9 Best Demi-Permanent Hair Colors (2024), Hairstylist Picks
Get used to the long-lasting shine and coverage to help you flaunt natural-looking hair.
Jill Turnbull is an internationally acclaimed freelance hairstylist, colorist, and makeup artist with over 47 years of experience. She founded her own beauty brand and her work has been featured in editorial magazines worldwide.
Jill is also a highly sought-after educator, renowned for her direct, meticulous, and modern approach to hair, makeup, and styling for fashion shoots and advertising campaigns.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
Experience: 2 yearsPooja is a Mass Communications and Psychology graduate from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and has two years of experience as a content writer. Her education has helped her develop the perfect balance between what the reader wants to know and what the reader has to know.
Read full bio of Pooja Karkala
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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The best demi-permanent hair color is exactly what you need if you want to have some fun without consequences. Demi colors help you experiment with numerous hairstyles without ruining your hair as they contain no traces of ammonia. They are ideal for covering gray hair, enhancing your natural hair color, or correcting work, with significant output on blonde hair. Lasting up to 24 shampoos, these at-home hair colors are perfect for people who enjoy exploring shades and combinations without inflicting any permanent damage to their hair but prefer them to be low-commitment or low-maintenance. However, you have to be careful about the brands and colors you choose while coloring hair. To help you, we’ve listed the 9 highest rated demi-permanent hair colors to get for your hair. Go on and check them out!
In This Article
What Is Demi-Permanent Hair Color?
Demi-permanent hair color is a no-ammonia product that is great for covering gray strands or enhancing the natural color. Ideally, it lasts up to 24 shampoos. It does not lift the base color but aids in toning subtle highlights or correcting the existing color by adding intense depth and dimension to it. It is usually mixed with a low-volume developer to help open the cuticles. Also, this formula is subtle and causes zero damage.
How Is It Different From Semi-Perm anent Hair Color?
While both demi and semi-permanent hair colors work on similar lines, there are quite a few differences. Demi-permanent hair colors require a peroxide-based developer while semi-permanent hair colors don’t. Due to this, demi-permanent color opens the hair cuticles, penetrating the hair shaft and allowing the color to last up to 24 shampoos, whereas a semi-permanent dye lasts up to 12 shampoos. Semi-permanent color only coats the hair shaft, resulting in a slight tonal change, but demi-permanent hair color can darken the existing hair color. When it comes to covering gray strands, both are a good bet, but demi-permanent color provides maximum pigmentation.
The 9 Best Demi-Permanent Hair Colors Brands To Cover Gray Hair (2024)
1. Best For Glossy Look: ‘N Rage long Live Demi-Permanent Hair Color – Twisted Teal
Fortune favors the bold! Like this foxy color that can up your hair game by several notches. ‘N Rage offers four dazzling washable colors that don’t stain and last up to three to six weeks. This coveted hair color goes well with any hair color and texture and is easy to apply. It adds intense depth to your natural hair color, giving it a glossy look. This formula contains Keratin Color Enhancing Complex for long-lasting color and luminous shine. It also contains hydrolyzed quinoa, which is packed with proteins and 17 amino acids that help in binding the dye to the hair. While coloring, it also reduces breakage and split ends and leaves your hair looking soft and silky. If you want to know more about the benefits of this product, check out this quick review on YouTube.
Pros
- Contains Verbascum flower extracts to subdue inflammation
- Lasts more than 25 shampoos
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Processes in 10 minutes
- Highly pigmented
Cons
- None
Pro Tip2. Best Non-Damaging:Raw Demi Permanent Hair Color
This new and improved Raw Demi Permanent Hair Color gives you a hot and long-lasting hair color that lasts up to 3-6 weeks. It gives a gorgeous shade that fades naturally and beautifully over time, gaining you compliments from all around. The raw brilliant demi-permanent hair color is super easy to apply even on new growth of hair, as it does not require any inhibitors or a long waiting time. Just 15 min of application and a quick rinse in the comfort of your home will give salon-quality results.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Long-lasting
- PPD-free
- Ammonia-free
- Paraben-free
- Works on all hair types
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
Cons
- Stains quick
Quick Tip3. Best Nourishing: Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye
The Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color in the dark brown shade is a great choice for those looking to add some subtle undertone and shine to their hair. This semi-permanent hair dye offers natural-looking, radiant hair color with a salon-like finish that lasts up to 28 washes. The formula contains aloe vera, coconut oil, and vitamin E, which nourishes your strands, imparts softness, while the non-drip creme makes it easy to apply at home with no mess or fuss. Plus, it’s free of ammonia and parabens, so you can feel good about using this product on your hair! This product suits every skin tone. It also left reviewers on Amazon seriously impressed owing to its ability to render healthy-looking and glossy tresses.
Pros
- Leaves your hair soft and silky
- Fade-resistant
- Non-drip formula
- Long-lasting results
Cons
- None
"This semi-permanent color is long-lasting and does not damage the hair like permanent dyes. It is easy to use and covers all the strands equally. It also holds well for several washes. It leaves my hair feeling soft and stays intact for a solid few weeks."
Remember
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 2,743 rave reviews on Amazon.
| ‘N Rage long Live Demi-Permanent Hair Color – Twisted Teal Best For Glossy Look | Raw Demi Permanent Hair Color Best Non-Damaging | Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye Best Nourishing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Teal | Super Green | 4 Dark Brown |
| Hair Type | Normal | Dry | - |
| Dimensions | 1.97 x 2.25 x 6.69 inches | - | 2.4 x 3.6 x 6.3 inches |
| Weight | 5.93 Ounces. | - | 6.88 Ounces. |
| Number of Items | - | 1 | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,974 | 49 | 2,743 |
| Price | $13.0 | $15 | $7.57 |
4. Best Maximum Coverage: Wella Color Charm Demi-Permanent Hair Color – 3N-3/O Dark Natural Brown
This demi-permanent hair color is aimed at dark-haired beauties who want to revive their natural hair color. It is an excellent product for creating natural-looking highlights and refreshing faded hair color without any additional lift. Also, it provides an impressive gray coverage of up to 50%. It lasts up to 24 washes and adds depth to your natural hair color. This super-pigmented hair color brushes each strand as it colors. It has conditioning components that soothe damaged hair cuticles during the dyeing process.
Pros
- Has a floral fragrance
- Offers maximum coverage
- A little product goes a long way
- Fades gracefully
- Does not leave any brassy tones
Cons
- Runny consistency
- Hard to work with
Caution5. Best Intense Shine: Ion Color Brilliance Intensive Shine Demi-Permanent Hair Color – Dark Copper Blonde
This European-based color formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, argan oil, pequi oil, and a bunch of premium quality botanicals that strengthen and nourish your hair during the dyeing process. It contains microscopic pigment molecules that allow deep penetration into the cortex of each hair strand for long-lasting color and intense healthy shine. This fade-resistant hair color protects the structure of your hair shaft and delivers high vibrancy blonding that lasts for weeks. It covers gray hair up to 100% without lifting the hair’s natural color. This unique formula combines natural and exotic ingredients with high-tech compounds to achieve vibrant effect and exquisite color. Here’s a video featuring a tester’s experience of using the product.
Pros
- Easy application
- Prevents split ends
- Makes your hair more manageable
- Gives your hair a salon-like smooth finish
Cons
- Availability issues
"I have tried the Ion Dark Copper Blonde on my hair. Initially, it gave me a deep, rich color which was brownier than expected. Soon enough, the color settled into the ginger-red shade I wanted. The color did not fade, even when I washed my hair daily. It does not stain my clothes or cause skin issues."
6. Best Alcohol-Free: Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance Demi-Permanent Hair Color – 3.0 Dark Brown Natural
This demi-permanent hair color is a perfect choice for covering those gray strands. The dermatologist-tested new Igora Vibrance is a moisturizing liquid formula that can turn into a gel or a cream when applied onto your hair. It comes with maximized performance with more versatility in the range of shades. The professional-grade product contains a moisture-protecting complex that offers up to 100% shine. This hydrating hair color includes a combination of sugar molecules and vitamins that help control the circulation of water within the hair during the dyeing process. This way, your hair stays protected and healthy.
Pros
- Free of alcohol
- Provides long-lasting shine
- Easy to apply
- Fades well
Cons
- Availability issues
"This product works well on my hair and does not cause any irritation on my scalp. I keep coming back to it as it is easy to use and colors the hair without damaging it. It also does not stain my hands or clothes."
7. Best Ammonia-Free: Wella Color Touch Multidimensional Demi-Permanent Hair Color- 5/1 Light Brown/Ash
The Wella Color Touch Multidimensional Demi-Permanent Color provides high shine and vibrant color for up to 24 shampoos. It is ammonia-free and ideal for those who like to change their tone more often. This multi-dimensional hair color product is suitable for covering gray hair, toning highlights, creating lowlights, and glazing.
Pros
- Ammonia-free
- Adds shine to the hair
- Lasts up to 24 shampoos
Cons
- None
8. Best Vegan: RAW Deep Purple Demi Permanent Hair Color
The RAW Deep Purple Demi Permanent Hair Color allows you to change your hair color in just a matter of weeks. This washable hair dye gives you a vibrant and vivid color payoff that lasts for up to 16 to 30 washes. In just 15 minutes, you can get an instant hair makeover with this bright shade. Lighter or bleached hair will match the color more accurately when compared to dark hair shades. The dye needs no inhibitors or developers to bring out the vibrancy; you can apply it directly to your hair. The PPD-free formula of this rich tone gives you an intensely vibrant color payoff and a shiny and glossy finish while ensuring your hair stays damage-free. The color fades away tone-by-tone as it descends into lighter hues whilst looking gorgeous as ever. The easy-to-apply hair dye has not undergone animal testing, making it an ideal cruelty-free option. The formula has received positive reviews on Amazon for delivering long-lasting results.
Pros
- Instant results
- Intense color payoff
- Lasts for 16 to 30 washes
- Mild and pleasant scent
- Long-lasting
- PPD-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to apply
- Easy to rinse off
- No-drip formula
- Works on all hair types
- Suitable for all hair textures and natural hair colors
- Available in 6 vibrant colors
Cons
- Thick formula
- Does not cover greys
"This hair dye gives a rich color payoff. It offers good coverage and dries faster on my hair. It does not stain my clothes or transfer to the skin. I like its bubblegum aroma that is not overwhelming. However, the deep purple shade leans more towards a dark, bright blue, especially under sunlight – something to bear in mind for those looking for a true purple."
9. Best Salon Quality Finish: Four Reasons Original Takeaway Color
The Four Reasons Original Takeaway Color is a permanent hair color that gives you salon-quality results at home. With its unique formula, it is designed to provide maximum coverage and intense color that last up to 6 weeks. The gentle hair color with its ammonia-free formula is enriched with natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, honey, and avocado oil, to nourish and condition your hair and scalp. It also contains UV protection to help protect your hair from the sun’s damaging rays. This product is not tested on animals, making it an ideal cruelty-free option. Moreover, it is ready-to-use and comes with a detailed instruction booklet, so you can achieve the desired color results with ease.
Pros
- Ammonia-free
- Perfume-free
- Suitable for all hair types
- Easy to use
- Vegan & cruelty-free
Cons
- Unpleasant odor
"I love this hair dye because it is odorless. It gives a solid gray coverage and remains gentle on my hair. The toning conditioner in the kit helps maintain the color. I fragrance is subtle but it is not overwhelming."
A common alternative to a permanent hair coloring is a demi-permanent hair dye. Demi-permanent hair dyes can be applied to your tresses to increase shine, cover gray hair, and reduce the appearance of your natural hair color. There are various demi-permanent dyes available for purchase but you must consider some important factors before placing your order. Here, we are providing a brief buying guide to choose the best demi-permanent hair colors brands.
How To Select The Best Demi-Permanent Hair Colors Brands
- Ingredients To Opt For
Demi-permanent hair colors often include a developer and an ammonia-free formula that enable them to penetrate beyond the hair’s outer cuticle. You can go for demi-permanent hair colors brands that offer formulations containing verbascum flower extracts and hydrolyzed quinoa, and are highly pigmented. Demi-permanent colors that leave your hair soft and silky are the best to go with.
- Ingredients To Avoid
You must select demi-permanent hair colors that are cruelty-free, and also fade-resistant. You should avoid hair colors that contain harmful chemicals to protect your hair from damage and allergic reactions. Some hair colors are chemically milder than permanent hair dyes because they do not include ammonia. However, because you should perform a patch test to know whether demi-permanent hair shades containing Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) are favorable for your scalp and strands or not. This is especially important if you have a sensitive scalp. It’s best suggested to go for dermatologist-tested or allergy-tested formulas for the same.
- Lasting Power
The durability of a demi-permanent hair color can range from 12 to 24 washes. How well you take care of your freshly colored hair will determine how long it lasts. Your hair looks and feels healthier than ever thanks to the additional conditioning and shine-enhancing benefits they offer. You must choose the super-pigmented hair colors so that they can last up to 24 washes.
- Color Choice
For the greatest results, opt for brands that can offer different shade variations to match with latest hair color trends. Demi-permanent hair dyes work wonderfully even if you want to maintain the same color level as your natural hair color or go a little darker. It is important to note that a demi-permanent color does not provide high coverage, especially for dark hair but is decently adequate.
- Formula
Many brands offer liquid and cream hair dyes along with color-depositing conditioners and hair glosses. Liquid and creamy formula hair dyes are more effective than hair glosses. The ammonia-free formulas can give a fresh look to your dull hair.
Infographic: Demi-Permanent Hair Colors: Maintenance Tips & When To Use
A demi-permanent hair color finds the sweet spot between a glamorous hair color makeover and a no-commitment, no-damage hair color demo. It is the perfect pick for beginners or indecisive hair color enthusiasts. However, it always helps to be aware of the little details while going for this color trend. Check out the infographic below for a few key things to know about demi-permanent hair colors.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
For fashionistas who love experimenting with new hairdos, demi-permanent hair colors can come in handy. Several reviews on e-commerce websites have stated that these hair colors do not damage your tresses as much as permanent or semi-permanent colors. The Raw Demi Permanent Hair Color is suitable for all hair types and easy to apply, while the Clairol Natural Instincts Demi-Permanent Hair Dye provides natural-looking color with soft and silky finish. The Wella Color Charm Demi-Permanent Hair Color – 3N-3/O Dark Natural Brown is ideal for dry and damaged cuticles. Some demi-permanent hair color brands have vegan options, helping you avoid toxic chemicals and animal cruelty. These hair colors also provide your locks with long-lasting color and luminous shine. In addition, they tend to reduce hair breakage and split ends while offering full-fledged gray hair coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will demi-permanent color wash out completely?
Yes, demi-permanent hair color will wash out completely after approximately 24 washes.
Is demi-permanent hair color damaging?
No, demi-permanent hair color is safer compared to the other hair color options. It is suitable for all hair types.
How often can you dye your hair with demi-permanent hair color?
You can dye your hair using demi-permanent hair color every 6-8 weeks.
How long do you leave demi-permanent hair color on?
Ideally, a demi permanent hair color takes 20 minutes to process and impart color.
Do I shampoo after using a demi-permanent hair color?
No, avoid using shampoo for three days after dyeing your hair using a demi-permanent hair color. Wash with plain or lukewarm water instead. Do not use hot water as it can open up the cuticle and cause color fading.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Pooja Karkala, is a hairstyle enthusiast who loves trying out different kinds of hair styling products and brands. She vouches for the best demi-permanent hair colors for people who want to have some fun without any hair damage. She has researched hundreds of products to get her readers the best products. These colors help you experiment with numerous hairstyles without ruining your hair as they do not contain ammonia. Other than covering gray strands, these products can last for up to 24 shampoo washes.
Read full bio of Jill Turnbull
Read full bio of Pooja Karkala
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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