If you’re looking for a gentle formula for your color-treated or normal hair, then semi-permanent hair dye is just the right option for you. And if you dive into the internet with the query “best semi-permanent hair color”, you’ll be swamped by the brands that offer the same. But relax, I got you. In this blog, we’ll see the top 10 semi-permanent hair dye products that won’t disappoint you.
At some point, we all wanna go crazy with our hair. Don’t we? But it might not always be our first choice to keep that funky hair forever. Semi-permanent hair lets you experiment with different kinds of hair colors every so often without damaging your hair. So let’s celebrate the ability to do temporary hair color at home.
Apart from the ability to transform your hair at home, there is so much more to permanent hair dye. We’ll get into the nuances of semi-permanent hair dye along with the best products. So, stay tuned!
Best Semi-Permanent Hair Color: What Is Semi-Permanent Hair Color?
Semi-permanent hair dye deposits color into the hair shaft without penetrating into the inner layer of the skin. Permanent hair dye is permanent because it uses a developer or oxidizing agent for allowing the color to penetrate into the hair shaft. On the other hand, the semi-permanent dye does not contain any ammonia or peroxide and typically lasts for 4 to 12 washes.

There are many ways one can use a semi-permanent hair color. One can use it for covering gray hair or enhancing the natural hair color or adopting colorful hair for a while without making a commitment. Dying your hair with a semi-permanent hair color is a very easy process and could be done easily at home without spending big bucks at the salon.
So, if you want to go “experiment mode” with your hair but don’t wanna get into the guilt trip by damaging them, then semi-permanent hair dye is just for you.
10 Best Semi-Permanent Hair Colors : Our Top Picks
Looking for the best semi-permanent hair color? Here is a curated list of the top 10 brands.
1. Keracolor Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
The “clenditioner” you didn’t know you needed! Kera-color is a multifunction 3 in 1 product that is also the best semi-permanent hair color. It is designed to dye, cleanse, and condition your hair. And if the multi-step process is what bugs you about hair coloring, then you’re gonna love this product because you don’t need to shampoo after using Keracolor. Just rinse your hair and you’ve got that beautiful hue.

If you want that vibrance of your colored hair to remain the same, then you can opt for this brand. Keracolor conditioner is non-lathering, so you can apply it after coloring your hair to maintain that hue.
What We Love About The Keracolor Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
- Multi-purpose product with coloring, cleansing, and conditioning property
- Makes it easy for you to touch up
- Keratin-infused
2. L’Oreal Paris Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
Ditch the monotonous hair colors with the vibrant range of L’Oreal Paris Colorista professional semi-permanent dye. With color shades like pink, blue, peach, turquoise, and indigo; the variety would want you to go crazy with your hair.

L’oréal semi-permanent hair color has a blendable texture and looks creamy. The instructions are easy to follow and the process of applying the color is smoother. This versatile semi-permanent hair dye is also suitable for a variety of hair color types such as blonde hair, brunette, colored hair, bleached hair, or hair with highlights.
What we loved about L’Oreal Paris Colorista, the best Semi-Permanent Hair color:
- Ammonia(1)and Peroxide free
- Easy-to-follow instructions and easy application process
- Does not need any mixing
3. Adore Semi-permanent Hair Dye
Best semi-permanent hair color for vegans out there! Vegans are gonna adore this hair dye because it’s vegan duhh! Moreover its peroxide and ammonia-free, and does not contain any alcohol. If you want your hair to have a rich hue along with that irresistible shine, then fam! go for it. Plus point, If you think the hue of the dye is too dark, you just gotta add it to some conditioner, and voila! You have a lighter shade of the same color. using vegan shampoos may lead to improve color.

Adore semi-permanent hair dye is also a great choice for people with gray hair as it fades gradually. It is also long-lasting, so If you’re looking for a short-term hair color change, you might wanna look into other options.
What we loved about Adore’s semi-permanent hair color:
- Best choice for gray hair
- Gives your hair that luster and shine
4. Clairol Professional Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
They do not use peroxide, they use oxygen to develop the color. How cool is that? And not to forget, safe too! If you’re looking for the best semi-permanent hair color for gray hair, then Clairol professional semi-permanent hair dye is the right fit for you. It is specially designed for pre-lightened hair. Just shampoo your hair, and pet your hair dry with a towel, then process the hair color for at least 25 minutes. Beware of not shampooing your hair immediately after coloring.

And wait, there’s a more exciting part! You can create a color of your own choice with Clairol dye since their hair dyes are inter-mixable. This hair dye will not be harsh on your hair since it is made with natural ingredients and it gives your hair a shiny finish.
What we loved about Clairol professional semi-permanent hair dye:
- Best semi-permanent hair color for every hair type
- Long-lasting, can last up to 12 weeks
- Customizable, the hair dyes are intermixable
5. Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
Arctic is a great semi-permanent hair dye brand out there. And hey! If you wanna get along with the Barbie trend, then go for Arctic’s pink hair color. I can’t emphasize enough on that, it’s just so gorgeous. Pro tip: Pre-lighten your hair if you want that bombshell pink vibrance. One of the best semi-permanent hair color if you want some Barbie hair vibes

The non-damaging formula of Arctic Fox lets you dye your hair with no fear of frizziness or breakage. In fact, their conditioner is so good, it makes your hair look detangles and flawless. Also, Arctic fox hair dyes do not leave stains and are made of natural ingredients. So, your hair is protected from harmful chemicals.
What we loved about Arctic Fox Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye
- It’s vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, Phthalate-free, and you know what free from most of the chemicals
- It has a sweet aroma
6. Iroiro Premium Natural Semi-Permanent Dye
Which is the best semi-permanent hair color that is cruelty-free? Don’t go on their packaging, there’s pretty great stuff inside. This is a very conscious brand that refrains from testing its products on animals. Iroiro has 14 shades of hair dyes and is completely vegan and cruelty-free. Also, it contains coconut oil which makes sure your hair is moisturized and getting the nourishment it needs.

And last but not least, Iroiro is free from most chemicals and harmful ingredients such as parabens(2), peroxide, ammonia, preservatives, and added scents.
What we loved about Iroiro Premium Natural Dye:
- Contains coconut oil for moisturizing
- Perfect consistency
- Pleasant natural fragrance
7. Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Creme
When it comes to the best semi-permanent hair color you can’t unsee this goddess. As cool as its name is, Manic Panic has some coolest shades that will help you amp up and brazen your look. The so-called high-voltage hair colors come in a whopping 44 shades like in a rainbow spectrum. When they call it high-voltage, understand that their hair color is going to be crazy pigmented, and matter of fact they are!

The manic panic brand was featured in the best Best Hair Color in 2017. From pastels to traditional colors, manic panic suits all personalities, styles, and preferences. So, there’s a manic panic that suits your style. And even if you have a dark color, the pigment of manic panic will show on your hair.
What we loved about Manic Panic Semi-permanent Hair Color Creme:
- Highly-pigmented hair color suits dark hair as well
- Does not leave your hair dry and damaged
- Wide range of 44 colors
8. Color X-Change Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
Still, hunting for the best semi-permanent hair color that gives you a salon glow?You don’t need to go to the salon when you have Color X-Change Semi-Permanent Hair Color. It is fragrance-free and does not contain any alcohol. The concentrated color pigments in the color x-change semi-permanent dyes leave your hair shiny and lustrous.

This hair color is available in 13 shades and they take only 10 to 20 minutes to process the dye. If you want a long-lasting color effect on your skin, then this one’s for you. Also, color e-change semi-permanent hair dye does not require any mixing since it comes in a ready-to-use form.
What we loved about Color X-Change Semi-Permanent Hair Color:
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Free from most harmful chemicals including peroxide and ammonia
- Comes in a ready-to-use form
9. Kiss Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
If you’ve been stopping yourself from dying your hair because dying damages your hair and makes them dry, then Kiss-tintation is for you. This product has a super-creamy and conditioning formula that makes your hair look and feel fresh and moisturized. Kiss-tintation semi-permanent hair dye is instilled with ingredients like keratin, argan oil, collagen, and olive oil. Moreover, aloe vera is used instead of distilled water in kiss-tintation.

This dye is extremely easy to use and takes only 15–20 minutes to get that nice and shiny hue on your hair. no wonder it’s the best semi-permanent hair color. Have towel-dried hair before dying and in no case condition your hair immediately after dying your hair. And know what? Kiss-tintation has 58 different hair colors to fulfill your vibrant hair color fantasy.
What we loved about Kiss Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Dye:
Infused with natural ingredients and has deep conditioning properties
Available in a whopping 58 colors
Free from sulfates and ammonia
10. Birds Of Paradyes Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
The best semi-permanent hair color new in the market to make your hair gorgeous. Birds of Paradyes might be a relatively new brand in the market, but it’s a semi-permanent hair color shark tank was impressed with. It has received much applause, especially from the youth. It is safe to say that Birds of Paradyes is a hit among the Genz audience who likes to go crazy yet classy with coloring hair.

The shades at Paradyes are pretty awesome, bold, and highly pigmented, making them perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hair color. The color range includes pastel and neon hues and more traditional shades, so there’s something for everyone.
What we loved about Birds of Paradyes semi-permanent hair dye:
- best semi-permanent hair color for gray hair
- Range of cool, bold, and vibrant colors
- Long-lasting semi-permanent hair dye
- Easy application
How To Use At Home?
wonder how to use the best semi-permanent hair color at home? You don’t need to spend big bucks at a salon to dye your hair. Semi-permanent hair coloring is quite easy and with the convenience-oriented brands, coloring has become much easier.
Most Common And General Steps For Coloring Your Hair
Pick A Color
Start with choosing a color for your hair, duh! As we saw earlier, there are brands that are offering up to 58 shades. So, look which suits your style and personality the best, and makes you happy.
Prep Your Hair
Your hair needs preparation before the dyeing process. The preparation is simple though, Just involves washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to get rid of the product build-up. Make sure to pat your hair dry before coloring.
Protect Your Skin
You only want color on your hair, not on your ears, hairline, or neck. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a barrier cream around your hairline and on your ears to protect your skin from staining.
Mix The Dye
Now comes the prep of the dye. Follow the instructions carefully before mixing, as they might differ from brand to brand. The usual process includes mixing the hair color with the developer.
Apply The Dye
Use a brush or your hands to apply the dye to your hair. Make sure you saturate each section of your hair thoroughly with the hair dye, otherwise, it will just look bad.
Leave In The Dye
Follow the instructions on the dye box for how long to leave the dye in. Usually, you’ll need to leave the dye for 15–20 minutes, depending on the brand you’re choosing and the hue you’re picking.
Rinse And Condition
Once the dye has been in for the recommended time, rinse it out thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Use a color-safe conditioner to help seal the color and leave your hair feeling soft and silky.
Rinse And Condition
Now this step does not apply to every brand of hair color because some ask not to apply shampoo immediately or sometime later after the dyeing. In common cases, once you’re done leaving in the dye for the recommended time, rinse it out thoroughly with lukewarm water until the water runs clear through your hair. Use a color-safe conditioner to help seal the color and leave your hair feeling soft and silky.
Dry And Style
After rinsing and conditioning, towel dry your hair and style it as usual. Avoid using heat-styling tools, such as hairdryers and straighteners.
How Long Do They Last?
Permanent hair color does not fade away it just fades. Whereas semi-permanent hair color fades away, making you look the same as before. So, for the timeline up to which the semi-permanent hair dye lasts, it can last up to 12–15 shampoo washes.
Make sure to maintain the hair color properly so that the hair dye fades away evenly, without making your hair look like a Carrot top.
Is Semi Permanent Hair Color Safe?
It is understandable to worry about permanent hair dyes as they contain ammonia to penetrate your hair cuticles for having a permanent effect. Semi-permanent hair dyes do not contain ammonia, peroxide, and other harsh chemicals. It acts on the outer layer of your hair and fades away after 12–15 shampoo washes. Also, the absence of bleach in semi-permanent hair dyes makes it safer.
Why And When Should You Choose A Semi-Permanent Hair Color?
There is no reason why you wouldn’t wanna have a new and enhanced look. And if you’re dyeing your hair with these, then the worry should only assuage since semi-permanent hair color lets you experiment without making a commitment to any particular hue.
But if you’re still looking for some excuses, the following are the reasons why and when you should use semi-permanent hair color:
- Semi-permanent hair dyes are an excellent option for people who have partial gray hair. Semi-permanent hair dyes cover gray hair while still maintaining its natural color.
- Semi-permanent hair dyes are a great choice when you wanna try a new hair color but not wanna commit to it.
- If your hair color is looking faded or dull, semi-permanent hair dyes can help refresh and enhance the color. Semi-permanent hair dyes brighten up dull hair color and enhance their vibrance.
- Semi-permanent hair dyes do not have ammonia or peroxide, so it is less damaging to your hair than permanent hair color. So, if you wanna have a new hair color but do not want the damage, then go for semi-permanent hair dyes.
FAQs
Natural Instincts by Clairol or Color Touch by Wella are considered to be the least damaging hair dyes.
Semi-permanent hair color is a safer option than permanent hair color because it former does not contain ammonia, peroxide, or other harmful chemicals, unlike permanent hair color.
Semi-permanent hair color lets you experiment with colors on your hair without damaging them. The color lasts up to 12–15 washes. Also, it is great for covering gray or dull hair color. So, a semi-permanent hair color might be better for you.
Manic Panic could be considered the safest temporary hair color because it’s vegan, cruelty-free, ammonia and peroxide-free, and contains nourishing elements.
The Final Verdict
Finding the best Semi-permanent hair color after this won’t be hard. It is the best option for people who are looking for some hair color change or for experimenting with new hair colors without committing to it. Semi-permanent hair color lasts up to 12–15 shampoo washes, allowing you to experiment with different colors every so often. Semi-permanent hair dye is safe since they are ammonia and peroxide free, and acts on the outer layer of the skin without penetrating into the hair cuticles. It is also a great option for people with gray or dull hair, who wanna brighten up their hair.
Lastly, semi-permanent color can give you that bold, brazen, and vibrant look without making you flip out if it goes wrong. So, don’t worry anymore, fulfill your vibrant fantasy with the best semi-permanent hair dyes.
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