Semi-Permanent Hair – The Essentials
Unlike temporary hair color that coats the hair shaft, semi-permanent hair dye uses lightweight compounds that penetrate the outer layers of the cuticle. As the dye stays near the surface of the strand, it usually fades within 12 washes – although darker colors like blue and black may last longer. The final color depends on your natural shade and hair porosity, resulting in a natural, shimmering look. Although you can still go for wild color if you want to make a statement – like hot neon pink.
Semi-permanent hair dye is ideal for trying a new color without committing. As there’s no ammonia or hydrogen peroxide, it won’t open the hair shaft and is gentle on your hair – but this also means your hair can’t go lighter.
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Demi-Permanent – A Longer-Lasting Compromise
Demi-permanent hair dye is half-way between semi-permanent and permanent hair dye. It doesn’t contain any ammonia, but the developer has a small amount of hydrogen peroxide. The ammonia is replaced by sodium carbonate or ethanolamine. These coloring agents remove less melanin, so you can’t take your hair as light. However, they do penetrate the outer cuticle, meaning the dye lasts longer – usually 20 to 28 washes.
Making Your Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Last Longer
Wait at least 72 hours before shampooing
It can take a while for the cuticle layer to close and trap the hair dye. If you can wait 3 days, you’ll notice that your color last significantly longer.Don’t wash your hair every day
You lose color every time you wash your hair. Try using dry shampoo to soak up oil between washes. When you do wash it, use a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair as they are gentler on colored hair. In general, it’s best to avoid silicone-based products that can leave color-treated hair looking dull.![Hair Color Semi Permanent Hair Dye Visuel2](/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/ca/articles/2023-04---hair-color-new-articles/semi-permanent-hair-color--how-long-does-it-last/hair-color-semi-permanent-hair-dye-visuel2.jpg?w=260&rev=559d855a4e7a44cabaeb945ac6768361&hash=5E933DADC695D9C8297BACB8D6A69B33A233F4AD 260w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/ca/articles/2023-04---hair-color-new-articles/semi-permanent-hair-color--how-long-does-it-last/hair-color-semi-permanent-hair-dye-visuel2.jpg?w=320&rev=559d855a4e7a44cabaeb945ac6768361&hash=71364A0344E13838643E779D1E6E6DF90F859DFC 320w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/ca/articles/2023-04---hair-color-new-articles/semi-permanent-hair-color--how-long-does-it-last/hair-color-semi-permanent-hair-dye-visuel2.jpg?w=660&rev=559d855a4e7a44cabaeb945ac6768361&hash=7A07CE0ECD69ECC7B36EF71CF41194391B2E0ED9 660w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/ca/articles/2023-04---hair-color-new-articles/semi-permanent-hair-color--how-long-does-it-last/hair-color-semi-permanent-hair-dye-visuel2.jpg?w=700&rev=559d855a4e7a44cabaeb945ac6768361&hash=1B444C0E7F4604A5E6FB80535DBEFB60D704D346 700w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/ca/articles/2023-04---hair-color-new-articles/semi-permanent-hair-color--how-long-does-it-last/hair-color-semi-permanent-hair-dye-visuel2.jpg?w=810&rev=559d855a4e7a44cabaeb945ac6768361&hash=71D120DD90D7486C5AA7EBB5CADAEA672B3DD153 810w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/ca/articles/2023-04---hair-color-new-articles/semi-permanent-hair-color--how-long-does-it-last/hair-color-semi-permanent-hair-dye-visuel2.jpg?w=910&rev=559d855a4e7a44cabaeb945ac6768361&hash=4590B8A70D991A16F0236AB9D9DDBA9A0A30EDFB 910w,/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/oap/americas/ca/articles/2023-04---hair-color-new-articles/semi-permanent-hair-color--how-long-does-it-last/hair-color-semi-permanent-hair-dye-visuel2.jpg?w=1170&rev=559d855a4e7a44cabaeb945ac6768361&hash=FB68A576697CB7D9590BF353DAE7A61C88B04BA9 1170w)