Semi Permanent Hair Color: How To Use & How Long Do They Last

With all the gorgeous hair color trends you may come across while scrolling through social media, it can be tempting to try something new, which isn’t always easy. However, with semi-permanent hair dye and temporary hair color sprays, you can experiment with new colors without committing long-term. Because a semi-permanent color fades gradually in just a few shampoos, you can easily switch to another color. If you’re ready to dive into a short-term hair color, keep reading to learn how to use semi-permanent hair dye at home as well as how long semi-permanent hair color truly lasts so you can experiment with new colors frequently and easily.

I.What Is Semi-Permanent Hair Color?

Semi-permanent hair dye is a non-damaging, short-term way to color your hair. Unlike most permanent formulas, this color treatment requires neither ammonia, peroxide nor alcohol and is therefore a gentle alternative to permanent coloring. You know what I mean when say that semi-permanent hair dye does not contain ammonia or peroxide? It means you don’t need to use any developer or pre-mixing and all you need to do is apply it directly to your hair from the applicator. It sounds interesting, right?

Besides, it generally lasts through a few washes so you can easily switch to another favorite hair color, and since there’s no bleach required, it’s also safe to use on permed or relaxed hair. Another good thing about semi-permanent hair dye is that these colors also can add luster, a deep glow, delicate shimmering light reflections to your hair and revive dull locks.

II. 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: This type of dye allows you to enjoy your new hair color anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks or even longer, depending on how often you wash your hair and what products you use.
Easier To Remove: It’s also easier to remove because it’s not a permanent hair color and doesn’t penetrate your hair strands. You can remove the semi-permanent dye in a variety of ways, but the simplest is to shampoo regularly until the color fades completely.
Less Damaging: This color does not alter the hair’s composition or contain harsh chemicals. As a result, it is less damaging to the hair than other types of hair dye.
More Natural Results: High-quality semi-permanent dyes are gentle on your hair and can even make it soft and shiny. They often appear more natural – like natural highlights – because they aren’t always as vibrant as other types of color.

III. How To Use Semi-Permanent Hair Color

If you’re ready for a momentary hair color makeover, using a semi-permanent is simple. Whatever your level of DIY hair dye skill, all it takes is the right preparation and a little know-how (as well as the directions on your dye, of course) to master using a semi-permanent hair color at home.

Step #1: Prep Your Hair

While you don’t want to color your hair right after washing it, you also don’t want your hair strands to be oily or completely dirty. Cleanse your hair with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Scalp Care + Detox Shampoo a day before coloring to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup. For soft strands, follow up with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Scalp Care + Detox Conditioner.

Read Now: Why Should You Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo For Your Hair Extensions?

Step #2: Apply The Dye

Then, wearing the gloves, apply the Semi-Permanent Hair Color to the desired areas as directed on the instruction sheet. Allow the dye to sit for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing and styling as usual. No matter which type of semi-permanent hair dye you use, make sure to carefully follow all directions.

Step #3: Care For Your Newly Colored Strands

Your brand-new color can last between four to ten shampoos, depending on your hair’s porosity. The color will fade gradually and may shift in tone each time you shampoo, so start considering which shade you’ll try next. Of course, even though the color is semi-permanent, you’ll want to develop a proper hair care routine to extend the lifespan of your color for as long as possible.

Read Now: How To Build The Perfect Hair Care Routine?

IV. How Long Does Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Last?

There are a number of reasons to opt for semi-permanent hair dye instead of permanent variety. Even if your hair is a brand-new penny, you might also opt for semi-permanent hair color if you’re dipping your toe into the hair-coloring pool for the first time. When done correctly, semi-permanent hair dye typically lasts about 6 weeks, but you could see it gradually start to fade prior. Besides, UV rays can also make the hair dye fade little by little.

Other factors to consider when questioning color longevity include the product you use and your hair’s natural porosity. Highly porous hair won’t hold color very well, so it will fade faster. Likewise, a less premium product may also not preserve the color for too long.

V. How Do You Remove Semi-Permanent Hair Color?

Your new hair color should fade completely after roughly 5 to 10 washes, but if you decide you don’t particularly like it or want to remove it, there are ways you can remove the color at home.

1. Removing The Color With Shampoo

This method is simple but time-consuming. All you’ll need is shampoo, a scrubbing sponge, and a bowl of warm water.

Mix the shampoo and the warm water.
Using the scrubbing sponge, apply the shampoo to your hair and work up a lather.
Keep repeating the process until the color is completely gone.
When the color is gone, rinse the hair with cold water.
Use a conditioner or a conditioning mask to ensure hair softness.

2. Removing The Color With Baking Soda

Another method to remove the color is by using baking soda. You’ll need clarifying shampoo, conditioner, and baking soda to utilize this method.

Rinse your hair first and get it wet.
Apply conditioner and leave it in for roughly 15 minutes.
Apply shampoo on your hair without rinsing out the conditioner.
Then wash out the shampoo and conditioner at the same time.
Put baking soda on your colored hair and leave it in for at least a minute.
Rinse out with cold water.

VI. Semi Permanent Dye — Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun way to add a new color or beautiful highlights to your hair, consider using a semi-permanent color. It’s an excellent choice because it lasts longer than regular temporary hair colors but not as long as permanent dyes. This means you can get the novelty of a gorgeous new hair color without worrying about it fading too quickly or being stuck with it for too long if you do not like how the new color looks.

So semi-permanent dye is a fantastic choice if you want to experiment regularly! There are many colors to choose from, and you can have fun changing up your look.