Permanently altering your hair color can be an enormous commitment. A too light or too dark color can take months to fix, and regardless of how successful the color is you will always have roots. If the change you are envisioning is not drastic, consider using a nonpermanent haircolor. Nonpermanent haircolor lasts one to thirty shampoos and never leaves roots. Better yet, if you decide you like the color, you can always commit to a permanent change later.
There are three types of nonpermanent haircolor: temporary, semi permanent, and demi permanent. Before using any type of nonpermanent haircolor it is important to make sure that your hair is in good condition. If your hair is damaged from previous haircolor, heat, or other treatments, these types of haircolor can adhere to the shaft, permanently altering the color. Damaged hair is more porous than healthy hair, leaving the hair vulnerable to even mild haircolor.
Many colorists agree that you can strengthen the shaft and make the hair less porous by using a protein conditioner. If you decide to try to improve the condition of your hair, start a month before using any haircolor. Use a protein conditioner the maximum amount of times recommended, normally no more than three times a week. Be sure you are using a protein conditioner and not a daily conditioner. After using the protein conditioner for a month, evaluate the condition of your hair. If it appears healthy, you can attempt to use the haircolor.
Temporary haircolor is often what is used to create dramatic looks for a special event or a costume. Most temporary hair color washes out in one to two shampoos. It coats the hair shaft, creating no damage to the hair. Therefore, it is the only haircolor recommended for use directly after a chemical treatment, such as relaxer. Although you can buy temporary haircolor in natural looking colors, most people buy this type of color in vibrant hues.
A semi permanent is the mildest form of true haircolor. It cannot lighten your natural color, but it can make your hair darker or change the hue. After four to eight shampoos the haircolor will wash out. Semi permanent haircolor has large color molecules that attach themselves to the hair shaft. There is no ammonia or peroxide in semi permanent hair color, which prevents the color from penetrating the hair shaft. The lack of harsh chemicals also prevents damage to the hair.
Semi permanent haircolor is best used to experiment with a new haircolor or give a subtle boost to your natural color. You can also use it to cover gray if the gray hair is less than thirty percent. Semi permanent haircolor gives a greater shine to your hair, and can be applied every few weeks. However the buildup created by using semi permanent haircolor on a weekly basis can over time dull and darken hair. A better plan is to use semi permanent haircolor monthly, giving the previous treatment a chance to be removed before applying it once more. Then, a day before reapplication, use a clarifying shampoo to remove any residue.
A demi permanent haircolor can last as long as six weeks. It has a small amount of peroxide in the haircolor, which raises the cuticle of the hair shaft to allow the haircolor to better adhere to the hair. Despite the included peroxide, demi permanent haircolor cannot lighten your hair color.
This type of haircolor is an excellent choice for someone who wants to cover fifty to seventy-five percent gray or add color to lighter hair. You can use a color that is lighter than your natural color to cover gray if you would like to create dramatic highlighting. This method can create a very sophisticated look for single process haircolor. Demi permanent hair color can also significantly enhance your natural color if you have no gray.
If you plan on using a temporary, semi, or demi permanent haircolor at home avoid your local drugstore. Although there are many permanent haircolor options at a drugstore, you will often find only a small selection of other haircolors. A better place to look is at a beauty supply store or on the internet. Be sure to buy gloves and a bottle to apply the haircolor, as well as the color. You might also need a developer depending on the type of haircolor you use. Temporary haircolor will not need a developer.
The biggest complaint when using semi or demi permanent haircolor is the resulting color is too dark. This is common because nonpermanent haircolor only adds color. The best insurance against this problem is to start out gradually. Pick a haircolor that is only two shades different from your natural color. After you apply the haircolor, you can better evaluate how your hair will react to the type of haircolor you have chosen. Increase the darkness monthly until you reach a shade you like. If you accidentally choose a color that is too dark, a clarifying shampoo will help remove the excess haircolor.
Nonpermanent haircolor is the best option for a subtle change or to prevent damage to your hair. However the color fades more quickly than permanent haircolor. If you find that you can’t part with your newly colored locks, make an appointment with a colorist who can recreate the color permanently.
