When deciding on a hair color, understanding the difference between the various types available – semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent – can help you make the best choice for your needs. This is why we want to help you and explain what hides behind each of these names. Thrilled to learn the answers? Then keep reading!
Understanding Permanent Hair Color
Permanent hair color (https://www.madison-reed.com/shop/permanent-hair-color) involves a chemical process that permanently changes the hair’s color by altering its structure. Unlike semi-permanent and demi-permanent colors, which only coat the hair surface or penetrate slightly, permanent hair dye affects your hair from the inside, ensuring a long-lasting change.
How does it work? The permanent hair dye process involves a developer (usually hydrogen peroxide) and an alkalizing agent (often ammonia, though there are less harsh alternatives) that opens up the hair cuticle. This allows the color molecules to enter the hair shaft, where a chemical reaction occurs that changes the hair’s color. This color change is permanent and won’t wash out, although it will grow out and require touch-ups for new hair growth at the roots.
Permanent vs. Semi-Permanent vs. Demi-Permanent Hair Color
We’ve explained what permanent hair color is, but what about semi- and demi-permanent ones? Both of these are hair colors that are much weaker and don’t change the structure of the hair. As a result, they can be washed out after a certain number of shampoos: about 6-7 for semi-permanent hair color and 15 for demi-permanent hair color.
The Benefits of Permanent Hair Color
Using permanent hair color products has numerous benefits compared to alternative dyeing methods. Let’s delve deeper into why choosing a permanent dye is worthwhile.
Firstly, permanent hair color offers a long-term solution. Since it alters the hair pigment at a deep level, the color does not wash out, making it the ideal choice for those seeking a lasting color change. This means you won’t have to worry about frequent color refreshments, which is especially important for people with busy lifestyles or those who prefer not to regularly use hair dyes.
Another significant advantage is the excellent coverage of gray hair. Permanent hair color provides exceptional coverage for gray strands, making grays indistinguishable from the rest of your hair. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who want to maintain a uniform hair color without the appearance of grays.
Moreover, the ability of permanent hair dyes to significantly lighten hair allows for more dramatic changes in hair color than is possible with other types of dyes. Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement or simply enhance your natural color, permanent hair color can achieve these transformations effectively.
However, opting for permanent hair color requires consideration of several factors. It involves a commitment, as the change is long-lasting and will remain until the hair grows out or is dyed again—are you ready to commit to your new color for an extended period? Additionally, as your hair grows, your natural color will show at the roots, necessitating regular touch-ups. Do you have the time, energy, and resources to maintain it?
Lastly, the chemical process involved in permanent dyeing can be more damaging compared to other types of dyes, especially if not done correctly. It’s crucial to ensure that it is applied professionally and to follow up with proper hair care to maintain hair health and color vitality.
- Long-lasting color – Because it alters the hair pigment at a deep level, permanent color doesn’t wash out, making it ideal for those looking for a lasting color change.
- Gray coverage – Permanent hair color provides excellent coverage for gray hair, making grays indistinguishable from the rest of your hair.
- Ability to lighten hair – Permanent hair dyes can significantly lighten hair, enabling more dramatic changes in hair color than with other types of dyes.
What to Consider When Thinking about Permanent Hair Color?
As a long-lasting change, coloring your hair with a permanent dye requires you to consider several things. What are they?
- Commitment – Since the color change is permanent, it requires a commitment until the hair grows out or is dyed again – are you ready to stick to the new color for a while?
- Root maintenance – As your hair grows, the natural color will show at the roots, requiring regular touch-ups – do you have time, energy, and money to do them?
- Hair health – The chemical process can be more damaging compared to other types of dyes, especially if not done correctly. It’s important to ensure that it’s applied professionally and to follow up with proper hair care to maintain hair health and color vitality.
The Takeaway
Permanent hair color is a powerful tool in hair dyeing that offers lasting results and comprehensive coverage. However, it requires more maintenance and care than other types of hair color. Therefore, you need to be 100% sure if you want to opt for this kind of dye. And if you’re all in – consider visiting a professional hair salon to get everything done right.
