Hi, Beauty Besties! Salwa here! You know, sometimes a small change can drastically boost your mood. Well, one of the most effective ways to feel a fresh vibe is to change your hair color! It feels like having a new personality, you know!
But, before you rush to grab the first hair dye you see on the shelf, try to pause for a moment. It’s really important for us to understand what we want and what colorant is the most suitable. Because, not all dyes are the same, and not all will give us the desired results. Choose wrong, and you might regret it for generations!
So, to avoid making mistakes again, let’s dive deep together into the world of hair colorants. I’ve summarized 5 types of colorants you must know. Let’s go!
- Permanent Hair Dye: The Longest Lasting!This is the champion of long-lasting hair colorants. If you want a truly significant change and don’t want to bother dyeing frequently, permanent dye is the answer.
How Does It Work?
According to hair experts, permanent dyes penetrate deep into the hair shaft. They don’t just stick the color on the outside, but truly change your hair’s natural pigment for a very long time. That’s why the results are really long-lasting and the change is very noticeable.
What Are Its Ingredients?
Behind its longevity, there’s a “squad” of ammonia and peroxide working hard. Ammonia’s job is to open the hair’s ‘door,’ meaning the cuticle, so the color can easily penetrate. Peroxide is what activates the color molecules and prepares them to absorb into the hair shaft. Once the color is “seated” inside, it undergoes another chemical process to strengthen and blend the color. Cool, right?
Who Is It Suitable For?
If you have a lot of gray hair that’s starting to show and you want to cover it completely, permanent dye is the champion. Also, for those who want to lighten their hair from its original color, or even want a super long-lasting dark color, this is a perfect choice.
Regarding Durability & Care
It’s called permanent, so of course, it’s long-lasting. But, it doesn’t mean it won’t fade at all. Over time, the color might slightly fade, especially if your hair is often exposed to sunlight, chlorine water in swimming pools, or you use “harsh” hair care products.
Now, if you want the color to remain vibrant, you really need to use shampoo and conditioner that are safe for colored hair. And most importantly, be prepared for salon touch-ups every few months, especially when your natural roots start to show.
Important Note: If you want to change your color again or go back to your original color after using permanent dye, it will be a big task. It will likely require additional chemical processes that could further stress and damage your hair. So, think carefully before deciding!
- Semi-Permanent Hair Dye: The Color Explorer!Now, if you’re the type who likes to try out colors but doesn’t want to be tied down for too long, semi-permanent dye is perfect for you. It adds color without drastically altering your hair’s natural pigment.
How Does It Work?
Unlike permanent dye, semi-permanent dye only adheres to the outer layer of the hair shaft. So, it doesn’t penetrate as deeply as permanent dye. Oh, and one important thing: semi-permanent dye cannot lighten your hair from its original color, okay? It can only give a color “polish.” If you want a more vibrant color, your hair usually needs to be bleached first.
What Are Its Ingredients?
The great thing is, semi-permanent dyes don’t use ammonia or peroxide. So, they are gentler on the hair. They usually contain smaller color molecules that are enough to coat the hair shaft. That’s why the results are temporary.
Who Is It Suitable For?
For those who want to experiment with “fantasy” colors like bright pink, electric blue, or vivid purple, this is a perfect choice. You won’t regret it if you suddenly get bored, just wait for it to fade.
Regarding Durability & Care
The color usually lasts about 4 to 8 weeks, depending on how often you shampoo. The more you shampoo, the faster it fades. The care isn’t complicated. Just use shampoo that’s safe for colored hair so the color doesn’t fade quickly. Basically, it will fade on its own over time.
- Demi-Permanent Hair Dye: The Middle Ground!This is the choice that offers balance. It’s not as permanent as the first, nor as temporary as the second. The results are somewhere in between.
How Does It Work?
Demi-permanent dye can be considered a combination of permanent and semi-permanent. It contains a little peroxide so the color can penetrate the hair shaft, but it doesn’t use ammonia. Therefore, it’s gentler on the hair than permanent dye, but the results aren’t as long-lasting.
What Are Its Ingredients?
Because it doesn’t use ammonia, it’s safer for hair. The peroxide present is also not too strong, so this dye cannot significantly lighten hair. It can only enhance the natural color or make it slightly darker.
Who Is It Suitable For?
If you want a color that lasts longer than semi-permanent but don’t want to commit to permanent dye, this is perfect. Also, for those who don’t want to bother with complicated care, this is a good option. Because it fades slowly without leaving a distinct root line, it looks more natural as your hair grows.
Regarding Durability & Care
It usually lasts up to 30 washes. The biggest benefit is its low maintenance. Because the fading is natural, you don’t need to rush to the salon for a touch-up, unless you really want the color to stay.
- Temporary Hair Dye: The Experimenter!This is the most instant and least permanent option. It’s perfect for those who like to change their hair color like changing clothes, or just want to look different for a specific event.
How Does It Work?
This dye only adheres pigment to the outer surface of the hair. Once you shampoo, the color is gone. It won’t change your natural hair color or lighten your hair.
Who Is It Suitable For?
For those who get bored easily with their hair color, or just want to try a new color for a party, concert, or photoshoot. Guaranteed no regrets!
Regarding Durability & Care
Fades in one or two washes. No special care needed because it washes out immediately. Very practical, right?
- Clear/Color Glaze: The Shine Enhancer!This isn’t a dye in the sense of drastically changing color, but more about ‘repairing’ and ‘polishing’ colored hair.
How Does It Work?
This technique is like applying a thin ‘layer’ to the hair to add shine, refresh dull colors, or even eliminate unwanted color tones. It can also fill in ‘holes’ in the hair shaft, making hair look healthier and more vibrant.
Who Is It Suitable For?
For those whose hair color has started to fade, especially blondes who want a cooler tone. Or for those who want to slightly ‘enhance’ their hair color without drastic changes. It’s perfect for those who want their hair to look healthier and shinier.
Regarding Durability & Care
Color glazes usually last 8 to 12 weeks, or about 6 to 12 washes. The advantage is that it blends with your hair color and doesn’t leave any strange root lines. It’s still recommended to use hair care products that are safe for colored hair.
So, Beauty Besties? Are you more enlightened now about the types of hair colorants? Choose the one that best suits your personality and hair needs. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your trusted hairstylist! Happy coloring!