Are you feeling adventurous and looking to add a pop of color to your hair without making a big overall change? Adding colorful hair streaks with semi-permanent hair dye can be the perfect way to express your creativity and switch up your look without the long-term commitment and damage of permanent color.

(Full disclosure- some of these colors will stick around longer than others, so commitment level varies and if you need to lighten your hair first, then it does cause a bit of damage.)

In this blog post, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of achieving vibrant and eye-catching streaks in your hair using semi-permanent dye. We’ll be using semi-permanent hair color products provided by Good Dye Young, in the colors Blue Ruin, Sky High and PPL Eater.

Click here to find Good Dye Young products on Amazon

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before diving into the colorful world of hair dyeing, gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Semi-permanent hair dye in your desired colors – opt for high-quality, semi-permanent dyes to ensure vibrant and long-lasting results. Good Dye Young products are cruelty free, vegan, and free of ammonia, formaldehyde, peroxide and PPD.
2. Hair Lightener – you’ll need to use a bleaching product first if you have dark hair and want brightly colored strands. You can still do it without lightening up first, but the results won’t be as dramatic. For safe and effective techniques, explore this guide on how to lighten dark hair and achieve the vibrant look you’re aiming for.
3. Hair clips or hair ties – these will help you section your hair for easier application.
4. Old towels or capes – to protect your clothes from any dye splatters. You can also try a barrier cream if you want to protect your skin from staining.
5. Gloves – to keep your hands dye-free during the process. I use these Clean Gloves from Amazon, because I also use them to keep my sections covered and seperate.
6. Wide-tooth comb – to separate sections and evenly distribute the dye if you can comb it through.
7. Plastic or glass bowl – for mixing the dye if needed.
8. Applicator brush – for precise application and mixing.

Step 2: Choose Your Colors and Placement

Select the colors you want for your colorful hair streaks. Semi-permanent dyes come in a wide range of shades, so you can go for subtle pastels or bold, vibrant colors. Consider your natural hair color and skin tone when choosing complementary shades and be realistic about what colors you can actually achieve.

You won’t be able to do pastel streak on dark hair unless you plan to lighten it first. Semi-permanent dye is a deposit-only color, meaning it is not going to lift your shade before depositing the color. Also, some colors will stick around longer, like teal and blue. Those colors can be practically permanent, while reds, pinks and purples tend to fade the quickest.

Next, decide on the placement of your streaks. You can opt for face-framing highlights, peekaboo streaks, or more adventurous rainbow patterns. It’s all about your personal style and preference.

Step 3: Prep Your Hair

Before applying the semi-permanent dye, it’s essential to start with clean, dry hair. Avoid using any styling products or conditioners that may create a barrier between the dye and your hair. This will ensure better color absorption. I usually do a clarifying shampoo the day before coloring.

If you are using a bleach product first, you want to do that, then come back to step 3 here. I have dark brown hair and use bleach and 30 vol. peroxide to get it to a level 10 blond first.

Step 4: Section Your Hair

Using hair clips or hair ties, divide your hair into manageable sections. This will help you apply the dye more precisely and prevent color bleeding. You can clip sections out of the way or braid them. I use a combo method of braiding, wrapping, clipping, basically whatever I can do to keep it out of the way.

Step 5: Apply the Semi-Permanent Dye

Now comes the exciting part – applying the dye! Put on your gloves to protect your hands. If the dye requires mixing, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and mix it in the plastic or glass bowl. Good Dye Young products are ready to apply and require no mixing.

Using an applicator brush, apply the semi-permanent dye to the selected sections of your hair. Start from the roots and work your way down to the tips. Use the wide-tooth comb to distribute the color evenly and avoid any clumps.

Here’s my DIY secret to keeping my sections separate: While wearing the gloves I linked above, I twirl my colored section of hair around my fingers into a twisted bun, then while holding it I pull the glove off my hand and capture the hair. Then I put a hair tie around the top. Now that hair won’t be touching any other sections!

Step 6: Wait and Rinse

Once you’ve applied the dye to all the desired sections, it’s time to wait for the color to develop. Follow the recommended processing time on the dye’s packaging. Usually, the longer you leave it on, the more intense the color will be. The great thing about coloring products like Good Dye Young is that they cause no damage, so you don’t have to rush through it worrying about over-processing. I typically leave them on for 45 minutes, sometimes longer.

Keep in mind that semi-permanent dyes won’t last as long as permanent ones, but they can still provide several weeks of vibrant color if you take steps to maintain the color.

After the processing time, rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear. Avoid using shampoo during this rinse, as it may strip away some of the color. These types of dyes will usually say you don’t need to use a conditioner, but I always need to, or my hair feels too dry.

Step 7: Maintain Your Color

To extend the life of your colorful streaks, take some extra precautions. Wash your hair with sulfate-free and color-safe shampoos to prevent fading. Additionally, using leave-in conditioners or hair serums can help maintain the vibrancy and shine of your semi-permanent color.

To keep your colorful streaks vibrant and your hair healthy, consider adding nourishing oils to your routine. Many people use coconut or argan oil, and some even make their own specialty blends like cannaoil to create natural hair masks for extra shine and moisture.

Step 8: Experiment and Have Fun!

The best part about semi-permanent hair dye is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different colors and placement to find the look that suits you best. Embrace your creativity, and don’t be afraid to switch things up whenever you feel like it!

Remember, adding colorful streaks to your hair is all about having fun and expressing yourself. So, go ahead and unleash your vibrant side with semi-permanent hair dye!

Click here to find Good Dye Young products on Amazon