Numerous products exist that make it easy for you to dye your hair. While you don’t need to book an appointment with your stylist to change your hair color, most people go down this route, as it’s perhaps the best way to permanently change your natural hair color.
But if you’re looking for a less permanent solution and want to do the job at home, semi-permanent hair color is a much better option. It’s easy to buy, affordable, and widely available. The fact that it’s not permanent also means that you can enhance your hair in the short term without worrying about the long term impact.
Join us as we explain everything you need to know about semi-permanent hair color, including how to apply and remove it safely.
What is a semi-permanent hair color?
Semi-permanent hair color is a popular choice among hair stylists as it doesn’t contain any ammonia or peroxide, which are both present in permanent solutions. As a result, the color only lasts for a short period of time, as without these chemicals, it is unable to penetrate the cuticle and does not change the structure of your hair.
One of the most commonly used types of semi-permanent color is hair glaze, which boosts the way your hair looks and can even help it look shiny. Hair gloss is also widely used, and it has a similar impact when regularly applied to your hair.
Because it doesn’t have a long-term impact on the way your hair looks, you shouldn’t consider semi-permanent hair color as a way to change the base color of your hair. Rather, if you want to restore some of your hair’s natural color in the short term or if you want to add a splash of color for an upcoming event, semi-permanent color is a great option.
What is a permanent hair color?
On the other hand, permanent hair color changes the structure of your hair. Active ingredients include ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, which combine to trigger a process known as oxidation. These ingredients open up the hair cuticle and interact with the melanin and keratin in your hair, which are responsible for the color and texture of your hair.
As a result, the product is able to alter the structure to deposit dye into your hair directly. When applied correctly and in line with the brand instructions, hair color can change the tone of your hair and should be effective for up to two months. You will need to touch the roots up every four to eight weeks, as this is the amount of time it takes for your hair to regrow, and you will likely see light or dark roots, depending on the color you have used.
Demi vs semi-permanent hair color
Further adding to the confusion surrounding which hair color to use is the fact that there’s a product known as demi-permanent color. While very similar to semi-permanent color, demi is not the same, and you need to be aware of the demi-permanent vs semi-permanent hair color differences.
If you use a demi-permanent hair color or dye, it’s not able to lighten or lift your color. It’s only able to deposit color, though it does feature chemicals that penetrate the cuticle.
The best way to look at the three is that permanent color, when used correctly and when regularly topped up, is the best way to alter the texture and color of your hair in the long term, while semi-permanent is the best short-term solution for a quick fix. Demi-permanent color is somewhere in between, lasting longer than semi but not as long as permanent dyes.
The benefits of semi-permanent hair color
So, why should you use a semi-permanent hair color product over a more permanent solution? Here are some of the benefits you’re likely to experience:
Ammonia-free
Ammonia is one of the main ingredients in permanent hair color, which opens the hair cuticle so the color pigment can be added to the hair strands. Semi-permanent colors are ammonia-free and instead of penetrating the cuticle, they stain the outside of your hair. Therefore, you’re much less likely to cause any structural damage to your hair and it’s easier to wash the solution out if you change your mind.
Damage limitation
As mentioned above, you don’t need to open and close the hair cuticle when using a semi-permanent color. This means the application of these products is damage free and you don’t need to worry about the long-term effects of altering the way your hair looks. Another benefit is that semi-permanent color is much less likely to dry your hair out, which prevents breakage and frizz when it comes to styling your hair.
Easy to apply
If you’ve ever dyed your hair with a permanent solution, you will know that you need to mix the color before applying it. This is far from straightforward and it can get messy, particularly if you’ve never done it before. Semi-permanent color products come in a single bottle, meaning you don’t need to mix and stir it to create your preferred shade. Naturally, this makes the application process much easier and means you can do it from home without the help of a stylist.
Enhance your color
Deciding to dye your hair with a permanent color is a big commitment, as altering the structure of your hair isn’t something you can undo overnight if you change your mind. In contrast, using a semi-permanent color means you can apply it directly to your hair for an instant color enhancement, without worrying too much about the long-term impact of doing so.
How long does semi-permanent hair color last?
Some brands of semi-permanent hair color will last longer than others. Also, how frequently you wash your hair and which products you use will influence how effective the hair color treatment is.
The best semi-permanent hair color treatments can last for six to eight weeks, but you may need to touch up your roots after a month or so.
If you’re looking for a longer term solution that requires less ongoing maintenance, a demi-permanent or permanent product is the best option. With the latter, visiting your stylist will ensure the correct application and will save you from having to mix the color yourself.
Does semi-permanent color damage hair?
Due to the absence of ammonia, semi-permanent color does not tend to damage your hair. In this regard, it’s much less damaging than bleaching or permanently dying your hair. That said, you shouldn’t add any type of color to dry, broken, or damaged hair, as doing so can cause it to dry out even more.
How to remove semi-permanent hair color? How to get semi-permanent hair color out
The most effective way to remove semi-permanent color from your hair is to use a color remover. Once applied, it goes directly to your hair shaft, removing the artificial coloring without damaging your hair follicles. Hair color remover is widely available online and at drug stores, so it’s an affordable and effective solution if you want to remove the color before it disappears naturally.
Another potential option if you don’t want to buy a specific product is to use apple cider vinegar to strip semi-permanent color from your hair. You should mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and warm water before applying it to a spray bottle. You can then spray it onto your hair before leaving it for around 20 minutes. Then, wash the vinegar out of your hair. You might need to repeat this several times in a week to remove the color fully.
Some people also successfully remove semi-permanent color with lemon juice. This is another viable homemade solution that saves you from buying a color remover. To apply, mix lemon juice and water in a bowl before adding to a sprayer. Liberally apply the lemon juice to your hair and leave it for up to an hour. Finally, wash your hair and use a conditioner to rehydrate your scalp. Lemon juice works because of the vitamin C, which can be effective at lightening your hair.
Conclusion
Semi-permanent hair color is an extremely popular product, as it enables you to effortlessly add color to your hair without damaging or permanently altering it. What’s more, it comes in a single bottle, and you don’t need to mix the color before using it.
Ultimately, if you want to enhance your hair and are keen on a short-term solution, using a semi-permanent hair color is your best bet. Follow our tips above to ensure you apply and remove semi-permanent hair color safely and without breaking or drying out your hair.
