What is Semi- vs Demi and permanent Hair Color?

With the rise of box dyes and people resorting to colouring their own hair mainly to save money has resulted in confusion between semi, demi and permanent hair colour.

I will try to explain the difference in this article.

Choosing a hair colour can be difficult due to the fact that everyone’s hair is different. Your colorist will have definite opinions about demi-permanent colour versus semi-permanent colour and will consider individual factors such as the degree of porosity that determines how readily your hair will accept colour, how vivid your natural colour is the overall health of your hair, and your hair wash habits.

The primary distinction between semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair colours is their durability after repeated washings and exposure to sunlight. In comparison to permanent hair colour, both methods are temporary, with demi-lasting up to 30 washes and semi-lasting about 5. Here’s how to determine which method is optimal for your hair and your desired hair colour results.

HOW DOES SEMI-PERMANENT COLOR WORK AND WHAT IS IT?

Permanent hair colour contains potentially damaging ammonia, whereas semi-permanent hair colour does not. It is used by mixing it with a low-volume developer that activates hair colour with a low level of peroxide to lift the outer cuticle so that pigment can lodge there without affecting the innermost fibres of the cortex. Before shampooing, demi-permanent hair colour is typically applied to dry hair to deposit pigment on the surface layer without lightening the natural hair colour.

WHO IS BEST SUITABLE FOR TEMPORARY COLOR?

If you’re looking for a temporary hair colour change, or if you want to shift your tone from cool to warm or vice versa, demi-permanent is the most effective and least damaging option. It affects natural hair sufficiently to darken it and is an excellent choice when grey hairs begin to appear, making them appear as natural highlights that blend with your overall colour – with less distinction as hair grows out. Additionally, demi-permanent colour is ideal for revitalising faded ends. If you’re curious about how to care for bleached hair, demi-permanent colour is an excellent way to revitalise brassy and dull blondes.

HOW DOES SEMI-PERMANENT COLOR WORK AND WHAT IS IT?

Low-maintenance and short-lived, semipermanent hair colour requires little upkeep. This temporary, “deposit-only” hair dye is also known as a toner, stain, and gloss. In contrast to demi-permanent colour, semi-permanent colour does not require a developer and is typically applied to freshly washed hair. It does not alter the hair colour as much as it adds depth and vibrancy to the tone.

WHO BENEFITS MOST FROM SEMI-PERMANENT COLOR?

If you’re new to colouring your hair, or a “colour virgin” in salon parlance, semi-permanent hair colour is the best option. It is the most temporary hair colour method – and the least risky as it can be washed out quickly and easily if the results aren’t to your liking. If you’re curious about how often you can dye your hair, this method gives you more flexibility. It’s also the best way to indulge adventurous fashion whims as often as weekly and makes for full-spectrum Halloween hues.

Semi-permanent hair colour can also prevent blonde hair from turning brassy or red, as well as keep red from fading, which is typically the first colour to lose its vibrancy. Curious about how to eliminate brassy hair? Your colorist can add semi-permanent colour to a masque or conditioner to create a personalised toner for use between salon visits.

And since we’re talking about colour, you may be wondering:

WHAT IS LONG-LASTING HAIR COLOR?

Permanent hair colour involves the use of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide to lift the hair cuticle and alter the structure of melanin and keratin, the pigment and protein responsible for hair colour and texture, respectively, in order to deposit dye. Permanent hair colour can lighten, darken, or alter the tone and lasts up to eight weeks, though monthly root touch-ups may be necessary. Permanent colour can completely cover greys.

WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?

If you’re considering experimenting with trendy hues such as pink, blue, or purple, blonding expert Cyd Charisse suggests the following: The longer you wait between colour services, the greater the fading of your hair colour. Not willing to commit? “Try small pops of colour on layers underneath that can be hidden or featured less prominently if they fade, or use clip-ins for the ultimate commitment-free method.”

Your preferred cleanser and frequency of washing will determine how long your colour will last. Many of our tips for coloured hair, such as washing less frequently or opting for a detergent-free formula, will help you get more bang for your buck. You will consider New Wash, which is often referred to as the colorist’s soulmate, to be your hair’s best friend, especially when it comes to preserving the colour and keeping your hair looking and feeling absolutely brilliant with intense shine.

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