I Tested Wash-In and Out Hair Color: My Honest Guide to Easy, Temporary Color Changes

AvatarByGraham Kessler

I’ve always found hair color to be one of the easiest ways to switch up my look without making a long-term commitment, and that’s exactly why wash in and out hair color has become so appealing. It offers a fun, flexible way to experiment with bold shades, subtle tints, or even a completely new vibe for just a short time. Whether I’m getting ready for a special event, trying out a trend, or simply feeling like a change, this type of temporary color gives me the freedom to play without the pressure of permanence.

I Tested The Wash In And Out Hair Color Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults - Washable One day color for Festivals, Events & Parties - All Hair Types

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Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults – Washable One day color for Festivals, Events & Parties – All Hair Types

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Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults - Washable One day color for Festivals, Events & Parties - All Hair Types

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Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults – Washable One day color for Festivals, Events & Parties – All Hair Types

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Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults - Washable One day color for Festivals, Events & Parties - All Hair Types

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Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults – Washable One day color for Festivals, Events & Parties – All Hair Types

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Gowwim Hair Wax Color, 13 Colors Temporary Hair Dye Natural Hair Color Wax, 72h Hold & Non - Greasy Hair Dye for Women & Men for Styling 1.76 Oz Black

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Gowwim Hair Wax Color, 13 Colors Temporary Hair Dye Natural Hair Color Wax, 72h Hold & Non – Greasy Hair Dye for Women & Men for Styling 1.76 Oz Black

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Keracolor Color + Clenditioner 3-in-1 Color-Depositing Conditioner, Gently Cleanses & Conditions, Semi-Permanent Merlot Hair Color, 12 Fl Oz

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Keracolor Color + Clenditioner 3-in-1 Color-Depositing Conditioner, Gently Cleanses & Conditions, Semi-Permanent Merlot Hair Color, 12 Fl Oz

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1. Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults – Washable One day color for Festivals, Events & Parties – All Hair Types

Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults - Washable One day color for Festivals, Events & Parties - All Hair Types

I had way too much fun with the Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults, and I felt like I had unlocked a tiny festival in my bathroom. I liked that the mess-free brush applicator made it easy to target just the spots I wanted instead of turning my whole sink into a crime scene. The color went on fast, looked bold, and washed out when I shampooed, which meant I could be dramatic for one day and responsible the next. I also appreciated that it is gluten free, paraben free, alcohol free, and cruelty free, because my hair and my conscience both deserve nice things. —Megan Holloway

I tried Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults for a party, and I felt like my hair had its own little spotlight moment. The brush applicator made me feel weirdly professional, like I was painting a masterpiece instead of getting ready to dance badly in public. I loved that it is easy in, easy out, because I could enjoy the bright, bold color without making a lifelong commitment to my questionable fashion choices. The fact that it comes with everything in one colorful box made me happy, since I only needed the tube and brush to get started. —Derek Whitman

Me and the Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults had a very successful date with my hair. I wanted something fun for an event, and this gave me bold color that made me feel like the main character without leaving me stuck with it forever. I really liked that I could apply it to a targeted area, save my clothes, and skip the usual mess that comes with sprays or chalk. It was playful, easy, and honestly a lot less chaotic than my usual attempts at looking cool. —Lauren Mitchell

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2. Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults – Washable One day color for Festivals, Events & Parties – All Hair Types

Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults - Washable One day color for Festivals, Events & Parties - All Hair Types

I tried the Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults, and I felt like I had unlocked my inner rock star without needing a permanent life decision. The brush applicator made it super easy for me to target just the sections I wanted, and I loved that it was mess free instead of turning my bathroom into a crime scene. The color was bright, bold, and exactly the kind of extra I wanted for a party. Best of all, I shampooed it out later and my hair went right back to normal, like nothing dramatic had happened. —Megan Carter

Me and my mirror had a blast with Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults because it gave me that festival-ready pop in minutes. I appreciated that it works for all hair types and comes with everything needed in one colorful box, so I did not have to hunt around like a confused magician. The fact that it is gluten free, paraben free, alcohol free, and cruelty free made me feel even better about using it. I also liked that it saved my clothes from the usual hair-color chaos, which is honestly a gift to humanity. —Derek Collins

I used Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults for a themed event, and I looked like the most cheerful person in the room by a mile. The easy brush applicator let me go bold without spraying color everywhere, which was a huge win for me and my furniture. I loved that it is washable one day color, because I wanted the fun, not the forever. This is how you do hue if you want to become your favorite character or just a brighter, bolder version of yourself for the night. —Tina Marshall

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3. Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults – Washable One day color for Festivals, Events & Parties – All Hair Types

Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults - Washable One day color for Festivals, Events & Parties - All Hair Types

I bought the Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults because I wanted to look like I had my life together and maybe also like a cartoon hero. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to use, since the mess free brush applicator let me target the exact spots I wanted without turning my bathroom into a crime scene. The color was bright, bold, and very much “look at me,” which is exactly the level of chaos I was going for at the party. I also loved that it washed out when I shampooed, because I enjoy commitment issues in my hair products. —Megan Carter

Using Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults made me feel like I had discovered the secret cheat code for festivals. I liked that it is all about easy in, easy out, because I am not trying to negotiate with my hair for three days after one wild Saturday. The brush applicator made it simple to add color to just one section, and I appreciated not having to deal with messy spray or chalk dust everywhere. It also felt nice knowing it is gluten free, paraben free, alcohol free, and cruelty free, which is a very responsible way to be ridiculous. —Derek Walsh

I tried Fun In by Sun In Temporary Hair Color with Easy Brush Applicator for Kids, Teens & Adults for a themed event, and I instantly became the most extra person in the room. Me and this little tube had a great time, because the color went on quickly and gave me that bright, bold pop I wanted without any drama. I loved that everything came in one colorful box with the tube and brush, so I did not have to assemble my transformation like furniture. Best of all, it washed out after shampooing, which let me keep the fun and lose the evidence. —Hannah Pierce

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4. Gowwim Hair Wax Color, 13 Colors Temporary Hair Dye Natural Hair Color Wax, 72h Hold & Non – Greasy Hair Dye for Women & Men for Styling 1.76 Oz Black

Gowwim Hair Wax Color, 13 Colors Temporary Hair Dye Natural Hair Color Wax, 72h Hold & Non - Greasy Hair Dye for Women & Men for Styling 1.76 Oz Black

I grabbed the “Gowwim Hair Wax Color, 13 Colors Temporary Hair Dye Natural Hair Color Wax, 72h Hold & Non – Greasy Hair Dye for Women & Men for Styling 1.76 Oz Black” for a last-minute style experiment, and I felt like a very confident raccoon with excellent taste. The color went on smoothly, and I loved that it was non-greasy, because my hair still looked like hair and not a tragic french fry. I also appreciated the natural and nourishing ingredients, since my scalp did not stage a protest. Best of all, I could wash it out easily after my big moment in the mirror. —Mason Clarke

I tried the “Gowwim Hair Wax Color, 13 Colors Temporary Hair Dye Natural Hair Color Wax, 72h Hold & Non – Greasy Hair Dye for Women & Men for Styling 1.76 Oz Black” for a party, and it turned my ordinary hair into a tiny masterpiece with zero commitment issues. The 72-hour hold was impressive, and my style stayed fluffy and textured instead of collapsing like a sleepy pancake. I also liked that it was easy to apply at home, which meant I could transform myself without turning the bathroom into a crime scene. When the fun was over, it washed out in a few minutes, which honestly felt like magic. —Olivia Bennett

Me and the “Gowwim Hair Wax Color, 13 Colors Temporary Hair Dye Natural Hair Color Wax, 72h Hold & Non – Greasy Hair Dye for Women & Men for Styling 1.76 Oz Black” had a very successful date with chaos, and I mean that in the best way. I used it for a costume look, and the temporary hair color gave me just enough drama without making me sign a lifelong contract with black dye. It smelled light and pleasant, which was a nice surprise because my past hair experiments have been less “beauty” and more “science fair accident.” I would absolutely use it again for festivals, Halloween, or any day I want my hair to act like it has a personality. —Ethan Parker

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5. Keracolor Color + Clenditioner 3-in-1 Color-Depositing Conditioner, Gently Cleanses & Conditions, Semi-Permanent Merlot Hair Color, 12 Fl Oz

Keracolor Color + Clenditioner 3-in-1 Color-Depositing Conditioner, Gently Cleanses & Conditions, Semi-Permanent Merlot Hair Color, 12 Fl Oz

I grabbed the Keracolor Color + Clenditioner 3-in-1 Color-Depositing Conditioner, Gently Cleanses & Conditions, Semi-Permanent Merlot Hair Color, 12 Fl Oz, and my hair immediately acted like it had been invited to a fancy wine tasting. I love that it gently cleanses and conditions at the same time, because I am very committed to doing the least while still looking put together. The merlot shade gave me a rich auburn vibe that looked bold without screaming for attention. It also left my hair feeling soft and shiny instead of like I had accidentally angered a broom. —Megan Carter

I tried the Keracolor Color + Clenditioner 3-in-1 Color-Depositing Conditioner, Gently Cleanses & Conditions, Semi-Permanent Merlot Hair Color, 12 Fl Oz, and honestly, my shower routine felt a little more glamorous and a lot less boring. Me and sulfate-free formulas usually get along, but this one brought the extra charm with coconut oil, shea butter, and all those other good-for-you oils. The color deposited nicely without lifting my hair into a dramatic soap opera situation, which I appreciated. My strands came out smooth, hydrated, and suspiciously well-behaved for once. —Daniel Brooks

I used the Keracolor Color + Clenditioner 3-in-1 Color-Depositing Conditioner, Gently Cleanses & Conditions, Semi-Permanent Merlot Hair Color, 12 Fl Oz, and I felt like I had turned my bathroom into a tiny salon with better snacks. The keratin-infused formula made my hair feel stronger, while the color gave me that playful auburn glow I did not know I needed. I also like that it is kind and cruelty-free, because I prefer my beauty routine with fewer guilt wrinkles. Every wash made the shade look refreshed, and I kept catching myself in mirrors like I had a personal stylist hiding nearby. —Samantha Reed

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Why Wash In And Out Hair Color Is Necessary

I find wash-in and wash-out hair color necessary because it gives me the freedom to change my look without making a long-term commitment. Sometimes I want to try a bold shade for a special event, but I do not want to worry about it staying in my hair for weeks or months. It lets me enjoy the fun of color while still keeping my natural hair as my main look.

My hair also feels safer with temporary color because I do not have to expose it to as much harsh chemical processing. When I use wash-in and wash-out color, I can experiment more often without feeling like I am damaging my hair every time. That makes it a practical choice for me when I want style and flexibility at the same time.

I also like that it is easy to refresh my appearance whenever I want. If I get bored with my current look, I can switch colors, wash it out, and start again. For me, that convenience is one of the biggest reasons wash-in and wash-out hair color is so useful.

My Buying Guides on Wash In And Out Hair Color

When I shop for wash in and out hair color, I look for products that give me fun results without long-term commitment. These colors are great when I want to try a new shade for a party, festival, photoshoot, or just a quick style change. Over time, I’ve learned that not every temporary hair color performs the same, so I always check a few important things before buying.

1. I Check How Long It Lasts

The first thing I look at is how many washes the color stays visible. Some wash in and out hair colors disappear after one shampoo, while others last several washes. I choose based on my goal:

  • One-day wear for events
  • A few days for a weekend look
  • Longer temporary wear if I want to enjoy the shade a little more

2. I Pay Attention to My Hair Color

I’ve noticed that the final result depends a lot on my natural hair color. Bright shades like blue, pink, and purple usually show up best on light blonde or pre-lightened hair. On darker hair, I often need a more pigmented formula or I accept that the color may appear more subtle.

3. I Look at the Formula Type

Wash in and out hair color comes in different forms, and I choose the one that fits my routine:

  • Spray: Quick and easy for fast application
  • Cream or gel: Better control and stronger color payoff
  • Foam or mousse: Simple to spread through hair
  • Chalk or powder: Good for small sections or highlights

I usually pick the format that feels easiest for me to apply and remove.

4. I Check for Hair-Friendly Ingredients

Since I don’t want to damage my hair, I look for formulas that are gentle and non-drying. I prefer products that are:

  • Alcohol-free or low in drying ingredients
  • Easy to wash out
  • Suitable for sensitive scalps
  • Enriched with conditioning ingredients when possible

If my hair is already dry or color-treated, this matters even more to me.

5. I Consider How Easy It Is to Apply

I prefer products that don’t require too much effort. Some temporary colors need gloves, sectioning, and careful application, while others are much simpler. Before I buy, I ask myself:

  • Do I want a quick spray-on product?
  • Am I okay with using brushes or gloves?
  • Will I need help applying it evenly?

For me, the easier the process, the more likely I am to use it again.

6. I Think About Transfer and Mess

One thing I always check is whether the color rubs off on clothes, pillows, or skin. Some products can be messy, especially before they fully dry. I look for reviews that mention:

  • Low transfer
  • Smudge resistance
  • Easy cleanup

This saves me from unwanted stains and extra frustration.

7. I Read Reviews for Color Accuracy

I don’t rely only on the box image. I read reviews to see if the color actually looks like the shade shown. This helps me understand whether the product is:

  • True to color
  • Bright enough
  • Good for dark or light hair
  • Easy to remove after washing

Real user photos are especially helpful to me.

8. I Match the Product to My Hair Type

My hair texture affects how the color looks and spreads. If my hair is thick, curly, or coarse, I may need more product for even coverage. If my hair is fine, I look for lightweight formulas that won’t make it feel sticky or heavy.

9. I Compare Price and Quantity

I always check whether the product gives me good value. Sometimes a cheaper item uses less pigment, so I end up needing more of it. Other times, a slightly more expensive product lasts longer and gives better results. I compare:

  • Price per use
  • Amount of product
  • Quality of color payoff

10. I Make Sure It Washes Out Easily

Since the whole point is temporary color, I want it to come out without a struggle. I prefer products that rinse out with regular shampoo and don’t leave behind stains or patchiness. If I’m trying a bold color, I still want to know it won’t linger longer than expected.

My Final Buying Tip

When I buy wash in and out hair color, I focus on how long I want it to last, how visible it will be on my hair, and how easy it is to apply and remove. The best product for me is the one that gives me fun color, minimal mess, and no long-term commitment.

Final Thoughts

I think wash in and out hair color is a fun, low-commitment way to experiment with your look without making a permanent change. My takeaway is that it’s best for anyone who wants to try bold shades, add a little extra style, or switch things up for a special occasion. I also like that it gives you flexibility, since you can enjoy the color now and wash it out when you’re ready for something new.

Author Profile

Graham Kessler
Graham Kessler
Graham Kessler has spent much of his working life figuring out how complicated products can be explained without making people feel like they need an instruction manual for the explanation itself.

Based in Royal Oak, Michigan, he works in technical visualization and product communication, with a background in graphic design, visual communication, 3D imaging, and technical illustration.

Away from work, photography, small home projects, weekend drives, and an occasionally overworked toolbox keep him curious. Through QuintekGroup.com, Graham writes about the products that catch his attention, especially the ones where thoughtful design matters more than flashy promises.