Semi-Permanent Hair Color: Benefits And How Long It Lasts

Try dying your hair if you want to give your look a complete makeover. Semi-permanent hair color is the ideal solution if you are unsure which color to choose or don’t want to commit to it for a long time.

Semi-permanent dye eventually fades with repeated washings. So, you can wash the color out of your hair if you have an odd case of hair color gone wrong. But it still lasts several weeks. Those just diving into the world of hair dyes will find this a dream come true. This temporary hair color is a safe and fun way to browse the different shades until you find your favorite one.

Additionally, applying semi-permanent hair dye takes less time, effort, and money than permanent hair dye. Take a look at the basics of this popular hair coloring technique. Scroll down.

What Is Semi-Permanent Hair Color?

Out of different types of hair dyes, semi-permanent hair color is perfect for anyone who wants a short-term makeover for their hair. It hits the sweet spot between flash/instant coloring and permanent coloring.

Let us see how this type of hair color differs from its traditional counterpart:

• It coats the hair shafts instead of penetrating into the hair cortex.
• It is gentler and less damaging for the hair as it does not contain ammonia or hydrogen peroxide.
• It lasts for a shorter time (usually about 8 washes).
• It can be applied directly to the hair without any developer.

We have looked at what semi-permanent hair color entails. Now, let us move on to understand how safe this hair treatment is in terms of application.

Is Semi-Permanent Hair Color Safe?

When it comes to semi-permanent hair dye, it is safer and less damaging than permanent hair color. This hair color’s formula does not contain any bleach or ammonia. So even if your hair has been chemically treated previously, going for a semi-permanent hair dye is a safer bet than opting for permanent hair dyes. How long does semi-permanent hair dye last? Check out the next section to know more.

Charlotte, a beauty blogger, shares her semi-permanent hair dye experience that required multiple sessions until she achieved the color she desired. “My hair surprisingly still feels pretty much the same as it did before the 5 dyeing process. It’s possibly the slightest bit more dry but really not that much. There was no breakage, no hair fell out, it’s honestly fine (i),” she claims. She also points out that though semi-permanent dyes are comparatively less damaging, they still have chemicals in them and hence, one must treat their hair by exercising their own discretion.

How Long Does Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Last?

Typically, it has been seen that semi-permanent hair color lasts for about 8 washes. In fact, it has been seen that users end up enjoying the best version of the temporary dye within the first 2 weeks of application.

Note that the duration of the color also depends on your hair porosity. The higher the porosity of your hair, the quicker the color will fade away. It is also worth mentioning that the hair products you use, like shampoo and conditioner, should be safe for color-treated hair to prevent the color from washing off too quickly.

Quick Tip

Avoid applying harsh chemicals to your color-treated hair and shampooing it frequently to prevent the color from fading away soon.

Now, let’s explore the difference between semi- and demi-permanent hair color in the following section.

What Is The Difference Between Semi- And Demi-Permanent Hair Color?

Semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair colors differ mainly in their longevity and penetration into the hair shaft. Semi-permanent dyes do not contain ammonia or developer and merely coat the hair’s outer layer. They last through a few shampoos and gradually fade, making them ideal for temporary color changes or enhancing natural tone of your hair. In contrast, demi-permanent hair colors contain a low-volume developer, allowing them to penetrate the hair shaft slightly. They last longer, typically through 20-24 shampoos, and can provide more noticeable color changes. While both options are less damaging than permanent dyes, demi-permanent colors offer a bit more durability and color variation.

In the next section, we will learn more about the different types of hair dyes available at your disposal and how they differ from each other.

Semi-Permanent Hair Color And Other Types Of Dyes: A Comparison

Now that you have looked at how semi-permanent hair dye stacks up against other types of dyes, let us understand who should use it and when.

Why And When Should You Choose A Semi-Permanent Hair Color?

You should choose a semi-permanent hair dye when you wish to:

• Experiment with a new color.
• Try a new look for a special event without the long commitment of permanent hair dyes.
• Enhance your DIY hair coloring skills instead of directly using permanent hair dye. You can also look up some hair coloring tips and tricks to try that may help you out in the long run.
• Add gloss and shine to your dull, lifeless hair.
• Opt for a less permanent, healthier, and safer hair color option.

The good news with semi-permanent hair color is that it does not require any kind of dye mixing.

Moreover, since it is ammonia-free, it is less damaging to your hair. The semi-permanent hair dye is the right choice for anyone who wishes to keep changing or experimenting with their style and fashion. It is a boon to the beauty and cosmetic industry.

Please consult a hair professional to figure out your hair type and see if your hair is healthy enough to take on semi-permanent hair color. Upon your stylist’s recommendation, you can choose to apply semi-permanent hair dye at home, given how easy it is to use.

Now, let us see how you can safely apply and remove semi-permanent hair dye at home.

The ABC Of Using Semi-Permanent Hair Color

A. How To Apply Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Applying semi-permanent hair color at home involves a four-step process:

Step 1: Run Through The Equipment Checklist

Before you buy hair color, check if the kit has everything you need, such as:

• A tube of color
• Gloves
• An instruction manual
• A brush

As a precautionary move, make sure to do a patch test 48 hours prior to each use. This will help you figure out if you are allergic to that dye.

Step 2: Get Your Hair Ready For The Color Application

Next, you need to prep your hair by shampooing and conditioning it. Make sure to dry your hair completely before you apply the hair dye. You can either wait for your hair to air-dry your hair or use a blow dryer.

Step 3: Apply The Hair Dye

• Once your hair is ready to color, go through the instruction manual to understand how you should apply it.
• Put on your gloves.
• Divide your hair into 3-4-inch sections, using sectioning clips to hold them in place.
• Start applying the semi-permanent hair color section-wise, from root to tip.
• Leave the color on for the duration mentioned in the instructions. Typically, you need to leave the dye on your hair strands for about 15-30 minutes.
• Wash off the dye with a color-safe shampoo.

Step 4: Post-Color Hair Maintenance

Granted that the color will gradually fade away by the eighth wash, but you can still prolong the hair color by taking good care of your hair. So make sure to follow a dedicated hair care routine as outlined below:

• Go For A Color-Safe Shampoo And Conditioner

It is important to opt for a color-safe shampoo and conditioner to keep your locks looking healthy and shiny. You can also use a deep conditioner or a hair mask 1-2 times a week to deeply nourish and moisturize your hair.

Finally, use a color-protecting primer after washing your hair. It will ensure that your hair color does not fade away due to any kind of heat styling or excessive sun exposure.

• Use Lukewarm Water Instead Of Hot Water

Hot water is not good for your hair and skin. For starters, it can dry out the scalp and rid your hair of its natural oils. Heat makes the cuticle lift, and that is bad for the color. Eventually, you will notice your strands drying out and the color fading wash by wash. Therefore, it is recommended to wash your hair with lukewarm or cold water for the best results.

• Let Your Hair Air-Dry

It is common knowledge that blow-drying your hair too often can make it dry and brittle. Hence, it is always better to let your hair air-dry naturally. It will help retain your hair’s natural texture while ensuring that your hair color lasts longer.

• Limit Sun And Chlorine Exposure

In addition to following the above-mentioned tips, remember to limit your hair’s exposure to the sun. To do so, you can wear a hat or a headscarf when you step out. It is also recommended that you avoid swimming pools as chlorine can cause discoloration and add a green tinge to your hair.

Quick Tip

The cuticle layer may take approximately 72 hours to absorb the hair dye completely, Therefore, avoid washing before that to retain the color well.

B. How To Remove Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Removing semi-permanent hair dye is a simple, but not an instant, process. All you need to do is wash your hair frequently as the color fades away naturally. Alternatively, you can try using a semi-permanent hair color remover. However, remember that the dye may not fade completely, and your hair may not return to its original color.

Now, let’s talk about how semi-permanent hair color affects your hair.

Effects Of Semi-Permanent Hair Colors

Semi-permanent hair color can affect your hair in the following ways:

• Semi-permanent hair dye can cause moisture loss from your hair and make it dry. However, it is less damaging than permanent hair dye.
• This color will not open your cuticles, thereby causing little to no damage to your hair.
• It is easier to use and can provide more natural color to your hair.

Infographic: How To Remove Semi-Permanent Hair Color At Home

Anyone who wants a temporary makeover chooses semi-permanent hair dyes. They are gentle on your hair, do not cause hair damage, and can be applied easily at home. They are also easy to remove if you do not want to wait for them to fade on their own. Daily hair care products like shampoo and conditioner can help you get rid of the color.

Check out the infographic below to learn how to remove semi-permanent hair color at home.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use semi-permanent hair dye on grey hair?

Yes, you may use semi-permanent hair dye on grey hair. However, the semi-permanent hair dye will only blend the greys and stain them instead of completely changing grey into another color.

Do salons use semi-permanent hair color?

Salons mostly use permanent and demi-permanent hair dyes. However, many salons do use semi-permanent colors in different strengths of added hydrogen peroxide which determines the longevity and brilliance of the dyes.

Can you put semi-permanent dye over bleached hair?

Yes, you can put the semi-permanent dye on bleached hair. However, it is recommended to at least wait for 2 days after bleaching before putting on the dye.

Illustration: Semi-Permanent Hair Color: Benefits And How Long It Lasts

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Watch the video below to discover the difference between permanent, demi, and semi-permanent hair colors. Learn how they cover gray hair and which one is ideal for your needs.

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Madison DufourBarber & Cosmetologist

     

Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. After working behind the chair for several years, she felt the calling to start the non-profit Barber in a Bag that teaches basic hair cutting skills in street and slum communities in South America.

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Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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