Demi Permanent Hair Color Blue? Top Answer Update

Share on Pinterest Getty Images We feature products that we think our readers will find useful. If you make a purchase through links on this site, we may receive a small commission. Here is our process. While you can technically color your hair as often as you like, it’s more a question of how often you *should* color your hair so that you can minimize damage and maintain your hair’s health. How often you decide to color your hair depends on a few things, most notably the type of color you use and how healthy your hair is to begin with. Temporary and semi-permanent dyes can be used more often. In general, the recommended time frame for dye maintenance is at least 6 to 8 weeks when using demi-permanent and permanent hair dyes. These dyes use harsh chemicals and can damage your hair if used incorrectly. We tapped into hairstylist Ashley Mitchell and licensed cosmetologist Leah Spearman to give us all the details on exactly when — and how often — you’d want to color your hair. Here are all the factors to consider.

What Type of Dye You Use The type of dye you use plays a big part in how long your hair color lasts and how often you can dye your hair. Temporary Temporary dye lasts the shortest and usually comes out after your first wash. If you’re into temporary hair dye, these dyes aren’t harsh or harmful to your hair, and you can use the color as many times as you like. Color to your heart’s content! Semi-Permanent Semi-permanent coloring lasts up to 3 to 6 washes. “A semi-permanent hair color can be applied every week since it doesn’t penetrate your hair,” notes Mitchell. Spearman adds that semi-permanent hair dyes don’t “lift” (aka lighten) your natural hair color. This is because semi-permanent dyes do not contain peroxide (unlike demi-permanent and permanent dyes). So while they can darken your color, they can’t lighten it—in other words, they can take you from a honey blonde to a brunette, but they can’t take you from brown to blonde. Demi-permanent demi-permanent coloring lasts up to 20 washes. “This is a low peroxide dye and should be done every 6 to 8 weeks,” says Mitchell. Demi-permanent dyes deposit color and can’t lighten hair color, Spearmen explains. But the peroxide allows it to penetrate your hair shaft, unlike semi-permanent dye which essentially “sits” on your cuticles. That is why the demi-permanent color lasts a bit longer than the semi-permanent one. Permanent Permanent coloring is the longest lasting coloring. In general, it is safe to re-stain every 6 to 8 weeks. Permanent hair color lightens hair and leaves color behind. This is the only type of dye that covers gray hair, Spearman explains, and it must be used with what’s called a developer, a product that helps the hair dye sink through your hair’s cuticle and lay down color.

Whether you use bleach Bleach is used to lighten hair by stripping it of its color. It’s not technically a dye, but it’s often used when coloring your hair (especially if you’re going from brunette to blonde) and it’s permanent. Bleach is very harsh on your hair, which is why experts warn against using it too often. You should also make sure not to bleach hair that has already been bleached. This means that you should definitely wait until your new hair has fully grown before bleaching again, usually at least 8 to 10 weeks.

How many shades lighter will you get? Experts agree that choosing a color within three shades of your natural hair color is easier for your hair. Any more shades than that, and you’ll have to use bleach or permanent dye with peroxide. These are tougher on your strands than temporary or semi-permanent options.

Should you color your hair if it’s already dry or damaged? No – as tempting as it may be, you run the risk of damaging your hair even more. If your hair is feeling particularly dry, brittle, frizzy, or dull, give it some TLC by waiting at least 8-10 weeks between coloring sessions and conditioning it every time you’re in the shower.

If you’ve never colored your hair before If it’s your first time coloring your hair, chances are you’ll be able to color it more often than someone who colors frequently. This is because your hair is less likely to be dry or damaged than someone who colors their hair every 2 months. Regardless of the condition your hair is in prior to coloring, it’s still important to give your tresses a rest between dye jobs, especially if you’re using permanent dyes.

Does the porosity of the hair play a role? Some. It can affect how well your hair holds color. Depending on the porosity of your hair, your color may fade faster than you would like. What is hair porosity? Porosity is exactly what it sounds like: It refers to how porous your hair is and determines how well your hair can absorb and retain moisture, which can affect how well your hair holds color. Mitchell notes that in low porosity hair, the hair cuticle is very narrow. This means that your hair does not absorb moisture very easily, but it does retain it. High porosity hair is the exact opposite: your hair absorbs moisture easily, but because the cuticle is looser, it has a harder time retaining that moisture. What does it mean when it comes to coloring your hair? For low porosity hair: Your color needs to last a little longer and it may be best to use a strong developer with your color to better penetrate the cuticles.

Your color needs to last a little longer and it may be best to use a strong developer with your color to help it penetrate the cuticles better. For high porosity hair: you don’t need to leave the color in for as long as your hair can absorb it better. However, your color will likely fade faster than lower porosity hair.

Is It Safe To Dye Your Hair Every 2 Weeks? Generally no – especially if you’re trying to go from brunette to blonde. Again, the exception is temporary dyeing, since it’s not too harsh on your hair.

How to keep your color lasting Use a color-safe shampoo Color-safe shampoos are shampoos specially formulated for use on color-treated hair to prevent the hair from dulling or losing color. Biolage ColorLast Shampoo is a good option. The paraben-free shampoo has a low pH, which is said to prolong the vibrancy of your hair color. Use a heat protectant Since color-treated hair can be brittle (thanks to the chemicals in the color), a heat protectant is a good idea when you reach for your blow dryer every morning. Try Pureology Color Fanatic Multitasking Leave-In Spray. It’s an internet favorite. Keep Your Hair Moisturized A good way to do this is with deep conditioning. Deep conditioners can be purchased over the counter, or you can make a homemade deep conditioner using olive oil or coconut oil. (Here are some good recipes.) Start with once a week — more than that could lead to build-up of product on your scalp. Try a Color Gloss Color Gloss is used to moisturize and make your color look bright and vibrant. The L’Oreal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step Toning Gloss collection offers a variety of colored glosses to help keep your color fresh. And they are good for all hair types and textures.

If you’ve ever experimented with coloring your hair, you know how messy it can be. Expect the paint to stain your hands, sinks, towels, and styling tools.

But things can feel out of control with the paint bleeding onto your clothes, pillows and furniture after the process is complete.

If you’re looking for a way to prevent your hair dye from staining everything in its path, we’ve got you covered. This article explains why your hair dye is bleeding and how to stop it.

Why Your Hair Color Bleeds

Before you try to stop your hair color bleeding, you should understand why it happens. Here are some of the most common culprits.

The cuticle is not sealed

The cuticle is the outermost layer of the hair strands that determines what enters and exits the hair shaft. It consists of scale-like layers that open and close to allow substances to enter the cuticle.

After the dyeing process, the cuticle needs to be sufficiently sealed to preserve the hair color. If the cuticles are not closed, the color will begin to bleed even with minimal moisture.

Hair color is semi-permanent

Semi-permanent hair color tends to bleed more than permanent hair color because it doesn’t penetrate deep into the hair shaft.

Unlike permanent dyes, semi-permanent color can only penetrate the cuticle, making it more difficult for the hair shaft to hold the pigment.

As a result, these coloring products tend to bleed when exposed to water. Finally, semi-permanent dyes are designed to be short-lived.

Vibrant hair color

Vivid tones like bright reds, pinks, and purples tend to bleed more than darker tones like browns or blacks.

Lighter tones don’t penetrate the hair shaft as deeply as darker tones because their color molecules are larger. This will make it harder for your strands to retain color.

How to stop hair dye from bleeding

There are several home remedies you can use to prevent your paint from bleeding. Read on as we discuss why these remedies work and how to incorporate them into your hair color routine.

Avoid water

You should try to limit exposure to water as much as possible when you have newly colored hair. Water causes your cuticles to swell, causing the pigment in your strands to run.

Therefore, it is best to avoid water as much as possible to avoid bleeding. You can also use dry shampoo between washes to freshen up your curls.

And to minimize color bleeding when wetting your hair, always use cool water to seal the cuticles.

Use a color sealer

Color sealers are meant to be used immediately after dyeing to lock in the color. These products effectively seal the cuticle layer to prevent color from escaping.

They also moisturize the hair and help detangle it, making the hair softer and more manageable. Color sealing creams replace your standard conditioner and can be used as often as you wash your hair.

After shampooing, massage the cream into your hair from roots to ends and leave on for up to five minutes. Then rinse with cold water.

Color sealing sprays also offer cuticle sealing benefits when incorporated into your washing routine. After shampooing, spray the product onto damp hair and leave on for up to five minutes.

Then apply the brand’s conditioner (apply to lighter hair) and leave on for up to five minutes. Lastly, rinse your hair with cold water.

DIY apple cider vinegar rinse

An apple cider vinegar (ACV) conditioner is a quick post-shampoo fix for the worst of hair color bleeding. Due to its mild acidity, apple cider vinegar helps balance the hair’s pH levels, allowing your hair cuticle to tighten and seal.

In addition, it removes deposits from hair strands that prevent the cuticle from closing properly. Apple cider vinegar is very strong, so you’ll need to dilute it to prevent excessive drying of your hair.

Also, you should only use this method 1-2 times a week to avoid irritation of the scalp. Read on to learn how to make your own apple cider vinegar rinse right at home.

what you will need

instructions

Mix five parts water to one part apple cider vinegar in the spray bottle. If desired, add a few drops of essential oil to mask the smell of the apple cider vinegar. Spray the mixture down the length of your hair until completely saturated. Gently massage your hair and scalp with your fingers to work the mixture into your curls. Leave the conditioner on your hair for up to five minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly with cold water. Apply color-locking conditioner to your hair from roots to ends and leave on for up to five minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water to ensure all product is removed from your hair.

Try a sulfate-free, low pH shampoo

Low pH shampoos or acidic shampoos can be used regularly on color treated hair to stop bleeding. These cleansers are great alternatives to standard shampoos because they’re formulated without harsh sulfates that strip hair. In addition, these shampoos are designed to restore the pH of the hair and seal the cuticle.

Apply a cream leave-in conditioner

If you’re looking for a quick way to stop your hair color from bleeding, a leave-in cream conditioner might be the way to go.

Not only do these products help repair the damage done during the coloring process, but they also create a barrier around your strands to seal in the cuticle and preserve the color. You can apply cream colored leave-in conditioner to dry hair up to 2 times a week.

Avoid heat

After coloring your hair, you should try to avoid all sources of heat, including flat irons, blow dryers, curling irons, and steam from the shower. Exposing your hair to heat causes the cuticles to open, causing the color to bleed.

Always wear a plastic cap (or shower cap) when showering to protect your hair from the heat and steam. And instead of heat styling your hair, you can try natural styles like twists-outs, braids-out, roller sets, and bantu knots.

Top 3 hair dyes that don’t bleed

The best way to prevent hair color bleeding before it occurs is to choose a good quality hair color. We’ve researched the top rated hair dyes on the market to help you make the right purchase.

Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color – This permanent hair coloring kit contains everything you need to color your hair to perfection. Its no-drip cream formula is free of ammonia, silicones and parabens to minimize cuticle damage. It is also 60% oil to help preserve shine and moisture in the hair during the coloring process.

L’Oreal Excellence Crème Permanent Hair Color – This three-step coloring system protects the hair during and after the coloring process. It is enriched with ceramide, pro-keratin and collagen to seal and condition damaged strands. In addition, it is safe to use on bleached, relaxed or permed hair.

Clairol Natural Instincts Semi Permanent Hair Color – This semi permanent hair color is made with 80% natural ingredients. It contains coconut oil and aloe vera to protect strands from damage and bleeding during and after the coloring process. In addition, this treatment offers color that can last up to 28 shampoos.

Related Articles

In summary, hair dye bleeding is a major inconvenience. However, you can solve it by experimenting with the tips described in this article. We wish you every success in your hair color endeavors.

We know that the hair color terminology you’ve heard at the salon often sounds like a different language. So we’re here to translate. Next: Breaking down semi- vs. demi-permanent hair color. The biggest difference between semi and demi is consistency. Although both are temporary, Demi will last 24 to 28 shampoos and Semi will last 3 to 6 shampoos. We’ll go through exactly what they are and why you should use them, with tips from our colorists to help you get the best results. Read on to learn more about the differences between these two popular picks.

DEMI PERMANENT HAIR COLOR

What is it and how does it work?

Demi-permanent hair color is ammonia-free and mixed with a low-volume developer, so it washes out after about 24-28 washes. Applied to dry hair before shampooing, it works by depositing pigments on the hair’s surface. It doesn’t really penetrate your strands or lighten your color, but it does last a lot longer than the more temporary hair color options out there.

For whom is that?

Demi-permanent is great for anyone wanting a temporary color change or for people looking to upgrade their current shade with a new shade. It’s also great for people who are less than 25% gray. Why only 25%? Because demi-permanent hair color only lives on the surface of your hair follicle, not allowing any color to really penetrate there and cover up your grays. However, it gives your grays a translucent “highlighted” look, which can help them blend in with your overall hue a bit better.

Right or wrong?

Demi-permanent hair color reduces the appearance of regrowth.

Answer: Partially true

Demi-permanent creates a “diffused” finish, meaning a smoother transition between your current color and your growth. Aka, no apparent roots. However, while this is true for people without gray tones, Demi will not completely reduce the appearance of gray regrowth. For full coverage, you need something stronger—like a permanent hair color. Or try our Root Refresher Spray for a quick fix.

SEMI-PERMANENT HAIR COLOR

What is it and how does it work?

Semi-permanent is a temporary hair color that colors the hair for about 3 to 6 washes. Unlike demi, semi-permanent color does not need to be mixed with a developer and is usually applied to freshly shampooed hair for the best result. In addition to coloring your hair, Semi can even temporarily improve your hair’s tone and add a little extra pizzazz between color applications. Fair warning: Semi tends to appear a little darker on your hair than it did in the bottle. We recommend going a shade lighter to get the color you want. It might sound weird, but trust us.

For whom is that?

Semi permanent hair color is for people who want an even more temporary hair color than demi as it fades almost 5 times as fast. And with its super-fast fade, Semi is a great choice for anyone wanting to experiment with a bright color at the weekend. Do you want your semi to be washed out much faster? Use a clarifying shampoo or add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo for a quick DIY option.

Right or wrong?

Kool-Aid is considered a semi-permanent hair color.

Answer: Wrong

Kool-Aid isn’t a semi-permanent hair color just because it’s just too weak. The classic summer juice might turn lighter hair red or blue, but “just add water” and the color will wash out instantly. True semi-permanent colors have stronger pigments that can last up to 6 washes. Sorry, Giant Smiling Punchbowl Man.

Now you have everything you need to decide if demi or semi permanent hair color is right for you. To ask our colorists more questions about hair care, color and styling, click here, scroll down and submit your questions to the blue bar. And while you’re at it, join the social media conversation via Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter.

DEMI PERMANENT HAIR COLOR

Shine

Refreshes previously tinted hair

color correction

mix tones

Timed coordination

Additional Advice

Demi-permanent formulas are ideal for boosting, refreshing or darkening hair color (either natural or previously colored). These formulas typically last up to 6 weeks and therefore offer less bonding than permanent hair colors. Common uses include: Clairol Professional Crème Demi Permanent Hair Color is ammonia-free and mixes gently with low volume developer (1:1 ratio) Penetrate the cortex for a deposit that lasts up to 6 weeks. Because the developer is engaging and mild, the hair stays in optimal condition. Demi-permanent hair color is the fastest growing color category in the industry due to its versatility. It is great for shining or refreshing previously toned hair for added vibrancy and shine and is essential for color correction. Clairol Professional Crème Demi Permanente is the choice for refreshing the ends of previously tinted hair. Permanent hair color is only applied to the regrowth; then crème demi permanente is applied to the tips. Formulate 1-2 levels lighter than the target for a balanced result. In addition, the use of Clear Mix Tones ensures an even tint on previously toned, often faded and porous tips. In the past, “soap caps” were used to refresh permanently tinted hair. This technique involves the permanent hair color formula used in regrowth, water and shampoo. The results are often drab, muddy or brown, and repeated exposure of alkalized hair to ammonia causes damage. Crème demi permanente, however, contains SOY4PLEX, which provides care and a healthy shine. It is available in 13 intermixable shades in 3 tone columns: neutral, ash and gold. There are also 2 mix shades: Warm and Clear, for endless formulation possibilities. Clear Mix can dilute any formula to ensure even deposition even on porous hair. Used alone, Clear Mix can lift up to 1 level. Cool Mix is ​​a blue base that can tint any formula or create reddish purple tones when mixed with Reds. Clairol Professional Crème Demi Permanente can be applied to damp or dry hair. Timing is up to 30 minutes or 45 minutes for optimal gray blending (up to 50%). Always string test for timing. Thorough rinsing is required and the hair can be lightly shampooed and conditioned afterwards. Clairol Professional Crème Demi Permanente Dedicated Developer is a mildly buffered formula, volume 10. This gentle formulation is recommended for best results with Crème Demi Permanente Color.

A hair tonic is a demi-permanent hair color that can change hair color state and pH, says Redken Artist Cody Mittendorf. Colorists use it to cool down or warm up the exact shade of your hair when you leave the salon. As a service to non-colored hair, it’s a way to experiment with a bit of color play without completely committing to a new hair color. (Demi-permanent means exactly what you think, non-permanent color that will eventually fade.) Toners are also available in clear form, where they act more like a shine to the hair.

Toner can be applied between color treatments, not right after one, to help your color last longer and look fresh.

“One of the biggest things I notice about my guests is that when their color isn’t staying on as long as it should, they come in three to four weeks, rush to get a toner and feel great and like their color.” last longer between services,” says Cody.

HOT TIP: To keep your shiny toned hair at home, try a vinegar conditioner for your hair.

“What happens if you leave a hair color on for too long?” is a question we get a lot. In this guide, we’ll show you various aspects of hair dye, including hair dye best practices and the best length of time to leave in your hair dye.

What happens if you leave the hair color on for too long?

If you leave hair dye on for too long, there is a chance that the dye will damage your hair. However, this depends on various factors including hair thickness and dye type.

You should understand all these factors and other aspects of hair coloring before indulging in DIY hair coloring practice. In this guide you will learn:

This is how hair dye works

Harmful ingredients in hair dyes

How long should you leave hair dye on?

Things to avoid when coloring your hair

Frequently asked questions about hair dye

What happens if you leave hair dye on for too long?

What to do if you leave your hair color on too long

Read on to see what happens if you leave the hair color on for too long and other hair coloring questions.

Understand how hair dye works

How hair dye works depends on whether you are using a temporary or permanent hair dye.

Non permanent hair color

Temporary (also called semi-permanent) hair color coats the hair strands to give them a new color without penetrating the cuticle and changing the molecular composition of the hair.

Their failure to penetrate the cuticle is caused by the lack of chemicals like ammonia and peroxide, which are responsible for penetrating the cuticle and altering the natural pigmentation of the hair strand.

Permanent hair color

Permanent hair dyes work by penetrating the hair cuticle and bonding to the hair by changing the molecular composition in the hair cortex. While you can remove non-permanent hair dye, permanent dyes don’t fade.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t change them. Basically, you can change the first permanent coating up to three times with darker or lighter shades.

Harmful ingredients in hair dyes

Not all dyes are safe for your hair. Some fake dye products may contain harmful chemicals that will do more harm than good to your hair.

Familiarizing yourself with these toxic ingredients will help you choose products whose elements add value to your hair. Examples of these harmful ingredients are:

ammonia

Ammonia is commonly used in permanent dyes to allow the dye to penetrate through the hair cuticle and into the cortex. Although it is ideal for penetrating the hair cuticle, its overuse can cause dry hair or damage it. In addition, too much ammonia can irritate your throat and cause breathing problems.

Para-phenylenediamine (PPD)

Para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is found in permanent and semi-permanent dyes. Although the product is effective, it can cause serious side effects, especially for people with scalp allergies.

It triggers allergic reactions and increases skin sensitivity. Long-term exposure to this chemical can cause heart problems and breathing problems.

titanium dioxide

Titanium dioxide is a common ingredient in some hair dyes, but overexposure causes carcinogenic effects. It is advisable to avoid this chemical product to protect against possible carcinogenic effects.

resorcinol

Resorcinol triggers allergic reactions and is therefore unsuitable for people with high skin sensitivity. Also, the chemical is highly flammable and can cause stomach problems if you accidentally inhale it.

How long should you leave hair dye on?

Many hair dye products come with instructions that tell you how long you should leave the hair dye on. However, most dyes work in 30 to 45 minutes, so you should only leave them on your hair for 30 to 45 minutes.

It’s worth noting that this timing may not work for everyone. For example, some people may need a longer time if the hair is thick. Here are the main factors that determine how long you can leave the hair color on.

hair colour

Each dye comes with some pictures showing the expected dyeing results. If your hair color matches the results you want, the process may take less time. For example, if your hair is brown and you use a light brown color, your process will be faster than if your current hair is black.

hair thickness

Hair strands come in three main thickness categories: thin, medium and thick. Thin strands of hair are the lightest and take the least amount of time to change color. If your hair has light strands, then the coloring process should take the least amount of time, i.e. H. 30 minutes so as not to damage it.

Medium hair is of medium thickness and is the most common. Dyeing may take 30 to 40 minutes to change color.

The last category of hair strands is thick, which takes the most time during the coloring process. You may also need more coloring products for great results if you have thick hair.

hair porosity

Hair porosity refers to the hair’s ability to absorb moisture for a specific period of time. Hair porosity can range from high to low. You can quickly determine your hair porosity by dipping a few strands of hair in a cup of water.

If the hair sinks in less than five minutes, your hair is very porous. If your hair is still floating after five minutes, the porosity is low, which means the hair is somewhat resistant to dyeing.

This is how highly porous hair takes the least amount of time to color, but you may need an average of 45 minutes if your hair doesn’t absorb moisture easily.

What happens if you leave the hair color on for too long?

If you leave the hair color on for too long, several options can arise.

Semi-permanent dye

Semi-permanent dyes do not contain strong chemicals, so you don’t have to worry if you are busy and forget to rinse in time. However, leaving the color on for an extended period of time may result in a darker shade than expected.

Permanent Dye

Permanent dyes contain strong chemicals, so you can easily get into trouble if you forget to rinse off in time. If the dye is left on the hair for a long time, the dye will absorb moisture in the hair follicles, leaving your hair dry. Excessive hair dryness can cause hair breakage, especially if the strands are thin.

What should you do if you leave your hair color on for too long?

There are valuable solutions to consider if you accidentally dyed your hair for too long. Here are some of them:

Avoid heat styling solutions like flat irons to prevent further damage to the hair strands

Apply a conditioner to moisturize your hair

Reduce hair washing frequency to prevent hair loss

Seek professional help if you’re having a hard time restoring your hair

things to consider

You can dye your hair if you don’t have time to visit a salon. The process is simple, but there are mistakes you should avoid to improve security and get the best results. Here are some of them:

Choice of dye

The success of your hair coloring process begins with the hair color you choose. Do you want a permanent or semi-permanent hair color? And how many boxes do you need to get the results you want?

Better yet, what shade do you need? It’s important to understand the different coloring options to choose the best one for your hair color and texture.

Washing your hair – Washing your hair right before coloring it can affect your scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin. Unwashed hair creates a barrier for your scalp, meaning you’re less likely to develop irritation during the process.

The Patch Test – A patch test is essential when applying a particular dye for the first time. You should test the color on just one area of ​​your hair first. If everything goes well and there are no irritations, you can dye the rest of the hair.

Applying the Dye – The dyeing process requires a systematic approach to ensure the results are consistent. If possible, you should divide the hair into four main sections to color one section at a time.

Timing – It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding processing time. As a rule of thumb, you should wait 30 to 45 minutes before flushing.

frequently asked Questions

Here are four frequently asked questions to put your mind at ease when considering hair coloring for the first time:

Should I see a professional or dye my hair myself? You can consult a licensed professional regarding the best hair color for your color. The hair expert can guide you if you need a do-it-yourself application or help with color application. Can coloring damage my hair? No, the dye will not damage your hair follicles. However, you can improve safety when dyeing by avoiding dyes with harmful chemicals and working with a professional. Can hair dye cover my gray hair? Yes, coloring is an excellent solution for gray hair. A permanent coloring solution is best if you have more than 60% gray hair. How long should I wash my hair after coloring it? Wait at least 24 hours before applying shampoo to your newly colored hair. Also, limit washing your hair to a maximum of three times a week if the dye color is intense.

So what happens if you leave the hair color on for too long?

Leaving hair dye on for too long can damage your hair. You should only leave most dyes on for 30 to 45 minutes. If you let it sit for too long, don’t fret! Follow the tips above to avoid further damage.

You May Also Like:

Perfect when you need a color change that’s more than a shine but less than a full bleach.

We know that things can get a little complicated in the world of hair dye, especially when it comes to terms like demi-permanent dye. There are so many different ways to color hair these days: you can go the demi-permanent route, add highlights, lowlights, semi-permanent color or permanent color. To clear things up about demi-permanent hair dyes in particular, let’s break down the basics of these very common hair dyes that can produce some beautiful, shiny results.

Everything you need to know about demi-permanent dyes

Read on for a brief introduction to the lesser-known formula of hair color:

Semi vs Demi vs Permanent: What’s the Difference?

Semi-Permanent Dye: Also known as Gloss. These dyes can’t deposit color in the hair shaft, so they sit on top of it instead. This gives your hair a soft shine and radiance, but only for 6 to 12 washes.

Demi-permanent: The sweet spot in between. It can produce more color changes and lasts longer than semi-permanent. Typically, this type of dye can last between 24 and 28 washes before washing out completely. Demi-permanent coloring lasts longer because it contains a small amount of peroxide to open the hair’s outer layer. This allows the dye to partially penetrate the shaft, making it last longer than a gloss. This type of dye is good for giving your hair a darker color, but due to the small amount of peroxide, it cannot lighten the hair significantly.

Permanent Dye: This dye lasts the longest and can produce the most color changes. Permanent dyes penetrate the hair and color it with a dye that does not wash out. Unlike semi- and demi-permanent dyes, permanent dye does not always leave a shine on the hair strand.

We conducted a poll of our readers and asked them if they were planning to change their hair color and dye their hair this year, and 63 percent of them answered yes.

Who is demi-permanent hair color suitable for?

Demi-permanent dyes are perfect for those who simply want to enhance their existing colors with new tones. If you want a subtly darker color change, opt for a demi-permanent color. Blondes can actually have the most fun with this because they can go darker much easier than someone with already dark hair. Demi-permanent color is also a great way to try a fun hair color. Ever wanted a red tint or purple hair? Do a good test run with demi-permanent paint.

This dye is also good for blending gray hair with the rest of your hair color. If you’re about 25% gray, demi-permanent coloring is a great way to make those strands more translucent and blendable with your current color.

We also asked our readers where they find inspiration for trying new hair colors, and we weren’t surprised when most of them replied that it came from friends and family.

How to maintain demi-permanent hair color?

If you’re using demi-permanent color, you already know that it will eventually wash out. However, you should make sure that your color doesn’t wash out too soon! When washing hair that has been treated with this type of dye, it is just as important to use color protection products as it is with permanent hair dye. And it’s even more important when you’re going for a color that doesn’t usually last as long as red hair dye.

We love Love Beauty and Planet Blooming Color Murumuru Butter & Rose Shampoo and Conditioner. This combination keeps your hair soft and shiny as it helps keep the color vibrant for as long as possible.

Take care of your color outside of the shower with The Good Stuff Color Protect Milk, a leave-in conditioner designed to keep your color vibrant and your strands strong and hydrated.

Now that you know all about demi-permanent hair dye, you can decide for yourself if this is a dye treatment you’re interested in!

Some hair takes significant abuse, and the result of all that abuse is damaged hair that is dull, lifeless, frizzy and prone to breakage.

Not all bad hair habits are created equal when it comes to damaged hair. Many people would admit to occasionally playing with the “hot” button on their hair dryer, but how does that compare to the occasional bleach? Which deals more damage? We’ve ranked the most common hair no-nos, from slightly sinful to dangerously harmful.

Temporary hair color

Products such as Level 1 conditioners, washes, stains and coloring shampoos are virtually non-damaging to the hair. Because they contain no chemicals that allow the color molecules to penetrate the hair shaft and interact with the hair’s natural pigments, they simply remain on the strands until washed away in about six to ten washes.

Threat Level: Damage Free!

Hot showers

Aside from being bad for the skin, washing with hot water is a bad choice for the hair. It washes away natural protective oils and speeds up the fading process for colored hair. It’s a myth that a cool water final rinse closes the hair cuticle, but using lukewarm water is generally much gentler on the hair.

Threat Level: 1 out of 10 (where 10 is the highest threat level)

Brush when wet

Hair is noticeably weaker when wet and brushing in this vulnerable state will result in increased breakage. The individual strands cannot withstand the tugging and tension, so they stretch until they break. To detangle wet hair during or after a shower, gently use a wide-toothed comb and work upwards from the ends. Better yet, use your fingers.

Threat Level: 2 out of 10

Demi permanent color

Level 2 non-permanent color, a popular at-home option, is generally safe for hair but isn’t 100 percent gentle. Demi-permanent dyes (like Clairol’s Natural Instincts) don’t contain ammonia, but they still have a small amount of peroxide to open up the hair cuticle and deposit the dye molecules. While demi-permanent color cannot lighten hair, it still causes a small amount of damage, especially when compounded by other harsh styling practices.

Threat Level: 3 out of 10

perm

The main chemical used in perms, ammonium thioglycolate, actually breaks the bonds between the molecules of the hair shaft and allows the hair to take on whatever shape it is in – in the case of roller perms. While any chemical process does some damage, perms are considered one of the most reliable treatments as long as the hair is healthy beforehand.

Threat Level: 3 out of 10

Permanent hair color

Because permanent hair color contains significant amounts of peroxide and ammonia, it can cause significant damage, including dryness, breakage, and dullness. The most potentially damaging color transition is lightening dark hair, which requires two separate processes, removing the original color and applying the new color. After so many chemical treatments, the hair is in a much weaker condition than when it started. All bottle blondes should make sure to regularly care for their hair and treat it gently.

Threat Level: 4 out of 10

Blow dry/flat iron

The occasional nudge of a blow dryer won’t damage hair all that much, but the heat from daily use of a blow dryer or flat iron will cause hair to become extremely dry and brittle. Hair in this weakened state is more susceptible to damage from other stressors, causing it to lose elasticity and break. For daily dryers, stylists recommend partially allowing hair to air dry before blow-drying, or blow-drying until it’s only about 80 percent dry and then letting it air-dry the rest of the way.

Threat Level: 5 out of 10

Tight hairstyles

Wearing a ponytail occasionally is harmless, but the tension of wearing extremely tight hairstyles all the time can trigger a condition called traction alopecia, which can actually cause strands of hair to break off. Even if you don’t wear strict hairstyles every day, repeated use of rubber bands, combs, or other utensils can still cause hair to break. Signs of traction alopecia include scalp pain, thinning hair (especially in the front and back), and breakage near the hairline. African American women who are more likely to wear extensions, weaves, or braids are more prone to this condition. Fortunately, traction alopecia is reversible if caught early.

Threat Level: 6 out of 10

chemical relaxers

These curl-loosening products use extremely harsh chemicals, including sodium hydroxide, a product found in drain cleaners. Relaxers work by penetrating the hair shaft and literally rearranging the structure of the molecules. While this technique can loosen curls, it also affects the hair’s elasticity and strength. Have only a trained technician apply a relaxant; Even when done right, the hair still remains brittle and prone to damage.

Threat Level: 7 out of 10

thermal conditioning

This straightening process uses chemicals similar to those used in perms to rearrange the hair’s molecular structure. But what makes this treatment particularly hard is that in the second phase of the application, the hair is brushed and blow-dried with the active ingredient so that it is fixed in a new direction. It’s a hair-damaging trifecta: chemicals, heat, and tension. Even if a qualified technician does this for you, this process can cause serious or catastrophic damage. Many people find the treatment effective, but even healthy-looking hair remains brittle and extremely porous.

Threat Level: 9 out of 10

Much of this hair damage only unfolds its effects in combination with other bad habits, such as regularly blow-drying colored hair or coloring already relaxed or thermally conditioned hair. The potential for damage also depends on the innate properties of the hair itself. African Americans and people with curly, fine, colored, or coarse hair are particularly prone to breakage and damage.

Human hair has more tensile strength than nylon strands, but it’s not invincible, and it doesn’t take much to turn your tresses from pretty to blah. Avoid these mane-destroying habits and treat your hair kindly and gently to ensure it’s healthy, strong, and resilient enough to bend — not break.