Many people don’t realize that there is quite a bit of science involved with hair color. For instance, some hair dyes only lift color, while others will only deposit the dye. Some types of hair colors last long after the next coloring, while others will wash out after six to eight shampoos. When it comes down to it, it is important to know the differences between hair dyes; Unless, of course, you want to end up with orange, green or blue hair, crying in a salon to the only available hair stylist, wondering what went wrong.
Temporary Hair Dye
For ladies that like to change it up a lot and create new looks at the drop of a hat, Temporary Hair Dye is the way to go. These colors usually include bold colors like bright blue, neon colors and bright reds. There are also a few store-bought temporary dyes that have been around since your mom was thirty and these will usually wash out after three to five shampoos. These colors are more ideal for a quick change. These colors will only show a change on hair that is the same color it is being dyed. Temporary dyes should be used as a way to give a subtle kick to the hair, not to change hair color from brown to blond or blond to black. It won’t work, don’t waste the money trying. It is important to always read the directions thoroughly on the back of the box of hair dye and perform a strand test by testing the dye on one strand of hair first before dying all of the hair. It should also be noted that using a temporary hair dye may not always be better for the hair because though it doesn’t last as long, temporary dyes still use chemicals.
Demi-Permanent Hair Dye
Although it sounds like it is temporary hair dye, demi-permanent hair dye is actually a permanent dye that deposits the hair color only; it won’t lift. This means that it is a great option for those wanting to go dark or change to another tone in the hair coloring family they are already in. It will not work at all for those who want to change from brunette to blond, although it might create a pretty brown color instead and can lift very subtly, pulling out highlights. The color usually lasts for quite a while — usually 24 to 26 shampoos. Because the hair coloring is deposited through the cuticle, it doesn’t affect the natural pigmentation of the hair, meaning that the hair will not be damaged. Demi-permanant is also a great option for those who just want to add a little shine and because it coats the hair, it reduces frizz and won’t make your hair look like straw after it has been color treated. Demi-permanent hair dye is also the dye most used when someone decides to color their hair themselves and messes it up badly.
Semi-Permanent Hair Color
Using a semi-permanent hair color is a great way to add color without changing hair dramatically. Similar to the demi-permanent hair color, semi-permanent hair color adds natural color, which contains tiny molecules of color that enter the cuticle and go into the cortex of the hair, eventually exiting the hair after six to 12 shampoos, making it much like a bad boyfriend, non-committal. Semi-permanent is a good choice to cover gray, it enhances natural hair color and it won’t leave roots once it grows out. This hair coloring won’t lighten your hair color because it contains no ammonia or peroxide, so trying to go from brown to blond won’t turn anyone into a blond beauty, however it might produce a glowing orange shade.
Permanent Hair Color
For those looking for a drastic change or who want to add highlights, permanent hair color is the way to go. Permanent hair dye is the only dye that can change hair from blond to black or black to blond, although the process does involve what most professionals call, a double process. This means the hair has to go through two processes to get to the desired lightness or darkness. When making a drastic change, it is best to have a professional do the dirty work because there is quite a bit of chemistry involved when mixing hair color, especially when mixing hair color with ammonia and peroxide. The process is called permanent because when the hair is dyed, tiny molecules enter all the way into the cortex of a strand of hair. When there, they react and expand to a different size, making it impossible to be washed out. The only way to get rid permanent hair dye is to grow it out or dye over it with more permanent hair dye. Permanent hair dye can be very damaging to the hair if it is not treated and cared for well.
REFERENCES
Hair Colors: Temporary Hair Dyes
http://www.hairdye-colors.com/Temporary-Hair-Dye.php
The Beauty Biz; Hair Dyes
http://www.thebeautybiz.com/80/article/hair/hair-dye-choose-right-color
