Everything about hair dyes at a glance
- 13 min reading time
Hair dyes - are you already seeing roots, or does your hair colour need a refresh? You’re probably not sure where to start and running into various struggles, which is perfectly normal. There are so many different types of dyes: permanent hair dyes, semi-permanent hair colour, bleaching, colour refreshers and more! In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the types of hair colour you can choose from. And which type of hair colour suits you best, so you can confidently step out with radiant hair!
What types of hair dyes are there?
There are many different kinds of hair colour you can use to dye your hair. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as visiting a hairdresser who picks the perfect hair colour for you. We have listed all the types of hair dyes below in detail for you:
Permanent hair dye
What is permanent hair dye?
Permanent hair dye is long-lasting. It breaks down the existing pigments in your hair and replaces them with new pigments that penetrate the inner layer of the hair. This is why the dye stays until your roots grow out. The colour can fade over time, but this is easy to fix with a colour shampoo. Permanent hair dye offers the best colour coverage and is the only dye that provides 100% grey coverage.
What is bleaching?
Bleaching is also a form of permanent hair dye but is actually more of a lightener. Simply put, bleaching removes colour pigments. The pigments are stripped out so the desired colour can be applied afterwards. You bleach if you want to lighten your hair by several shades. We recommend not bleaching without advice or guidance from a specialist.
How long does permanent hair dye last?
Permanent hair dye lasts the longest compared to other types of hair dye. It only fades due to root growth and can sometimes fade a bit after many washes. You can easily restore the colour with a colour refresher or colour shampoo. You only need to re-dye your hair with permanent dye when the roots become too noticeable.
Why choose or avoid permanent hair dye?
Here are some reasons to help you decide if permanent hair dye suits you:
- Provides the best coverage if your hair is over fifty percent grey
- For a hair colour that lasts a long time
- All colour shades are possible
- Bleaching is useful for going from dark to much lighter
- Permanent dye offers excellent coverage
- Can damage your hair (especially bleaching)
How do I use permanent hair dye?
You always need to mix permanent hair dye with a developer (also called oxidant, developerCream, peroxide, activator, developerLotion, etc.). These are the types of developers and their functions:
3% - For colouring your hair.
6% - Lightens your hair by one to two shades. Good for covering grey hair.
9% - Lightens your hair by three to five shades.
12% - Lightens hair by five shades or more.
Follow the instructions on the package carefully and always stick to the indicated processing time. Want more detailed info on how to dye your hair? Check out this blog: Hair colouring for beginners.
How do I bleach my hair?
Bleaching follows different rules. You always bleach with 3%, 6% or 9% hydrogen peroxide, never 12% unless recommended by your hairdresser/specialist. Which peroxide you choose depends on your current hair colour and your goal. For instance, if you have never coloured before and want light highlights, 6% is enough. If you have dark coloured hair and want a lot lighter hair, you should use 9%.
Examples of permanent hair dyes
Examples of bleaching products
Most hair dyes include a matching developer, which you’ll usually find in the product description. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact customer service!
Demi-permanent hair dye
What is demi-permanent hair dye?
Demi-permanent hair dye (colour rinse) comes after permanent hair dye. It acts like a layer over your natural hair colour and is less permanent than permanent dye. Ideal for beginners or if you want to try out a colour. Toners are also a type of demi-permanent hair dye. A toner boosts your current hair colour, adds character, or neutralises unwanted tones. Demi-permanent colour rinse is wash-outable and visible for about six to eight weeks.
How long does demi-permanent hair dye last?
Demi-permanent dye lasts about six to eight weeks. After roughly twenty-eight washes, you’ll need to colour your hair again.
Why choose or not choose demi-permanent dye?
Here are some reasons to help you decide if demi-permanent dye suits you:
- Less permanent than permanent dye
- No strong root regrowth visible
- Results last six to eight weeks
- Can’t lighten hair, only adds colour
- Ideal for trying out a new hair colour
- Wash-outable
- No grey coverage
- Great colour refresher
- More natural effect
How do I use demi-permanent hair dye?
Like permanent dye, you must mix demi-permanent dye with a developer. Follow the instructions carefully and respect the processing time. For more detailed info on how to dye your hair, check this blog: Hair colouring for beginners.
Examples of demi-permanent hair dyes
Temporary hair dye (semi-permanent)
What is temporary hair dye?
Temporary hair dye washes out after a few washes. Semi-permanent hair dye only coats the outside of your hair. This depends on the product you use; results vary by brand, hair type, and quality. Temporary hair dye is perfect for making a fashion statement or trying out a colour briefly. You can’t lighten your hair with it, and it doesn’t cover grey hair.
How long does temporary hair dye last?
Temporary hair colour lasts up to about six washes. This varies by product and brand; some last much longer than others!
Why choose or not choose temporary hair dye?
Here’s a list of reasons to help you decide if temporary dye suits you:
- For a short time
- Want to try something new
- No visible root regrowth
- Wash-outable
- Can’t lighten your hair
- Perfect for a fashion statement
How do I use temporary hair dye?
You don’t need a developer for temporary hair dye. Just follow the instructions on the package! Be sure to respect the indicated processing times.
Examples of temporary, semi-permanent hair dyes
- Maria Nila Colour Refresh
- Revlon Nutri Color
- Schwarzkopf Chroma ID Bonding Mask
- Indola Color Blaster Conditioner
What is a colour refresher?
Colour refreshers are a mild form of temporary or semi-permanent hair dye. They come in many forms, such as colour shampoos or silver shampoos. A colour refresher is purely for refreshing your colour, for example removing a warm tone from your hair. It doesn’t add new colour. How long the result lasts and how to use it varies per product. Here are some great colour refreshers:
- MORE Haircare Extreme No yellow Silver Shampoo
- Fanola No Orange Shampoo
- Schwarzkopf Color Freeze Silver Shampoo
Looking for a temporary solution for roots without developer, hair dye, etc.? These products camouflage roots and wash out immediately when needed:
- L'Oreal Hair Touch Up Spray
- REF Root Concealer
- Color Wow Cover Up Red (only available in red now)
Is hair dyeing or colouring damaging?
When you dye your hair, you want to cause as little damage as possible while keeping the colour vivid. But which hair dye is least damaging, and which damages your hair the most? We have listed some types of hair dyes below.
Permanent hair dye: permanent hair dye locks the colour into your hair, though it fades over time. It penetrates almost to the hair’s core. This is a chemical treatment and although dye tubes mostly contain conditioners, it does cause some damage. That’s why it’s important to use good products and not dye too often to limit damage. After dyeing, extra hair care is essential.
Bleaching: bleaching also results in a permanent outcome and lightens hair significantly. Unfortunately, it’s tougher on your hair. That’s why good products and lower levels of peroxide/developer should be used, and you shouldn’t bleach your hair too often. By limiting bleaches and using quality products, you greatly reduce damage.
Demi-permanent hair dye: demi-permanent hair dye sits like a layer over your natural hair colour, slightly penetrating the hair and being less permanent than permanent hair dye. This wash-outable colour rinse lasts about six to eight weeks. You use a developer for it as well, making it less damaging than permanent dye but not completely harmless to your hair.
Semi-permanent hair dye (colour rinse): semi-permanent hair dye coats the hair, making it less damaging than (demi) permanent dye. It’s a great option to try out a fun colour with less commitment.
Temporary hair dye: always wanted a different hair colour? Temporary hair dye is the best solution. It gives you a new hair colour that washes out after a few washes, and it’s also not very damaging to your hair.
Colour refresher: colour refreshers are similar to temporary hair dye. Use them to freshen existing colour or extend your colour’s vibrancy. They are much less damaging, or not damaging at all, compared to hair dye and leave your hair looking refreshed and vibrant.
Which hair dye is best for grey hair?
Oh no, I’m going grey! Many dread going grey, and you want to hide it by dyeing your hair. Which dye is best? When you start to grey, you usually dye your hair back to your natural hair colour. But is that the best approach? At first, it may work, but as your hair greys more, choosing a lighter colour is better. Plus, as you age, your facial colour changes, making a lighter tone more flattering. Also, dark colours show root regrowth prominently. When dyeing grey hair, permanent hair dye is your best choice; otherwise, you’ll be dyeing constantly. Want to go from dark to light blonde? Do it gradually, not all at once. A half shade lighter each time works best.
Which hair dye do I need for roots?
After colouring your hair with permanent dye, roots will show in four to six weeks, so you’ll need to dye your hair again with the same dye. Use the same hair dye line and shade for the best results, although switching within permanent dyes is possible. The product instructions explain how to apply the dye. It’s important to apply the dye to the roots and watch the processing time closely. You can also use a root concealer. This is a temporary dye that washes out after one wash.
Is there hair dye for sensitive scalps?
If you have a sensitive scalp but want to colour your hair, choose a product that is as gentle as possible on your hair and scalp. Dyeing can be unpleasant if you have a sensitive scalp. A little itchiness during colouring is normal, but if it becomes intolerable, rinse the dye out immediately. Luckily, there are many hair dyes suitable for sensitive scalps. These hair dyes are suitable if you have a sensitive scalp:
Is there a difference between hair dye and hair colour?
Permanent change in hair is done with hair colour. The colour stays for a long time but you’ll need to touch up every four to six weeks to avoid roots showing. If you don’t want to dye every four to six weeks, that’s fine — we have other solutions besides hair colour. For example, root concealers and much more! Hair colour is mainly used when you want to highlight or fully bleach your hair. It contains hydrogen peroxide. Hair dye is a temporary change and works more on the outside of the hair. With each wash, some colour is lost until it’s gone. How long the colour lasts depends on the type of dye you use. Hair dye is also good if you want to intensify your natural colour a bit. For subtle enhancement (half to one shade), semi-permanent hair dye is best. For bigger changes (two or more shades lighter or darker), permanent hair colour is the way to go.
Where can I ask questions about hair dyes?
We try to give you the best advice with our in-house pros - always happy to help! Feel free to call for a chat or email info@haarspullen.nl, our customer service is happy to assist you.
Disclaimer - We want to emphasise that dyeing hair is specialist work, so we take no responsibility for unsuccessful dye jobs.
Credits picture: @_jesSicadomoney
