Temporary, semi-Permanent & Permanent Hair Color. Which one is best?

The world of hair color is full of technical terms and different types of dye. It can be difficult to work out what’s available and right for you. In this article, learn about the differences between temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent hair dyes so you can choose the best option for your hair care needs.
In this article
  1. Temporary Hair Dye – Hair Makeup
  2. Semi-Permanent Hair Dye – Natural Results That Gradually Fade
  3. Permanent Hair Dye – Vibrant, Lasting Color in Any Shade
  4. Find your hair color shade
  5. Get your hair color diagnosis
  6. Final thoughts: Which hair color should you choose?
  7. FAQ

Temporary Hair Dye – Hair Makeup

Temporary color often gets mixed up and mistaken with semi-permanent hair dye. Temporary hair color coats the outside of the hair shaft. It doesn’t last very long and usually rinses out after one shampoo wash. Think of temporary hair dye like hair makeup that comes in many forms, from sprays to tubes and hair toner. Some root concealers also use temporary hair dye to cover grey roots.

Reasons to choose temporary hair dye

  • Great for special occasions or trying out new colors.
  • Gentle leave in formula with no bleach or hair damage.
  • Grey root coverage to space out colorings.

    • Reasons you may want to give it a miss

  • Color only lasts one wash.
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    Semi-Permanent Hair Dye – Natural Results That Gradually Fade

    Semi-permanent hair color lasts longer than temporary hair dye, usually 6 to 8 weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair. They provide more color options than temporary wash-out dyes as they penetrate the outermost layers of the hair shaft. This results in a more natural look, with greater shine and radiance, without committing to a long-lasting color treatment. Semi-permanent hair dyes don’t contain bleach, which is good for your hair, but means you can’t go lighter than your natural color.

    L’Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss is designed with this in mind: a semi-permanent, ammonia-free hair color enriched with a 10% gloss-boosting glycolic complex that leaves hair up to 3 times shinier, up to 4 times silkier, and visibly healthier, with long-lasting shine that lasts up to 32 washes.

    Reasons to choose semi-permanent hair dye

  • More natural color than wash-out dyes.
  • Last longer than temporary dye without fully committing to a color.
  • No bleach or harsh chemicals like ammonia.

    • Reasons you may want to give it a miss

  • Color fades after 6-8 weeks – regular re-application can dry out your hair.
  • Won’t fully cover all grey.
  • Can’t go lighter than your natural color.
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    Permanent Hair Dye – Vibrant, Lasting Color in Any Shade

    Permanent hair dyes are specially formulated to give long-lasting hair color. When mixed with a developer, the dye opens the cuticles on the surface of the hair shaft to deliver the dye deep inside. They don’t wash out over time. But you’ll need to re-color your roots or give your hair a touch up as the color fades or grows out. Some hair dyes contain anti-brassiness purple technology to help maintain the color over time. Others contain a protective cool coloring cream enriched with pro-keratin to protect the hair as it colors.

    Reasons to choose permanent hair dye

  • Long-lasting color.
  • A multitude of shades regardless of your hair color.
  • Full grey coverage.

    • Reasons you may want to give it a miss

  • Stronger chemical including an oxidizer and sometimes ammonia.
  • Regular upkeep to cover roots and boost color.
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    Find your hair color shade

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    Not sure where to start? Use Virtual Hair Color Try-On to experiment with the latest hair colors and makeup trends. Wear multiple products at once to see the effect on your face and hair.

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    Get your hair color diagnosis

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    Final thoughts: Which hair color should you choose?

    Temporary hair color is ideal for quick trials and touch-ups. Semi-permanent hair color is a better choice if you're looking for shine, a more natural finish, and a less committed option. And permanent hair color remains the best choice for a long-lasting transformation or full coverage of gray hair.

    FAQ

    What’s the difference between temporary hair dye and semi-permanent hair dye?
    Temporary hair color stays mostly on the surface of the hair and usually washes out after one shampoo, while semi-permanent hair color penetrates the hair shaft a little deeper and lasts for several weeks.
    Which hair dye should I choose if I just want to try a new shade?
    If you just want to try out a color without committing, temporary hair color is often the simplest option.
    Can semi-permanent hair dye lighten hair?
    No, or very little, depending on the formula. Semi-permanent coloration does not contain bleach and therefore does not allow you to choose a color lighter than your natural color.
    Is Casting Crème Gloss a good semi-permanent hair dye?
    Yes, Casting Crème Gloss is a good option if you’re looking for an ammonia-free semi-permanent color that adds shine, revives color, and helps achieve a natural tone-on-tone finish. It is particularly suitable for those who want a more flexible color than a permanent dye, with hair up to 3 times shinier, up to 4 times silkier, and lasting up to 32 shampoos.
    When is it better to choose permanent hair dye?
    Permanent hair dye is better suited if you’re looking for long-lasting results, a wide range of shades, or full gray coverage.
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