I Tried An $8 TikTok-Viral Hair Dye—It Gave Me Sun-Kissed Highlights in 30 Minutes
Our take
The allure of effortless beauty, particularly when it promises a shortcut to a coveted aesthetic, is a perennial draw. This recent TikTok-viral hair dye trend, delivering sun-kissed highlights in a mere thirty minutes, taps directly into that desire—a desire amplified by the pervasive influence of "it girls" and their curated looks, as explored in How to Spot an Under-30 It Girl: She’s Wearing These 5 Fall Trends. The article's premise – a nostalgic return to hair experimentation, coupled with a cautionary tale of past damage – resonates with many who’ve chased fleeting trends, only to find their hair bearing the brunt of it. The promise of achieving a similar effect, but with significantly reduced risk and time commitment, is undeniably compelling, and the reported obsession with the results speaks to the potential for this kind of accessible, at-home transformation to gain serious traction. It’s a shift from the salon experience, often perceived as costly and time-consuming, to a DIY solution that feels both empowering and instantly gratifying.
The broader significance of this trend lies in its reflection of the democratization of beauty. What was once the exclusive domain of professional stylists is now increasingly accessible through readily available, social media-driven products. This isn't a new phenomenon, of course. The rise of accessible skincare and makeup has already reshaped the beauty landscape, but the expansion into hair color, particularly with formulations designed for ease of use and minimal damage, represents another step in this evolution. Consider the increasing sophistication of at-home hair care tools and techniques – a move away from harsh chemicals and toward gentler, more targeted treatments. This aligns with a larger cultural shift towards self-care and mindful consumption, where individuals are actively seeking ways to manage their appearance while prioritizing their well-being. The fact that the article references past damage underscores this sentiment – a desire for results without sacrificing hair health, a sentiment beautifully articulated in our exploration of current beauty trends I Took Notes: 6 Chic Ways to Wear Eye Shadow This Fall, According to It Girls and Their MUAs – a focus on enhancing, rather than drastically altering.
However, it’s crucial to approach such viral trends with a degree of caution. The ease of application doesn't necessarily negate the potential for errors or unexpected results. The variability of hair types and existing color treatments means that what works for one person may not work for another. Furthermore, the “TikTok-viral” label itself can be a double-edged sword, driving demand but also potentially overlooking quality control or long-term effects. The beauty industry has a history of quick fixes and fleeting fads, and discerning consumers will need to carefully evaluate both the product and the user reviews before diving in. The article's author’s past experience serves as a gentle reminder of the importance of prioritizing hair health, even when tempted by the promise of instant gratification. The underlying message isn’t necessarily to avoid experimentation, but to approach it with awareness and a degree of self-knowledge.
Looking ahead, the convergence of social media, accessible beauty products, and a growing desire for personalized self-care suggests that this trend is just the beginning. We can anticipate a continued blurring of the lines between professional and at-home beauty treatments, with brands increasingly catering to the DIY consumer. The emphasis will likely shift toward products that are not only effective but also customizable, allowing individuals to tailor their looks to their specific needs and preferences. The rise of “thrifted YSL,” Thrifted YSL demonstrates a broader appreciation for curated, individual style—and that extends to hair. The question then becomes: how will brands ensure the safety and efficacy of these increasingly accessible products while maintaining the authenticity and aspirational quality that consumers crave?
During my high school and college days, I was never one to shy away from putting my hair through the wringer. I was at the salon at least once a month to straighten my 3B/3C curly hair, and somewhere along the line, I decided I wanted to try highlights. Spoiler alert: it didn't end well. Even though I was loving my honey-colored highlights, the damage that it caused was undeniable. Anytime I wore my curls out, I noticed more frizz, breakage, and overall dryness (deep conditioner became my best friend).
Fast forward to 2018, and I had somewhat of a curly hair wake up call. For some people heat styling makes everything more manageable, but I was on a mission to re-embraced my curls and wanted to reset. From that day on, I decided no more straightening my hair and definitely no color. As tempting as it's been, I had become quite comfortable with the idea that I would never see my hair in a different shade for the sake of maintaining my healthy hair.
That is until the As I Am Curl Color came across my TikTok. It was marketed as a temporary hair color that doubles as a gel and cream—there would be no damage, and it would come off during my next wash. At first, I thought this was a way too good to be true, but I also loved the idea of potentially being able to color my hair. So as the curious beauty editor I am, I decided to take the leap and try it myself. Read on for my full review.
About The As I Am Curl Color
The As I Am Curl Color is marketed as a "temporary curl gel that lasts up to one wash," according the brand's website. It’s formulated with ceramides to boost moisture, strength, and elasticity, in addition to Jamaican black castor oil for thickness and shine. It’s ammonia, paraffin, and silicone-free, and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals.
The Curl Color also contains sub-micron technology that breaks ingredients down into smaller particles for better absorption. This ultimately strengthens the scalps protective barrier and reduces the risk of irritation. The results? A medium hold that locks the style of your choice in for 24 hours while improving hair moisture by 60%. The application process is quick, easy, and damage-free.
Pros: Comes out with one wash, pigmented, affordable
Cons: Can stain during application
How I Used The As I Am Curl Color
To kick off the process, I washed my hair with my go-to products (I've been using the Pattern shampoo and conditioner for years). From there, I put my hair in a claw clip and set up everything I needed. This included the Bold Gold Curl Color, a box of disposable gloves, my styling brush, and my leave-in conditioner.
Also, it's important to note that the Curl Color can stain your hands and clothing, so definitely keep that in mind before you begin. Since I was going for highlights rather than a full color change, I carefully sectioned my hair off. My hair dries fast, so at this point, I had to re-wet it using my spray bottle.
From there, I generously applied my leave-in and detangled my curls before reaching for the Curl Color. I took a more conservative approach, making sure to apply the color more heavily to the ends and work the product upwards on the hair shaft. While you can dry your hair with a diffuser to lock the color into place, I decided to air dry as I typically would.
The Results
On the first day, I definitely saw noticeable results, but the color really popped on the second day. The Bold Gold transformed my dark brown hair into an ash brown that looked like an extension of my natural color. One thing I noticed is that the color has somewhat of a shimmer to it, so if you touch your hair, even after it's done, you'll notice a small amount on your fingertips.
That said, the shade I used didn't get on my clothes or my pillows in the days following the application. As I Am offers other vibrant colors that are more pigmented, so I can't speak to those but I didn't have any transfer issues with the gold. Admittedly, one of my concerns was that it wasn't going to wash out, but it was completely gone in just one wash.
Overall, the gel cream formula left my curls looking shiny and defined significantly longer than some other products I've tested. To say I was impressed would be an understatement.
Before
After
Is the As I Am Curl Color worth it?
Truthfully, I think whether or not this product is worth it mainly depends on your hair type and wash day schedule. I wash my hair every five to seven days, so I felt like I got my money's worth. You also get the extra peace of mind knowing that if you don't like the color or you messed up, you can wash it out. The fact that it's temporary also gives you the opportunity to switch things up as often as you'd like without the damage, making it great for special occasions or in-the-moment decisions that don't require long-term commitment.
The color aside, the gel cream formula genuinely exceeded my expectations. I was slightly concerned that my hair would end up super frizzy, but as I previously mentioned, my curls still ended up defined. At the end of the day, this product does exactly what it promises: temporary color, zero damage, and an easy wash out process.
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