What is Demi-Permanent Hair Color?

ARYA HAIR SALON NYC is a L’Oreal Professional hair color salon in NYC and we are known for being the best ammonia free permanent hair color salons NYC. Our hair color professionals are L’Oreal Professional certified hair color educators.

Before we talk about demi-permanent color, let’s quickly cover how permanent hair colors work. They’re usually formulated with ammonia, which helps to open up the hair cuticle, so the pigment can penetrate deep within the hair shaft. It’s this process that makes permanent hues so intense and helps them last longer than any other color. It’s also how certain permanent colors, such as Majirel are able to give you up to 100% gray coverage. Of course, there is also the top rated and worldwide recognized AMMONIA Free INOA Hair Color which also provides 100% gray coverage but we will talk about that in our next post.

But demi-permanent hair colors work quite differently. They gently open just the outer layer of the hair, so color molecules can still rush in but don’t penetrate as deep. Because this coloring process isn’t as intensive, demi-permanent colors may not last as long as permanent shades. However, they are also gentler to your hair and offer softer regrowth in between color appointments.

HOW LONG DOES DEMI-PERMANENT HAIR COLOR LAST?

It depends what formula your colorist is using, but if they decide to use DIA Richesse, your shade will fade beautifully over 28 washes. As a general rule, most demi-permanent colors last for around 24 washes, so DIA Richesse is the perfect pick if you want a longer-wearing hue.

DOES DEMI-PERMANENT HAIR COLOR DAMAGE HAIR?

All of L’Oreal Professionals’ demi-permanent colors work to minimize hair damage.

What is Semi-Permanent Hair Color?

Unlike demi-permanent hair colors, semi-permanent shades only coat the surface of hair – the outer cuticle. They don’t open up the outer layer of hair, so no pigment is deposited inside. This means that a semi-permanent color may not last as long as a demi-permanent hue, although it can still offer plenty of staying power, depending on the hair base you’re working with.

HOW LONG DOES A SEMI-PERMANENT HAIR COLOR LAST?

As a general rule, your semi-permanent shade will last for 10-20 washes, but if your hair is very light or highly porous or the color is bold, it could even stay visible for months. Try a semi-permanent color if you want a low-commitment fling with a new shade or if you’re hoping to enhance or correct your existing hue without the risk of potential damage.

IS SEMI-PEMANENT HAIR COLOR DAMAGING?

No, semi-permanent hair color isn’t damaging. Because it only tints the surface of hair, and not the inside, it has no effect on the internal structure and condition of your hair – ideal if you’re a bit color shy. So, while semi-permanent shades might not last as long as a demi-permanent or permanent hue, their zero damage finish means you can top them up as often as you want.