Semi-Permanent Colour

What is semi-permanent hair colour?

Semi-permanent colour is similar to a temporary dye and is used to add colour vibrancy and shine to natural hair. The semi-permanent dye contains no ammonia and wraps the hair strands in colour so that it gradually washes out over a period of 8-24 shampoo washes.

This is different from using permanent hair colour, which typically uses a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia to open up the hair shaft and inject each strand with dye to alter the natural colour and structure of your locks. This type of hair colour will stay in your hair until it grows out and will require a colour shampoo and conditioner to keep the shade looking rich and prevent fading.

Some of the benefits of using semi-permanent hair colour include:

• Being able to change your natural colour without any developers or activators
• No visible roots as hair dye washes out gradually
• Less commitment and is great for those who like to change up their look every few months
• Vibrant hair colour that can be used to drastically change your natural shade, such as blonde to brown hair, or simply add depth and vitality to refresh your tone

How long does semi-permanent hair dye last?

Semi-permanent hair colours are designed to wash out with shampoo and conditioner and fade naturally over time. This can take 4-10 washes for a product such as the Maria Nila Colour Refresh and up to 30 washes for a product such as the Fudge Paintbox range.

You can hold onto your colour for longer by using a good colour shampoo and colour conditioner, as well as always using a heat protectant spray to protect your locks against hot styling tools, including hair curlers, hair dryers and hair straighteners.

If you're looking for the best semi-permanent hair colour with long-lasting vibrancy and shine, check out the huge range available in-store and online at Hairhouse. We've got Wella Color Touch hair dyes for a natural semi-permanent hair colour in diverse shades, from black semi-permanent hair dye and brown tones to red semi-permanent hair colour and light blonde semi-permanent hair colour.

To really shake up your look, Fudge and Alfaparf have a great selection of bright, trendy pastel tints to bring out your personality, including pink semi-permanent hair dye, blue semi-permanent hair dye, yellow semi-permanent hair dye, purple semi-permanent hair dye, and magenta semi-permanent hair dye.

Got grey or white hairs and worried that a semi-permanent won't cover them as well as permanent? Goldwell and Wella are the best semi-permanent to cover grey with a range of natural colours to effectively disguise grey hair without iridescence and a fast, easy application you can do at home.

How do you remove semi-permanent hair dye?

If you're tossing up between permanent vs. semi-permanent hair dye and not sure whether your new colour will suit you, a semi-permanent is the way to go. These dyes allow you to try out a new shade without committing to it long-term, which is great if you're someone who likes to change up their look regularly. They're also a lot easier and less damaging to remove from your hair if you decide you don't like it than a permanent dye that will be with you until it grows out.

While a semi-permanent hair colour will wash out by itself, this can take anywhere between 8 and 24 washes and even longer, depending on the brand. To get it out faster, try grabbing a clarifying shampoo from our range to speed up the process. This shampoo is designed to remove product build-up in hair, but it can also help remove colour treatments.

If using a clarifying shampoo, always follow up with hair care products like a hair mask or leave-in treatment to replace the moisture stripped out and prevent hair from becoming dry and damaged.

Does semi-permanent hair colour wash out?

Yes, semi-permanent hair dyes are designed to wash out and fade gradually with the regular use of shampoo and conditioner. This is because the colour does not penetrate to the centre of the hair cuticle. It simply coats the hair shafts and absorbs slightly beneath the outer layer, which makes it easy to wash out. Certain colours tend to stay longer in your hair, such as semi-permanents for dark hair, including dark browns and blacks, as well as green and blue shades.

Is semi-permanent hair dye damaging?

If you've had a bad experience with a permanent dye that's damaged your hair, caused hair concerns, and left you hesitant to colour again, try a semi-permanent colour instead.

With no ammonia, these dyes are much gentler on hair and don't require you to change hair structure, such as you do if you permanently dye or bleach hair. Plus, many semi-permanent hair colour brands infuse their formulas with natural oils, minerals, and vitamins to strengthen and protect hair during the dyeing process and leave it shiny and full of life.

How do you apply semi-permanent hair dye?

Semi-permanent hair dyes are a popular home hair colouring method because many don't require any premixing, and you don't have to use a developer or activator to use them.

The process is typically quick and easy, which is great if you need to get ready for a big night out or a special event. Some semi-permanent mousses can be applied to towel-dried hair and simply left for 15 minutes before rinsing off. Our Revlon Nutri Color Filters can be done in just 3 minutes!

To use any of our semi-permanent hair products, simply follow the instructions on the package for the best results. For our fun Fudge Paintbox colours, follow these easy steps:

1. Wash hair and towel dry.
2. Pour out your choice of colour into a small bowl and use a brush to apply it you your hair in sections. Make sure you stay away from the hairline and nape of the neck to avoid stains!
3. Use a comb to distribute the colour evenly throughout.
4. Leave to develop for 15-30 minutes.
5. Rinse out until the water runs clear, then follow with shampoo and conditioner.

Shop the best semi-permanent hair dye range online at Hairhouse now, including Australian favourites and essentials like toners, hair sprays, and hair serums with argan oil. You can also come into your nearest Hairhouse store in Australia and let our friendly team help you pick out the perfect shade for you!

Along with hair care, we have a range of skincare items, including moisturisers, cleansers, body scrubs, toners, and more. Don't forget to add your favourite hair care and skincare items to your wishlist, or make your purchase right away and head to checkout!