It’s a common misconception that semi-permanent hair color lasts 25 washes.
25 Washes is GREAT right?
In reality, it will last between 20 and 25 washes.
How long your hair color actually lasts is determined by many factors, including the type of shampoo you use as well as your water hardness level. We’ll talk more about these in just a bit.
First of all, let’s take a look at what semi-permanent hair color actually is.
As the name suggests, it’s a color that falls somewhere between permanent and temporary. It doesn’t contain any ammonia or peroxide, so it can’t lighten your hair like permanent hair color can.
But it also doesn’t wash out as easily as temporary hair color, so it’s a great option if you want to gradually lighten your hair or cover up grey hairs.
Now that we know a little bit more about semi-permanent hair color, let’s take a look at what determines how long semi-permanent hair dye lasts.
How Long Does Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Last?
Semi-permanent hair dye can last anywhere from 20 to 25 washes, depending on a variety of factors.
One of the most important factors is the type of shampoo you use – regular shampoos and conditioners with sulfates will strip the color out of your hair much faster than color-safe, sulfate-free formulas.
Water hardness is another important factor – the harder your water is, the more quickly the color will fade. If you have hard water, using a water softener can help to extend the life of your hair color.
Finally, how often you shampoo and condition your hair also has an impact on how long your hair color lasts. If you wash your hair every day, the color will fade more quickly than if you only wash it once a week.
So, what can you do to make your semi-permanent hair color last as long as possible?
Here are a few tips:
-Use a color-safe, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner like the Dove Advanced Hair Series Pure Care Dry Shampoo.
-If you have hard water, use a water softener to help keep your color looking vibrant.
-Wash your hair less frequently – every other day or once a week instead of every day.
-Avoid using hot water when you shampoo and condition your hair – hot water will strip the color faster.
-Use a heat protectant when you style your hair with hot tools.
-Try not to swim in chlorinated pools – the chlorine can also strip the color from your hair.
-If you do happen to go swimming, rinse your hair with cold water as soon as possible to help preserve the color.
So, as you can see, there are many factors that determine how long your semi-permanent hair color will last.
By using a color-safe shampoo and conditioner, avoiding hot water, and taking other precautions, you can help to extend the life of your hair color for up to 25 washes.
Here Is Why Your Semi-Permanent Dye Won’t Come Off
It’s not uncommon to hear people say that their semi-permanent hair dye won’t come off.
And while it’s definitely not the most fun thing to deal with, there are a few things you can do to help remove the dye.
So why does semi-permanent hair dye seem to stick around for so long?
Let’s take a look at some of the factors that play into it.
One of the main reasons is that semi-permanent hair dye doesn’t contain any ammonia or peroxide. This means that it can’t lighten your hair like permanent hair color can, so the dye will stay in your hair until it naturally fades away.
Water hardness is also a big factor – the harder your water is, the more quickly the color will fade. If you have hard water, using a water softener can help to extend the life of your hair color.
How often you shampoo and condition your hair also has an impact on how long your hair color lasts. If you wash your hair every day, the color will fade more quickly than if you only wash it once a week.
How to Get Rid of Semi-Permanent Pigment
So, if you’re looking to get rid of the semi-permanent pigment in your hair, what can you do?
Use Clarifying Shampoo
The best way to get rid of semi-permanent hair dye is to use a clarifying shampoo. Clarifying shampoos are designed to remove all traces of dirt, oil, and product buildup from your hair, including the dye.
There are a few different types of clarifying shampoos available, so you can choose the one that’s best for your hair type.
If you have dry or damaged hair, I’d recommend using a moisturizing clarifying shampoo like the TRESemme Moisture Rich Shampoo.
If you have oily hair, clarifying shampoo with tea tree oil like the Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo might be a better option.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse
Another option is to do an apple cider vinegar rinse. Apple cider vinegar is a natural clarifier and it helps to remove any unwanted residue from your hair.
To do an apple cider vinegar rinse, mix 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water. Pour the mixture over your head after shampooing and conditioning, and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Rinse with cold water and style as usual.
You can also add a few drops of rosemary or lavender essential oil to the rinse to help condition your hair and keep it smelling fresh.
Try Vitamin C Tablets
Another option is to try taking vitamin C tablets. Vitamin C is a natural color remover and it can help to lighten the color of your hair.
Take 1-2 tablets per day for at least two weeks to see results.
Use Semi-Permanent Color Remover
If you want to get rid of your semi-permanent hair color quickly and easily, you can try using a color remover. Color removers are designed to break down the dye molecules in your hair, so they can be easily rinsed away.
There are a few different types of color removers available, so you can choose the one that’s best for your hair type.
If you have dry or damaged hair, I’d recommend using a moisturizing color remover like the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Haircolor Remover.
If you have oily hair, I’d recommend using an oil-based color remover like the Bumble and bumble Sunday Shampoo.
Why Choose a Semi-Permanent Hair Dye?
Now that you know how to remove semi-permanent hair dye, you might be wondering why you should even bother using it in the first place.
Here are a few reasons why I think semi-permanent hair dyes are a great option:
They’re Temporary
One of the best things about semi-permanent hair dye is that it’s temporary.
This means that you can try out different colors without having to commit to the long-term. If you decide you don’t like the color, or if it starts to fade, you can easily wash it out.
They’re Low-Maintenance
Semi-permanent hair dye is also low-maintenance.
This means that you don’t have to worry about touching up your roots every few weeks, and you don’t have to worry about the color fading over time.
They’re Safe for Daily Use
Semi-permanent hair dye is also safe for daily use.
This means that you can use it without worrying about any adverse effects on your hair.
They’re Great for Experimenting
Semi-permanent hair dye is also great for experimenting with different colors and shades.
If you’re not sure what color you want, or if you want to try out a new color, semi-permanent hair dye is a great option.
Newbie friendly & simple
Semi-permanent hair dye is a great option for anyone who’s new to hair dyeing.
It’s easy to use, and it doesn’t require any special skills or knowledge. You can simply apply it to your hair like you would any other shampoo or conditioner, and let it work its magic.
No commitment, no risk
Lastly, semi-permanent hair dye is a great option for anyone who wants to try out a new color but doesn’t want to commit to the long-term.
If you’re not sure if you want to keep the color, or if you think it might start to fade, semi-permanent hair dye is a great option. You can simply wash it out when you’re ready.
No ammonia
Another great thing about semi-permanent hair dye is that it doesn’t contain ammonia.
Ammonia is a harsh chemical that can damage your hair over time. Semi-permanent hair dye is safer for your hair and it won’t cause any long-term damage.
They’re Affordable
Lastly, semi-permanent hair dyes are affordable.
You can usually find them for around $10-$15, which is a fraction of the price of permanent hair dye.
Other Tips for Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
Now that you know how to extend the life of your semi-permanent hair dye, here are a few other tips to keep in mind:
Avoid Chlorine
Chlorine can damage your hair and it can also cause your hair color to fade.
If you’re going to be swimming in chlorine-containing water, make sure to rinse your hair afterwards.
Use a Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner
Sulfates are chemicals that can strip the color out of your hair.
This means that if you’re using a regular shampoo or conditioner, the sulfates will strip the color out of your hair, resulting in faded color in just a few short washes.
Look for color-safe, sulfate-free formulas like the Dove Advanced Hair Series Pure Care Dry Shampoo. It will help to extend the life of your hair color and keep it looking vibrant for up to 25 washes!
Avoid Heating Devices
Heating devices like hairdryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage your hair and they can also cause your hair color to fade.
If you’re going to use a heating device, make sure to use a heat protector first.
Use a Color Protecting Spray
To help keep your hair color looking vibrant, I’d recommend using a colour-protecting spray.
This will help to protect your hair from the sun’s UV rays and it will also help to prevent the color from fading over time.
There are a lot of different colour-protecting sprays on the market, so I’d recommend doing some research to find the one that’s best for you.
Why choosing quality makes a huge difference
Looking for a colour-safe shampoo and conditioner is important because the molecules in hair dye are larger than molecules of water. This means that if you’re using a regular shampoo or conditioner, the sulfates will strip the color out of your hair, resulting in faded color in just a few short washes.
So, to keep your hair color looking vibrant for as long as possible, make sure to use a shampoo and conditioner that’s sulfate-free!
Look for color-safe, sulfate-free formulas like the Dove Advanced Hair Series Pure Care Dry Shampoo. It will help to extend the life of your hair color and keep it looking vibrant for up to 25 washes!
Conclusion
A semi-permanent hair color is a great option for those looking to add a little bit of color, but don’t want the commitment (or expense) of permanent hair dye.
It generally contains less harsh chemicals than permanent dyes, and because it doesn’t contain ammonia, it won’t lift your natural pigment as much.
This makes it a gentler option for anyone with lightened or highlighted hair.
It also washes out over time, which means that you can change your mind about the color without having to wait forever for your locks to grow out.
In general, semi-permanent colors will last between 20 and 25 washes before they start to fade. So if you’re someone who likes to switch up their look regularly, semi-permanent hair dye is a great option!