Hair Styles

Unveiling The Best Semi-Permanent Hair Color: Brighten Up Your Locks!

The best semi-permanent hair dyes to fulfill your hair color cravings without the damage


Written by Anshita Singh

On Mar 21, 2024 – 13 minutes read

Best Semi-Permanent Hair Color

If you’re in search of a gentle formula for your color-treated or normal hair, then semi-permanent hair dye is the perfect option for you. When you hit the internet with the query “best semi-permanent hair color,” you’ll be inundated with brands offering the same. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 semi-permanent hair dye products that won’t let you down.

We all have moments when we want to get a little wild with our hair, right? But committing to funky hair colors permanently might not always be our first choice. Semi-permanent hair dye allows you to experiment with various hair colors without causing damage to your hair. So let’s celebrate the freedom to try temporary hair color at home.

In addition to its convenience for home use, there’s much more to semi-permanent hair dye. We’ll delve into the details of semi-permanent hair dye along with showcasing 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 to allow 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.

best semi-permanent hair color to cover grey

There are numerous ways to utilize semi-permanent hair color. It can be used to cover gray hair, enhance your natural hair color, or experiment with vibrant colors temporarily without a long-term commitment. Applying semi-permanent hair color is a straightforward process that can be easily done at home, saving you from splurging 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 it, 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. 

best semi-permanent hair color brand for black hair

If you desire to preserve the vibrancy of your colored hair, consider choosing this brand. Keracolor conditioner is non-lathering, making it ideal for use after coloring your hair to help maintain its 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

Say goodbye to dull hair colors and embrace the vibrant range of L’Oreal Paris Colorista professional semi-permanent dye. With shades like pink, blue, peach, turquoise, and indigo, this lineup will inspire you to get creative with your hair.

best semi-permanent hair color for gray coverage

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 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, it is 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.

best semi-permanent hair color to cover gray

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 hair color:

  • Best choice for gray hair
  • Gives your hair that luster and shine 

4. Clairol Professional Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Instead of peroxide, they utilize oxygen to develop the color. How innovative is that? And it’s not just cool – it’s safe too! If you’re seeking the best semi-permanent hair color for gray hair, Clairol professional dye is the perfect choice. Specifically designed for pre-lightened hair, simply shampoo your hair, pat it dry with a towel, then apply the hair color and let it process for at least 25 minutes. Just remember not to shampoo your hair immediately after coloring.

best semi-permanent hair color for natural african american hair

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 colors if you want some Barbie hair vibes

best semi-permanent hair color for african american gray hair

The non-damaging formula of Arctic Fox lets you dye your hair with no fear of frizziness or breakage. 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 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? Look beyond the packaging – this brand is all about the good stuff inside. Iroiro offers 14 vibrant shades of hair dyes, all completely vegan and cruelty-free. Plus, it’s enriched with coconut oil to keep your hair moisturized and nourished.

Iroiro Premium Natural Semi-Permanent Dye

Last but not least, Iroiro is free from most chemicals and harmful ingredients such as parabens, 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 top semi-permanent hair color, you can’t overlook this goddess. Manic Panic lives up to its cool name with some of the most vibrant shades to elevate and bolden your look. Their high-voltage hair colors come in a staggering 44 shades, spanning the spectrum of the rainbow. When they say high-voltage, you know their hair color is going to be intensely pigmented – and indeed it is!

Manic Panic Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Creme

The manic panic brand was featured in the 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
  • Do 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. 

Color X-Change Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

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 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. 

Kiss Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

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.

Birds Of Paradyes Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

Paradyes offers an impressive range of bold and highly pigmented shades, ideal for individuals looking to make a statement with their hair color. Their collection includes pastel and neon hues as well as more traditional shades, ensuring there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

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

Refer to the instructions provided on the dye box for the recommended duration to leave the dye in your hair. Typically, you’ll need to leave the dye for 15–20 minutes, although this may vary depending on the brand and the specific hue you’ve selected.

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 to have 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’s every reason to embrace a fresh and improved appearance. If you’re considering dyeing your hair with a semi-permanent color, rest assured – it allows you to experiment without committing to a specific hue.

But if you’re still seeking some justification, here are the reasons why and when you should opt for semi-permanent hair color:

  1. Semi-permanent hair dyes are an excellent option for people who have partial gray hair. These hair dyes cover gray hair while still maintaining its natural color.
  2. These dyes are a great choice when you wanna try a new hair color but not wanna commit to it.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

1. Best semi-permanent hair color that does not damage?

Natural Instincts by Clairol or Color Touch by Wella are considered to be the least damaging hair dyes. 

2. Does semi-permanent hair color damage hair?

It is a safer option than permanent hair color because it does not contain ammonia, peroxide, or other harmful chemicals, unlike permanent hair color. 

3. Is semi-permanent hair color better for you?

This 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. 

4. What is the safest temporary hair color?

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 

After reading this, finding the best semi-permanent hair color will be a breeze. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking a hair color change or wishing to experiment with new shades without a long-term commitment. Lasting up to 12–15 shampoo washes, semi-permanent hair color allows you to switch up your look regularly.

Moreover, semi-permanent hair dye is safe as it’s free from ammonia and peroxide, acting only on the outer layer of the hair without penetrating the cuticles. It’s an excellent option for individuals with gray or lackluster hair who want to add some brightness.

Furthermore, semi-permanent color offers a bold, vibrant look without the fear of permanent consequences if it doesn’t turn out as expected. So, ditch the worry and indulge your colorful fantasies with the best semi-permanent hair dyes.

  1. Elsevier B.V.(2023).Ammonia. Available at:

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780120913046500318
  2. Elsevier B.V.(2023). An overview of sample preparation for the determination of parabens in cosmetics. Available at:

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165993614000351

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Anshitha sigh

As a seasoned critic, a style icon, and a compassionate relationship advisor, Anshita has carved a distinctive niche in the world of entertainment and personal development.

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