One of the many traditions of St. Patrick’s Day involves dressing in green from head to toe. But what about dying your hair green? What are the risks and benefits of temporary hair dyes?

Permanent hair dyes force small colorless molecules into the hair fiber under chemically harsh conditions that then react to form a larger, colored molecule.

Temporary coloring works by forcing small, colored molecules into the hair fiber but, since these molecules do not form larger ones (as in permanent coloring) they diffuse out of the hair easily resulting in rapidly fading locks.

Although this process is less damaging than permanent coloring, the level of color change possible is limited: it often does not cover gray well nor can it significantly lighten the color.

Also, just because temporary hair dyes use fewer chemicals, that doesn’t meant there aren’t some risks. Always make sure that you aren’t allergic to dyes since it could cause rashes or swelling of the face.

Temporary hair dye is easy to wash out with shampoo and conditioner but if your hair is excessively dry or damaged, the color can linger a little longer than you want it to. There’s a chance the pigments could travel to the interior of the hair shaft.

So, if you have damaged hair, be sure you’re okay with wearing green after St. Patty’s day or consider getting green clip-in hair extensions (or this neat St. Patrick’s Day hair bow)—that way, being green can be easy!