Hair dyeing and coloring has become a popular way for people to express themselves and change up their look. Two common types of dye are semi-permanent and demi-permanent dyes. But which one is better for your hair? Here is an in-depth comparison of semi and demi hair dye to help you decide which option may work best for you.
What is Semi-Permanent Hair Dye?
Semi-permanent hair dye is designed to temporarily color the hair. It coats the outside of the hair strands and washes out over time – usually 4-8 shampoos, depending on the formula. Semi-permanent dyes are made up of smaller color molecules that can only penetrate the hair’s outer cuticle layer. This means it does not require a developer or bleach and does not significantly alter the natural pigment inside the hair shaft.
Here are some key features of semi-permanent hair dye:
- Lasts around 4-8 shampoos
- Gradually fades out over time
- No chemical reaction with hair
- No lifting or lightening of natural hair color
- Less damaging to hair than permanent dyes
- Great for trying fun, temporary colors
Overall, semi-permanent dyes add a glossy layer of translucent color over your natural shade. They are easier to use and less damaging than permanent hair color.
What is Demi-Permanent Hair Dye?
Demi-permanent hair dye provides longer-lasting color than semi-permanent, but is not as permanent as a traditional permanent hair dye. Demi-permanent formulas use a low volume developer (typically a 3% solution) to open up the cuticles and allow small dye molecules to penetrate deeper into the hair shaft.
Here are some key features of demi-permanent hair dye:
- Lasts up to 24 shampoos
- Gradually fades over time
- Uses low volume developer to open cuticles
- Can add darker tones and boost shine
- Less damage than permanent dye, but more than semi-permanent
Overall, demi-permanent dyes last longer than semi-permanent by penetrating further into the hair. They allow for richer, longer-lasting color with less damage than permanent dye. The color fades gradually over time.
Comparing Key Differences
Here is a comparison of some of the key differences between semi and demi-permanent hair dyes:
| Feature | Semi-Permanent Dye | Demi-Permanent Dye |
|---|---|---|
| Lasting power | 4-8 shampoos | Up to 24 shampoos |
| Uses developer? | No | Yes, low volume (3%) |
| Lightens hair? | No | No |
| Penetrates hair? | Cuticle layer only | Partially into cortex |
| Damage level | Very low | Low to moderate |
As shown in the table, demi-permanent dyes last longer, use a low volume developer to penetrate deeper into the hair, but also cause slightly more damage than semi-permanent options.
Pros and Cons of Semi vs. Demi Dye
Here is a summary of some of the key pros and cons of using semi-permanent vs. demi-permanent hair dye:
Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
Pros:
- Less damaging to hair
- Simple to use – no developer needed
- Great for experimenting with fun, temporary colors
- Easy to remove and quick to fade
Cons:
- Color doesn’t last as long (4-8 shampoos)
- Can’t lighten hair or cover grays
- Color payoff is sheerer and more translucent
Demi-Permanent Hair Dye
Pros:
- Longer lasting color (up to 24 shampoos)
- Can add darker tones and boost shine
- Penetrates deeper into hair than semi-permanent
- Good option if you want longer color without permanent dye damage
Cons:
- Causes more damage than semi-permanent dye
- Requires use of developer
- Does not lighten hair or cover grays
- Still gradually fades over time
Who is Best Suited to Semi vs. Demi Dye?
When deciding between semi and demi dye for your hair, consider your specific hair goals and needs:
- Semi-permanent dyes are great for anyone looking to temporarily change their hair color for fun. They work best on light to medium blonde hair and will show up more vividly than on darker shades. Semi-permanent dye is ideal if you want an easy, low-damage option to experiment with trendy colors that wash out quickly.
- Demi-permanent dyes are better for anyone looking to cover grey hairs or darken their overall hair shade with longer lasting results. As demi dye penetrates deeper into the hair, it lasts longer and creates richer, more opaque coverage than semi-permanent. Demi dyes are a good compromise if you want longer color with less damage than permanent dye.
Application and Maintenance Tips
Here are some tips to get optimal results when applying and maintaining semi or demi-permanent hair dye:
- Always do an allergy test 48 hours before full application
- Semi-permanent – Apply to clean, dry hair for best results
- Demi-permanent – Apply to clean, towel-dried hair; the slight dampness helps dye absorption
- Use petroleum jelly on skin around hairline to avoid staining
- Comb through hair to ensure even coverage; saturate ends
- Leave on for 30-45 minutes then rinse until water runs clear
- Shampoo less frequently to extend color life – use sulfate-free shampoo
- Use a color-protecting shampoo and conditioner
- Limit use of hot tools to maintain vibrant color for longer
- Get a gloss or glaze treatment to refresh color between dye applications
- Avoid chlorine and salt water to prevent color fading
Following these tips will help you get the most out of your chosen semi or demi-permanent hair dye.
Should I See a Professional?
While semi and demi-permanent dyes are formulated to be simple enough for at-home use, visiting a licensed colorist at a salon does have some advantages:
- A pro can do an in-person hair consultation and make sure you get the right color for your goals
- They are experts at application techniques to get optimal, even results
- Professionals have access to higher quality dye brands and developer volumes
- Seeing a consistent colorist allows them to keep your color looking fresh between appointments
- They can combine techniques like glossing, toning, highlights etc. for multidimensional color
So while semi and demi-permanent dyes can certainly be done at home, visiting a salon occasionally can take your hair color to the next level.
How to Remove Semi and Demi Dye
Since semi and demi dyes gradually wash out over time, you can simply allow them to fade with regular shampooing. However, here are some tips to speed up removal if you want to quickly change your hair color:
- Clarifying shampoo – Use a strong clarifying shampoo to help strip color more quickly.
- Baking soda soak – Mix baking soda with anti-dandruff shampoo and water to make a paste. Apply and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing.
- Vitamin C soak – Crush vitamin C tablets into a powder and mix with hot water to make a thick paste. Apply to damp hair and sit for up to 45 minutes under a shower cap.
- Color removing products – Use a pre-made color remover product by following the instructions.
- Bleach bath – As a last resort, try lightening hair slightly with diluted bleach to help remove stubborn tones.
It’s always smart to do a strand test first when using any stripping method. Removing semi or demi dye quickly can dry out your hair if overdone.
Conclusion
Overall, both semi and demi-permanent dyes have their pros and cons. Semi dyes create fun, temporary colors with less damage, while demi dyes last longer and enrich natural shades. Consider your hair’s condition and color goals when deciding between the two options.
A demi-permanent dye may be a better choice if you want to cover grays or achieve a rich, darker overall color that lasts up to 24 washes. Semi-permanent works well for lightly colored hair that wants a quick pop of fun, vivid color. Either dyed hair should be cared for properly to maintain results and prevent dryness or fading.
While at-home dyeing with semi or demi-permanent options can give beautiful results, visiting a salon occasionally for a professional dye service can take your hair color to the next level. With proper usage and care, semi and demi-permanent dyes provide a great way to experiment with and enrich your hair color.
