If you’ve ever looked in the mirror during the holiday season and thought, “My natural locs deserve a little sparkle too,” then this post is exactly what you need. There’s something magical about adding temporary color to natural locs, and it gives your crown a festive glow-up without commitment or damage. Whether it’s Christmas, New Year’s, a birthday, a girls’ night, or simply a moment of wanting to feel refreshed, temporary color can completely elevate your look.
Temporary color doesn’t just change your appearance; it shifts how you feel. A subtle change can make you stand taller, take better pictures, feel bolder, and fall in love with your locs all over again. It makes your loc journey feel exciting, fresh, and renewed. This is why temporary color is the festive girl’s secret weapon. It’s fun, expressive, and perfect for both special occasions and personal self-expression.
No matter what stage your locs are in, starter, mid-stage, mature, microlocs, thick locs, sisterlocks, or freeform, temporary color works beautifully. In this post, we’ll explore the safest, easiest, most beginner-friendly ways to add temporary color to your natural locs without damage, mess, or second guessing. Catc more locs related posts here.
Table of Contents
The Best Ways to Add Temporary Color to Natural Locs
Below are the methods that actually work, are safe for natural hair, and offer vibrant, long-lasting temporary results.
1. Temporary Hair Wax
Temporary hair wax is one of the most popular methods for adding color to natural locs. It is ideal for anyone who wants bold, highly pigmented color that shows up even on dark hair. It’s excellent for thick locs, mature locs, and even starter locs as long as application is gentle.
Hair wax coats the outside of the locs, so it doesn’t chemically alter or penetrate the hair shaft. It is easy to apply, sets quickly, and washes out with your next shampoo. The color payoff is strong without causing dryness.
Amazon Recommendations:
- Mofajang Temporary Hair Color Wax
A natural-hair community favorite with rich pigment. Available in red, gold, purple, blue, pink, and more. - Hair Paint Wax – Metallic Edition
Perfect for achieving a shimmery, festive glow that photographs well and feels holiday appropriate.
How to Apply Hair Wax:
Apply on damp or slightly moisturized locs. Rub a small amount of wax between your palms and apply in a downward smoothing motion. Avoid rough manipulation. Blowdry if needed, and style as usual. Begin with a small amount and build gradually for intensity.
2. Temporary Color Spray
Color spray is ideal for quick, effortless color transformation. It is perfect when you want to add festive streaks, highlights, or ombre effects without spending much time. This option is excellent for last-minute events and holiday looks.
Amazon Recommendation:
- L’Oreal Paris Colorista 1-Day Temporary Hair Color Spray
This spray is easy to use, beginner-friendly, and offers high-impact color without crunchiness. It washes out in one shampoo and is great for dark locs.
How to Apply:
Cover clothing with a towel. Hold the spray six to eight inches away from your locs and apply in light, controlled bursts. Let it dry for one to two minutes before styling. For more intensity, allow the first layer to dry completely, then apply a second coat.
3. Temporary Hair Chalk
Hair chalk is a playful and approachable way to add soft color. It’s also an excellent option for kids and teens with locs. Chalk offers pastel-like shades such as lavender, pink, and sky blue, making it great for festive family styles.
Amazon Recommendation:
- Mayde Hair Chalk Combs Set
These come in an easy-to-use comb form, reducing mess and making it simple to glide color directly onto each loc.
How to Apply Chalk:
Lightly mist the loc with water. Apply chalk in a downward motion. Seal the color with a light mousse or gel. Allow the locs to dry completely before styling.
4. Colored Loc Extensions
For anyone who wants vibrant color without applying any product to their actual locs, colored loc extensions are the perfect alternative. They blend seamlessly with natural locs and can be removed or installed as needed.
Colored extensions are ideal for highlights, peek-a-boo color placements, colored tips, or full-head transformations. They are especially great for holidays, birthdays, vacations, and photo sessions.
Amazon Recommendation:
- Goddess Faux Loc Extensions (Colored Options)
These come in ombre reds, honey blondes, purples, greens, and blues. They are lightweight, natural-looking, and easy to install and remove.
5. Colored Loc Jewelry and Accessories
Sometimes you can add color without applying any product at all. Loc jewelry and accessories offer instant festive flair and are perfect for anyone who wants a subtle and sophisticated pop of color.
Options include metallic cuffs, colorful beads, cowrie shells, gold or silver string, and themed beads that match specific holidays or special occasions.
Amazon Recommendations:
These accessories complement temporary color or can be worn alone for a softer look.
How to Make Temporary Color Last Longer
Temporary color can be long-lasting when maintained properly. Start by setting the color with a light foam mousse to reduce flaking and preserve vibrancy. Avoid hardworking gym sessions or excessive sweating while wearing temporary color, as moisture can cause fading. Always sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet to reduce rubbing and preserve the color. Finally, avoid retwisting or over-manipulating your locs once the color has been applied, as friction breaks down the pigment.
How to Wash Out Temporary Color From Locs
Removing temporary color is simple. Begin by fully saturating your locs with warm water. Apply a clarifying shampoo and work it into a rich lather. A great option is the Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo, which is available on Amazon and effectively removes buildup. Rinse thoroughly. If needed, repeat the process once more. Follow with a conditioner or deep conditioner to restore moisture. Allow your locs to dry fully before styling again.
How to Choose the Best Temporary Color Option
Choose hair wax or color spray if you want bold, high-impact holiday shades like red, gold, or emerald green. Select chalk for soft, pastel-friendly looks suitable for kids or teens. Opt for colored extensions if you want a protective, product-free option that is still stylish. Choose accessories if you want a subtle, minimalist festive vibe without altering your locs at all.
Your locs are a canvas, and temporary color is one of the most exciting ways to express creativity and celebrate your personal style. It allows you to try new looks, explore new tones, and feel festive without committing to permanent changes. Temporary color gives your crown new life, boosts your confidence, and helps you create memorable looks for holidays, special days, and everyday moments.
Whether you choose bold red wax, soft pastel chalk, instant color spray, or delicate jewelry, your locs will tell a beautiful story. Experiment, play, switch it up, and enjoy the gift of expressing yourself through your crown. If you need a matching Pinterest pin, Instagram captions, or headline variations for this post, feel free to ask.
