Semi and Demi-Permanent Hair Color: Here’s the Difference

First, the similarities:

• Both last 15 to 30 washes
• A great solution for touchups between salon appointments OR when you want to experiment and not make it permanent.
• Both are great for adding richness to your color or going darker. Unfortunately, you can’t go lighter with either type of color. The color molecules do NOT penetrate the cuticle of the hair. The dyes will maintain your shade or darken it because they are deposit only and do not lift or lighten. Instead, they coat the hair strand, and eventually, the color washes away.
• Both dyes are suitable for use on all hair types.

DEMI – WHO IS IT FOR?

Demi-permanent is great for anyone who wants a temporary color change, or for folks who are looking to enhance their current shade with a new tone. Plus, it’s also great for people with less than 25% gray. Why only 25%? Because demi-permanent hair color only lives on the surface of your hair follicle, not allowing for any color to really get in there and cover up your grays. It will, however, give your grays a translucent, “highlighted” look, which might help them blend in a bit more with your overall shade.

SEMI – WHO IS IT FOR?

Semi-permanent hair color, also called gloss, adds shine and refreshes or changes tone on previously lightened hair, without additionally lightening or darkening your hair. Similar to its demi-permanent cousin, semi-permanent hair color adds dye to the surface of your hair but doesn’t permanently change hair color or structure. This type of hair dye blends in and enhances your hair’s natural color. Here’s what it doesn’t do — it will not provide 100% gray coverage like permanent and demi-permanent hair color. In fact, semi-permanent hair dye is not designed to cover grays at all.

Semi-permanent hair color is for people who want an even more temporary hair color change than demi, as it fades a bit faster. Semi is a great choice for anyone who wants to experiment with a bright color for the weekend. Want your semi to wash out much faster? Use a clarifying shampoo with baking soda or add a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to your shampoo for a quick DIY option.

Want to learn more? Visit Marie’s Beauty Salon & Supply in Anchorage to speak to one of our experts, and find all the products you need to make your hair goals a reality.

We look forward to seeing you!