Semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair color are both temporary hair color options, but they have some differences. Here are the key differences between semi and demi-permanent hair color:
Semi-Permanent Hair Color
- Lasts about 3 to 6 washes.
- Does not need to be mixed with a developer and is typically applied to freshly shampooed hair for the best result.
- Is a deposit-only, temporary hair color that stains the hair.
- Does not lighten or darken the hair.
- Is not designed to cover grays.
- Can temporarily enhance the tone of the hair, adding a little extra vibrancy in between color applications or balancing out brassy tones.
Demi-Permanent Hair Color
- Lasts about 24 to 30 shampoos.
- Is mixed with a low-volume developer that activates hair color with a low level of peroxide to lift the outer cuticle so that pigment can lodge there without affecting the innermost fibers of the cortex.
- Penetrates the hair strand more than semi-permanent color will, producing more longevity, without fully altering the chemical composition of the hair.
- Can only deposit pigment to the hair’s cuticle rather than lift (lighten) the color of the hair.
- Is deposit-only, meaning you can only go the same level or darker.
- Is a great option for hair that just needs tone added.
- Is not damaging to the hair, but it does raise the cuticle slightly to deposit the color.
- Is perfect for refreshing faded ends and brightening up dull and brassy blondes.
In summary, the main difference between semi and demi-permanent hair color is their permanency. Semi-permanent hair color lasts for about 3 to 6 washes, while demi-permanent hair color lasts for about 24 to 30 shampoos. Additionally, demi-permanent hair color penetrates the hair strand more than semi-permanent color, producing more longevity, without fully altering the chemical composition of the hair.
