Contrary to its name, “permanent” hair dye isn’t really that permanent. But before you go writing to the Better Business Bureau, understand that this isn’t fake advertising, at least, not really.

Before it grows out or fades, permanent hair dye typically lasts for six to eight weeks (more on that below).

For anyone looking to give their hair the ideal makeover, permanent dye is the preferred option. Permanent hair dye can give your hair the lacking “oomph” you’ve been searching for, whether it’s blue or jet-black. However, there are a few things about your preferred hair product that you need to be aware of.

How Do Permanent Dyes Work?

Unlike other dyes, permanent dyes don’t just coat your hair like paint; instead, permanent dye actually seeps into the hair, allowing the dye to change the color of the hair shaft from the inside out. An activator used in permanent dyes achieves this by cracking open the hair cuticle and allowing the pigments to penetrate the hair.

Because they alter or add pigment to the hair rather than simply coating it from the outside, permanent dyes are best for grey hair. Permanent hair dyes last longer, are less likely to flake, and look more natural because the color originates from within the hair.

How Long Does Permanent Hair Dye Last?

Contrary to its name, permanent hair dye isn’t really permanent. So how long does permanent hair color last? Depending on the product and the application procedure, 6 to 8 weeks. However, there is a catch: depending on a variety of other factors, it may be shorter or longer.

You see, when salons or products claim that their permanent dye stays in the hair for about 6 to 8 weeks, they mean that during that time your hair is most heavily saturated with color. There will still be color after that, but it might be flat or faded due to things like heat and sunlight exposure. After the 6 to 8 weeks specified on the box, using a toner with a high ammonia content may also hasten the oxidation of the pigment in the dye, resulting in flat and dull colors.

Bear in mind that hair grows out (duh), and despite the fact that this seems like common knowledge, many people who dye their hair frequently overlook regrowth upkeep. It’s best to touch it up after six weeks if you don’t like the look of roots (how quickly your hair grows also plays a role).

Is There Permanent Dye in Rainbow Colors And/or Shades?

There’s a reason most vivid shades like blue, neon pink, green, and other ‘rainbow’ colors aren’t available in permanent dye form, and it has something to do with how colors work with each other.

Because permanent dye works by seeping into the cuticle, rainbow colors and shades will have to work together with your hair’s natural pigmentation. For rainbow hues and shades to function as intended (i.e. vibrant but permanent), your hair’s cuticles must be devoid of pigment in the first place, otherwise, the dyes will be mixing or competing with your hair’s natural color (blue hair dye on brown hair will just end up looking like, well, a murky mess).

You could, however, remove pigmentation in your hair first by bleaching. However, adding colored dye into already bleached hair can severely damage your hair cuticles and shaft, which in turn, will lessen the efficacy of your hair dye. You could try to mixing the dyes (i.e. adding a neutral color to a non-neutral one), but this will, more often than not, result in a color that is dull and dirty.

Unless there are significant advancements in the chemical mixing of pigments, vibrant, rainbow-colored permanent hair dyes are not currently available and are unlikely to be so in the near future.

Is the Boxed Permanent Hair Dye Different from It in Salons?

They certainly differ greatly from one another. Boxed dyes generally aren’t as strong, nor as long-lasting, as the ones they use in those expensive salons. That’s because salons usually tailor-fit the dyes they’ll be using depending on their customer’s hair type, hair color, dye preferences, and other factors. The majority of salons will have a qualified colorist create a dye that they believe will complement the color, texture, and absorption properties of your hair the best.

Boxed permanent hair dyes, on the other hand, are commercially-formulated, so it won’t be an exact fit for your unique hair structure. Always keep in mind that you get what you pay for, so be prepared to spend money for vibrant, long-lasting permanent hair dye.

How Do I Maintain My Hair’s Color Using Permanent Hair Dye?

To maintain the hair color you want, commitment is essential as it is in everything. However, take care when coloring your hair because it’s a chemical process that, if done incorrectly, can seriously harm your hair. Controlling the type of shampoo you use for your hair is another aspect of maintenance in addition to application.

The majority of stylists will advise using a non-detergent shampoo when washing your dyed hair because there are fewer chemicals acting on the hair, lowering the chance of your synthetic pigments washing out. It’s also best to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible, as these will quicken the oxidization of the ammonia in the dye, which in turn will speed up the degradation of the colors.

It’s also best to avoid subjecting your hair to heat; this includes using curling irons and hair dryers less frequently. Overheating damages your hair’s cuticles, which makes it possible for the pigment in permanent hair dye to flake out and dry out, giving your hair a mottled appearance.

When you start to notice your roots showing, it’s generally best to get a touch-up of your permanent hair dye. However, it won’t hurt to go before you notice some of your natural hair showing through; if at any point your hair isn’t the color or shade you want, schedule a retouch right away.

Choose Your Dye Wisely

Do you never dye your hair? Do you want to boost your shine? Is your hair color feeling dull, but your highlighting appointment is a month away? Semi-permanent might be for you. If all you want is a quick boost of softness and shine, clear hair glosses (i.e., those without added color) are ideal. A dye gloss can also improve your butter blonde or chestnut brown hair.

Do you want to add highlights or lowlights to your hair to change the color? Do you have brown hair and want to become golden blonde? Having a little too much fun with your gray hairs? What you need is permanent hair color. The majority of people agree that the more maintenance-intensive form of this processing makes up for the color’s longer lifespan.

How to Fade Permanent Hair Color Fast

Permanent hair dye penetrates your hair strands and lasts a lifetime, albeit faded. It follows that you must use chemicals or specific treatments if you want to get rid of your permanent dye.

Use the below remedies to fade permanent hair color fast without damaging your hair beyond recognition:

• Wash your hair more often. Try washing your hair two or three times per week instead of just once, as is your usual routine. Use a clarifying shampoo or a dandruff shampoo to lift away as much color as possible. Use hot water to rinse, then step things up a notch. Deep-condition your hair after each wash to restore its moisture balance. After a few washes, you’ll see your hair dye fading. It may not fade completely, though.
• Use baking soda. Baking soda is a gentle yet effective hair dye stripping agent. You can wash your hair as usual after mixing a tablespoon of it with a palm’s worth of shampoo. You can also combine two tablespoons of baking soda with four ounces of water to make a paste, which you can apply to wet hair and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing out.
• Use a permanent hair dye remover. A permanent hair dye remover that has been specially formulated can lift hair dye pigments in just one session. It calls for you to combine a few ingredients, apply the mixture to your hair, let it work, and then rinse it out. Although it is believed that these treatments are gentle on the hair, your hair may become dry as a result. Hence, a deep conditioning session should come after the treatment.

Conclusion

Although the name suggests that permanent hair dye should be permanent, that isn’t exactly the case. Although permanent hair dye may last longer than other types of hair dye, it is by no means permanent.

An estimated 1.5 to 2 months pass before permanent hair dye starts to fade. This widespread belief is the result of the fact that it takes your natural hair six to eight weeks to noticeably lengthen after having it permanently dyed.

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