If you’re wondering how celebs color their hair every week while their locks remain seemingly unscathed by damage, we have the answer: demi-permanent hair color. While switching up your hue every few weeks may seem impractical, these no-commitment formulas make it easy. Plus, they provide other conditioning, shine-boosting benefits that leave your hair looking and feeling healthier than ever.
Want to learn more about demi-permanent hair color? Keep scrolling for everything you need to know, plus the demi-permanent product our pro colorists swear by.
Good hair day by @withlove.zelda.
What is a demi-permanent hair color?
Demi-permanent hair colors are professional or box colors that can temporarily change, tone, correct, cover, or add shine to your existing hair color. These come in the form of hair glosses, color-depositing conditioners, and liquid and cream hair colors. These formulas don’t contain any lifting agent and don’t penetrate the hair shaft like permanent hair color does. They simply sit on top of the hair shaft, leaving you with a temporary, damage-free change that washes out gradually.
Good hair day by @marcus_redken.
How long does demi-permanent hair color last?
Demi-permanent hair color can last anywhere from 12 to 24 washes. Its longevity will depend on how you care for your newly colored hair.
Good hair day by @oscaroscarsalons.
What is the difference between semi and demi-permanent hair color?
Semi-permanent hair color is another type of temporary hair dye—the difference is that demi-permanent dye might provide longer-lasting results. Semi-permanent color will fade after four to 12 shampoos, while demi-permanent shades can last 12-24 washes.
Is demi-permanent hair color damaging?
If you’re debating between committing to permanent hair color and trying a demi-permanent dye, one of your main concerns might be how salon color can potentially damage your strands. Demi-permanent hair color doesn’t contain bleach and ammonia—it simply deposits color onto the hair. Since these formulas don’t do any lifting, they shouldn’t damage your hair whatsoever.
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.
Does demi-permanent cover gray?
If you’re looking for temporary gray hair coverage, a demi-permanent hair color is a great option.
What is the best demi-permanent hair color?
We always say that pros know best, and when it comes to demi-permanent hair color, our professional colorists swear by Redken Shades EQ. Never heard of Redken Shades EQ before? They are acidic, demi-permanent hair glosses that also act as a conditioner for your mane. Featuring gentle acidic formulas, the Shades EQ range is not only the perfect hair toner for achieving any customized color (or color correction) that you can dream of, but it also provides shine-enhancing benefits for healthy, beautiful hair color.
Concerned about the chemicals in permanent hair dyes? Shades EQ is ammonia-free, so your hair won’t be left with damage. You also won’t have to deal with the smell of chemicals while your color is processing!
The best part of Shades EQ, however, is that these hair glosses take only 20 minutes to process once it's applied to your hair. After a consultation with your colorist, they’ll create a custom Shades EQ formula just for you—whether you’re looking to touch up your existing color, try out something new, or simply add shine to your mane.
Want to see how Redken Shades EQ works for yourself? Check out the video above to see a honey blonde hair transformation using a customized Shades EQ formula.
Deep Clean Dry Shampoo
A high-performance dry shampoo that absorbs excess oil on up to day 4 hair.
Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
A gentle cleansing shampoo to care for colored hair.
Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
A moisturizing conditioner for colored hair.
How do you keep demi-permanent color from fading?
Since demi-permanent hair color isn’t formulated to last forever, it will eventually wash out. The more you shampoo, however, the quicker your color will fade. If you’re trying to make your demi-permanent hue last as long as possible, we recommend stretching the time between washes as much as possible. You can use a dry shampoo like Redken Deep Clean Dry Shampoo to absorb oil and refresh your hair between shampoo sessions.
When you do wash and condition, it’s best to use products that are made specifically for color-treated strands. We recommend a system like Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner. These formulas gently cleanse and condition your hair without stripping the color.
Interested in trying a demi-permanent hair color? Use the Redken salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.
Deep Clean Dry Shampoo
A high-performance dry shampoo that absorbs excess oil on up to day 4 hair.
Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo for Color-Treated Hair
A gentle cleansing shampoo to care for colored hair.
Color Extend Magnetics Conditioner for Color-Treated Hair
A moisturizing conditioner for colored hair.
