4 Types of Hair Colors & How To Choose The One For You
From bold new shades and glossy finishes to the excitement of trying something new, coloring your hair can be an exhilarating experience. That excitement, however, often comes with a moment of hesitation when you realise it is a commitment. This is where understanding the different types of hair color becomes essential. After all, the last thing you want is to end up with a color you regret!
Understanding your options gives you a clearer picture of how long the color will last, the kind of finish it delivers, and how it will interact with your hair’s natural pigment. So, before you take the plunge, let’s walk you through the different types of hair colors and what each one means for your hair.
A quick overview of the types of hair color:
- There are different hair color types that deliver varied levels of longevity and results, making it important to understand what each option offers before deciding.
- Permanent hair color offers the longest-lasting change by altering hair's natural pigment permanently.
- Demi-permanent hair color lasts 6-8 weeks, offering a less drastic but enriched color.
- Semi-permanent hair color has a short-lived effect, lasting 4-6 weeks without affecting natural pigment.
- Temporary hair color lasts until the next wash, offering instant but fleeting color.
Types of Hair Colors
1. Permanent Hair Color
Naturally, we start at the permanents while learning about the different hair color types. Permanent hair color is your longest-lasting option, i.e., it lasts the most amount of time. This hair color type is designed to change your hair’s natural pigment for good.
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How does it work?
A permanent hair color opens your hair cuticle and takes the new color deposit deep into your shaft. Additionally, permanent hair colors don’t wash out easily. You may need to get touch-ups done as and when your hair grows out.
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When to use this hair color type?
Permanent hair color is ideal for dramatic transformations, lifting dark shades, and full grey coverage. You should go for it if you want long-lasting results with minimal touch-ups. For healthier hair and vibrant color, choose ammonia-free permanent hair colors enriched with nourishing oils and gels.
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How often do you need to touch up permanent hair color?
Typically, this hair color type needs root touch-ups after a month or more, according to your hair growth. Make sure you use color-protection shampoo to keep your color just as vibrant. For optimal hair care, alternately use repairing hair care ranges, with ingredients like acidic bonding concentrate.
2. Demi-Permanent Hair Color
Demi-permanent hair color is the ultimate low-commitment option for those who want color that lasts 6-8 weeks, adds high shine and refreshes your shade without drastically changing your natural color. Compared to permanent hair colors, it fades softly (no harsh lines), is gentler, and lasts longer than semi-permanent colors.
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When to use this type of hair color?
Demi-permanent is one of the prominent types of hair color which is ideal when you just begin seeing a few greys but are not ready for an all-out coverage. It also comes in handy if you’re looking to deepen or enrich your existing hair color tones, adding some hair color highlights to it.
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How often do you need to touch up demi-permanent hair colors?
While it depends on the porosity of your hair, this hair color type generally lasts for 6-8 weeks. Use color-extending mask for these different types of hair colors, to extend their life while adding shine and moisture.
3. Semi-Permanent Hair Color
Semi-permanent hair colors last the least amount, i.e., 4-6 weeks. These hair colors don’t contain any coloring agents like ammonia or peroxides. This is why they don’t affect your natural hair color at all. This type of hair color doesn't show up as well on naturally darker or brunette hair. It simply adds a layer of the new shade over your existing hair pigment, which makes it difficult to go lighter with semi-permanent colors.
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When to use this type of hair color?
If you’re hesitant about trying a brave new shade, this hair color type is the way to go. However, semi-permanent shades do not provide grey coverage and don’t work as well on darker hair. They are ideal for adding a slight tint or highlight to your hair lengths.
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How often do you need to touch up semi-permanent hair color?
According to factors like hair porosity and the frequency of your hair wash routine, this type of hair color can last for 4-6 weeks.
4. Temporary Hair Color
Temporary hair colors are quick fixes that bring you color pigments instantly, which may last you till your next shampoo. The good thing about temporary colors is that you can run absolutely wild with your imagination, and it all is undone in a single wash. Options include - color-depositing masks, chalks, root touch-up sprays, or even glazes.
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When to use this type of hair color?
This hair color type comes in handy before photoshoots, last-minute touch-ups, testing new shades, and all sorts of one-day escapades. However, they might stain your clothes and pillowcases. Lighter shades may not show up as well on darker hair.
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How long does temporary hair color last?
This hair color type lasts till your next hair wash.
Conclusion
With all the different hair color type options laid out before you, all that's left to do is learn how to choose the right hair color for yourself! Go chic with a new shade and make sure you protect it with hair color products for a glowing, lively result. Learn everything there is about color care, covering grays, and more with the hair-color tips by Redken India.