Demi-Permanent: Everything to Know About This Type of Colour

Demi-permanent colour is in between a semi-permanent and permanent hair dye. Typically, this type of dye can last anywhere from 12 to 24 washes before completely washing out. Demi-permanent dye lasts longer because it has a small amount of peroxide incorporated to open the outer layer of the hair. It allows the dye to partially penetrate the shaft, allowing it to last longer than a gloss. This type of dye works well for adding a darker colour to your hair but because of the small amount of peroxide, it will not be able to lighten hair significantly.

We know that in the world of hair dye, things can easily start to get a little bit complicated. There are so many different ways to dye hair nowadays. You can go the demi-permanent route, add highlights, lowlights, semi-permanent colour or permanent colour. To clear things up about demi-permanent hair dye, in particular, we are breaking down the basics on this super common hair dye that can give some beautiful, glossy results.

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A semi-permanent dye is also sometimes known as a gloss. These dyes aren’t able to deposit colour inside the hair shaft so they sit on top instead. This allows you to add gentle shine and radiance to your hair but only for six to twelve washes. Demi-permanent, as we said above, is the in-between sweet spot. It can create more colour change and last longer than semi-permanent.

Lastly, we have permanent dye. This dye lasts the longest (as the name says, you’re stuck with it until your hair grows out) and can create the most colour change. Permanent dyes will penetrate the hair, colouring it with a dye that won’t wash out. As opposed to semi and demi-permanent dyes, permanent dye does not always leave a gloss on top of the hair strand.

Woman at a hair salon with brown hair with dyed ombre ends

Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

If you want to go for a subtly darker colour change, go for a demi-permanent colour. You can add colour without doing a ton of damage to your hair and it will wash out soon enough. Blondes can really have the most fun with this because they can go darker much more easily than someone with already dark hair. Demi-permanent colour is a good way to test out a fun hair colour as well. Have you always wanted a red tint or purple hair? Get a good test run in with demi-permanent dye.

This dye is also good for blending grey hairs into the rest of your hair colour. If you are just starting to go grey, or you are growing out a dark hair dye in favour of fully grey hair, demi-permanent dye is a good way to make the transition. Because it isn’t fully permanent, it isn’t going to have a harsh look as it grows (and washes) out.

Demi-Permanent Maintenance

When you use demi-permanent colour, you’re already aware that it’s going to eventually wash out. You do want to make sure that your colour isn’t washed out too early, though! When washing hair that has been treated with this type of dye, it is just as important to use colour protective products as it is with permanent hair dye. And it’s even more important if you are going for a colour that traditionally doesn’t last as long, like red hair dye.

We love the Nexxus Colour Assure Shampoo and Conditioner. With its exclusive Protein Fusion Blend, this combo works to keep your hair soft, shiny and it helps to keep colour vibrant for as long as possible.