Semi-Permanent Hair Color: The Ultimate Guide

Sometimes, you can’t make sense of all the different types of hair colors available, and you’d like to color your hair but don’t dare…

Semi-permanent hair color is a good option for getting started without the risk of regretting it because, as its name suggests, it’s temporary.

What exactly is semi-permanent color, how to choose it, how long does it last, is it harmful: we’ve got all your questions covered!

What is semi-permanent hair color?

Semi-permanent hair color is not intended to last. It’s a kind of hair film that subtly and temporarily alters the appearance of hair color.

This coloring is ammonia-free and does not alter the hair fiber. Color fades after a few washes (about ten).

Semi-permanent coloring can boost natural color, accentuate highlights or, on the contrary, fade others and add shine.

It can darken but not lighten, which means that if lighter hair is desired, semi-permanent color must be applied to bleached hair. Without bleaching, you’ll only get a few highlights at best.

What’s the difference between permanent and semi-permanent hair color?

With permanent hair color, the oxidizing agent opens the cuticles and the color penetrates the cortex of the hair, modifying its pigments.

In contrast, with semi-permanent coloring, the pigments remain on the surface of the scales, so the color is simply deposited on the hair.

Semi-permanent color has less covering power, which is why it’s not the ideal solution for covering white hair if there’s a lot of it.

Nor can you envisage too radical a change with semi-permanent hair color: it’s not enough to go from brunette to blonde, for example.

On the other hand, it’s great for keeping the tone on tone!

Does semi-permanent coloring damage the hair?

That’s one of its advantages: semi-permanent coloring doesn’t damage the hair or irritate the scalp, thanks to a softer composition than permanent coloring.

As a result, it can be renewed more frequently!

Semi-permanent hair color: drawbacks?

Let’s face it, the formulas are lighter but still contain many active chemicals. These substances can pass through the scalp and into the body, which is not ideal in the case of pregnancy.

That said, few studies have been carried out, and we don’t know for sure whether there is any danger for a pregnant woman in opting for semi-permanent hair color.

Common sense prevails: the frequency should not be too regular to limit potential risks.

Similarly, although the active ingredients are less irritating than permanent hair color, people with sensitive scalps are well advised to do a strand test to rule out the risk of allergy.

How long does semi-permanent hair color last?

The lifespan of semi-permanent hair color depends, in part, on the number of shampoos: the more frequent and frequent the shampoos, the less the color will last.

In general, you can expect to keep your semi-permanent hair color for a good month and a half if you choose a quality product. With a low-end product, it barely lasts a month.

Hair porosity also comes into play: the less porous the hair, the longer the color lasts. With very porous hair, the pigments escape and you need to redo your semi-permanent coloring quickly.

How do I choose my semi-permanent hair color?

There are a large number of brands offering semi-permanent hair color, and a wide range of colors to choose from: blonde, of course, but you can also go red or have black, red, pink or blue hair, and many other colors besides!

In supermarkets, such as Walmart, you can buy L’Oréal, Schwarzkopf, or Garnier semi-permanent colorants in the Olia range.

Internet sites such as Amazon stock Crazy Color and L’Oréal Professionnel’s Diarichess and Inoa ranges. There’s also a wide choice in pharmacies, including Wella (on Amazon).

At the hairdresser’s, you’ll have access to professional products, with the added bonus of well-informed advice on choosing the right shade.

Organic enthusiasts can rest assured that it’s perfectly possible to opt for natural semi-permanent hair color, whether in the salon or at home.

How do I apply semi-permanent hair color myself?

It’s perfectly possible to apply hair color at home, just follow the instructions for use, which set out the various steps.

Start by putting on your gloves so as not to irritate or stain your skin, then spread the color all over your hair with a comb.

Using your fingers, emulsify to spread the product from root to tip. Follow the application time scrupulously, generally around 30 minutes.

Finally, rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the product. The water should run clear at the end.

How do I maintain semi-permanent hair color?

Ideally, you should avoid washing your hair immediately after applying semi-permanent hair color. Wait three or four days before shampooing your hair for the first time, so as not to wash out the pigments too quickly.

It’s best to opt for a gentle shampoo that cleanses without damaging the hair, or a shampoo specifically for color-treated hair.

Then draw out the accompanying care products: conditioner and/or mask. Moisturization is essential for color-treated hair, bearing in mind that healthy hair will retain its color longer than damaged hair.

How can I make semi-permanent hair color fade faster?

Sometimes, we just don’t like the new shade anymore and want to get rid of semi-permanent color right away.

You can opt for a clarifying shampoo that effectively strips away pigments. Repeat the operation if necessary, but no more than twice, at the risk of damaging the hair fiber.

A coconut oil bath is also an effective solution for disgorging color.

You might like to read also: How To Use Hair Color Remover?

Related Questions

• What is semi-permanent hair color?
  Semi-permanent hair color is a type of hair dye that lasts for about 4-6 weeks and gradually fades with each wash.
• How does semi-permanent hair color work?
  Semi-permanent hair color coats the hair shaft but does not penetrate the hair cortex, making it less damaging than permanent hair color.
• Is semi-permanent hair color damaging to hair?
  Semi-permanent hair color is less damaging than permanent hair color, as it does not contain ammonia or require developer.
• Can semi-permanent hair color lighten hair?
  Semi-permanent hair color can only darken or add color to hair, but it cannot lighten it.
• How long does semi-permanent hair color last?
  Semi-permanent hair color lasts for about 4-6 weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair.
• Can I apply semi-permanent hair color at home?
  Yes, you can apply semi-permanent hair color at home using a kit from a drugstore or beauty supply store.
• Can I mix different colors of semi-permanent hair color?
  Yes, you can mix different colors of semi-permanent hair color to create a custom shade.
• How should I care for my hair after using semi-permanent hair color?
  After using semi-permanent hair color, use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to help maintain the color.
• Can I use semi-permanent hair color on previously dyed hair?
  Yes, you can use semi-permanent hair color on previously dyed hair, but the results may vary depending on the hair’s condition and color.
• Can I use semi-permanent hair color to cover gray hair?
  Semi-permanent hair color can help blend and camouflage gray hair, but it may not provide full coverage.