Image: MomJunction Design Team
People who want to color their hair for the first time might find the process daunting, messy, and time-consuming. To help you with that, choose from our list of the best demi-permanent hair colors. Compared to mainstream hair colors, the demi-permanent hair colors do not contain any ammonia and are less harmful and deposit color into the hair cuticle, making it long-lasting. These hair colors contain a tinge of peroxide to act as a developer.
Alicia Igess, an award-winning stylist and the founder of Urban Tangles, a multicultural hair and makeup studio, says, “Demi-permanent colors are an excellent choice for gray blending and toning depending on your desired end result. Gray blending doesn’t always cover the gray, and even when it does, it doesn’t lighten dark hair.”
Since choosing the right one can be a challenging task, you can explore our list to learn about the various expert-recommended options that provide visible results.
Top Picks
7 Best Demi-Permanent Hair Colors
1. Best Long-Lasting: Wella Color Charm Demi Permanent Hair Color
The professional-grade Cremefuse technology in Wella Color Charm demi-permanent enhancing hair toner saturates, penetrates, and fuses with the hair to create a bright color. The scientifically formulated formula adds richness to the existing color and revitalizes fading hair. The deposits present in this cream enhance and refresh the color while covering up to 50% gray hair. Each tube yields a 6oz hair color, enough for two applications because of its effective 1:2 mix ratio. The processing time takes 20 minutes or less. This product testing video helps you know more about the hair color.
Pros
- Ammonia-free
- Floral fragrance
- Tones hair
- Long-lasting
- Easy to use
- Fade-resistant
Cons
- Runny consistency
2. Best Cruelty-Free: N Rage Demi Permanente Hair Color
The N Rage demi-permanent hair color is available in various shades and suits all hair types. Its UVA and UVB inhibitors keep the color vivid for longer. It is infused with Keratin color-enhancing complex, which provides long-lasting shine and excellent gloss and reduces hair breakage. Keratin amino acids help better absorb the color, while hydrolyzed quinoa, a component made up of 17 amino acids, aids in binding the dye to the hair. It also has Verbascum extracts, a flower with natural moisturizing and astringent properties.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Long-lasting
- Does not require heat
- Needs less application time
Cons
- Not available in subtle tones
Quick tip3. Best For Pleasant Fragrance: Raw Demi-Permanent Hair Color
Raw hair dye is free of harmful substances and is compatible with all hair types, textures, and various natural hair colors. It is easy to apply and lasts for up to three to five weeks, for up to 16-30 washes. The professional-grade product is free of ammonia, parabens, and PPD. Apply the hair color for 15 minutes and rinse it off thoroughly for visible results.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Salon-like finish
- Vibrant color choices
- Does not require activators
- Pleasant fragrance
Cons
- Prone to staining when it comes in contact with clothes
Wella Color Charm Demi Permanent Hair Color Best Long-Lasting | N Rage Demi Permanente Hair Color Best Cruelty-Free | Raw Demi-Permanent Hair Color Best For Pleasant Fragrance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | 10A Palest Ash Blonde | 10A Palest Ash Blonde | Flame |
| Dimensions | 1.5 x 1.26 x 6.1 inches | 1.5 x 1.26 x 6.1 inches | - |
| Weight | 1.76 Ounces | 1.76 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,276 | 1,961 | 2,940 |
| Price | $7.83 | $13 | $17.39 |
4. Best Fade-Resistant: Ion Intensive Shine Permanent Creme Hair Color
Available in 22 shades, the ammonia-free creme hair color from Ion is proven to deliver visible results and its high-quality blend has been tested by Italian experts and chemists. It provides impressive gray coverage, and the dye penetrates the cortex of each hair strand due to the micro-pigmentation in this product. It is made of naturally derived ingredients and enriching oils, such as argan oil, pequi oil, and hyaluronic acid.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Split-end protection
- Fade-resistant
- Refreshing fragrance
- Provides salon-like finish
Cons
- Might not be available easily
Quick tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 207 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
5. Best Hydrating: Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance Demi-Permanent Tone
The expert-recommended Igora Vibrance demi-permanent hair color is a hydrating liquid composition that can transform into a gel or a cream. It is available in a wider range of hues. This hydrating hair color is a blend of sugar molecules and vitamins that aid in managing water circulation within the hair throughout the dyeing process. It has a moisture-protecting compound that gives the hair 100% shine. This video offers a detailed review of the product.
Pros
- Alcohol-free
- Lasts up to 25 washes
- Development time is only five to ten minutes
- Covers gray hair well
Cons
- Hair color might be a little darker than the mentioned shade
Caution6. Best Ammonia-Free: Wella Color Touch Demi-Permanent Hair Color
Wella color touch is a multidimensional demi-permanent hair color with low maintenance, making it one of the best demi-permanent hair dyes useful for individuals who frequently change their tone. The hair color covers up to 50% greys. The pack includes a premium tint applicator brush that is sleek and can mix the developer and the color. The mixing ratio is two parts of emulsion and one part of color touch. Development time taken is 20 minutes without heat and 15 minutes with heat. Check out this product testing video to learn if the product provides visible results.
Pros
- Ammonia-free
- Long-lasting
- Pleasant fragrance
- Fast and effective result
- Adds depth and tone
Cons
- Runny consistency
7. Best Chocolaty Fragrance: One ‘n Only 4CH Medium Chocolate Brown Demi Permanent Hair
Infused with active amounts of rare argan oil, One n Only demi-permanent hair color is fade-resistant, vivid, and accurate to its original color. It refreshes the color, locks in the moisture, and smoothens the cuticles instantly. This is ideal for integrating grays or toning highlighted or double-processed hair. The mixing lotion is one part color and two parts activating cream.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Ammonia-free
- Chocolatey fragrance
- Covers grays
Cons
- Chocolate fragrance may be overpowering
While these hair colors don’t change the primary hair color, they give some depth and darken the hair. Demi-permanent hair color is suitable for those who wish to change their hair color without causing too much damage while still enhancing their natural hair color. It is also helpful in toning down highlights or correcting the overall tone of your hair color.
How To Choose The Right Demi-Permanent Hair Color?
Consider the following points while buying a vibrant demi-permanent hair color.
- Composition: Check the ingredients to avoid products with harsh chemicals. Ensure the dye is gentle on your hair, ammonia-free, and revitalizes your tresses.
- Coverage: Check the expected coverage to make sure it meets your requirements.The color should be fade-resistant, long-lasting, and keep your hair shiny.
- Maintenance: Consider the care guidelines to make the right choice in finding the best demi-permanent hair color for your needs. Some products may require you to use specific shampoos to maintain the color.
- Hair type: Ensure the product is suitable for your hair type and texture to protect your hair from damage. While most of the best demi-permanent hair dyes are suitable for all hair types, some specific ones can offer better results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a demi-permanent hair dye a good option?
The best demi-permanent hair colors and dyes are ammonia-free and contain low levels of peroxide. These dyes penetrate only the outer layer or cuticle of the hair strands, thus reducing the risk of hair damage to a large extent. Plus, they are good picks if you often change or experiment with your hair color.
2. How often can I dye my hair with a demi-permanent dye?
Depending on your hair type and the post-coloring care, the dye could last up to 24 washes and be reapplied every six to eight weeks.
3. What happens if I leave demi-permanent hair dye on too long?
If you leave demi-permanent hair dye for too long, it could, at times, cause certain unwanted and permanent changes in hair color. You may witness an orange tinge if you have light-colored hair, while darker hair tones could experience a blue-ish tinge. In a few cases, it could also lead to some hair damage.
4. Should I wash my hair before applying a demi-permanent color?
Most hair dyes need to be applied on dry hair. Thus, you should wash your hair 24-48 hours before the coloring session. This will allow the natural oils in your scalp to act as a barrier against the dye’s chemicals. Be gentle when you wash your hair to avoid scratches on your scalp.
5. Does demi-permanent dye cover grays?
Demi-permanent colors can cover grays. However, the coverage may not be as effective as that of permanent dyes, especially if the hair is too dry, light-colored dye is used, or the hair needed a color primer before dyeing but wasn’t applied.
6. Will a demi-permanent color wash out completely?
Since demi-permanent colors do not penetrate the inner layers or cuticles of the hair shafts, the dye washes out completely, once its effect is over.
7. Which is better: semi-permanent or demi-permanent dye?
If you have light colored hair or are looking for peroxide-free darker shades that last only three to six washes, a semi-permanent hair dye can be ideal for you. However, if you are looking for comparatively long-lasting results, a demi-permanent dye is a good choice.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Our fashion, makeup, and haircare product reviewer, Poulami Nag, brings you a brief list of the best demi-permanent hair colors that are free of chemicals like ammonia. The non-permanent hair color options on the list are easy to use and long-lasting, providing maximum gray hair coverage. Go through the brief description of each hair color with its pros and cons that Poulami has included, making comparison and selection of products easier for you.
The Bottom Line
Demi-permanent hair color is ammonia-free and deposits color in the hair’s cuticles, making it long-lasting compared to mainstream hair dyes. It is made from organic ingredients and causes minimal side effects. To pick the best demi-permanent hair colors, opt for a hair color that helps retain the shine of your hair, effectively covers grays, and is easy to apply. Go for fade-resistant hair colors that do not emit a strong odor or require heat, like the Wella Color Charm Demi Permanent Hair Color, which adds richness to existing hair color and revitalizes fading hair. Alternatively, you can pick one that is available in various hues so that you have more options to pick from, like the Ion Intensive Shine Permanent Creme Hair Color, which gives long-lasting, fade-resistant results.
Infographic: How To Remove Demi-Permanent Hair Color Stain From Skin
Demi-permanent hair dyes are a fun way to make your look colorful and vibrant for a short while. However, even accidental contact of the dye with the skin on the forehead or hands can leave behind unsightly blotches of color. The infographic lists tips and tricks that can help you remove dye stains from the skin.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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