How Long Does Permanent Hair Dye Last?

How long does permanent hair color last? The short answer is four to six weeks before you notice fading or root regrowth. However, as the name suggests, permanent hair dye is truly permanent. The color molecules stay inside the hair shaft and do not completely wash out. The color remains until the hair grows out or is lightened or removed.

That said, permanent hair color does change over time, and understanding how it behaves can help you keep your shade looking fresh and vibrant for longer.

How Permanent Hair Dye Works?

Permanent hair dye works by opening the hair cuticle and depositing color deep into the cortex. This allows the color to permanently alter your natural pigment.

However, there are two key things to keep in mind:

1. The shade fades, not the dye: Permanent hair color stays in the hair, but the tone can lose brightness over time, especially with frequent washing or heat styling.
2. New hair grows in: As your hair grows, roots become visible, usually after 4–6 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows and how different your natural color is from the dyed shade.

This is why permanent shades, whether permanent black hair dye, permanent red hair dye, or bold shades like permanent purple hair dye require proper maintenance.

Please note: Permanent hair dye on grey hair often fades faster because grey hair is more resistant and porous, making maintenance products especially important.

Best Permanent Hair Color for a Long Lasting Finish

Permanent hair color is designed to deliver rich pigmentation, excellent gray coverage, and fade-resistant results that last through multiple washes. Performing a strand test before full application is always recommended to determine accurate processing time and expected results.

Below are some of the best permanent hair color shades known for professional-quality results.

1. 8VAI Light Ash Blonde Deep Pearl Hair Color

This shade has cool ash tones with a soft pearl finish, helping reduce unwanted warmth or brassiness.

Best for:

• Pre-bleached or naturally blonde hair
• Cool, icy blonde looks
• Keeping yellow tones under control

2. 9AVI Light Pearl Smokey Blonde Hair Color

This blonde has a gentle mix of pearl and smokey tones. It gives a clean, modern finish without looking flat or overly ashy.

Best for:

• Smokey or pearl blonde shades
• Fine to medium hair
• Soft, natural-looking blonde results

3. 7.0 Blonde Olive Hair Color

Blonde Olive shades help balance out red and orange tones. The result is a neutral blonde that looks even and natural.

Best for:

• Hair that turns brassy easily
• Warm or reddish undertones
• Earthy, balanced blonde shades

4. 4N Brown Hair Color

A classic, dependable shade, 4N Brown hair color offers rich pigmentation and excellent gray coverage. Its neutral base ensures consistent results across various hair types.

Best for:

• Covering grey hair
• Simple, natural brown color
• Low-maintenance, long-lasting results

5. 8KA Light Hazelnut Hair Color

This shade blends soft brown with light golden tones for a warm, natural hazelnut finish.

Best for:

• Moving from brunette to lighter shades
• Soft, sun-touched color looks
• Medium to light hair bases

Also Read: How Often Should You Apply Permanent Hair Coloring?

How Can I Maintain My Permanent Hair Color?

Even though permanent hair dye lasts, maintenance makes all the difference.

1. Wash Less Often

Frequent shampooing causes color molecules to escape faster. This is the reason why semi-permanent hair color fades after a certain number of shampoos. Hence, try washing 2–3 times per week.

2. Avoid Heat and Sun Exposure

Excessive heat and UV rays fade color faster. Always use heat protectant spray and UV-shielding products. Also, when washing your hair, opt for the coolest water possible.

3. Use Color-Safe Products

Choose Moehair sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Quality formulas, like those recommended for Moehair permanent hair color routines, help slow fading.

4. Avoid Chlorine and Saltwater

Both can dry hair and alter color tone. If swimming, apply hair conditioner or wear a swim cap to help protect your color.

5. Know Your Hair Texture

Porous or dry hair loses color faster, so deep conditioning is essential. This is where your hair care routine comes into play to make sure your hair is staying hydrated.

How to Fade Permanent Hair Dye Fast? (If You Want a Change)

If you’re ready for a new shade, permanent dye doesn’t mean you’re stuck forever. Here are your options:

• Highlights or lightening (hair bleach is required; color cannot lift color)
• Color removers that break down pigment molecules
• Glosses or hair masks to shift tone gently

Many professionals recommend refreshing faded permanent color with semi-permanent hair color or demi-permanent products instead of repeatedly layering permanent dye.

Also Read: 8 Ways to Avoid Hair Color Fading

How Often Should You Touch Up Permanent Hair Color?

• Roots: Every 4–6 weeks
• Lengths: Refresh only when tone fades

Reapplying permanent dye to already-colored hair can cause dryness and overly dark results.

Instead, use color-depositing masks or gloss treatments to revive shine and tone, especially if you’re maintaining vibrant shades like permanent red, purple, or blue hair dye.

Is Permanent Hair Color Right for You?

Permanent hair color may be a great option if you:

• Want 100% grey coverage
• Prefer long-lasting results
• Are changing your hair color significantly
• Don’t mind root touch-ups every month

Moehair permanent hair color is ideal for those looking for long-lasting color with conditioning benefits, making permanent dye less damaging over time.

FAQs

Q. How long does permanent hair color last on black hair?
Permanent hair color on black hair does not wash out, but you may notice fading in tone and visible roots after about 4–6 weeks. Dark shades usually hold pigment longer than lighter colors.

Q. How long does permanent hair dye last on grey hair?
On grey hair, permanent dye lasts until new hair grows in, but fading can appear sooner, often within 3–5 weeks.

Q. Will my hair go back to normal after permanent dye?
No. Permanent hair dye changes the hair’s internal pigment. Your natural color only returns as new hair grows, or if the dyed hair is lightened or recolored.

Q. How damaging is permanent hair color?
Permanent hair color can cause dryness if overused, but with proper application, conditioning, and sulfate-free aftercare, damage can be minimal.

Q. What is the hardest hair color to maintain?
Bright and cool shades such as red, blue, purple, and ash blondes are the hardest to maintain because they fade faster and require regular toning and care.

Q. What happens if you leave permanent hair dye in longer than 30 minutes?
Leaving dye on too long won’t make color darker but can lead to dryness, irritation, uneven tone, or dull results. Always follow the recommended processing time.