Maybe you’ve seen your friend from high school rocking bright teal hair or a coworker going for a dramatic change from blonde to black. More and more people are changing their appearance, and it seems like everyone you ask tells you they’re using a semi-permanent dye.

This trend is not a coincidence, and the popularity continues to grow, overshadowing other options on the market. If you want to know the secret behind the semi permanent hair color movement, read on. We’ll uncover how it works, its benefits, and why exactly people choose it over alternatives.

How Semi-Permanent Dye Works

If you’re not experienced in dyeing your hair, you might be confused by numerous terms. Semi-permanent, in particular, is a safer variant of a permanent dye. Unlike its counterpart, which goes deep into the hair shaft and stays there until it grows out, semi-permanent color doesn’t require the same commitment. It only covers the outside layer of the strands, sitting on top and washing out gradually. 

Additionally, it doesn’t damage the hair. It works similarly to a mask, adding gloss and shine to the strands. Permanent options, on the other hand, include ammonia, peroxide, and other harmful ingredients that leave the hair dry, crunchy, and susceptible to breakage.

Benefits of Semi-Permanent Options

This type of dye is popular for many reasons, such as being gentle on hair. Since there are no chemicals penetrating the layers, your hair can stay healthy with a simple, regular daily care routine. Most semi-permanent colors are based on a conditioner, so it takes care of the length while you dye it.

Moreover, no harsh roots will peek out as your hair grows out. This dye fades with time, leaving a gentle wash of color behind, unlike its alternatives. After 4–12 weeks, it will wash out completely. This depends on:

• the color you used, since darker colors take longer to fade;
• your hair type;
• how often you wash;
• whether you wash with cold or hot water;
• whether you use the right shampoo.

Once the color is out, you can use a new one, so it’s perfect for experiments. Brands like Arctic Fox offer a huge selection of colors and shades to choose from. So, you’ll always have an exciting new persona to show off.

Coloring Grey Hair

If you want to cover your greys, you’ll have to consult with a professional or experiment a lot. Not all semi-permanent dye shades can color grey hair.

Some will give it a fun sparkle of colors, while others will look like permanent dye. For example, bright colors might look more pastel on greys, seeming more like highlights. In the end, it also depends on genetics, as some grey hairs are more porous than others.

How to Apply the Dye

The simplicity of applying the semi-permanent hair dye is also why it’s so trendy. There is no need to mix the dye with the developer. In some cases, you don’t even have to bleach your hair when you’re using dark colors or your natural shade is light.

You just shampoo and dry it, put on gloves, and apply the color evenly where you want the color. You can mix and match. Leave it in for 30 minutes, and rinse with cold water afterward. Condition and style as usual (don’t forget to use heat protectant), and you’re done.

Semi-permanent hair color is flexible and easy to maintain, making it pretty popular among people of different ages. Unlike permanent alternatives, it doesn’t damage the hair, either. This dye will leave your strands bright and shiny, no matter what shade you choose.