Semi-Permanent Hair Color

How Long Does Semi Permanent Hair Color Last?

By utsav baghelJul 24, 2025 6 min read

What is a Semi Permanent Hair Color?

How Long Does Semi Permanent Hair Color Last?

What Are The Factors That Affect How Long Semi Permanent Hair Color Lasts?

How Can You Make Semi Permanent Hair Color Lasts Longer?

Permanent and Semi Permanent Hair Color: Which One Should You Pick?

How to Apply a Semi Permanent Hair Color?

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Semi permanent hair color is gaining massive popularity, especially among Gen Z, who are leading a major shift in hair trends. In fact, the global semi permanent hair dye market was valued at USD 23.6 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 40.6 billion by 2032, growing steadily at a 6.2% CAGR. With more people exploring color as a form of self-expression, semi permanent color options have become a go-to for low-commitment transformations.

Whether you want to go bold for a staycation or test a new shade before committing, this type of hair color offers flexibility without damaging your strands. But how long does semi permanent color actually stay? The answer depends on a few things such as your hair type, the shade you choose, and how you care for it.

In this guide, we will cover how long semi permanent hair color actually lasts, what causes it to fade quickly or stick around longer, and simple tips to help keep your color looking fresh.

What is a Semi Permanent Hair Color?

Semi permanent hair color is a type of dye that gently enhances your natural shade without making a lasting change. Unlike permanent hair color options, it’s ammonia-free and doesn’t need any mixing. You can apply straight from the bottle.

The color sits on the surface of the hair, adding a tint or refreshing existing color without opening the cuticle. Hence, it won’t cause damage or dryness to your hair.

Now that you know what it is, let’s dive into how long it lasts.

How Long Does Semi Permanent Hair Color Last?

Most semi permanent dyes usually last between 10 to 12 washes. The exact time depends on how often you wash your hair and what kind of hair products you use. The typical hair care products include dry shampoo, a leave-in conditioner and a hair mask.

So, how many washes are we talking about?

Here’s a quick breakdown based on how often you shampoo:

Daily washing? Your color might start fading fast within 1 to 2 weeks.
2–3 washes a week? You can expect the color to last around 4 to 6 weeks.
Once a week? Your shade could stick around for up to 8 weeks or more.

The key takeaway is that the less you wash, the longer your color will last.

Some results of hair colored by semi permanent hair dyes:

What are the Factors That Affect How Long Semi Permanent Hair Color Lasts?

While semi permanent hair dye isn’t meant to last forever, how quickly it fades can vary widely based on various factors including your hair’s natural characteristics and your routine. Understanding the following factors can help you get the most out of every application.

1. Your Hair Type Makes a Big Difference

Everyone's hair is different and how well it holds color depends a lot on how porous your hair is.

Dry or bleached hair tends to soak up color quickly but also loses it faster.
Healthy, untreated hair doesn’t absorb color as easily, so the results may not be as bold.
Coarse or curly hair usually holds color well because it’s more porous, but it can also fade quickly.
Gray hair is often tough to color evenly with semi permanent dye because it’s resistant and coarse.

2. Your Base Hair Color & Shade Choice Matter

Your natural hair color and the shade you choose both play a big role in how your semi permanent dye performs.

Light or pre-lightened hair holds on to vibrant and pastel shades best but it can stain, especially with blues or greens.
Medium tones like light brown work well for deeper colors like burgundy, copper, or plum.
Dark hair may only show a slight tint unless it’s lightened first. Lighter colors won’t be visible without bleaching.

Pro tip: For pastel or soft shades to pop, you’ll need to lighten your hair first.

3. Some Colors Fade Quicker Than Others

The richness of the shade makes a big difference.

Deep tones like dark red, navy, or purple usually stick around longer.
Warm shades like pink or rose gold fade gradually and tend to look good as they wash out.
Light pastels are fun but short-lived.

4. How Often You Wash Your Hair

As stated earlier, water is the biggest reason your color fades.

Hot water opens up the hair cuticle and washes out the dye faster. Use cool water when rinsing.
Shampoos with sulfates are too harsh and strip color easily. Use sulfate-free, color-safe formulas.
Clarifying shampoos are great when you want to remove dye.
Hard water can cause fading because of the minerals in it.

5. Heat Styling & Sun Can Speed Up Fading

Your flat iron or sunny beach days might be working against your color.

Use a heat protectant spray if you’re using blow dryers, flat irons, or curling wands. Master stylist Edda Coscioni also recommends using heat protectant products to keep your color brighter for longer, adding, “Using [these] when blow drying, curling or flat-ironing hair [will] help with fading.”
Wear a hat or use UV-protecting hair products when you’re outside a lot.

How Can You Make Semi Permanent Hair Color Lasts Longer?

You’ve got your dream hair color now and here’s how to keep it fresh for as long as possible. These simple tips will help you in keeping your hair color intact for a long period of time.

Prep Before You Dye
- Use a clarifying shampoo before coloring to remove buildup.
- Avoid using conditioner right before in order for the dye to fully absorb.
Pick the Right Products
- Always choose sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo and conditioner.
- Wash with cool water to help seal the cuticle and lock in color.
- Limit washes to 2–3 times a week to reduce fading.
Protect Between Washes
- Use dry shampoo to refresh your roots without stripping color.
- Shield your hair from the sun with a hat or UV protectant spray.
- Apply heat protectant before styling with hot tools.
- Treat your hair with a hydrating mask weekly to keep it healthy.
Refresh When Needed

Moehair’s top rated semi permanent hair color is gentle and safe to reapply whenever your shade needs a boost. You can easily shop semi permanent hair color online for a quick refresh or a bold new look.

Permanent and Semi Permanent Hair Color: Which One Should You Pick?

Thinking of trying a new hair color? The choice between permanent and semi permanent dye comes down to how bold you want to go and how long you want it to last.

Difference Between Permanent and Semi Permanent Hair Dye

Feature	Semi Permanent Hair Dye	Permanent Hair Dye
Ideal for	First-timers, trend testing, enhancing natural tones	Gray coverage, full color changes, long-term results
Color longevity	Lasts 10 to 12 washes	Lasts until hair grows out or is recolored
Gray hair coverage	Light blending (not full coverage)	Full and long-lasting coverage
Chemical Use	Ammonia-free, gentle on hair	Contains ammonia or similar agents to alter natural pigment
Maintenance	Low maintenance, easy to reapply	Requires root touch-ups and regular upkeep

Why Opt for Semi Permanent Hair Dye?

Ideal for: First-timers, experimenting with color, or enhancing natural tones without damage.

Low Commitment, More Flexibility
Semi permanent dye is perfect for trying out new trends without the pressure. It usually lasts up to 10 to 12 washes, making it ideal for switching shades with the seasons.
No Harsh Chemicals
These formulas are typically free of ammonia and simply coat the outer layer of your hair. That means no long-term damage and a soft, glossy finish.

Please note: Always read the label carefully before applying any hair color. Additionally, Made Safe (a certification body that screens consumer products for toxic substances) recommends avoiding ingredients like p-phenylenediamine, DMDM hydantoin, and methylisothiazolinone due to their potentially harmful effects.

Fast Color Fixes

Need to tone down brassiness or give faded color a boost? Semi permanent dyes work beautifully as a quick refresh between salon visits.

Why Choose Permanent Hair Dye?

Ideal for: Gray coverage, major color changes, or those ready for a long-lasting shade.

Long-Lasting Results
Permanent hair dye is designed to last until your hair grows out or you decide to change it. It’s a long-term color solution that means fewer reapplications and less upkeep over time.
Full Gray Coverage
If fully covering gray hair is your goal, permanent color is the way to go. It offers reliable, even coverage and won’t fade out as quickly as semi permanent options.
Bold, Intense Shades
Permanent hair dye delivers vibrant color with more depth and dimension. Whether you're going darker, lighter, or trying something totally new, it’s worth opting.

How to Apply a Semi Permanent Hair Color?

Applying semi permanent hair color at home is quick, simple, and great for beginners. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get the best results:

How to Apply a Semi Permanent Hair Color?

Step 1: Prep Your Hair
Make sure your hair is dry and not freshly conditioned. If you want bold, even color, apply the dye to pre-lightened hair. Before you begin, put on gloves and squeeze the dye into a mixing bowl for easy application.

Step 2: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into four even sections and clip them up. This helps keep things neat and makes the application more neat.

Step 3: Apply the Color
Working with one section at a time, take small pieces (about an inch wide) and apply the dye from root to tip or just where you want the color.

Step 4: Let It Process
Leave the color on for at least 30 minutes. If you want a deeper or more vibrant look, you can leave it on longer; it’s totally safe.

Step 5: Rinse Gently
Rinse your hair with cold or lukewarm water until it runs clear. Skip the shampoo and use a conditioner if your hair needs extra moisture.

Also, read - Comprehensive Guide to Semi Permanent Hair Color

Conclusion

Semi permanent hair color is a great way to switch things up without making a big commitment. It’s gentle, easy to use, and fades gradually.

If you’re thinking of trying something new, Moehair’s professional semi permanent hair color range is worth checking out. The shades are rich and the formulas are kind to your hair. Whether you want a bold statement or a subtle tint, there’s a shade for every mood. So go ahead, and try different colors; your hair deserves it!

FAQs

Q1. Does semi permanent hair dye wash out?

Yes, it does. Semi permanent dye sits on the surface of your hair and gradually fades with each wash. It usually washes out completely within a few weeks, depending on how often you shampoo and your hair type.

Q2. Will my hair color go back to normal after semi permanent dye?

It will. Since semi permanent color doesn’t alter your natural pigment, your hair will return to its original color once the dye fades out.

Q3. What happens if you leave semi permanent hair dye in too long?

Leaving it in longer than the suggested time won’t harm your hair, but it also won’t make the color more permanent. At best, you might get a slightly deeper result.

Q4. What is the difference between semi permanent and permanent hair color?

Semi permanent dye coats the outside of your hair and fades over time. It doesn’t contain harsh chemicals and washes out in a few weeks. Permanent dye, on the other hand, penetrates the hair shaft and changes your natural color.

Q5. How to remove semi permanent hair color at home?

You can fade it faster by washing with a clarifying shampoo, using warm water, or trying a DIY vitamin C treatment. Just remember to follow up with a good conditioner to keep your hair soft and healthy.

Q6. Can I put another dye on top of a semi permanent color?

Yes, but it’s best to wash it out fully or use a clarifying shampoo first.

Q7. How long does semi permanent hair dye last on brown hair?

On brown hair, semi permanent dye usually lasts around 4 to 6 weeks. Richer shades like burgundy or copper show up better and fade more gradually.

Q8. How long does semi permanent hair dye last on gray hair?

Gray hair can be more resistant, so semi permanent dye may last only 2 to 4 weeks. Some colors might fade unevenly, so frequent touch-ups may help.

Q9. How long does semi permanent hair dye last on bleached hair?

Bleached hair absorbs color easily, so vibrant results can last up to 6 weeks, especially with the right aftercare. However, light colors may fade quicker if not maintained properly.

Q10. Is semi permanent dye good for first-timers?

Definitely. Semi permanent dye is easy to use and fades on its own, so you’re not stuck with the color.

Q11. Is semi permanent dye safe for your hair?

Yes! Since it doesn’t contain harsh chemicals, it’s considered safe even for dry or damaged hair.