Because they don’t use ammonia or peroxides, semi-permanent hair dyes are a great alternative to permanent hair dyes because they’re much gentler on your hair and scalp.

Semi-permanent hair dyes only add color to the hair; they are not harmful to hair or capable of removing the natural pigments that give your hair its color.

Let’s take a closer look at semi-permanent hair dye — how long it lasts, how it works, if it’s right for you — and some tips to make it last longer (in case you fall in love with the color).

What is Semi-Permanent Hair Dye?

What exactly is semi-permanent hair dye? Is the fading of semi-permanent hair dye complete? How durable are semi-permanent hair colors?

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.

There is no peroxide or ammonia in this type of dye. It coats the hair strands rather than altering or penetrating them to change the color.

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.

You are free to take a few more risks because you are aware that it will eventually wash out completely.

How Do Semi-Permanent Dyes Work?

Semi-permanent hair dyes are made for providing you with short term hair colour. This is ideal for those with a sense of adventure who frequently change the color of their hair. They typically have a conditioner-like consistency and come in a wide variety of vibrant colors. Semi-permanent hair dyes do not penetrate the hair shaft to alter the color of the hair, as do permanent hair dyes. Instead, they coat the surface of the hair shaft. Additionally, because these dyes don’t contain bleach, they can’t change the color of your natural hair, making them non-damaging.

Misconceptions About Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Although semi-permanent hair dye is becoming more and more popular, there are still some widespread misconceptions about it, particularly among younger beauty enthusiasts who frequently change their hair color.

Despite the fact that some of these myths are false, some of them may discourage people from trying it.

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

The opposite is true in every way.

Compared to many other types of dye, semi-permanent dyes are kinder to the hair.

It doesn’t alter the structure of your hair or lift the pigments that give it its natural colors because it only coats the strand, not opening the hair shaft.

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

This is untrue as well. 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

Knowing the difference between semi-permanent dye and other types of hair color dyes is important to keep in mind when choosing 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.

Because it doesn’t contain chemicals like peroxide or bleach, it’s 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.

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

It has ingredients like peroxide and ammonia and must be combined with an activator before use. For lightening hair, it’s frequently combined with bleach.

In order to add synthetic color pigments inside the hair cuticle, permanent dye is applied to the hair after being activated, which opens the hair shaft. Each strand will then be permanently altered in terms of composition and color.

Permanent hair dye cannot be removed with water. When the roots spread, it also does. If you don’t like the color, you can cover it with another permanent dye.

However, this is not advised because using too much dye can harm hair.

Depending on your hair’s condition 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

How does semi-permanent hair dye differ from temporary hair dye now that you are aware of the differences between the two?

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 only as long-lasting as semi-permanent color. Unlike semi-permanent color, which can last up to eight washes, it usually comes out after a few washes.

Temporary color is perfect if you want something quick to match an outfit or a costume. You obtain the color for the evening and can quickly remove it by washing.

How long does it take semi-permanent hair dye to fade? And how long does temporary dye last?

A quick rule of thumb:

1. After two washes, temporary hair dye starts to fade and may even completely wash out.
2. A semi-permanent dye typically lasts between 5 and 8 washes.

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 aware of the distinctions between dyes and have a better understanding of what semi-permanent means.

The most crucial factor is understanding what you want from your hair color. Semi-permanent color is ideal if you want a temporary change for the season or want to experiment.

Your hair won’t be harmed by it, and it’s simple to put on.

Without having to worry too much about potential hair damage or increase your hair care efforts, you can feel confident changing your appearance whenever you want.

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, you can enjoy your new hair color for anywhere between 4 and 6 weeks with this type of dye.

Easier to Remove

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

The simplest way to get rid of semi-permanent dye is to shampoo frequently until the color completely disappears, though there are other techniques you can use.

Less Damaging

This color doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals or change the makeup of the hair. It does not harm hair as much as other hair colors because of this.

More Natural Results

Quality semi-permanent dyes are kind to hair and can even leave your tresses feeling soft and glossy.

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

How to Apply Semi-Permanent Hair Color at Home

Knowing how to correctly apply semi-permanent hair dye at home is the next step after learning about all the advantages and applications of a semi-permanent dye.

Various kinds of semi-permanent hair dyes are available, as was previously mentioned.

The directions for dye application may change depending on the type you purchased. To apply dye properly, always follow the instructions on the package.

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

Applying with a tint brush will prevent color from getting on your hands and scalp. As a result, you can be sure the color gets applied directly to the hair.

3. Wash hands with soap and water before and after

Before and after applying the hair dye, make sure to wash your hands. 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.

If you cut it any shorter, the color could fade more quickly. On the other hand, avoid leaving it on for too long. If you leave it on too long, it may stain your natural hair.

5. Rinse and style as usual

After the color has dried, wash it out with shampoo and conditioner that is safe for colored hair and style it as usual.

How Long Does Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Last?

It can last from 4 to 6 weeks with 5 to 10 washes when done correctly. When considering color durability, you should also take into account the product you use and the porosity of your hair naturally.

Highly porous hair will lose color more quickly because it can’t hold it as well. Similar to this, a lesser-quality product might not keep the color for very long.

Ultimately, this color is intended to be transient. The nature of this hair color means that after several washes, the dye will be completely removed.

You might want to extend its duration based on how much you like the color. You can take steps to help ensure the durability of your color.

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

To extend the lifespan of your semi-permanent hair dye, follow these simple instructions. Make sure you adhere to these hair-care routine suggestions.

Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Often

Daily hair washing can remove the dye from your hair and hasten its fading. 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, use a color-safe shampoo and conditioner when washing your hair.

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

You can also use a silicone- or alcohol-based conditioner. These components aid in moisturizing your hair without robbing it of its recent color.

Protect Your Hair from Heat

Color-treated hair can suffer from the heat from styling tools and hot water. Aside from stripping the hair of its natural oils, hot water can also dry out the scalp.

Additionally, too much heat can cause the cuticle to lift, which is bad for the color of the hair.

The strands can become brittle and more prone to breaking if you blow dry or flat iron your hair.

The color will fade more quickly if there is too much heat damage. Use cool or lukewarm water to wash your hair to prolong the life of its color.

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. When outdoors, you can keep your hair covered with a scarf or hat.

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

Avoid Chlorine

When using hair color, it’s also a good idea to stay away from chlorine, such as that found in swimming pools. This holds true for all forms of hair dye, not just semi-permanent ones.

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

Therefore, avoid swimming in the pool right after coloring your hair.

There are some guidelines to protect your new color if you must swim.

1. Apply a pre-swim conditioner to minimize chlorine exposure.
2. Before swimming, rinse your hair 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 approximately 5 to 10 washes.

Two methods are particularly effective:

Removing the Color With Shampoo

It takes some time and effort to use this straightforward but time-consuming method. Shampoo, a cleaning sponge, and a bowl of warm water are all you need.

1. Shampoo and warm water should be combined.
2. Apply the shampoo to your hair and create a lather with the scrubber sponge.
3. until the color is completely gone, keep going through the process.
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. For this method to work, you’ll need clarifying shampoo, conditioner, and baking soda.

1. Get your hair wet by rinsing it first.
2. For about 15 minutes, apply conditioner and let it sit.
3. Don’t rinse the conditioner out before applying shampoo to your hair.
4. Then, rinse both the shampoo and conditioner out simultaneously.
5. Apply baking soda to your colored hair and leave it in for at least a minute.
6. Cold water should be used to rinse.

Conclusion

When deciding which dye to use, you can make an informed choice if you are aware of the benefits and drawbacks of semi-permanent color.

Semi-Permanent Hair Color only coats the hair shaft’s surface rather than penetrating the shaft and changing the hair’s composition.

Furthermore, it doesn’t bleach hair and doesn’t contain any hazardous chemicals. It is therefore risk-free and non-destructive.

FAQs