Splat hair dye is a popular semi-permanent hair color that comes in a wide variety of bright and vibrant shades. It can last on hair for weeks, gradually washing out over time. But how long should you actually leave it on for the color to fully process and show up on your strands? Here’s a look at the recommended processing time for splat dye.
What is Splat Hair Dye?
Splat is a vegan and cruelty-free semi-permanent hair color made by Splathaircolor. It comes in a huge range of electric hues like blue, purple, pink, red, orange, green and more. The dye is free of peroxide, ammonia and alcohol.
This makes splat less damaging than permanent hair color, but still able to deposit bright, bold color that lasts for quite a while. Splat uses staining ingredients to coat the hair in pigment that then adheres to the cuticle layer.
The color is vibrant when first applied but gradually washes out over 4-8 weeks as the staining fades. When applied properly, splat can color hair for up to 2 months before completely vanishing.
How Long to Leave Splat in Hair
Splat only needs to be left on hair for about 20-45 minutes to achieve full, saturated color results. Here’s a look at the recommended processing time:
- Virgin hair: 30-45 minutes
- Previously colored hair: 20-30 minutes
Virgin hair has never been colored before and can be more porous, so it may need the full 45 minutes for splat to saturate every strand. Hair that has been previously dyed likely won’t need as much time for the new color to adhere.
You’ll want to set a timer after applying splat to keep track. Leaving it on too long won’t improve the results.
Does Processing Time Vary by Splat Color?
Splat offers shades in every color of the rainbow, but the processing time doesn’t necessarily vary between hues. Typically, 20-45 minutes is adequate for any splat color. However, there are a few exceptions:
| Splat Color | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| White | 45-60 minutes |
| Gray | 45-60 minutes |
The white and gray shades tend to need a little longer to fully take to hair compared to other brighter splat colors. Always check the individual instructions on the box just in case.
Does Splat Work on Dark Hair?
Splat can work great on dark brunette or black hair, but it usually won’t show up as vividly. On unbleached dark strands, splat produces more of a tint. To make the colors really pop, you’ll need to lighten your hair first. Bleaching to light brown or pale blond will allow the fun bright pigments to show through better.
Tips for Applying Splat Hair Dye
To get the most out of your splat hair color, follow these tips for application:
- Wear gloves to avoid staining hands and nails
- Divide hair into sections for full saturation
- Saturate all strands, applying directly to roots
- Smooth through and comb to evenly distribute
- Keep hair dye away from skin to avoid staining
- For bolder color, cover hair with a shower cap
- Time for the recommended processing period
- Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear
- Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner
What Happens if You Leave Splat in Too Long?
Over-processing splat dye by leaving it in for too long can lead to a few issues:
- Hair damage from overexposure to staining ingredients
- Skin irritation or staining around hairline if dye touches skin
- Uneven color results from dye over-depositing in some spots
The color may look darker or splotchy if splat is left on for over an hour. It likely won’t continue getting richer beyond the recommended time. Rinsing once the time is up will help prevent any problems.
Does Splat Fade Quickly from Hair?
Splat has good color retention compared to other semi-permanent dyes. It should last 4-8 weeks before fading completely. However, the first 1-2 weeks tend to show the most fading as the initial stain washes away. Here’s an approximate timeline for splat:
- 1 week: Still very vibrant with minimal fading
- 2 weeks: Noticeable fading begins, color is slightly duller
- 4 weeks: Significant fading, pastel tint remains
- 6 weeks: Light tint left
- 8 weeks: Color has completely faded out
To keep splat looking freshly dyed, use color-depositing shampoo and conditioner to refresh the hue week after week. Avoid washing every day so the color isn’t stripping out faster.
Conclusion
Splat only needs 20-45 minutes of processing time to achieve full, bold color results. Leaving it on longer doesn’t intensify the hue. For best results, apply splat thoroughly ensuring full saturation, process for the recommended time, then rinse well. Splat lasts longer than other semi-permanent dyes, but will gradually fade over 1-2 months before disappearing completely. Regular color-depositing hair care can help extend the vibrancy.