Hair color is one of the best ways to refresh your look, add depth to your features, or simply enhance your natural tones and undertones. However, picking the right hair color option is what makes all the difference. Each formula, whether permanent, demi-permanent, or temporary, gives you varying intensity, longevity, and maintenance.
So read on to know everything about the major types of hair color so you can choose the one that best suits your hair goals.
- Permanent Hair Color
Permanent hair color is a long-lasting hair color that penetrates deep into the hair shaft. It works using a mix of color pigments and a developer, typically containing agents that open your hair cuticle. Once your hair cuticle opens up, the color settles inside your lengths and remains intact due to smoothing or conditioning agents. While permanent hair color doesn’t wash out, it may fade slightly over time due to pollution, wear and tear, and excessive hair washing. It also falters when your hair begins to grow at the root, so regular touch-ups are often needed.
When Should You Get Permanent Hair Color?
If you are looking for full grey coverage, dramatic color changes, or you are opting for intense fashion colors, permanent hair color is your best bet. It’s also ideal for color correction or root touch-ups. So, if you are looking to cut down on your consistent coloring needs, opt for a permanent hair color like iNOA by L’Oréal Professionnel. Try the Majirel series for high lifts and fashion colors.
- Demi-Permanent Hair Color
If you are looking for lower commitment, go for demi-permanent hair colors. Perfect for highlights and balayages, this hair color blends pigments into the outer layers of the hair without fully penetrating the shaft. Demi-permanent hair colors, like Dia color by L’Oréal Professionnel, usually have little to no ammonia and use a milder developer. While it fades sooner than permanent hair colors, it’s ideal for those who want color without the long-term commitment or the maintenance that comes with permanent hair colors.
When Should You Get a Demi-Permanent Hair Color?
Demi-permanent formulas are perfect for enhancing your natural hair color, darkening tones, refreshing faded color, or blending in greys very seamlessly and naturally. They are also perfect for beginners or anyone who is testing the waters with new hair color shades.
- Temporary Hair Color
Temporary hair color is usually restricted to the surface of your hair and does not penetrate the cuticle. It’s usually applied via sprays, mousses, chalks, or washable dyes, and doesn’t require a developer. Temporary hair color usually washes out in 1 to 2 shampoos. Since it doesn’t alter your natural pigment, it’s the safest way to play with color without commitment.
When Should You Get Temporary Hair Color?
If you want bold shades for a short period, think of temporary hair colors. They give you the instant fun of hair coloring without having to make any commitment or damaging your hair.
Tips to Select the Right Hair Color
- If you’re looking for a total transformation or want full grey coverage, a permanent hair color is your best bet. It’s also ideal for root touch-ups.
- If you prefer a soft change or are new to coloring, a demi-permanent option is more forgiving and less damaging. It’s also more suited to already damaged hair.
- When experimenting for fun, temporary color is the perfect pick.
Whichever hair color you select, remember that getting it done professionally helps you minimize the damage and amp up your hair color results. Be it post-color hair care, professional permanent and demi-permanent hair colors, or the best stylists and colorists, you can trust L’Oréal Professional to take care of it all.
