Every March 17th, New York City transforms into a sea of green as people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades, parties, and a whole lot of festive spirit. But for those who want to take their celebration to the next level, incorporating temporary green hair color into their look is a fun and stylish way to show off their Irish pride.
Whether you’re heading to the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade, joining a pub crawl in Midtown Manhattan, or just looking to add a bold twist to your usual style, temporary green accents can elevate your haircut without long-term commitment. But before you grab the first spray-on dye you see, it’s important to know how to safely add color without causing damage to your hair.
At Pall Mall Barbers NYC, our independent barbers understand that a great hairstyle is more than just a cut—it’s an experience. So, if you’re wondering how to rock green hair this St. Patrick’s Day without harming your locks, read on for expert tips, product recommendations, and the best ways to style your festive look.

Why Temporary Hair Color is Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day
- No Commitment – Temporary dyes wash out after a few shampoos, making them perfect for one-day celebrations.
- Safe for All Hair Types – Unlike permanent dyes, temporary sprays and waxes coat the hair rather than penetrating the shaft, reducing damage.
- Versatile Styling Options – Whether you want a bold all-over green look, subtle highlights, or a fade-to-green effect, temporary dyes allow for customization.
- Easy to Apply & Remove – With sprays, chalks, and styling waxes, achieving a vibrant green hue has never been easier.
How to Safely Add Temporary Green Color to Your Hair
When it comes to temporary hair color, safety and hair health should always come first. Here’s how to add green accents without damaging your hair:
1. Choose the Right Type of Temporary Dye
Not all temporary dyes are created equal. Depending on your hair type, texture, and color, some options work better than others:
- Hair Sprays – Quick and easy to apply, perfect for full coverage or streaks.
- Hair Chalks – Best for subtle highlights and textured looks.
- Colored Styling Wax – Adds temporary color while providing hold, great for textured quiffs and messy styles.
- Wash-Out Gels – Ideal for shorter haircuts, allowing for bold color with easy styling.
2. Prep Your Hair for Even Color Application
To achieve vibrant, even color, proper hair preparation is key:
- Wash & Condition Your Hair – Use Pall Mall Barbers’ Argan Shampoo to cleanse and hydrate, ensuring the dye adheres smoothly.
Pall Mall Barbers Argan Shampoo – Nourish, Strengthen, Dominate
Tired of dry, lifeless hair? Elevate your grooming routine with Pall Mall Barbers Argan Shampoo, the ultimate formula for stronger, healthier, and shinier hair. Infused with premium Argan oil, this shampoo deeply hydrates, repairs, and revitalizes your scalp and strands—leaving your hair looking fresh, full, and effortlessly stylish. Shop now!
- Deep Cleansing & Hydration – Removes build-up while restoring moisture.
- Strengthens & Protects – Fights dryness, breakage, and dullness.
- Lightweight Formula – Perfect for daily use without weighing hair down.
- Barber-Approved – Crafted for men who demand luxury & performance.
- Avoid Heavy Styling Products – Oils and gels can create a barrier, preventing the temporary color from sticking.
- Blow-Dry for Best Results – Temporary dyes work best on dry hair, so make sure your hair is completely dry before applying color.
3. Application Techniques for Different Hairstyles
Depending on your haircut and style, there are various ways to incorporate green accents for St. Patrick’s Day:
Full Green Look (Best for Buzz Cuts, Fades, & Short Styles)
For those who want to make a bold statement this St. Patrick’s Day, an all-over green look is the way to go. This style works best on buzz cuts, skin fades, and other short hairstyles, as the uniform length allows the color to appear even, vibrant, and striking. To achieve the full green effect, use a high-quality temporary color spray, holding the can 6-8 inches away from your head while applying to ensure an even distribution without patchiness or oversaturation.
For an even sharper, cleaner look, visit the best skin fade barber in Pall Mall Barbers NYC before applying the color. A fresh fade or buzz cut will create a sleek, defined base, making the green hue stand out even more. Shorter cuts also allow for easier application and removal, ensuring that your festive look is hassle-free. If you want to enhance the effect further, consider using matte styling Pliable clay to add subtle texture, giving your green buzz cut or fade a modern, polished finish that turns heads at every St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Green Highlights (Best for Quiffs, Pompadours, & Textured Haircuts)
If you’re looking to add a festive touch to your hairstyle without going all-in on full green, subtle green highlights are the perfect option. This technique works exceptionally well with quiffs, pompadours, and textured haircuts, as it enhances the natural movement of the hair while keeping the look stylish and refined. To achieve vibrant yet subtle green accents, use hair chalk or colored styling wax, both of which allow for temporary color that washes out easily.
For best results, apply the temporary color using your fingers or a fine-tooth comb, focusing on the tips and textured areas to create dimension and depth. This approach keeps the green from overwhelming your style while still making a bold statement. To elevate the look even further, consider pairing your green highlights with a precision fade haircut in Pall Mall Barbers NYC. A sharp fade or tapered sides will add contrast, making the colored sections stand out more while ensuring the overall style remains clean, modern, and professional. Whether you’re heading to a St. Patrick’s Day event in Midtown Manhattan or just want a fun way to celebrate, this approach keeps your hairstyle festive yet sophisticated.
Green Fade Effect (Best for Modern Fades & Undercuts)
For a sleek and stylish take on festive hair color, the green fade effect is a great choice, offering a more sophisticated and blended look compared to an all-over application. This technique works best with modern fades and undercuts, as the structured transition between hair lengths naturally complements the gradient color effect. To achieve this style, lightly apply the green color spray at the top of the head, ensuring a more concentrated hue at the highest point, and gradually decrease coverage as you move downward toward the fade. This technique creates a smooth, eye-catching transition, making the green accent feel intentional and polished.
To get the most out of this look, it’s essential that your fade is expertly blended before applying the color. A classic barbershop experience in New York City like in Pall Mall Barbers NYC will ensure that your taper fade or undercut is sharp, precise, and structured, allowing the green gradient to flow seamlessly with your natural style. Pairing this look with a well-groomed beard or a clean shave can further refine the effect, making it bold yet effortlessly stylish for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Whether you’re heading to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC or simply want a fun twist on your usual style, the green fade effect guarantees a striking and modern look that won’t go unnoticed.
4. How to Remove Temporary Hair Color Without Damage
After St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, you’ll want to remove the color easily without leaving residue or damage. Here’s how:
- Wash with a Clarifying Shampoo – Use Pall Mall Barbers’ Argan Shampoo to break down the temporary dye while hydrating your hair.
Pall Mall Barbers Argan Shampoo – Nourish, Strengthen, Dominate
Tired of dry, lifeless hair? Elevate your grooming routine with Pall Mall Barbers Argan Shampoo, the ultimate formula for stronger, healthier, and shinier hair. Infused with premium Argan oil, this shampoo deeply hydrates, repairs, and revitalizes your scalp and strands—leaving your hair looking fresh, full, and effortlessly stylish. Shop now!
- Deep Cleansing & Hydration – Removes build-up while restoring moisture.
- Strengthens & Protects – Fights dryness, breakage, and dullness.
- Lightweight Formula – Perfect for daily use without weighing hair down.
- Barber-Approved – Crafted for men who demand luxury & performance.
- Condition & Hydrate – Temporary dyes can dry out your hair, so follow up with a Pall Mall Barbers’ Argan Conditioner.
Pall Mall Barbers Argan Enriched Conditioner – Strengthen, Hydrate, Elevate
Revive your hair with the power of Argan oil. Pall Mall Barbers Argan Enriched Conditioner is designed to deeply hydrate, strengthen, and restore your hair, leaving it softer, healthier, and easier to style. Infused with premium Argan oil, this barber-approved formula nourishes from root to tip, fights dryness, and enhances shine—without any greasy buildup.
- Deep Hydration & Repair – Revitalizes dry, damaged hair.
- Infused with Argan Oil – Strengthens, smooths, and enhances natural shine.
- Lightweight & Non-Greasy – Perfect for daily use.
- Barbershop-Quality Grooming – Crafted for men who demand excellence.
Give your hair the ultimate nourishment—because great style starts with healthy hair.
- Avoid Overwashing – Rinse thoroughly, but don’t overwash, as it can strip your hair of natural oils.
Pair Your Green Hair with the Right Grooming Routine
A temporary color change is just one part of a great St. Patrick’s Day look. To fully elevate your style and confidence, don’t forget to:
- Get a Fresh Haircut – A premium men’s haircut in NYC at Pall Mall Barbers NYC ensures your hair looks sharp even after the color is washed out.
- Shape Up Your Beard – A beard trim and shave in Pall Mall Barbers NYC completes the refined yet festive look.
- Use the Right Men’s Styling Products – Keep your hair structured and sleek with Pall Mall Barbers’ Matte Pliable Clay or Pomade.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Style
Whether you’re going all-in with a bold green buzz cut or opting for subtle highlights, adding temporary color is a fun and stylish way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NYC. The key is to choose safe, non-damaging products, apply color evenly, and remove it properly after the celebrations.
And if you’re looking to elevate your overall style, nothing beats a visit to a top-rated barbershop near Times Square for executive grooming.
📍 Walk in today or book an appointment at Pall Mall Barbers NYC, where independent barbers deliver haircuts, styling, and grooming services tailored to your needs. Whether you need a precision fade, a beard trim, or the best men’s haircut in Midtown Manhattan, our barbershop is the go-to destination for NYC’s modern gentleman.