Why Your Hair Dye Fades So Quickly: Unexplained facts!

Experimenting with your hair can be one of the easiest ways to transform your look. Equally important is determining which type of hair color to use because, as any color enthusiast knows, not all hair color is created equally. Covering everything you need to know about different types of hair dye can help you decide which type suits you best.

Every type of hair dye has a different time period to stay vibrant, so it’s important to know the details of each type. Understanding these different time periods is crucial to managing your expectations and maintaining your desired color.

Decide which type of dye to use based on how long you want the color to last and how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Remember, the key to keeping your hair color looking fresh is proper aftercare and regular touch-ups, ensuring your hair remains vibrant and beautiful. Whether you’re new to hair dyeing or a seasoned pro, knowing these factors can make a significant difference in your hair coloring journey.

How Long does it Take for Hair Dye to Fade? THE ANSWER

 Temporary hair color lasts one wash, semi-permanent up to eight, and demi-permanent up to 24 washes. Permanent color remains until new dye or growth, though it may fade. Root concealers also last up to 24 washes, while henna lasts about six weeks. Each offers varying durability. 

Various Categories of Hair Dye

Temporary Hair Color

When it comes to temporary hair color, the quickest and least permanent type on the market, it’s all about experimenting without a long-term commitment. This single-use, wash-out color is applied to dry hair, typically using a spray or foam, and it coats the hair shaft in pigment.

The biggest benefit of this type of hair dye is that it allows you to experiment with a new hue without permanently altering your color. Unlike permanent or semi-permanent hair dye, it coats only the outside of the shaft, and the color washes out easily with shampoo, allowing your hair to return to its original shade.

For those who love to change their shade often, temporary hair dye is perfect as it provides the opportunity to try new looks without incurring damage. However, repetitive use on damaged hair can stain the strands over time, so it’s important to be mindful of the condition of your hair.

This type of dye is great for a quick, fun change, especially if you’re not ready to make a more permanent decision.

Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

When it comes to semi-permanent hair dye, it provides rich color for a short period of time. Unlike permanent dyes that lighten or permanently change your hair color, semi-permanent dyes are formulated without ammonia and don’t require a developer, making them gentle on your strands.

This type of dye is applied to hair to amplify color between salon appointments, conceal grays, or to experiment with a short-term color. Semi-permanent hair colors are perfect if you want to stretch that temporary look a bit longer. They work by depositing pigment onto your hair’s outer shaft and can last longer than temporary dyes—around eight washes.

They are a great option for gray hair coverage when you can’t get to the salon. You can use them to blend your roots when growing out permanent color, or to add shine, luster, and color to dull-looking hair. Like temporary dyes, they offer the opportunity to play with different hues without a lasting commitment.

Demi-Permanent Hair Dye

For those seeking a medium-term hair color, demi-permanent hair dye is an excellent choice. This type of hair color provides rich color that gradually fades over time and does not lighten or permanently change your hair color.

It serves as a replacement for permanent hair color or a longer-lasting alternative to semi-permanent color. When you desire something between semi-permanent and permanent hair color, demi-permanent dye is the answer.

Like semi-permanent hair dye, it is generally ammonia-free and won’t damage your hair. However, it is mixed with a developer, which allows the pigment to penetrate the hair shaft rather than simply coat it.

Permanent Hair Color

When using permanent hair color, it chemically processes your hair to permanently alter the color. This long-lasting hair color won’t wash out over time, though some formulas may fade slightly. Applied in professional salon settings or at home, it can lighten, darken, or change your hair color.

This type of hair dye involves a complex chemical process that permanently alters the hair color by penetrating the hair cuticle, ensuring your color can last for weeks or months without visible signs of fading. Despite its long-lasting benefits, it will eventually need to be reapplied to new hair growth.

Depending on your base color and goals, you may have to color your hair more than once to achieve your desired look.

Root Concealer

 it is a temporary hair color that is applied only at the roots. This conceals gray hair and new growth, but doesn’t deliver permanent results. Applied directly to the roots for targeted coverage, it is perfect for covering gray roots without needing a full dye job.

A temporary root touch-up is the best way to maintain your natural color. These root concealers are a type of hair color product designed for targeted application at the roots and come in a range of formats with longevity dependent on the formula you choose.

While semi-permanent and permanent hair color root products offer longer-lasting results, temporary root cover-up sprays are among the easiest ways to quickly conceal gray roots. These sprays distribute a fine mist of color that washes out with your next shampoo. Though temporary color sprays aren’t a permanent solution to new growth, they are handy for last-minute touch-ups.

Hair Bleach

 it is a type of hair color product that lightens hair by stripping it of its natural color, making it white or yellow. Unlike products that add color to hair, bleach is used to create highlights or lighten hair prior to coloring. If you’re a natural brunette wanting to experiment with blonde or a fantasy shade, you’ll need to bleach your hair before adding your desired color.

Bleach is also used for balayage and highlighting hair. However, bleaching hair can contribute to damage, so it’s important to nourish your lightened strands by considering adding a hydrating leave-in conditioner.

Henna

Henna, a semi-permanent, natural type of hair dye, it tints your hair with reddish-brown tones. Unlike other dyes, henna doesn’t lighten or permanently alter your hair color. It’s applied directly to the hair, providing a subtle reddish-brown tint.

Derived from the henna plant, this hair color product typically gives your hair a reddish-brown hue and provides both shine and vibrancy in the process. Like other traditional permanent or semi-permanent hair color kits, henna is applied directly to your strands and lasts for about four to six weeks. The downside is that it only comes in one color.

Factors on Which the Duration of Hair Dye to Fade Depends

Shade Intensity

The intensity of your client’s color has a big impact on how long it lasts. As a general rule of thumb, darker colors tend to stay on the hair longer. When adding lowlights, a root shadow, or all-over depth, the shade will offer more mileage than light blondes, light browns, or light reds.

Pastel colors will fade faster than vivid brights, so we recommend painting pastel hair in a bolder-than-desired shade to ensure the vibrancy lasts.

Hair Texture

If you have curly hair, your color might start fading quicker because it’s more porous and absorbs dye quickly, but also loses it faster. For curly-haired beauties, a touch-up might be needed sooner than for their straight-haired pals.

Straight hair tends to hold color longer as it’s generally less porous, so the dye sticks around for a longer period. For those with coarse hair, their strong strands can hold color like a treasured secret, while fine hair might let color go more easily, requiring more frequent touch-ups.

Explore Also: Is Your Curly Hair Turn Straight?

Hair Washing Frequency

If you love a daily wash, you might want to rethink that habit. Washing your hair too often can escort that gorgeous dye right out of your hair. Try to limit washing to a couple of times a week and always use a shampoo for colored hair.

Sun Exposure and Swimming

Sun and sea are not the best friends of your hair color. Remember to wear a hat to protect your hair from the sun, and try to keep your hair dry when swimming. If you’re a water baby, use a leave-in conditioner to create a protective barrier.

Hair Products

Your choice of hair products is crucial for your hair color. When choosing friends for your hair, choose wisely. Stick to products designed for colored hair; they’re gentler and help maintain the vibrancy of your color.

Hair Porosity

The porosity of your hair affects its ability to absorb and retain moisture. Highly porous hair can grab and soak up more color dyes, but it is also prone to faster fading compared to low porosity hair. This is because porous strands have gaps in the cuticle often caused by hair damage, allowing moisture, water, and color pigments to rush out. If a client finds their permanent color isn’t lasting long, it might be a sign that damage repair is needed to plug porous locks.

How Long does it Take for Hair Dye to Fade?

Temporary hair color typically lasts for one wash, making it ideal for short-term changes. Semi-permanent hair dye can last up to eight washes, providing a bit more longevity. Demi-permanent hair dye lasts up to 24 washes, offering a balance between temporary and permanent options.

Permanent hair color, while it may fade some with time, remains permanent until you either dye your hair again or it grows out.   Despite its name, permanent hair color doesn’t last forever. It changes the structure of the hair strands, making it one of the longest-lasting and most lustrous options available.

Root concealer products can also last up to 24 washes, depending on the type of hair dye formula used.

Hair bleach is permanent but requires regular touch-ups and sometimes needs toning with purple shampoo. Henna dye, derived from the henna plant, typically lasts up to six weeks.

From semi-permanent to demi-permanent, and even to temporary options, each type of hair color provides different lasting results

How Can I Make Hair Color Last Even Longer?

• To make your hair color last longer, wash your hair infrequently. Aim to wash it once a week. This might be challenging at first, but it’s doable. If your hair gets oily before your wash day, use a headband or tinted dry shampoos to soak up the oil and accentuate your color.
• Also, reduce the amount of styling products you use as they can make your hair feel dirty and in need of a wash faster.
• Check if you have hard water. If your shower or bathtub has mineral build-up or soap scum, you might have hard water. Prevent these minerals from building up in your hair by investing in a shower head water softener and changing its filter on schedule.
• Also, keep your hair out of the sun by wearing beanies in the winter and baseball caps or wide-brimmed hats in the summer.
• Avoid activities that damage your hair cuticle. Reduce heat styling and opt for air drying or gently holding your hair with an absorbent fabric.
• Cut down on how often your hair is submerged in water by limiting swimming. If you love swimming, plan to rock faded hair colors.
• Avoid brushing your hair when wet and don’t chemically process your hair with bleach, relaxants, or Brazilian blowouts.
• Use a color that’s close to your natural shade to make fading less noticeable.
• Choose a colour-protecting shampoo and conditioner that’s formulated to resist colour loss. Products like the Pro Colour Revive range are designed to strengthen hair and protect against colour fade.
• Use dry shampoo between washes, and rinse your hair with cold water to seal the cuticles and prevent colour bleed.
• Maximize UV protection by using UV-protective sprays or wearing a hat in the sunshine.
• Avoid chlorine by wearing a swimming cap or applying a leave-in conditioner before swimming. Finally, deep condition your hair weekly with treatments like Detox & Repair Masque to maintain moisture and prevent fading.

Final Thoughts

At its core, answering “how long does hair dye last” is not straightforward. Ultimately, the duration depends on a number of variables, including the kind of dye applied and its maintenance post application. Understanding these considerations will enable you to make an informed decision and better maintain your salon treated locks.

FAQs

How long does it usually take for hair dye to fade?

Permanent hair dye typically lasts anywhere from four to eight weeks. Over time, the color naturally fades as the hair grows out. This fading process can be influenced by factors such as hair care routines and product usage, making it a somewhat variable experience.

How to make hair dye fade faster?

To make your hair dye fade faster, wash your hair frequently. Getting your hair wet regularly and using hot water accelerates color loss. Additionally, hard water, rich in minerals, contributes to making the color fade even faster.

How long does it take for permanent hair dye to leave?

Permanent hair colour is designed to be vibrant and long-lasting but typically requires touch-ups every 6-8 weeks as roots grow out. Even though it’s intended to last almost forever, colour fade can occur within a few weeks, depending on the heads of hair and maintenance routine.

Does hair dye naturally fade?

Yes, hair color can fade naturally due to frequent washing, styling, and exposure to sunlight including UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, products containing sulfates, added salts, alcohols, minerals in water, chlorine, and other chemicals accelerate this process.