What's the Difference: Demi-Permanent or Permanent Hair Color (2024)

FAQs

Is Demi permanent hair color better than permanent? ›

Creating highlights with demi-permanent color is often considered the lower-maintenance option because it can require less-frequent trips to the salon. Because the color fades more quickly than permanent color, your hair's new growth will typically blend more easily and naturally with the faded demi-permanent color.

The primary difference between semi- and demi-permanent hair color is how long they last after repeated washing and exposure to sunlight. Both methods are temporary compared to permanent hair color, with demi- lasting up to 30 washings, and semi- lasting about 5.

It does not require mixing with a developer and lasts anywhere from 4 – 12 shampoos.

Use a demi-permanent hair dye if…you don't want to damage your hair. Since demi-permanent hair color, like semi-permanent, doesn't contain ammonia, it won't cause damage like other hair color options might.

What's it used for? Stylists use permanent color as a long-term solution to cover gray hair, lighten or darken hair multiple levels, or completely change the color of your hair.

Bishop adds that demi-permanent colors are often used in salons alongside permanent dyes, and semi-permanent dyes are most frequently used in DIY coloring kits.

Will my hair go back to normal after demi-permanent dye? Because demi-permanent hair color doesn't create any lasting change, you can expect your mane to return to normal once the results wash out.

“Demi-permanent colors don't cover the gray so much as they color it, making gray hairs blend in more with the overall color and look almost like a highlight,” explains Redken Artist Jason Gribbin. The big benefit to taking this route is less maintenance.

Since the cuticle isn't being raised, the color will lay on the shaft rather than reach its cortex (center) making the result wash away after an average of 24 shampoos. This makes demi-permanent colors a much gentler option, but also means they cannot lift the color and make it lighter.

"You can accelerate the fading process of a semi-permanent color by using a clarifying shampoo a few times a day. These shampoos are meant to strip your hair of all products and will quickly fade your color.

Is permanent hair color more damaging than Demi? ›

Demi permanent dye is the top choice for many women. It doesn't last as long as permanent dye, but outlasts semi permanent and temporary color. It's not as damaging or harsh on hair as stronger dyes but it still offers excellent coverage, dimension, and depth.

Demi-permanent dye is great for darker colors.

Demi-permanent

“This is a low-level peroxide dye and should be done every 6 to 8 weeks,” Mitchell says.

Baking soda is a great option for removing semipermanent hair dye and lightening dark hair. It can be used alone or combined with other ingredients. It's worth noting that baking soda can have a drying effect on your hair, so it's important to deep condition your hair and use the paste sparingly.

Demi-permanent hair color is ammonia-free and mixed with a low-volume developer, so it washes out after about 24 to 28 shampoos. Applied to dry hair before you shampoo, it works by depositing pigment on the surface of the hair.

Demi-permanent colour is in between a semi-permanent and permanent hair dye. Typically, this type of dye can last anywhere from 12 to 24 washes before completely washing out. Demi-permanent dye lasts longer because it has a small amount of peroxide incorporated to open the outer layer of the hair.

For grey hair coverage, we generally recommend that you aim to color slightly lighter than the natural hair color level of your client. In this case we would suggest you go for a color starting in level 6 (Dark Blonde) or 7 (Blonde).

Colors like butterscotch, light auburn and golden brown, or ash brown for those with a cool skin tone, are all versatile brunette shades that aren't too dark and are some of the best hair colors to hide gray.

“Semi-permanent usually does not include peroxide or a developer and usually just sits on the surface of the hair,” says Papanikolas. “Demi-permanent is deposit only, meaning you can only go the same level or darker.” Both dyes tend to be ammonia-free — meaning less harmful to your hair.

Demi-permanent hair color is a less-permanent hair color option—usually lasting up to 2 weeks—that temporarily covers grays with artificial pigment. This hair color can help you maintain your shade or darken it, although it does not lighten hair like permanent hair color.

How often can you dye your hair with Demi permanent? ›

Demi-permanent

“This is a low-level peroxide dye and should be done every 6 to 8 weeks,” Mitchell says.

“Demi-permanent colors don't cover the gray so much as they color it, making gray hairs blend in more with the overall color and look almost like a highlight,” explains Redken Artist Jason Gribbin. The big benefit to taking this route is less maintenance.

Whether you want to try out a new hue that you're just not that sure about or you're the adventurous type who falls in love with a different hair color trend each season, demi-permanent hair dye gives you the option of going for whatever look you want with less commitment.

Demi-permanent hair color is ammonia-free and mixed with a low-volume developer, so it washes out after about 24 to 28 shampoos. Applied to dry hair before you shampoo, it works by depositing pigment on the surface of the hair.

You generally shouldn't shampoo immediately before coloring, because this will remove the natural oils that help protect your scalp during the coloring process. It's best to shampoo 12 - 24 hours before coloring when using semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair color. Shampoo 24 hours before using permanent color.

"If you leave your color on for too long, there is potential for extra deposit of pigment to occur. You can't make your hair too light by leaving a tint color on too long (unless you're bleaching), but it can make your hair darker than intended," says Tardo.

You can easily apply a permanent formulation over demi-permanent color. You can also apply a demi-permanent over a permanent application. However, your hair should be less than 50% gray since demi-permanent does not cover grays as effectively as permanent formulations do.