No one wants to have a bad hair day, and it’s even worse if you’re trying to maintain the perfect Instagram selfie. So before we go radically changing our hair colour, there are a few things we want to know. Like, how long does permanent hair dye last? This article will answer that question and more!
For those of us who want to keep our style fresh but don’t have time for frequent salon visits, permanent hair dye is the answer.
There are two main types: semi-permanent and permanent. Semi-permanent dyes cover grey hairs for up six weeks before fading away again, while a single application of a permanent dye should last between 6-8 weeks.
We’re here to tell you all about permanent hair dye, how long it lasts and help you to decide if it’s right for you. Let’s go!
Contents
- 1 How long does permanent hair dye last?
- 2 How permanent is permanent hair colour?
- 3 How does permanent hair dye work?
- 4 How long does permanent hair dye last before it fades?
- 5 Does permanent hair dye fade eventually?
- 6 TOP TIPS to make permanent hair dye last for longer.
- 7 How long does it take for permanent hair dye to fade completely?
- 8 Can you wash out permanent hair dye?
- 9 Parting words.
How long does permanent hair dye last?
Permanent hair dye is made to look good for up to 6-8 weeks before it starts needing to be re-dyed or topped up.
How long it will look good on your hair depends on a few different considerations, such as:
- How often you wash your hair.
- What hair products you use and whether they are gentle on coloured hair.
- Your lifestyle and exposure to colour faders like sunshine and sea water.
- The colour hair dye you use – darker colours will stay in your hair for longer.
- The texture of your hair – if your hair is more porous it will have absorbed the dye better which makes it last longer.
Your natural hair colour will make a difference too.
If you have dark brown or black hair then the dye should last at least 6 weeks before fading out.
But for lighter colours like blonde, reds and anything lighter than this, they only make around 3-4 weeks before showing signs of fading.
How permanent is permanent hair colour?
Permanent hair dye penetrates your hair strands more than any other dye.
This makes it more permanent and last longer than other hair dye formulas such as demi-permanent and semi-permanent hair dye.
This doesn’t mean it will last forever. The dye will fade with time and other external factors such as sunlight and the condition of your hair.
It’s important to remember your roots will grow out too. So part of maintaining your hair colour means touching up your roots along the way.
How does permanent hair dye work?
Permanent hair dye works by depositing artificial colour onto strands of hair.
Their formula is typically composed of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), several types of pigment, and an acid to act as a catalyst for the chemical reaction.
The hydrogen peroxide oxidizes the natural melanin in the hair’s cortex to produce temporary or semi-permanent colours. Penetrating deep into the cortex of your hair to alter its colour with new colour pigment.
This video below shows you what it all means!
How long does permanent hair dye last before it fades?
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Many of us are curious about how long dye lasts before it fades. When you think about it, this is an important question to ask because the last thing anyone wants is to spend time and money on their hair only for it to fade away in a few weeks or months.
It’s hard to say, but permanent hair dye should last at least six weeks.
The average person can expect their colour fresh from the salon to fade by around 50% after just two weeks of wear (and some may go as far down as 30%).
Of course this varies depending on your natural hair type and how often you shampoo.
The good news? You can always refresh your hue by using a toner or adding more product onto your scalp when needed!
Does permanent hair dye fade eventually?
Permanent hair dye is most vibrant when you first get it done. After that, it will start to fade with shampooing and time.
It’s important to know that both natural and chemical dyes will fade over time- this is because the pigment molecules in the colour molecules get smaller with each wash or use.
There are other lifestyle factors that will fade your hair colour faster too.
We all want our colors to stay vibrant and perfect forever, so here are some tips on how to keep them looking fresh:
TOP TIPS to make permanent hair dye last for longer.
- Use sulphate-free shampoos and colour-safe conditioners.
- Once a week, use a deep conditioning hair mask to moisturise and nourish your locks.
- Cover your hair in the sun, or use a hair heat protector spray that contains UV protection too.
- Cover your hair with a swimming cap in swimming pools or in sea water.
- Use dry shampoo to refresh your locks and extend the time between washes.
- Use root cover ups to help hide unsightly root regrowth.
How long does it take for permanent hair dye to fade completely?
For the most part, permanent hair dye does exactly what it says on the box.
Once the color has been applied, it will take several washes for it to fade completely.
The length of time that the dye will last depends on a number of factors, including the type of dye used, the health of the hair, and how often the hair is shampooed.
In general, permanent hair dyes will last for several months before they fade completely.
However, some dyes may start to fade sooner if the hair is frequently exposed to sunlight or chlorine.
Can you wash out permanent hair dye?
Permanent hair dye won’t wash out with normal shampoo and conditioner.
Have you ever dyed your hair and then regretted it? You’re not alone. If you want to remove your hair dye at home, there are a few solutions you can try, including:
- Anti-dandruff shampoo
- Baking soda
- Cover removers like Colour B4
- Good old bleach!
Which one will work best for you depends on the type of colour you want to remove, how much hair colour has deposited on your hair for how long, and the condition of your hair type.
Parting words.
So how long does permanent hair dye last? The answer is really based on what type of dye you use and how your hair reacts to that particular product.
If you use an at-home kit, then it will likely survive about six weeks before fading away into nothingness. However, if you get professional colour done every few months, then it will stay put for much longer than that.
Permanent hair dyes can fade over time depending on factors such as what kind of shampoo/conditioner you use and whether or not your natural oils are what’s causing the colour to wash out.
It may seem like quite a commitment at first glance but if you keep these tips in mind before making that decision, it will be much easier to maintain from then on after. Good luck!