Have you spotted your first few pesky white hairs? If so it could be time to think about a semi permanent hair color. But which one.
There are semi permanent colors which do a great job in concealing a small amount of white hair without you having to worry about the need for a monthly root retouch.
Which is perfect as this means that semi permanents are also a fantastic way to go if you want to introduce your hair to color for the first time.
Whether it is to cover a few grey strays. Or that you want to add more vibrancy to your natural tone.
There is something you need to know before you run off and buy your first box of semi-permanent hair color or rush into your hairstylist saying, “I want to color my hair with a semi color”.
There are in fact two types of product classed as semi permanent hair color. One being the semi-permanent the other a demi permanent or quasi color.
Why A Semi Permanent Color.
A semi hair color has no ammonia or bleaching ingredients therefore no mixing is required. Which means that these colors cannot lighten your natural hair color.
The color molecules in a semi permanent hair color are small and will only coat the outside layer of your hair.
That is why they only last 8 to 12 shampoos. That is not so good if you are in the habit of washing your hair every day.
To get by you would have to look at using a dry shampoo every other day to ensure that your color lasts.
Mind you the big plus point to the color washing out fast.
Is that if you don’t like your color when you have used a semi-permanent you won’t have to live with it for very long.
The application of these hair color products is usually by a shampoo method or foamed onto your hair.
Extreme hair colors such as blue, pink, yellow and green etc also come under the semi permanent hair color range.
These extreme colors are applied immediately after pre lightening hair with a bleach.
Meaning that your extreme color will last longer than a normal semi. Due to your hairs cuticle being lifted during the bleaching action.
There are many different brands of semi hair colors on the market. My advice to you if you are planning to color your hair with a semi hair color yourself.
Make sure to read the instructions carefully as the timing and application can differ from brand to brand.
A semi permanent hair color is great for – Covering a few grey hairs if you have them. A semi-permanent can only add or refresh your hair tone or darken your hair color.
Should you find the washing out of your color over 8 to 12 shampoos too short a time yet do not want to bother with a permanent hair color take a look at a demi/ quasi hair color.
The demi color still comes within the semi-permanent hair color range of coloring.
Why A Demi Permanent Hair Color.
You will find this product stronger and lasting longer than a semi hair color. Due to the inclusion of a low volume developer.
This means that two items will have to be mixed together before the start of the application.
The low volume developer is used to open your hairs cuticle. This then allows for a slight penetration of the demi color pigments into your hair.
As the developer is of a very low volume it will not penetrate deeply into your hair shaft where your natural hair color pigments are.
Therefore, limiting any drastic changes or the removal of your natural color base.
Making it a great way to introduce a warm tone to your natural dark hair. Or add ashen or warm tones to enhance your blonde hair.
Demi permanent hair color contains no ammonia.
Yet can lighten you’re your hair by one shade.
Expect your demi hair color to last around 24 shampoos. Which is quite a lot longer than your semi-permanent hair color.
A demi permanent is great for – Blending grey hair by making it appear highlighted. Enhancing your natural hair color. Toning highlighted hair.
A popular service in a lot of hair salons a demi permanent is known by another name which is a hair glossing. Used a lot to give a clear gloss finish to your hair or to refresh a faded permanent hair color.
Care Tips For Your Semi Permanent Hair Color.
Since both the semi and demi permanent hair colors slowly wash out from your hair shampooing less times in a week is important if you want your color to last.
A harsh shampoo will strip your semi permanent hair color faster.
Therefore it is better to shop for a shampoo that is sulfate free.
This may not give you the feel of lots of foam when you wash your hair but it will be much gentler on your hair color.
Try and shield your hair from the elements when outside as the sun will accelerate the fading process.
Two Points To Consider.
A lot of colors classed as semi permanent hair colors on the market are in fact demi permanent. Should you be shopping for only a semi-permanent that will wash out fast do check inside the box. If there are two bottles or a sachet and a bottle to mix. The product is in fact a demi permanent.
If you wish to cover those pesky few white hairs a demi color will cover them more effectively and for a longer period.
First time coloring your hair and want to experiment by changing your hair tone. Then a semi would be a good idea as there would be no long-term implications.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post. I hope that you found it of interest.
