Ion Color Brilliance is a permanent hair dye made by Ion. As a permanent dye, it can last in the hair for 4-6 weeks or more depending on your hair type and how often you wash your hair. The dye molecules penetrate and permanently alter the hair structure through a process called oxidation. This allows the color to remain in the hair until new growth comes in. However, there are many factors that affect how long the color lasts.
How Permanent Hair Dye Works
Permanent hair dyes use a two-step process to deposit color into the hair and make it last. The first step is the oxidation step. The dye contains chemical compounds called oxidation dyes or oxidative dyes. These dyes consist of colorless developer creams and dyestuffs.
The developer creams contain an alkali and hydrogen peroxide. When combined with the dyestuff, the peroxide opens up the hair cuticles and swells the hair so the dye can penetrate the hair shaft. The alkali helps activate the peroxide and stabilize the color molecules.
The dyestuffs contain precursors of dye molecules called intermediates and coupling agents. The peroxide activates these precursors which then combine to form larger color molecules. These large molecules are too big to leach out of the hair, which is why permanent dye lasts so long.
The second step is when the permanent dye is rinsed from the hair and a final oxidizing agent is applied to seal in the color. This helps the dye molecules interact more with the proteins inside the hair to make the color permanent.
How Long Does it Last?
On average, the Ion Color Brilliance permanent dye can last 4-6 weeks with proper maintenance. However, there are several factors that affect the longevity:
Hair Type
The condition and texture of your hair impacts how long the color will last:
Damaged hair -Hair that is very porous or damaged tends to fade faster. The cuticles are open so the color molecules escape more quickly.
Oily hair -Oil production at the scalp can fade color faster by breaking down the dye molecules.
Coarse thick hair -Coarse and thick hair types tend to retain color longer than fine and thin hair. The dye has more places within the strands to adhere.
Previously dyed hair -Hair that has been previously chemically dyed or lightened absorbs more dye but can also fade faster. The cuticle layers are more damaged.
Grey or white hair -The dye doesn’t penetrate areas of grey or white hair as well. These areas tend to fade the fastest.
Frequency of Washing
Washing your hair is one of the biggest factors that cause permanent dye to fade faster. The more often you wash your hair, the quicker the color will fade. Here’s a rough estimate on how washing frequency impacts fading:
| Washing Frequency | Color Fade Time |
|---|---|
| Every 2 days | 4-6 weeks |
| Every 3 days | 6-8 weeks |
| Twice a week | 8-10 weeks |
| Once a week | 10-12 weeks |
To maximize the longevity of permanent hair dye, aim to wash your hair no more than every 3-4 days if possible.
Shampoo and Water Temperature
The type of shampoo and the temperature of water used can also impact how fast permanent dye fades:
– Clarifying or anti-dandruff shampoos tend to cause faster fading than color-safe shampoos. They are harsher and remove more moisture and oils from the hair.
– Hot water opens the hair cuticles and can wash away more dye molecules with each use compared to lukewarm water. Rinsing with cooler water helps seal the cuticles and lock in color.
Sun Exposure
Exposure to UV rays from the sun can cause permanent hair dye to fade faster. The sun’s rays oxidize and degrade the dye molecules in the hair. Wearing hats and using UV protecting products can help prolong the vibrancy of the color.
Lifestyle Factors
Your daily activities and habits can influence the longevity of permanent dye:
– Swimming in pools frequently where hair is exposed to chlorine can cause the color to fade faster.
– Styling your hair frequently with hot tools like blow dryers, curling irons and straighteners will fade the color quicker. The heat damages hair and opens the cuticles.
– Products or medications that contain minerals or metals may interact with dye molecules and cause discoloration over time.
How to Make it Last Longer
There are some things you can do to help your Ion Color Brilliance permanent color last longer:
1. Use a color-protecting shampoo. Sulfate-free shampoos help lock in color by keeping cuticles sealed and maintaining moisture.
2. Use cooler water when rinsing. Rinsing hair with cool water keeps cuticles closed and won’t wash out as much dye.
3. Limit washing frequency. Washing less often will help prevent the color from fading out as fast.
4. Apply gloss treatments. Using a gloss or color-refreshing treatment every few weeks will help keep the color vibrant.
5. Protect hair from sun exposure. Wear hats, use UV protecting products and limit time spent in direct sunlight to help dye last longer.
6. Limit use of hot styling tools. Reduce exposing hair to heat which damages the strands and color.
7. Switch to satin pillowcases. The smoother texture results in less friction to reduce color fading.
Re-Application Frequency
For most people, you’ll need to re-apply the Ion Color Brilliance permanent dye every 4-6 weeks as your new growth comes in to maintain full coverage. Those with grey hair may need more frequent touch-ups around the roots.
If you are only looking to refresh the color rather than cover new growth, you can usually go 8-10 weeks between full dye applications. Use root touch-up products or all-over color glossing treatments to keep color vibrant between permanent applications.
Some people stretch out the time between permanent re-applications to up to 12 weeks by utilizing root concealing sprays or powders when the regrowth becomes noticeable. However for best results, plan to re-dye with permanent color every 6-8 weeks maximum.
Does Ion Color Brilliance Fade Gradually or Drastically?
Ion Color Brilliance permanent dye will fade gradually rather than drastically. It tends to hold up very well and the color change is subtle from week to week.
Most users get 4-6 weeks before they notice significant fading or change in the color shade. The fade is gradual and even rather than dramatic or blotchy.
The ends of the hair tend to show fading first as they are the oldest and most porous parts. The roots retain the color longer since they are newer hair.
How drastically the color fades depends partially on your original shade. Darker shades like browns and blacks hold on the longest. Light colors like blondes and pastels tend to show fading sooner. Bright vivid shades fade faster than natural hues.
But in general, the Ion Brilliance colors fade slowly and subtly without drastic change. Using color-protecting products helps maintain the vibrancy longer.
Does Ion Color Brilliance Damage Hair?
All permanent hair dyes have the potential to cause some level of damage to hair because the chemicals alter the hair structure. However, Ion Color Brilliance uses a lower amount of peroxide in its formula than some other brands.
The company claims this advanced ionic technology allows for deeper dye penetration while minimizing cuticle damage. The lower peroxide concentration makes it less damaging than many permanents on the market.
However, some users still report dryness and other signs of damage after consistent use. The potential for damage depends on the condition of your hair, how often you dye it, and your after-care routine.
Some things that can help prevent excessive damage when using Ion Brilliance permanent colors:
– Start with healthy, unconditioned hair – avoid over-lightening or chemical processing before dyeing
– Use a protein or strengthening treatment before and after coloring
– Wait at least 4 weeks between permanent applications
– Always deep condition after rinsing out the dye
– Use an infrared or far infrared hair dryer which emits gentler heat
Can You Dye Over Ion Color Brilliance?
Yes, you can safely re-dye over top of Ion’s Color Brilliance permanent dye.
Permanent color cannot lighten hair, so you would need to strip or lighten the underlying shade first if you wanted to go lighter. Bleaching or color removing treatments can be used, followed by the new desired shade.
Ion Brilliance can be dyed over with either permanent or semi-permanent dye. For best results, wait at least 2 weeks after the initial application before re-coloring for the health of your hair. Always do a strand test to ensure the new color comes out as desired.
Using the same Ion Brilliance shade or another permanent color on top will provide the longest lasting results. Semi-permanent dye will cover well initially but fade more quickly.
When re-applying permanent dye shortly after the first application, be aware that porosity may be higher so the hair could absorb more of the new color and become darker than expected.
Does Ion Color Brilliance Work on Grey Hair?
Yes, Ion Color Brilliance permanent dye works great at covering stubborn grey hairs. The ionic technology allows deeper penetration into each strand to saturate every layer with color.
The company claims 100% grey coverage for all shades. Users say it covers grey hair effectively and lasts a decent length of time before roots need re-touching.
Some tips for maximizing grey coverage and longevity:
– Exfoliate and shampoo hair before dyeing to remove buildup and open the cuticle
– Use 10 or 20 volume developer for darker shades to achieve full saturation
– Apply petroleum jelly along the hairline first to avoid skin staining
– Leave the dye on for the full recommended development time
– Use a purple shampoo regularly to reduce brassiness and enhance grey coverage
– Re-apply as soon as grey roots become noticeable for best results
Does Ion Color Brilliance Fade Nicely?
Yes, Ion Color Brilliance tends to fade gracefully and evenly without drastic changes in tone or intensity. It retains vibrancy and richness as it gradually fades out over weeks.
The dye brand is known for sticking to its initial color result nicely. It doesn’t take on unexpected orange/brassy undertones as it lightens. The color simply becomes a bit muted and lighter over time.
This makes touch ups and re-application easy. You can simply re-dye with the same shade without having to worry about color corrections.
Some reasons why Ion Brilliance fades well:
– Uses amino lipids to smooth and seal the cuticle, locking in color
– Less peroxide keeps hair integrity intact longer
– Nano color molecules evenly penetrate strand for consistent fading
– Cool tones stay truer longer without warm undertones emerging
– Conditioning and nourishing ingredients prevent dryness and damage
So you can feel confident that Ion’s permanent shades will retain their color beautifully as they gradually wash out until it’s time for a fresh application.
Conclusion
Ion Color Brilliance permanent dye lasts 4-6 weeks on average before fading or needing a touch up. Cooler hair types tend to retain the color longer than warm tones. Proper hair care and limiting washing to every 2-3 days helps maximize the longevity. Re-applying the same shade regularly as your roots grow in can allow the color to last for months. Ion Brilliance fades slowly and evenly for easy color maintenance over time. Following the brand’s directions for application and aftercare will give you the longest lasting results from the permanent dye.
