the hair; it merely coats the strands with color that washes out easily. It’s a safe and gentle alternative to traditional dyes.
Applying hair color wax is straightforward, but it’s always wise to follow the specific instructions for your chosen brand. Generally, start with freshly washed and conditioned hair that’s damp but not soaking wet. Use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to add moisture and definition before applying the wax.
Get an old T-shirt or wrap your shoulders in a towel and wear disposable gloves to prevent staining your hands and clothes. Take your time, working in small sections to ensure even coverage. Over-applying can cause flaking, so be mindful of the amount you use.
The fun part about hair color wax is the wide range of colors available. You can choose from bold shades like green, pink, purple, blue, gold, and many more. Blend colors to create your own unique shades or opt for multiple colors in one style. Because why not?
Absolutely! One of the coolest things about hair color wax is that it’s pigmented enough to show up on all hair colors, even dark shades like black or brown. This means you don’t need to bleach your hair before trying out bright colors, which is a huge plus for those with dark hair looking to avoid damage.
Hair color wax is a temporary solution, so some transfer is expected. To minimize this, consider applying a light hair spray after the wax has dried and using a sleeping bonnet or cap at night. Curly content creator Justice Jackson notes, “It will not stain your skin but can slightly stain light-colored carpets or towels if it comes into contact.”
When it’s time to remove the wax, start with a gentle clarifying shampoo or a pre-poo treatment to loosen the wax. Follow with a scalp and hair scrub to remove any excess buildup, then continue with your regular cleansing and conditioning routine.
Hair color wax should be the final step in your styling routine, applied after all other products. This ensures the wax adheres properly and gives the best color payoff. Experiment to see what works best for your hair type and routine.
Hair color wax offers a fantastic way to explore vibrant, temporary colors without damaging your hair. It’s a fun, flexible option that lets you change your look as often as you like. Ready to dive deeper into hair coloring? Check out our articles on Temporary, Semi, Demi, and Permanent Dyes – What’s the Difference?, 9 Best Hair Color Techniques and Hair Colors for 2024, and Best Hair Dye for Dark Hair for At-Home Coloring.
Featured images via @hairpaintwax
Enter your email to get this picture to your inbox, and get other ideas you might like 💌
