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UADyeing hair with crepe paper is one of the biggest hits of summer hair fun – and no wonder. Your child leaves the house with turquoise streaks, comes back to their natural hair after a bath, and mum and dad breathe a sigh of relief. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? In this article I’ll show you how to do it really safely, when it’s worth doing at all, and what to do when little Zosia absolutely insists on pink curls before summer camp. I’ll also cover the alternatives to crepe paper – and why, for more serious hair experiments, it’s worth visiting a salon with a real hairdresser.
Dyeing children’s hair – is it safe?
Let’s start with the question every responsible parent asks: can you dye a child’s hair at all? The short answer: it depends on the method. Chemical, permanent colouring with a developer is definitely not for children – it contains ingredients that can irritate a sensitive scalp, cause allergic reactions and, with regular use, weaken the hair structure. Crepe paper, colour sprays or hair chalks are a completely different story – as long as you use them consciously and safely.
From what age can hair be dyed?
Cosmetologists and trichologists agree: permanent chemical colouring is not recommended for children under 16. A child’s scalp is thinner and more permeable than an adult’s, and substances such as PPD (p-phenylenediamine) or resorcinol used in permanent dyes can cause strong allergic reactions.
Washable colour – crepe paper, spray, hair chalk – can be used at any age, provided the product is intended for children and contains no harmful ingredients. For toddlers under 3, though, it’s better to skip even these games, because children that age put almost everything in their mouths.
Is dyeing hair with crepe paper harmful?
Dyeing hair with crepe paper is not harmful – crepe paper is paper dyed in various colours which releases its dye onto the hair when wet. The dye is water-washable, doesn’t penetrate the hair structure and contains no ammonia or developers. The only risk is possible irritation if the child has very sensitive skin – so do a test on a small strand and watch it for an hour before colouring the whole head.
How to dye hair with crepe paper – step by step
Dyeing hair with crepe paper is a trick that has been known in hairdressing circles for years – the effect is really surprising, especially on light hair. Here is how to do it properly.
Step 1: choosing the crepe paper
Not all crepe paper is the same. For dyeing hair, craft or decorative crepe paper in intense, saturated colours works best. The colour transfers better the more saturated the dye is and the lighter the child’s hair.
- Choose crepe paper in vivid colours (red, blue, green, purple)
- Avoid metallic or varnished crepe paper – the dye won’t transfer
- Check that the paper is not colour-fast or waterproof
Step 2: preparation
Before you start, prepare your workspace. The dye from crepe paper can stain clothes and worktops!
- Dress your child in old clothes or put on a hairdressing cape
- Prepare a bowl of warm water
- Have a towel and a comb-brush to hand
- Wash and towel-dry the child’s hair (crepe paper works better on slightly damp hair)
Step 3: application
This is the heart of the fun – time to colour the hair!
- Take a strand of hair about 1–2 cm wide
- Lay the crepe paper on a hard surface and wet it with warm water – it should be wet but not falling apart
- Place the strand of hair on the wet paper
- Fold the paper along the strand, enclosing the hair on both sides
- Squeeze the paper with your fingers and slide it from the roots to the ends – the movement should be firm but gentle
- Repeat several times to make the colour more intense
- Repeat for the next strands
Hairdresser’s tip: the more times you run the paper along the strand, the more intense the colour. On light hair the effect appears after just 2–3 strokes.
Step 4: drying and results
After applying the colour you can let the hair dry naturally or use a hairdryer on a low setting. The colour sets better if you don’t have to go out straight away – give the hair at least 15–20 minutes.
How long does crepe-paper colour last? Usually 1–3 days with normal use. The first hair wash removes most of the colour, though intense shades (red, blue) may leave a slight trace until the next wash. That’s completely normal and no reason to panic.
Crepe-paper colour on dark hair – does it work?
This is one of the most common questions. The honest answer: on dark hair crepe paper gives a weaker effect. The dye is transparent – it doesn’t lighten the hair, it only adds colour. On brown or black hair the effect will be barely visible or not visible at all in normal lighting. You may see a subtle glow in the sun, but you won’t get rainbow curls like on Snapchat.
If your child has dark hair and dreams of coloured streaks, consider:
- A colour spray with enhanced pigment (visible even on brown hair)
- Hair chalks in intense shades
- A visit to the hairdresser – professional washable solutions for children give a much better effect
Alternatives to crepe paper – washable colour
Crepe paper is just one option. The market for children’s hair-colour products is really rich today.
Colour spray for children
A colour spray is the most convenient option – you spray it from a few centimetres away, dry it and you’re done. It works like coloured powder or acrylic that clings to the hair. Important: always check the ingredients and make sure the product is safe for children (intended as a cosmetic, not for painting wood or walls).
Hair-colouring kit for children
Ready-made kits are available containing several colours, an applicator and instructions. Children’s kits are usually based on food-grade or cosmetic pigments and are dermatologically tested. A good option for a birthday or summer fun.
Hair chalks
They look like drawing pastels but are safe for the skin. You apply them directly to dry hair and rub them in with your fingers or a brush. The colour is intense but short-lived – it washes out at the first wash. Ideal for impatient children.
Colour mousse
Colour mousses for children are a product halfway between a spray and a dye – you apply it to the hair, shape and dry. The effect is clear even on darker hair and lasts 1–2 days.
Table: popular washable products for children’s hair colour
| Product | Effect on light hair | Effect on dark hair | Lasts | Ease of use | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crepe paper | Very good | Weak | 1–3 days | Simple | About 2–5 zł |
| Colour spray | Very good | Good | 1–2 days | Very simple | 20–50 zł |
| Hair chalks | Good | Medium | 1 day | Simple | 15–40 zł |
| Colour mousse | Very good | Good | 1–2 days | Simple | 25–60 zł |
| Colouring kit | Very good | Medium–good | 2–4 days | Takes practice | 30–80 zł |
| Washable dye for children | Excellent | Good | 2–6 washes | Takes practice | 30–70 zł |
Hairdresser’s tip: even with washable products, test the colour on a small strand at the back of the head and wait at least 30 minutes before applying it to the whole head. Children’s scalps can be sensitive even to natural pigments.
When does colouring a child’s hair make sense?
Not every situation calls for colour – and certainly not permanent colour. But there are moments when washable colour fun is a great idea:
- A party, birthday, themed event – pink ends for a fairy costume, golden streaks for a princess outfit
- Summer camp, sports camp – coloured streaks as a team identifier
- Holiday fun at home – time together with your child, experimenting with colours
- Building confidence – for older children and teenagers who want to express their style
If, however, your child is seriously interested in hair and would like to try something more lasting – that question should be answered by a professional hairdresser. Find your nearest Haircut Express salon and ask our hairdressers about safe colouring options for teenagers. At Haircut Express we work without appointments – you can drop in with your child at any time.
What about chemical colouring for teenagers?
The subject comes up especially with teenagers aged 13–16 who really want permanent colour. Remember a few things:
- Most manufacturers of permanent dyes state 16+ on the packaging as the recommended age
- If you decide on dye for a teenager, always do an allergy test 48 hours before applying it
- Choose products without ammonia and without PPD (the number one allergen in hair colouring)
- The first permanent colouring is best done at a hairdresser’s – a professional will choose the right product and look after the condition of the hair
Check children’s haircut prices at Haircut Express – in our salons the hairdressers will also help you choose safe colour for your teenager.
FAQ
Is dyeing hair with crepe paper harmful?
No, dyeing hair with crepe paper is not harmful. Crepe paper is coloured paper – the dye is water-based, doesn’t penetrate the hair structure and contains none of the chemicals used in permanent dyes. The only risk is possible irritation in children with very sensitive skin – always do a test on a small strand first.
How do you dye hair with crepe paper?
Wet the crepe paper with warm water, fold it along a strand of hair and slide it several times from the roots to the ends, pressing firmly. The more times you repeat the movement, the more intense the colour. You get the best effect on light, slightly damp hair.
How long does crepe-paper colour last?
Crepe-paper colour usually lasts 1–3 days. The first shampoo washes out most of the colour – intense shades (red, blue) may still tint the water slightly at the next wash. This is normal and harmless.
Which hair-colouring kit for children?
Choose products labelled as safe for children, ideally dermatologically tested. Check the ingredients – avoid products containing PPD, ammonia or sodium sulphate. Popular and safe options are kits with washable food-grade or cosmetic pigments, colour mousses or simple hair chalks.
Can you dye a small child’s hair?
With washable crepe paper or spray – technically yes, but it’s better to skip these games with children under 3, because toddlers put everything in their mouths. Permanent chemical colouring is definitely not advisable for children under 16 because of the sensitivity of the scalp and the risk of allergies.
What if the crepe-paper colour won’t wash out?
Usually one or two shampoos are enough. If the colour has really clung on (e.g. intense red on very light hair), try an olive-oil mask or a smoothing conditioner – oil helps release the dye. Don’t scrub the scalp hard – it doesn’t help and may irritate it.
Can a hairdresser colour a child’s hair?
Yes – an experienced children’s hairdresser can suggest safe, washable colouring techniques suited to the child’s age and hair condition. At Haircut Express our hairdressers are used to working with children. Find your nearest Haircut Express salon and walk in without an appointment.
Summary
Colouring children’s hair can be safe, joyful fun if you choose the right methods. Crepe paper, spray, chalks or colour mousse are options that don’t harm the hair or scalp – as long as you use products intended for children and do an allergy test before use. Avoid permanent chemical colouring for children under 16.
If you want your child to look truly spectacular at a summer party or are looking for safe options for a teenager – come to Haircut Express. We work without appointments, and our hairdressers will happily advise on haircuts and safe fun with colour. Check children’s haircut prices and find your nearest Haircut Express salon.
Read also
- Trendy hairstyles for teenagers in 2026
- How often should you get a haircut? Facts and myths
- Walk-in hairdresser – everything you want to know before you come
- Children’s haircut – price list
