Choosing semi-permanent hair dye over permanent hair dye has a number of benefits.

Although you may notice a gradual fading before that, semi-permanent hair dye typically lasts about six weeks.

There are several different shades available if the color doesn’t suit you. Semi-permanent hair dye is one of the best color trends for self-expression. Try semi-perm hair dyes if you’re hesitant to use chemical hair dyes. You will be able to test out the appearance briefly. What is semi-permanent hair color, then?

What is Semi-Permanent Hair Dye?

What precisely is semi-permanent hair coloring? Does semi-permanent hair dye completely fade? How long do semi-permanent hair dyes last?

As the name suggests, semi-permanent dye, also referred to as gloss, is a non-permanent hair color that gives you the option to wash out the color while enhancing your hair.

Peroxide and ammonia are absent from this type of dye. Instead of modifying or penetrating the hair strands to change their color, it coats them.

Thus, even though the dye is kinder to your hair, it doesn’t color it as boldly or completely, and it is ineffective at lightening your hair or hiding gray hair.

This kind of dye is useful if you only want to temporarily experiment with a color or are concerned about how a particular new color might turn out.

It allows you to be a little more daring because you know it will eventually wash out completely.

How Long Does Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Last?

Correct application can extend the longevity of color by up to six weeks. Other factors to take into account when debating color longevity are the product you use and the porosity of your hair naturally.

Highly porous hair won’t hold color very well, so it will fade faster. A less expensive product might also not be able to maintain the color for very long.

This color is ultimately intended to only be worn for a brief period of time. The nature of this hair color means that after several washes, the dye will be completely removed.

You might want to extend the color’s lifespan if you like it. You can take steps to ensure the durability of your color.

Misconceptions About Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

There are still some common misconceptions about semi-permanent hair dye, despite the fact that it is becoming more popular, particularly among younger beauty enthusiasts who frequently change their hair color.

Even though some of these myths are untrue, they may discourage people from trying it.

Misconception #1: Semi-permanent Dye Will Damage Your Hair.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

A lot fewer other types of dye are harsher on the hair than semi-permanent dyes.

Because it only coats the strand and doesn’t open the hair shaft, it doesn’t alter the makeup of your hair or lift the pigments that give it its natural color.

Misconception #2: Semi-permanent Dye is Harder to Use Than Regular Dye.

Additionally untrue is this. The majority of semi-permanent colors are simple to use and are doable at home. In fact, semi-permanent dyes come in these easy-to-use types:

• Rinses
• Mousses
• Sprays
• Gels and creams

When choosing how to color your hair, it’s critical to know what is true and what is false about this hair color option.

Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Vs. Permanent Hair Dye

Understanding the distinction between semi-permanent dye and other types of hair color dyes is crucial when deciding on your hair color treatment.

As previously mentioned, semi-permanent hair dye will only refresh or tone your hair by coating the strands in a non-permanent color.

Due to the absence of chemicals like peroxide or bleach, it is also kinder to your hair.

On the other hand, permanent hair dye is what you use when you want to change your hair color permanently. When the hair grows out or if you color it again, permanent dye will finally disappear. It lasts longer.

Permanent hair dye, as opposed to semi-permanent color, alters both the color and structure of your hair.

It contains chemical substances like peroxide and ammonia and must be combined with an activator before use. Along with bleach, it’s frequently used to lighten hair.

Once activated, permanent dye is applied to the hair, which allows the hair cuticle to be opened and artificial color pigments to be added. Each strand’s makeup and color will be altered permanently as a result.

Permanent hair dye cannot be removed with water. When the roots spread out, it also expands. Or it can be covered by another permanent dye if you don’t like the color.

But since too much dye can harm the hair, this is not advised.

Depending on the condition of your hair and how quickly it grows, a permanent dye can be reapplied every four to eight weeks. You can also opt for safe permanent dye options to prevent hair damage.

Semi-Permanent Vs Temporary Hair Dye

The next question is how semi-permanent dye differs from permanent dye in comparison to temporary hair dye.

Temporary hair dye works relatively the same as its semi-permanent counterpart in that it coats the strands of the hair to color them and doesn’t alter the hair’s composition.

However, temporary dye is even less durable than semi-permanent color. In contrast to semi-permanent color, which can last up to eight washes, it typically comes out after a few washes.

Temporary color is perfect if you want something quick to match an outfit or a costume. You get the color you want for the evening, and you can quickly remove it with water.

How long does semi-permanent hair dye last before fading? And how long does temporary dye last?

A quick rule of thumb:

1. After two washes, temporary hair dye starts to fade and may completely wash out.
2. About 5 to 8 washes are needed to remove semi-permanent dye.

Why You Should Be Using Semi-Permanent Hair Color

You might be wondering why you should use semi-permanent hair dye now that you are more familiar with the differences between dyes and what semi-permanent actually means.

Understanding your expectations for your hair color is the most crucial factor. Semi-permanent color is perfect if you’re looking for a temporary change of pace for the season or want to experiment.

It is simple to put on and doesn’t harm your hair.

You can change your appearance whenever you want without having to worry too much about potential hair damage or intensify your hair care regimen.

In order to find a shade of hair that you adore, you can keep changing it!

Benefits of Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

If you’ve decided that you want to try semi-permanent color, you can also enjoy the following benefits:

Long Lasting But Not Permanent Color

Depending on how frequently you wash your hair and the products you use, this type of dye allows you to enjoy your new hair color for anywhere between 4 and 6 weeks.

Easier to Remove

It’s also simpler to remove because it isn’t a permanent hair color and doesn’t penetrate your hair strands.

Semi-permanent dye can be removed in a number of ways, but the simplest is to shampoo frequently until the color is completely gone.

Less Damaging

This color doesn’t contain harsh chemicals or change the makeup of the hair. Because of this, it doesn’t harm hair as severely as other hair colors.

More Natural Results

High-quality semi-permanent dyes can even leave your hair feeling soft and shiny while being kind to the hair.

They frequently look more natural—like natural highlights—because they aren’t always as vibrant as other types of color.

How to Apply Semi-Permanent Hair Color at Home

The next step is learning how to correctly apply semi-permanent hair dye at home now that you are aware of all the advantages and applications of a semi-permanent dye.

There are various kinds of semi-permanent hair dyes, as was already mentioned.

The instructions for applying the dye may change depending on the type you purchased. For accurate dye application, always refer to the package instructions.

For a rough overview, this is how the dyeing process usually goes if you bought the usual semi-permanent box dye:

1. Apply to dry, clean hair

Hair that hasn’t been washed in a few days should also be avoided because the natural oils will make it more difficult for the dye to adhere. You don’t want freshly shampooed hair, but you also don’t want hair that hasn’t been washed recently.

2. Use a tint brush to apply the product

Using a tint brush to apply will keep the color off your hands and your scalp. This will guarantee that the color is applied directly to the hair.

3. Wash hands with soap and water before and after

Wash your hands both before and after using the hair dye. To keep your hands clean while you work and to stop stray dye from staining your skin, wash your hands both before and after.

4. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes (or a little longer if you want)

For the best results and to give the dye time to set properly, make sure to leave it in for at least 30 minutes.

Any shorter, and you risk the color fading faster. On the flip side, don’t leave it on too long too. If you leave it on for too long, your natural hair may become discolored.

5. Rinse and style as usual

Once the color has dried, wash it out with a shampoo and conditioner that is color-safe, then style it as usual.

How Can You Make a Semi-Permanent Hair Color Last Longer?

Here are a few simple steps you can take to make your semi-permanent hair dye last longer. Make sure you adhere to these hair-care routine recommendations.

Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Often

Washing your hair daily can strip the dye away and cause it to fade faster. Try alternating between shampooing every other day and using dry shampoo on the other days to minimize damage.

Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner

To keep your tresses healthy and maintain color, choose a shampoo and conditioner that are color-safe.

Use a shampoo without sulfates, which is kinder to color-treated hair, at the very least.

Additionally, you can use a silicone- or alcohol-based conditioner. Without removing its fresh color, these ingredients help moisturize your hair.

Protect Your Hair from Heat

Hot water and styling tool heat can damage color-treated hair. Hot water can also strip hair of its natural oils and dry out the scalp.

The cuticle may lift as a result of excessive heat, which is bad for colored hair.

The strands may become brittle after blow-drying or flat-ironing your hair, making them more prone to breaking.

The color will fade more quickly if there is too much heat damage. To keep it vibrant longer, use lukewarm or cool water to wash your hair.

And whenever possible, dry it by air instead of using heat-styling tools.

Limit Sun Exposure

In addition, try to limit your hair’s sun exposure. You can keep your hair covered with a scarf or hat when outside.

Too much sun exposure damages your hair and can fade your hair color faster.

Avoid Chlorine

Avoiding chlorine, like the chlorine found in a pool, is also a good idea when using hair color. This is applicable to all kinds of hair dye, not just semi-permanent.

Chlorine can change the color of your hair and give it a slight green tint.

Therefore, avoid going swimming right after coloring your hair.

There are ways to preserve your new color if you must swim.

1. Apply a pre-swim conditioner to minimize chlorine exposure.
2. Rinse your hair before going swimming to saturate it with water and lessen chlorine absorption.
3. When swimming, cover your hair with a swim cap to provide an additional layer of protection.
4. Shampoo after getting out of the pool to quickly remove the chlorine from your hair.
5. To prevent any damage from chlorine exposure, use a clarifying conditioner after swimming.

How Do You Remove Semi-Permanent Hair Color?

If you decide you don’t particularly like your new hair color or want to remove it, there are methods you can use at home. Your new hair color should fade completely after roughly 5 to 10 washes.

Two methods are particularly effective:

Removing the Color With Shampoo

This method is simple but time-consuming and requires a bit of elbow grease. All you’ll need is shampoo, a scrubbing sponge, and a bowl of warm water.

1. Warm water and shampoo should be combined.
2. Apply the shampoo to your hair and create a lather with the scrubbing sponge.
3. Repeat the procedure until the color is completely gone.
4. When the color is gone, rinse the hair with cold water.
5. To keep hair soft, use a conditioner or a conditioning mask.

Removing the Color With Baking Soda

Another method to remove the color is by using baking soda. This technique requires baking soda, clarifying shampoo, and conditioner.

1. Rinse your hair first and get it wet.
2. After applying conditioner, let it sit for approximately 15 minutes.
3. Without rinsing the conditioner out, apply shampoo to your hair.
4. The shampoo and conditioner should then be removed together in the sink.
5. Your colored hair should be covered in baking soda, and you should leave it in for at least a minute.
6. Use cold water to rinse.

Semi-Permanent Dye — Final Thoughts

You can choose the dye you want to use with more confidence if you are aware of the advantages and disadvantages of semi-permanent color.

If you’re looking for a fun way to add a new color or beautiful highlights to your hair, consider using a semi-permanent color. It’s a great option because it lasts longer than typical temporary hair colors, but not as long as dyes that are permanent.

This essentially means that you can enjoy the novelty of a gorgeous new hair color without having to worry about it fading too quickly or being stuck with it for an extended period of time if you don’t like the way it looks.

So if you like to experiment frequently, semi-permanent dye is a great option! It’s fun to switch up your appearance with the variety of colors available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Semi-Permanent Color