What​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Is Semi-Permanent Hair Color?

In essence, it is like tinted lip balm for your hair. It supports the shine and delivers a little color but it doesn't alter your hair's DNA in any way.

It is basically a hair coloring product that does not contain ammonia or peroxide. So, it also means that the product cannot "lift" or lighten your hair. The hair dye just attaches to the exterior of a hair strand.

Permanent hair color changes your hair’s cuticle by removing the original dye and then putting in the new color, while semi-permanent hair color is a lot more gentle and less invasive. It is almost the same as if you had a very thin translucent film on your hair.

Once the color is "semi-permanent", it means that it is suitable for people who tend to be "hair-shy". Since it only stays on the surface of the hair, it goes away gradually with every wash. You won’t see the strong lines of regrowth at the roots but rather your natural color gradually coming back.

Is It Right for You?

Before making a decision and grabbing hold of the box, check your goals against a quick comparison of the two.

The Takeaway

So what is a semi permanent hair color anyway? If you want to sum it up in one sentence, it is a sure-fire way to play around with your looks without the scare of causing any damage. It will not lighten your hair but if you are up for a short-term tint or if you just want to add the shine then that’s the right thing to do, and it lets you change the plan by next month.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a semi permanent hair color safely?

A: Not at all. The technique excludes the use of harsh chemicals that damage hair. Therefore, this product is actually more of a nourishing treatment which, by the way, contains pigment.

Q: Does a semi-permanent color always wash out completely?

A: Generally, yes. On the other hand, if your hair is extremely porous or severely bleached, then some "stained" discoloration may be there. Most of the time, a clarifying shampoo is all that you need to get back to your natural color.

Q: Is this product suitable for covering grey hairs?

A: It won’t make them completely opaque like a permanent dye would, but it can "stain" them so that they look like natural highlights. The process of mixing in grey hairs is much better going this way rather than the "helmet hair" ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌look.