Semi-Permanent Hair Colour: 7 Tips to Make it Last

On average, semi-permanent hair colour lasts between 10 and 20 washes depending on the product used, the shade intensity, your hair type and your aftercare routine. If you’re wondering if semi-permanent colour is right for your hair, it’s important to get the full lowdown on these low-commitment, glow-boosting hues. As the No. 1 Salon Colour Brand in the World*, we’ve got all the details you need. Discover how long a semi-permanent hair colour lastsand seven tips to help you maintain your dream shade for longer…

SEMI-PERMANENT HAIR COLOUR: HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

It depends on the product you’re using. There are two semi-permanent colours in the Wella portfolio, Color Fresh and Color Fresh Create, that allow you to unlock bold or muted pastel shades Here’s how long they last…

HOW LONG DOES COLOR FRESH CREATE LAST?

At your next appointment, ask for Color Fresh Create for intermixable fashion colours that lasts up to 20 washes. These pastels and bolds fade true to tone, so they look Insta-ready from the first wash to the very last. Ask for this product if you want to try one of this season’s most vibrant trends, from a blue ombre to a peach blonde mane. With Color Fresh CREATE, any shade is possible.

HOW LONG DO COLOR FRESH MASKS LAST?

Color Fresh Masks last up to 10 washes depending on your hair type, shade and hair care routine. They’re a great way to refresh your colour at home, between washes, while keeping your hair soft and shiny. Available in hues to suit every taste, these are perfect for if you want to try a new look or maintain the vibrancy of your colour between salon visits. Combine conditioning care with a burst of semi-permanent colour.

WHAT IS A SEMI-PERMANENT HAIR COLOUR?

It’s just what it sounds like – a colour that won’t last forever but stays on hair longer than a temporary shade. Essentially, it tints the surface of hair strands without penetrating the cuticle, so it can be ideal for a low-commitment, subtle shade refresh or a fling with a festival-ready fashion colour. Just keep in mind that, the stronger the colour intensity, the longer it will wear, meaning something like a flaming red (especially on pre-lightened hair) can actually be enjoyed for a number of weeks. And, because it doesn’t alter the internal structure of hair strands, semi-permanent hair colour is completely damage-free.

DEMI VS. SEMI-PERMANENT HAIR COLOUR: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

While demi-permanent and semi-permanent hair colours both offer temporary lower-commitment results than a permanent hair colour, demi-permanent shades tend to last longer — usually up to 24 washes. This is because they go further than coating the surface of your hair; demi-permanent colour pigments actually penetrate the hair cuticle for a more intense finish.

Case in point: Shinefinity, our demi-permanent, zero ammonia colour gloss, which harnesses balanced pH technology to gently and effectively deposit pigment inside the hair strand.

What Affects How Long Semi-Permanent Colour Lasts

The number of washes is only part of the story. How long semi-permanent hair colour lasts also depends on:

• Shade intensity: Bold shades outlast pastels.
• Wash frequency: More washes fade hair fast.
• Water type: Hard water can shorten colour life.
• Sun exposure & heat styling: UV rays and high heat accelerate fading.
• Products used: Sulfate-free and colour-kind shampoos extend colour vibrancy.

DOES SEMI-PERMANENT COLOUR DAMAGE HAIR?

No. On their own (meaning without any pre-lightening) Color Fresh Masks and Color Fresh CREATE won’t cause any damage to your hair, as they tint the surface without penetrating the cuticle. So, even though they might fade faster than other hair colour types, you can apply and reapply them without compromising the integrity of strands.

HOW DO I MAKE SEMI-PERMANENT HAIR COLOUR LAST?

For you to get maximum mileage out of their semi-permanent shade, you need to perfect colour maintenance. These are the seven tips and products you need…

1. ADJUST THE HAIR WASH SCHEDULE

The more you wash your hair, the faster the semi-permanent shade will fade. So, how often should you wash your hair ? Stretch out your wash days, while ensuring to lather up frequently enough to keep scalp clean. For those with oily hair, this might mean switching from a daily wash to every other day, while those with a balanced scalp may be able to bridge the gap for three or four days.

2. USE A COLOuR-KIND SHAMPOO

Harsh shampoos are a no-go when caring for semi-permanent colour, as they can strip the surface of strands to accelerate shade fade. So, use a colour-kind shampoo on hair wash days. INVIGO Brilliance Color Protection Shampoo is perfect for boosting the vibrancy of locks. Not only is it pH balanced, which helps to close the cuticle and boost colour retention, but it’s also infused with our unique Metal Purifier. This means that any metals lingering in the hair are neutralised when they wash, which helps to reduce hair damage. And trust us: just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean those metals aren’t there. Follow up with INVIGO Brilliance Vibrant Color Conditioner to complete the routine.

6. PROTECT HAIR FROM HEAT DAMAGE

Extreme heat has a huge impact on the wear of semi-permanent hair colour — just look at this clip by @lindsey.wella to see the fading effects for yourself. That’s why it’s vital for every one of your clients to use a heat protectant product, no matter if they blow-dry, straighten or curl their strands. Our pick is EIMI Thermal Image, a bi-phase formula that you shake up and spray to lock in shine with protection against heat up to 220 degrees Celsius.

7. SHIELD COLOURED STRANDS FROM UV RAYS

As well as protecting hair from heat, safeguard your strands from the effects of the sun. Even in winter, UV rays can lift and fade colour to shorten the lifespan of semi-permanent hair colour.

FAQs

Does semi-permanent hair colour fade evenly?

Yes, but bold colours often fade more gradually, while pastel colours can lose vibrancy much faster.

Can swimming affect semi-permanent colour?

Yes — chlorine and salt water both increase fading. Protect your colour with a swim cap or post-swim rinse.

Is semi-permanent colour suitable for covering greys?

It can blend or soften greys, but for full coverage, we recommend a demi-permanent or permanent dye.

* Based on Wella Master Brand USD sales on the 2022 Salon Hair Care Study for the hair colouring products category published by Kline.