Semi-Permanent Hair Color: How Long Does It Last?
If you'd like to try a new shade or want to be gentler on your hair, semi-permanent hair color is definitely worth considering. Discover tips for making your color and shine last longer.
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.
L'Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss semi-permanent hair color is an ammonia-free formula enriched with a 10% gloss-enhancing glycolic complex, helping to leave hair up to 3 times shinier, up to 4 times silkier, and visibly healthier. 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.
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
1
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.2
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.
3
Rinse your hair with cooler water
Super-hot water can damage the outer cuticle and make your hair more porous. Fresh hair color easily escapes through the wide-open pores.4
Avoid heat styling
Heat styling also opens the cuticle of the hair, allowing color to fade. If you do heat style your hair, make sure you prep with a heat protectant product.5
Minimize exposure to sunlight
Excessive sun exposure, including UVA and UVB rays, can damage your hair’s proteins and pigment, leading to dryness and discoloration. Opt to stay in the shade as much as possible and wear big-brimmed hats or lightweight bandanas for sport.Get your hair color diagnosis
Final thoughts: How long do semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair dye last?
Semi‐permanent and demi-permanent hair dyes don't last the same amount of time, but they have one thing in common: both allow you to color your hair with more flexibility than permanent dye.
In both cases, how long the color lasts also depends a lot on your habits. Waiting before the first shampoo, spacing out washes, avoiding water that's too hot, and protecting your hair from heat and the sun can really make a difference in how long the color and shine last.
FAQ
How long does semi-permanent hair dye last?
Semi-permanent hair dye usually fades after about 12 washes. However, some darker shades may last a little longer.
How long does demi-permanent hair dye last?
Demi-permanent hair dye typically lasts for 20 to 28 washes. It therefore lasts longer than semi-permanent dye.
What is the difference between semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair dye?
Semi-permanent dye stays closer to the hair's surface and doesn't last as long, while demi-permanent dye penetrates deeper into the cuticle and lasts longer.
Can semi-permanent hair dye lighten hair?
No. Since it contains neither ammonia nor hydrogen peroxide, it doesn't open the hair cuticle enough to lighten the natural color.
How can I make semi-permanent hair dye last longer?
To help the color last longer, it’s best to wait 72 hours before washing your hair for the first time, space out your washes, rinse with cold water, limit the use of heat styling tools, and minimize sun exposure.
