Do you prefer permanent or semi-permanent color?

Your stylist is the best person to help you make this selection. However choosing one type of hair color over another depends on several factors. If you have more than 25 percent gray hair for example, your stylist may suggest permanent hair color to cover it. Image by House of Sims

If you want your hair lightened, permanent color is generally a “must.” Permanent hair color grows out before it washes out. But if you just want to experiment and try something different, you could try a temporary rinse that would darken blonde hair, or add highlights to darker shades.

For longer lasting color, your stylist may use a semi-permanent hair color which lasts through at least 6 shampoos. If hair is fragile or not in tip-top shape, a semi permanent or in between color generally will be better than permanent hair color.

In-between type color is between permanent and semi-permanent. It contains no ammonia and does not lift color, so it is as gentle as semi-permanent color, yet lasts almost as long as permanent color-up to 25 to 30 shampoos. The most stressful process on hair is a double process in which hair is bleached first then colored.