There are important distinctions between semi- and demi-permanent hair color, but what are they if you’ve ever had your hair dyed professionally or at home? Three categories often apply to hair colors: semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent. Semi-permanent and demi-permanent colors are designed to last, although not quite as long as permanent colors. Here, leading hair colorists clarify the distinctions between demi-permanent and semi-permanent hair color and show you how to choose the one that’s best for you.
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What Is Semi-Permanent Hair Color?
Hair dye that applies color to the hair’s surface but doesn’t go much deeper than that is referred to as semi-permanent color. This is due to the fact that semi-permanent hair color does not include ammonia and does not require mixing with a developer, both of which induce the cuticle of the hair to open up and absorb the color. For that reason, semi-permanent hair dye cannot brighten your hair. It can only momentarily tone, improve, or darken your hair without the chemicals that open the cuticle of your hair. Hair dye that is semi-permanent can be removed with four to twelve shampoos.
This is a wide range because there are numerous variables, like as the porosity of your hair and the kind of shampoo you use, that affect how long semi-permanent hair dye lasts. For example, hair with more porosity tends to fade more quickly because it washes out more easily and absorbs color more readily. Shampoos with sulfates may also hasten the fading of hair color.
Is Semi-Permanent Hair Color Damaging?
Because semi-permanent hair color doesn’t alter the state or internal structure of the hair strands, it’s not usually regarded as a harmful dye. Semi-permanent hair colors are generally safe to use because they don’t include harsh chemicals like ammonia or peroxide and you don’t need to use a developer. Semi-permanent hair color is typically the mildest choice because of these factors.
However, semi-permanent hair color can soon start to seem uneven, dull, or dry because it fades very quickly. Not to mention that dyeing your hair repeatedly, no matter what sort, can make it dry, especially if you don’t condition your color-treated hair regularly.
What Is Demi-Permanent Hair Color?
Conversely, demi-permanent color is a type of hair dye that isn’t quite permanent but is as close as you can go without committing completely. Because demi-permanent hair color reaches deep into the hair, it will last about 24 shampoos.
Because demi-permanent color is mixed with a developer to assist open up the hair cuticles, it permeates deeper into them. Additionally, alkali-based semi-permanent hair color frequently includes a component that aids in cuticle opening. However, a demi-permanent hair dye only deposits color; it won’t lighten or lift your natural color.
Is Demi-Permanent Hair Color Damaging?
Because demi-permanent hair color utilizes a lower-volume developer and doesn’t include ammonia, it is often less harmful than permanent hair color. But because it opens the hair cuticle to deposit color, it causes greater damage than semi-permanent hair color. Over time, this procedure may weaken and create some dryness in the hair, particularly if you regularly tint your hair using demi-permanent hair colors.
When using demi-permanent hair color, it is imperative to regularly condition your hair in order to repair any damage caused during the dyeing process. Restoring the suppleness and vitality of your hair, as well as strengthening the hair shafts, can be achieved with deep-conditioning treatments or nourishing hair masks. In addition to making your hair more resilient, using shampoos and styling products designed specifically for color-treated hair helps prolong the richness of your color.
Who Should Consider Using Semi-Permanent Hair Color?
Do you want to give a color a try without committing fully? Considering how fast it will wash out, semi is the best option. The easiest method to preserve your gorgeous new color is to wash your hair less frequently and to use color-safe shampoos and conditioners when you do.
If you wish to tone down your highlights, semi-permanent is also a good option. But bear in mind that in order to preserve the impression, constant maintenance and care are necessary. The good news is that semi-permanent hair color doesn’t require mixing with a developer, making it simpler to apply at home and potentially easier to maintain.
Who Has to Think About Getting Demi-Permanent Hair Color?
Demi-permanent hair color is perfect for people who want to try out a new hue without committing to it, much like semi-permanent hair color. You won’t have to be committed to a demi-permanent hair color because it will ultimately wash out, but it will last a little longer than a semi-permanent one to truly help you settle into the new appearance before it starts to fade.
Given its short lifespan, demi-permanent hair color needs maintenance, but the regrowth won’t be as severe as it would be with a permanent color. As there won’t be a noticeable divide between the old growth and the new, there won’t be much need for touch-ups to the roots.
If you want to tone down brassy hair or improve your natural color without using the harsh chemicals of permanent hair dyes, demi-permanent hair color is a terrific option. If you want to fit in with the rest of your hair and want to hide a small amount of gray in your hair, this might also be a great alternative. While demi-permanent can conceal some gray, it won’t completely change the tone of your hair.
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