When Does Permanent or Semi Hair Color Fade?

by Brianna Thompson

Hey there, lovely clients and fellow hair enthusiasts! I'm a hairstylist at the Warehouse Salon, and I'm here to chat about a question that comes up a lot: "When does permanent or semi-permanent hair color start to fade?" Buckle up because we're about to demystify this common hair concern and give you the scoop on how to keep your color looking fresh.

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Hair color fading is a part of life, and it happens for a few reasons. Let's break it down.

Permanent Hair Color: The Slow Fade

Permanent hair color is built to last for the long haul. It goes deep into your hair shaft and changes your natural pigment. But even this hardcore color isn't immune to fading. Permanent color usually does not start to fade for a few months, depending on at home care. Here's what's responsible for that gradual fade:

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  1. Shampoo and Water: Washing your hair frequently and letting it soak can wash out those precious color molecules. Try using shampoos and conditioners designed to protect your color.

  2. UV Rays: Sunlight's UV rays can be a color's worst enemy. They weaken your color bonds and make it fade faster. So, if you're out in the sun, toss on a hat or use UV-protective products.

  3. Heat Styling: Overusing hot tools like flat irons and curling wands can speed up color fading. Go for heat-free styles or use a heat protectant spray to keep your color looking sharp.

  4. Chemical Treatments: Chemical treatments like perms or relaxers can mess with your color's longevity. Always check with your stylist before going down the chemical rabbit hole.

  5. Color Choice: Some colors fade faster than others naturally. Reds, for example, tend to fade quickly, while cool shades like ash brown may hang on a bit longer.

Semi-Permanent Hair Color: The Brief Affair

Semi-permanent color is like a fun fling. It coats your hair but doesn't dig in as deep as permanent color, so it fades faster. Semi color can usually last up to 2 months depending on at home care. Here's what's in charge of that fade:

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  1. Shampooing Frequency: The more you shampoo, the faster your color will fade. Try using lukewarm water and sulfate-free products to keep your color intact.

  2. Porosity: Highly porous hair takes color quickly but also loses it fast. Keep your hair healthy with regular conditioning treatments to extend your color's life.

  3. Color Choice: Bold, eye-catching shades tend to fade faster than natural ones. If you're rocking a vibrant color, plan on touch-ups.

  4. Starting Color: Your natural hair color plays a role in how semi-permanent color fades. Lighter shades might show fading more obviously.

Here are some tools to help you with color maintenance and care: 

Top 10 Hair Products for Achieving Salon-Quality Hair at Home 

Why Your Hair Color Is Fading Fast 

Living the World of Vivid Hair Color 

The Dangers of Having Harmful Ingredients in Your Shampoo 

Hair Color Maintenance: A Guide to Keeping Your Color Fresh 

The Action Plan: Book a Color Refresh

Armed with this knowledge, it's time to take charge of your hair color. Here at the Warehouse Salon, we are here to help you maintain that bomb hair color. Whether it's a touch-up, a color tweak, or personalized advice, we've got your back.

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Don't wait until your color says a premature goodbye. Book a color refresh appointment with us today! We are eager to give you top-notch service and help you achieve your dream look.

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To sum it up, the first step to keeping your color fresh is understanding what causes hair color fading. Whether you're into permanent or semi-permanent color, proper care and regular salon visits are key to preserving your stunning shade. Your hair is an investment, and we're here to protect it.

Thanks for joining me on this color adventure. If you've got questions or want to book an appointment, get in touch. Let's keep your hair color looking fantastic!


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About the Author

Brianna Thompson

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