Demi-permanent hair color represents a “deposit only”. It does not have ammonia.
It will not lighten or “lift” your hair. However, it does have a small amount of peroxide. This allows for a subtle but still noticeable color boost and increased longevity but you have to know one thing about this hair color.
How Long Does Demi-Permanent Hair Color Last? Yes, it is a long-lasting hair color but only for 24 washes. The benefits you get are richness and depth to your natural color. Also, it will beautifully cover your gray hair. You can sue it on relaxed and texturized hair.
Today, I will answer some of the most common questions on the demi-permanent dye that I found online.
What is Demi-Permanent Hair Color?
Demi-permanent color is a long-lasting color that has a certain amount of peroxide. However, it will not last forever.
After 24 washes, it will start to fade away. The peroxide is inserted in order to open up the outer layer of your hair. It allows the dye to penetrate the shaft partially. And it lasts longer than a gloss.
This kind of hair color works best for applying a darker color to your hair. However, because of the small amount of peroxide, it can’t lighten your hair much. Still, it is a great way to make a change to your hair.
What is the Difference Between Semi-Permanent and Demi-Permanent Hair Color?
If this is your first time hearing about demi-permanent color but you have already heard about the semi-permanent one you’re probably wondering, what is the difference?
Semi-permanent hair color is known as a gloss as well. It is not able to deposit color inside your hair shaft, so it sits on top of the hair instead.
It lasts only 6 to 8 washes but demi-permanent is something different. It will add more change and last longer than semi-permanent. Lastly, you have permanent hair dye.
This type of color lasts the longest. It will stick to your hair until your hair grows out. Also, it adds the most color change because it penetrates the hair. This dye will not wash off that easily. However, it doesn’t add a gloss on top of your hair either.
Is Demi-Permanent Color Damaging to Hair?
If you are worried about damage to your hair, I suggest that you avoid demi-permanent hair color. Yes, it causes minimal damage but using a demi-permanent color is riskier than using a semi-permanent. It will open up the cuticle slightly so there is a bigger chance that your hair will feel all dry and frizzy in the end.
Does Demi-Permanent Color Wash Out Completely?
The demi-permanent color will wash out completely after 12 to 24 washes. Usually, a demi-permanent dye is long-lasting because is somewhere between permanent and semi-permanent hair dye. It is like a golden middle that partially penetrates the shaft and lasts longer than a gloss. But it washes after time.
How Often Should You Use Demi Permanent Hair Color?
If you use a semi-permanent dye, you can color your hair as much as you want since it doesn’t contain ingredients that can cause damage to your hair.
Many people put a bit of semi-permanent dye in their conditioner in order to top up the color. This can also prevent fading. However, if you are using a demi-permanent dye mixed with different developers like peroxide, you shouldn’t color your hair that often.
If you keep applying demi-permanent dye to your hair, the peroxide inserted in the mixture could cause damage to your hair. If you want to learn how to apply a demi-permanent color, please watch this video.
Does Demi Permanent Fade Completely?
If you want to lighten your hair, using a demi-permanent hair color is not the perfect choice for you.
It is better to use it to darken your hair. However, keep in mind that a demi-permanent dye is long-lasting. It will probably fade completely after 12 to 24 washes. This is because it only coats the outside of the hair.
Meaning, it will fade completely after dozens of washes. If you want your demi-permanent color to fade faster, you should wash your hair more than twice a week with a cheap shampoo that probably contains sulfates.
However, the fading process is different for everyone. It depends on how many times you wash your hair or what type of hair products you use. A dark brown hair will probably fade to medium brown.
What Developer to Use with Demi Permanent Hair Color?
A demi-permanent color does not contain ammonia. It deposits only.
People mix this type of color with a low-volume developer to open the cuticle. The demi-permanent dye will probably stay on your hair a month or two, depending on how often you wash your hair and what type of shampoo do you use.
It is amazing for blending gray, refreshing color, boosting natural color, corrective work or toning highlights.
It is recommended that you use a 10 volume developer or lower with demi-permanent hair color.
Keep in mind that a demi-permanent color will not lighten your natural hair color. Allow it to develop for 30 to 40 min. If you want to make a permanent color change, I suggest that you use permanent hair dye.
How to Properly Maintain Demi-Permanent Hair Color?
If you applied the demi-permanent dye, you’re probably aware that it’s going to eventually fade. But if you want to keep it longer, proper maintenance is the key.
It’s important to use a special shampoo that does not contain sulfate in order to keep your color longer. Also, you have to use color protective items as you would use with permanent dry such as moisturizing conditioners.
Another important thing is not washing your hair every day. Cover it when going outside to protect it from the sun or dry air. And when working out, don’t forget to tie it back. Otherwise, excess sweat will cause the color to fade away faster.
Does Demi-Permanent Color Cover Gray?
Both demi and semi-permanent dyes have the power to cover gray. However, keep in mind that demi-permanent is much better at covering gray than semi-permanent. Semi-permanent dye works great on hair that is not that gray or just starting to lose color. But both aren’t a permanent solution for gray hair.
When to Use Demi-Permanent Hair Color?
You should use a demi-permanent hair color if you want to try some of the color trends. Often, I find myself scrolling through posts on social media trying to determine the perfect color for dying my hair.
I’ve noticed that people, especially women change their hair color or have a haircut when they want to make a change in their life. If you’re feeling the same, don’t hesitate to use a demi-permanent product.
It will fade after 24 washes. Many people consider demi-permanent dye as a great solution for trying a new color that they’re not sure it’s going to look good on them.
Also, you can use a demi-permanent if you want to prevent damage to your hair. Semi-permanent and permanent hair color can cause bigger damage than demi-permanent dye.
If your hair looks like it needs a boost, demi-permanent hair color is a great solution. Apply shade that is close to your natural hair in order to infuse your natural hair with life.
Use a demi-permanent hair dye if you want to prevent damage to your hair because it does not contain ammonia like other hair colors.
It is the perfect choice for people who want to color their hair but want to prevent damage.
Use a demi-permanent hair color if you want to have a darker hair because this type of color is not going to lighten your hair due to the lack of bleach or hydrogen peroxide in its formula.
Is demi-permanent hair color better than permanent?
It depends on your wishes and expectations.
The demi-permanent dyes have a more stable approach in comparison to permanent dyes. They do not have ammonia, so they only deposit onto your hair.
This is what makes demi-permanent dyes a much better option. However, keep in mind that it will not stay on your hair forever and it can not lift the color of your hair or make it lighter. It will fade after 24 washes.
Final Thoughts
Demi-permanent colors represent the ideal investment for people who prefer to explore various shades and combinations rather than enjoy a boring hairstyle. If you’re a beginner, don’t worry.
This type of dye is a perfect introduction to hair color according to experts. It will not stick to your hair forever, nor cause great damage to it. So, you will not feel obligated to dye your hair on a regular basis.
Hopefully, my article answered most of the questions that you’ve had about demi-permanent hair color.
Don’t forget to share it with someone you care about. And remember, a demi-permanent dye may not be the perfect solution to every hair problem or the greatest choice for everyone, but it still has its benefits.