Have you ever been to the hairdressers, wanting a new hair colour but weren’t sure what to ask for? Don’t worry you’re not the only one. As salon professionals we’re always being asked what the different types of hair colour dyes and what they do.
Understanding the different types of hair dyes will not only give you the confidence to make the right decision next time you’re in the salon but also a little more self-confidence in your new look. So here's our guide to understanding hair colour.
Temporary Hair Colour
Temporary by name and temporary by nature! Temporary hair colour simply coats the hair with colour – they don’t alter the actual hair colour, and usually come in the form of a spray making them easy to wash out with shampoo.
Temporary hair colours allow you to play and change the colour of your hair without having to make a commitment. They’re great for festivals or kids on school sports day and are fantastic for covering up regrowth.
Permanent Hair Colour
Permanent hair colour changes the natural colour of your hair. Permanent colour dye is mixed with a developer to open the hair cuticle and lift the natural colour before depositing the new colour. Because there are so many variables to take into consideration, permanent hair colouring is best left to the professionals.
Whether you lighten, darken or energise your natural hair colour tone, it’s important to note that permanent hair colours do fade and will grow out, after all the only thing permanent is change. For long-lasting colour, we recommend using hair care specifically formulated to preserve the colour vibrancy of colour treated hair.
Semi-Permanent Hair Colour
Gentler on hair than a permanent hair colour, semi-permanent colour dyes are not mixed with a developer to change the natural hair colour. Instead they sit on the surface of your hair to mask the existing colour tones in your hair and contain no ammonia. They are sometimes referred to as direct dyes.
Use semi-permanent hair colour to brighten dull hair, freshen up a permanent colour, blend greys or highlights or to correct blonde hair that’s gone yellow or brassy. Depending on the health of your hair prior to colouring, semi-permanent colour will last from 4 to 12 washes.
Demi-Permanent Hair Colour
Demi-permanent hair colour is the middleman – sitting between permanent and semi-permanent. Demi colour dyes are mixed with a low-volume developer to gently open the hair cuticle and slightly change your natural hair colour tone. They can be used to darken hair but not to lighten.
Longer lasting than a semi-permanent but not as harsh on your hair as a permanent hair colour, demi-permanents will last for up to 20 washes, depending on the health of your hair. Use to enhance your natural hair or like a semi-permanent to revive colour vibrancy or to colour correct blonde hair.
Eager to try out a new colour, book an appointment with a Price Attack colour expert today.
