St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re thinking about dyeing your hair green for the occasion—pause for a moment! While going all-in on the holiday spirit sounds fun, you might be setting yourself up for a color correction nightmare. Let’s talk about why green hair isn’t always the best idea and what you can do instead to celebrate in style.
For many of you, St. Patrick's day is the perfect time to try something fun and funky for the celebration, like coloring your hair green. Be sure to think through your options, both temporary and semi-permanent before committing to your new green locks.
Why Box Dye & Temporary Green Color Can Backfire
Many people reach for box dye or temporary sprays to achieve a festive green look, but here’s the catch: green pigments can be stubborn, unpredictable, and difficult to remove.
- Box Dyes Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All – Unlike professional salon color, box dye doesn’t consider your hair’s unique porosity, previous color treatments, or underlying tones. This can lead to unexpected results—like green patches that won’t wash out!
- Fading Can Be a Disaster – Even “temporary” colors can linger, especially on blonde or lightened hair, turning into an unflattering greenish tinge that won’t go away.
- Color Correction is Costly & Time-Consuming – Removing green from hair often requires professional color correction, which can involve multiple salon visits and intensive treatments.
Semi-Permanent / Permanent Green Hair Color
Color Chameleon by Keune Haircosmetics
If you are ready to commit to a more permanent green color, or maybe several color shades accented with green, we recommend having your hair colored professionally in a salon.
Color Chameleon by Keune Haircosmetics provides high-quality color and is vegan-friendly with Pro Vitamin B5 & Solamer.
Watch the video below to check out the endless possibillities with Keune's Color Chameleon.
Temporary Green Hair
While green hair is usually meant to be temporary, the color may linger if you're not careful. Here are a few tips and tricks to get that green hair for St. Patrick's day, and go back to your normal hair the day after.
Temporary Green Hair Color May Not Wash Out of Blonde Hair
First of all, if you have blonde hair DO NOT color your hair with any kind of green hair pigment, even spray color, that says it will wash out. For most blondes, the green shade will go into the hair shaft deeper than you intend because of its porosity. This will leave you with green hair for days and sometimes weeks. The only solution when this happens is to go to a salon and have them use bleach to remove the green hair color.
...and Sometimes Even Darker Hair Colors
For darker hair colors, you may run into the same dilemma if your hair is particularly porous. The difference is that the lingering effects of the green color mixed with your own may look "muddy" instead of truly green.
Safe Ways to Rock Green Hair for St. Patrick’s Day
Want to embrace the holiday spirit without regret? Try these fun, temporary alternatives:
1. Hair Makeup & Colored Hair Wax
1. Hair Makeup & Colored Hair WaxThese wash-out options allow you to apply green streaks, ombré effects, or even a full head of green without long-term commitment. They rinse out with shampoo—no damage, no regrets!
2. Clip-In Green Extensions
Add a pop of color without touching your natural hair. Clip-in extensions are perfect for a temporary festive look and can be reused for other fun occasions.
3. Salon-Approved Temporary Color Sprays
If you want a quick green tint for the day, opt for professional-grade temporary sprays that won’t stain your strands. Ask your stylist for recommendations!
4. Green Accessories & Styling Tricks
4. Green Accessories & Styling TricksNot ready to color your hair at all? Try a chic green headband, hair scarf, or even a temporary glitter spray to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit without any color mishaps.
5. For Temporary Green Color, Try Hair Chalk
Coat Your Hair Before Applying Temporary Hair Chalk
To avoid the problem that green hair coloring products can cause altogether, I recommend that you first coat your hair with a cream based product that has little or no hold in the areas where you want the green hair pigment to show up.
Use a green hair chalk or hair shadow to coat the hair.
By coating the hair with a product first, and then applying the hair chalk, you are protecting your own hair and letting the green hair color sit on top of the product instead of directly on your hair. This keeps the green hair pigment from seeping into the hair cuticle and lingering for longer.
Finish by spraying the hair with a strong hold hairspray to keep the color in place.
6. Green Hair Extensions or Wigs
The safest temporary option is to go to a salon and have hair extensions put in. If you use the microbead extension method, removing them is very easy. A more temporary fix is clip in hair extensions.
Better yet, do what Nicki Minaj does and wear a wig!
Thinking About a Green Hair Transformation? Do It the Right Way!
If you’re truly in love with the idea of green hair—not just for a day, but as a bold statement—consider professional salon color. A stylist can create a customized green hue that complements your skin tone and ensures an even, healthy-looking result. Whether it’s emerald balayage, neon highlights, or a pastel mint shade, going to a professional is the best way to achieve long-lasting, vibrant color.
Avoid a Hair Emergency—Consult a Professional First!
Before making any drastic color changes, schedule a consultation at Barron’s London Salon. Our expert colorists can guide you toward a look you’ll love—not just for one day, but for the long run.
Ready for a fresh, fabulous hair color? Book an appointment today!