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What is semi-permanent hair color?
If you want to refresh your hair color without committing to permanent color, semi-permanent hair color may be the place to start.
Semi-permanent hair color temporarily deposits pigment onto the hair without permanently changing your natural hair color. Unlike permanent hair color, it is designed to gradually fade with washing, making it a lower-commitment way to refresh, enhance or experiment with your color.
How does semi-permanent hair color work?
Think of semi-permanent color as adding pigment rather than permanently changing your hair.
Permanent hair color uses a chemical process to alter the hair's existing color. Semi-permanent color primarily deposits color onto the hair, allowing you to enhance your existing shade without the same level of commitment.
Because the color gradually fades, there is also typically less noticeable regrowth than you would see with permanent hair color.
What can semi-permanent hair color do?
Semi-permanent color can be a great option when your goal is to:
- Refresh color that looks faded or dull
- Enhance your existing hair color
- Add richness and vibrancy
- Experiment with a new tone with less commitment
- Maintain color between salon appointments
- Add color while enhancing shine
The important thing to remember is that semi-permanent color deposits color; it does not lighten your hair.
How long does semi-permanent hair color last?
There isn't one universal answer. How quickly semi-permanent color fades can depend on the formula, your starting hair color and condition, how frequently you wash your hair, and your hair-care routine.
Because the pigment gradually washes away, semi-permanent color is intended to be refreshed as needed rather than creating the same long-term commitment as permanent color.
Semi-permanent vs. demi-permanent vs. permanent hair color
This is where hair color terminology can get confusing.
|
|
Semi-Permanent |
Demi-Permanent |
Permanent |
|
What it does |
Deposits temporary color |
Deposits longer-lasting color |
Permanently alters hair color |
|
Can it lighten hair? |
No |
Generally no/limited depending on system |
Yes, depending on formula/developer |
|
Commitment |
Lower |
Medium |
Highest |
|
Fades? |
Gradually |
Gradually |
Color itself is permanent; regrowth becomes visible |
|
Great for |
Refreshing, enhancing and experimenting |
Longer-lasting color changes and tonal refresh |
Gray coverage and lasting color changes |
Specific performance varies by formula, so always follow the directions for the product you're using.
Where does Gloss+ fit?
dpHUE Gloss+ is a semi-permanent color-depositing conditioner designed to refresh and enhance your existing hair color while adding softness and shine.
The pigmented shades can be used when your color needs a boost between color applications or salon visits. And because Gloss+ deposits color rather than lightening the hair, your starting color will influence the final result.
For those who want the conditioning and shine benefits without pigment, Gloss+ Sheer offers a no-color option.
Hair Color Education 101
Semi-permanent = color without the permanent commitment.
It deposits pigment to refresh or enhance the color you already have and gradually fades over time.
Ready to refresh your HUE?
