If you’re looking to change up your hair color, a semi permanent hair dye is a great option, as it allows you to experiment with color, without the commitment of a permanent hair color.
Although semi permanent hair dye boxes tend to have a suggested “how many washes” guide, to give you an idea of how long they’ll last, I’m going to tell you how long do semi permanent hair colors last, so you can stop with the guesswork, and no for sure, how long that semi-permanent dye will last.
How Do Semi Permanent And Permanent Hair Dye Formulas Differ?
The formulas differ a lot between semi-permanent hair dye and permanent hair dye, as well as the application processes.
Semi-permanent dyes are ammonia-free and typically simply sit on the surface of the hair cuticle, which provides a temporary color that typically lasts about 3 to 8 washes.
Permanent hair dye contains ammonia or PPD, which penetrates deeply into the hair shaft for long-lasting color. This deeper penetration is especially beneficial for gray coverage.
When it comes to the application process, semi-permanent colors are straightforward, requiring no mixing, while permanent dyes need a developer mixed in.
How Long Do Semi Permanent Hair Colors Last?
Semi-permanent hair colors last between 6 to 8 washes, but some formulations can extend up to 15 shampoos.
It will depend on the quality and health of your hair. If your hair is on the more porous side, your color might fade quicker.
1. Stronger color intensity: Bolder color shades like red or purple often maintain vibrancy for more washes.
2. Gradual fading: Semi-permanent dyes fade gradually wash-to-wash, so your hair dye job will always look consistent without obvious root issues.
3. Maintenance: Washing your hair frequently will reduce the length of your dye job, but using color-safe products can improve the longevity of your semi-permanent dye.
Factors That Affect How Long Your Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Will Last
Hair porosity plays an important role; if your hair is more porous, it can absorb and hold the dye longer, making the color last a bit longer than on less porous hair.
It also depends on the color you’re choosing to dye your hair with. As I mentioned above, the darker or stronger colors you choose will last longer than say pastel or lighter shades.
Frequent washing can speed up color fading, so make sure you use gentle, color-safe shampoos.
Using cooler water to wash your hair helps preserve the vibrancy of the dye, while hot water can strip it away more quickly.
How To Prepare Your Hair Before Applying A Semi Permanent Dye For Long Lasting Results
To make the most out of your semi permanent dye, here are a few tips I’d recommend, to give you longer lasting color results:
1. Wash your hair: Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo at least 24 hours before applying the semi-permanent hair color. This will make sure your hair is clean and free from product buildup, helping the dye adhere better.
2. Skip the conditioner: Avoid using conditioner right before dyeing, as it can form a barrier that prevents the dye from penetrating your hair cuticle.
3. Patch test: Conduct a patch test 48 hours prior to application to check for any allergic reactions to the dye ingredients. For ideal results, apply the dye to dry hair. Wet hair can dilute the temporary hair color and affect its vibrancy.
