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 conditioning and shine-boosting benefits that can leave your hair looking and feeling healthier than before your appointment. Sounds enticing, no? Ahead, learn more about these types of formulas and discover some of the best demi-permanent hair colors that professional colorists swear by.
What Is Demi-Permanent Hair Color?
A demi-permanent hair color is a type of professional or box color that can temporarily enrich, tone, correct, blend, or add shine to your existing hue. Typically, these dyes involve using a mild developer to gently open the hair's cuticle and adjust its color for up to a few months. It’s important to note that these formulas usually don’t contain any lifting agents, so they can’t actually lighten your hair. Rather, they leave you with a temporary hair color change (often darker, brighter, and more balanced) that washes out gradually.
Good hair day by @hairbydenamarie.
How Long Does Demi-Permanent Hair Color Last?
Demi-permanent hair color can last anywhere from 12 to 24 washes. Its longevity ultimately depends on the type of formula used and how you care for your newly colored hair, the latter of which we’ll dive into further down.
Demi vs. Semi-Permanent Hair Dye: What’s the Difference?
Semi-permanent color is another type of non-permanent hair dye. However, when comparing demi vs. semi-permanent dye, the main difference is how long each one lasts. Semi-permanent color pigments only coat the surface of the hair and tend to fade in as little as four shampoos. Demi-permanent shades, on the other hand, penetrate a bit deeper into the hair shaft and can last as long as 24 washes.
Editor’s note: Keep in mind while both hair dyes wash out, the color may not completely disappear from your hair. In some cases, a subtle tint or residue may remain, particularly if your hair is light or porous.
Is Demi-Permanent Hair Color Damaging?
Demi-permanent formulas are generally considered less damaging than lightening services or permanent dyes. The reason is simple: Demi-permanent hair dyes don’t contain bleach or ammonia, meaning they can’t lift or alter your hair color—two major culprits behind weakening your hair bonds. Instead, they simply deposit a sheer wash of color onto your hair, all while improving the look and feel of your strands.
Will My Hair Go Back To Normal After Demi-Permanent Dye?
Simply put, yes. Because demi-permanent hair color doesn’t create any lasting change, you can expect your mane to return to normal once the results completely wash out. This can be a bit of a double-edged sword, though, if you love your new look and want to maintain it. In that case, consult your stylist to create a touchup schedule that best suits your needs.
Good hair day by @postekpiotr.
Will a Demi Color Cover Gray?
Demi-permanent hair dyes deposit color molecules onto the hair shaft, so they’re an effective way to blend grays and soften the line of root regrowth. Just keep in mind that a demi-permanent color can’t provide the same level of coverage as a permanent hair dye. If your goal is long-lasting, complete gray coverage, a permanent formula may be a better option for you.
What Is the Best Demi-Permanent Hair Color?
There are tons of great demi-permanent hair colors out there, but we always recommend heading to the salon for the best possible color transformation. Here are some of the best demi-permanent hair color products that L’Oréal professionals swear by.
Redken Shades EQ Hair Gloss
First up is the Redken Shades EQ Hair Gloss range. These demi-permanent hair glosses feature gentle acidic formulations that subtly adjust your hair color while leaving it intensely soft, shiny, and conditioned—all in just 20 minutes. Here’s how it works: After a brief consultation with your colorist, they will mix up a personalized Shades EQ ‘recipe’ just for you. Whether you want to touch up your existing hue, tone brassiness, try a new color without the commitment, or add shine, a tailored Shades EQ service will deliver. Results last about 4-6 weeks, so prepare to pencil them into your schedule accordingly. Learn more about Shades EQ in our article, Hair Glossing: What It Is, Tips, and Product Picks.
Find a Redken salon here.
Matrix Tonal Control
Another best-in-class demi-permanent dye is Matrix Tonal Control, a line that’s ideal for toning lightened hair. The formulas feature Real-Time Visible Oxidization technology, meaning they gradually deepen as they process so that your stylist knows exactly when to rinse them out. This can help prevent your toner from going too dark too quickly, which is especially important if you’re considering a lighter hair hue. When opting for Tonal Control, you can expect your shimmering color to last up to 24 washes..
Find a Matrix salon here.
L’Oréal Professionnel Dia Color
L’Oréal Professionnel’s Dia Color collection can help you put an end to dull-looking color. The Dia formula’s power lies within its Melanin Gap Filler Technology, which replicates melanin in the hair fiber to fill in gaps from lost color. For some quick background, melanin (a.k.a. hair’s natural pigment) is what gives hair its color, vibrancy, and shine. However, our hair’s melanin declines with age, turning strands dull and gray along with it. Dia Color aims to reverse melanin loss in hair for up to six weeks, giving you glossy-looking color and nourishing shine. Plus, the dyes offer up to 70% gray coverage, making them a great option for seamlessly blending those silver strands.
Find a L’Oréal Professionnel salon here.
Good hair day by @shaiq_hussain_hairartist_.
How Do You Keep Demi-Permanent Color From Fading?
As mentioned, demi-permanent hair color isn’t formulated to last forever; it will eventually wash out. With that said, a proper aftercare routine can determine how well your results hold up. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Use dry shampoo
Fact: The more you shampoo, the more quickly 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. In addition, those with dark hair can opt for the brand’s Invisible Dry Shampoo to absorb oil and eliminate the risk of a chalky white cast.
Choose color-safe formulas
When you do wash and condition, it’s best to use products made specifically for color-treated strands. We recommend a system like Redken Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner. This duo gently cleanses and conditions your hair while caring for the tone and vibrancy of professional color between salon services.
Another excellent range for maintaining demi-permanent hair color is Redken Acidic Color Gloss. In fact, it was specifically designed to extend the life of pro glosses like Shades EQ. The salon-grade line includes a shampoo, conditioner, hair gloss, and a heat protectant, all with acidic pH levels that help seal hair’s cuticle layer and deliver molecular-level shine. Head to our full Redken Acidic Color Gloss Haircare Review to learn more.
Turn down the heat
Both scalding water temperatures and hot tool heat can prematurely strip salon color from your hair. On wash days, consider rinsing your hair with cool or lukewarm water to help keep color molecules locked in. Then, when styling, turn your heat tools to their lowest temperature setting (that doesn’t require repeatedly going over the same sections of hair), and make sure to prep your mane with a good heat protectant beforehand. Among our favorites is Biolage Professional Hydra Source Blow Dry Shaping Lotion, which provides the perfect combination of heat protection (up to 450° Fahrenheit!), weightless hydration, and shape memory.
Protect your hair from the sun
Regardless of the season, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause your salon color to fade or shift. To help combat this, consider adding products with UV protection to your haircare lineup.
We’re partial to the Sun Exposed Hair x Soleil line from Kérastase, a four-piece collection that helps protect hair from dryness and fading due to the sun. Or, for a more simplified approach, reach for a multi-benefit leave-in spray, like Pureology's Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray. This nourishing leave-in boasts 21 benefits, including UV color protection.
Accessories like hats and headscarves are also an easy way to enhance your sun protection efforts. Not only can they help physically block UV rays (just be sure to avoid straw hats, which still allow some light in) from damaging your strands, but they can also help instantly pull your outfit together.
Next Up: 7 Hair Gloss Transformations for Your Most Vibrant Color Yet
Header photo credit (middle): @hairbydenamarie
