Best Temp Black Hair Dye?

October 22, 2012 9:26 AM

Best temporary black hair dye for Hallowe'en?

I want to dye my hair black and dress up as PSY for Hallowe'en. I haven't had luck with temporary black hair dye. Anyone got one that works?

posted by musofire to Society & Culture (5 answers total)

How temporary do you need? If you need something to completely wash out before going to work the next day or something, I'd strongly suggest getting a wig.
posted by JoanArkham at 9:41 AM on October 22, 2012

Best answer: Jerome Russell colored hair spray, widely available at CVS/Walgreen's. I just used the black color and it covers darker hair well. One can was enough for short hair. I recommend if you use this that you style your hair first, then cover with spray - it will then NOT MOVE all night. Washes out with one shampoo.
posted by noxetlux at 10:49 AM on October 22, 2012 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: @JoanArkham: it's okay if it stays in for a week or so. Not sure I can get a Gangnam Style wig.
posted by musofire at 1:16 PM on October 22, 2012

Best answer: Get the wig! Dark hair dyes that say they will wash out after x washings seldom do. My wife dyed hers with an "out after 28 washes" box for a play. 6 months later, still dark (and getting patchy). Have been warned it will take professional processes to get her blonde back. After her debacle, we heard this same story many times from others. Save yourself. Get a wig.
posted by skypieces at 10:35 PM on October 22, 2012 [1 favorite]

The only "temporary" black dyes that will wash out are the spray on kind, like Jerome Russell. Anything black in a box will stain your hair a bit and won't completely come out, though it will fade. If you really, really are opposed to something spray-on or a wig then I'd suggest using a dark brown temporary dye. It'll look black when it's first done but will fade a bit easier (though still not likely to completely fade out).
posted by Polychrome at 3:42 AM on October 23, 2012 [1 favorite]