How To Use Hair Color Wax

If you're a fan of switching up your hair color and trying out new looks all the fourth dimension (howdy, me), you're well aware of but how drying and damaging dyes and bleach tin can be. And if you've got hair that's already prone to breakage and dryness, like curls and coils, you have to exist even more conscientious when it comes to at-home coloring. Unless, of course, we're talking about the very magical thing called hair color wax.

According to Jasmine Pierce, hairstylist at Yeluchi in Los Angeles, pilus color waxes are ultra-pigmented waxes formulated with gentle, basic ingredients that temporary color your hair without any damage or irritation. And since they're super easy to apply (more on that in a bit), they're kinda a genius culling for anyone looking to safely try out a vibrant new color (think: shades of pink, royal, blueish, you lot name information technology) without jeopardizing their hair health. That's why nosotros tapped Pierce to learn everything at that place is to know nearly hair color wax, including how long it lasts, the best ones to shop now, and so much more.

What is hair colour wax?

Hair color wax is ordinarily fabricated up of three ingredients: beeswax, petroleum jelly, and temporary pigment—at that place'southward no ammonia or whatsoever of the harsh chemicals yous typically find in pilus dye. And unlike dyes that require mixing and developing, wax is set up to apply fresh out of the jar.

"Pilus color wax is great for people who want to color their hair but are concerned about damage," says Pierce. "And since it's only temporary and easy to launder out, it also ways you have the ability to safely modify your colour every bit much equally you lot desire—you can have red hair 1 mean solar day and blueish hair the next day."

Some other absurd affair well-nigh hair color wax: Even though people with dark hair typically need bleach before trying bright hues like pinks or purples—which, again, can be a super-dissentious process—pilus color wax is pigmented enough to show up on all hair colors (even black or brown). "My hair is pretty dark and hair color wax hands shows up on information technology," says Pierce. Plus, hair color wax is super lightweight and flexible—information technology's wax!—so there's no need to worry about whatever crunchy or chalky textures.

The best hair color waxes to try rn:

Hair Paint Wax A Splash Of Color

Mysteek Naturals Color Pop Temporary Hair Color

Mysteek Naturals Colour Popular Temporary Hair Color

Curls Unleashed Color Blast Temporary Hair Makeup Wax

Mofajang Hair Coloring Dye Wax

How long does hair color wax last?

Since hair colour wax sits on the surface of your hair (versus really penetrating your cuticles, like hair dye), information technology lasts until the adjacent time you wash your hair. "It's not meant to last forever, merely you tin can probably become abroad with wearing it for a week or so," says Pierce. One thing to keep in mind: Pierce says you lot should avoid touching up your color in the days post-obit your initial application—the more than wax y'all add to your hair before washing it increases your chance of buildup.

When it comes time to wash, Pierce suggests starting with a gentle clarifying shampoo (she likes Mizani Moisture Fusion Gentle Clarifying Shampoo, which is spiked with charcoal and kokosnoot oil) or a pre-poo handling to assistance loosen up the wax. You'll then desire to follow with your regular cleanser, conditioner, and styling routine.

How do y'all apply hair color wax?

Heads up: Before you lot apply your color, take a peek at the instructions on your specific wax—they're all a fiddling different, so you'll want to brand sure yous're following the right guidelines for your formula. In general though, Pierce suggests starting with freshly washed and conditioned hair—you'll desire it damp, not soaking wet—and a leave-in conditioner or scroll cream (i.e., something lightweight that'll give you moisture and definition earlier y'all layer on the wax).

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Even though pilus color wax washes off easily, it's always a good idea to wear a pair of dispensable gloves (and an old T-shirt you don't care nearly) since you'll be using your hands to apply information technology. Pierce suggests taking your fourth dimension and working in small sections to make sure you're getting an even awarding. "A little goes a long way with hair colour wax—depending on the density of your hair, yous'll desire to utilise only a nickel or quarter-size dollop per section," she says, adding that you can always get back and add more color if you're not seeing enough pigment after 15 minutes.

Need a visual? Follow along in the video higher up to come across how YouTuber Naptural85 gets information technology done. Pro tip: After completing each department, she 2-strand twists her hair, puts on a satin bonnet, and lets it dry out overnight (which, when you lot encounter how pretty and vibrant her color comes out, might be worth trying).

The bottom line

If you're looking for an easy, non-dissentious way to try out a new color, pilus wax is an first-class alternative. I mean, the fact that you can hands get bright colors without any bleach is kiiinda amazing. Again, at that place's really only one downside: Since hair color wax is gentle and sits on the surface of your hair, it but lasts until your next shampoo. Simply if yous're absurd with something temporary? Option a color, grab a jar, and prepare to obsess over your new expect.

Ruby Buddemeyer Ruby-red was the dazzler editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital.