Sleeping with Temporary Hair Color
A: Yes, you can sleep with temporary hair color, but there are some important precautions you'll want to take to protect both your bedding and the longevity of your color.
Temporary hair color works differently from permanent dyes because it's designed to coat the outside of your hair shaft rather than penetrating deep into the hair cuticle. This surface-level application means the color sits on top of your hair strands, making it more vulnerable to transfer and fade from friction, heat, and moisture.
The most crucial step is ensuring your hair is completely dry before you hit the pillow. Even slight dampness in temporarily colored hair will almost guarantee color transfer. If you've just applied the color, use a blow dryer on a cool setting to thoroughly dry your hair, paying special attention to the roots and any thick sections that might retain moisture.
To protect your bedding, consider investing in a silk or satin sleep cap or scarf. These fibers create a smooth barrier between your hair and your pillows while also reducing friction that could cause the color to fade prematurely. Silk and satin are particularly beneficial because they're less absorbent than cotton, meaning any minor color transfer is less likely to result in permanent staining.
If you don't have a sleep cap available, you can use an old pillowcase that you don't mind potentially staining, preferably in a dark color that won't show color transfer as readily. Some people also place a dark towel over their pillow as an extra precaution.
If you do notice some color on your pillowcase in the morning, don't panic. Most temporary hair colors can be washed out of fabric with regular laundry detergent, especially if you treat the stain promptly with cold water before washing.
©Hairfinder.com
See also:
Hair color bleeding
How to remove hair coloring from fabric
Why your hair must be dry before sleeping