Today is the day. You woke up, glanced in the mirror and finally decided. You’re going to dye your hair bubblegum pink.
Well, only for about a month or so.
That’s the beauty of semi-permanent hair color — you can switch up your look at the drop of a hat without the risk of long-term commitment. So, what could possibly go wrong? Turns out, the difference between having a good hair day and a bad six to eight weeks largely depends on the products you use.
While a professional hairstylist will most likely recommend consulting a colorist before taking your locks into your own hands, we asked the experts to share their favorite semi-permanent hair color when experimenting with your own at-home hair treatments.
Best semi-permanent hair colors in classic shades
Clairol Natural Instincts
If you’re a brunette or redhead looking for a gentler coloring alternative, Clairol Natural Instincts has an ammonia- and paraben-free formula to help keep your hair looking and feeling healthy. This product was designed to feel more like a conditioner, leaving your hair feeling super soft after every application. It's also packed with 80 percent naturally derived ingredients, including coconut and aloe vera.
“Since semi-permanents aren’t meant to cover gray hair 100 percent, they just blend in," says Rita Hazan Salon colorist Carlina Ortega. "I find this color holds your gray better than others on the market. In addition, it leaves your hair feeling silky smooth with every shampoo.”
Kristin Ess Hair Gloss
Blondes, listen up. The reason you have more fun might be because your locks give off a magical shine. If you want to keep that brightness, Jill Buck, senior hairstylist at Nine Zero One in West Hollywood, California, recommends looking for products with a peroxide level of 1.5 percent or less. “Less peroxide means less damage and less room for error! If you chose the wrong color or something doesn’t go as planned, it’s an easier fix than permanent color.”
The Kristin Ess Signature Gloss Toner will tone down warmth and extend color vibrancy between appointments for up to three to four weeks. The formula is silicone-free, keratin-safe and only requires a single application to give your hair a healthy boost.
Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss
Bring your hair color back to life and say goodbye to brassiness, dullness and pesty grays. This Madison Reed product is rich with keratin, argan oil and ginseng root extract, all of which will help nourish your hair and add dimension.
“The line is made with fewer harsh chemicals, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your scalp,” said balayage specialist Lindsey Esposito.
dpHUE Gloss+
Prolong the durability of your hair color and boost its vibrancy with the Gloss+ semi-permanent color and deep conditioning base. Its hydrating formula deepens dark locks and leaves a soft and shiny finish for up to 10 shampoos.
“The dpHUE Gloss+ is amazing! Made by a professional, this is safe to use at home and formulated with you in mind,” said Buck.
Christopher Robin Temporary Hair Gel
When the roots grow in, it’s time to pull Christophe Robin’s Color Gel out. This temporary color solution is perfectly pigmented, hiding grays easily without any harmful help from oxidants and ammonia. It's also perfect for sensitive scalps and anyone serious about capturing a fuller and more radiant looking ‘do in a pinch.
“At-home hair color has come a long way, but one should still be careful when selecting the right shades, master colorist Joseph Mullen told Shop TODAY. "A good rule of thumb is to stay as close to your natural [color] as possible to avoid the inevitable unwanted red or orange tones."
Best semi-permanent hair colors in bold shades
Joico Color Intensity
Itching to try something more out of the norm? Joico’s Vivid Semi-Permanent Color Line is the go-to for over-the-top and intermixable pigments, from bright periwinkles and lime greens to alluring mauves and reds. Each shade is formulated with a special Quadramine® Complex to keep each strand strong, healthy and shockingly shiny.
“This line is incredible and offers over 40 beautiful shades to try! This product doesn’t use developer, so that means it won’t lift your hair in any way,” said Buck.
Lime Crime Unicorn Hair
Make your pastel rainbow hair fantasies come true with Lime Crime’s Unicorn Hair Tints. Available in over a dozen dramatic tints, there’s no shade too extreme for this collection. These work best with pre-bleached platinum to pale blonde hair to achieve more magical pops of color.
“Keep in mind that these colors stain the hair more than temporary colors would, so if you’re looking for a ‘weekend only’ color, I’d stick with a temporary [dye],” Ortega said.
Pravana Color Enhancer
Is your purple mane looking a little dull? Pick up one of these color enhancers (available in pink, silver, aqua and violet) for an extra boost in pigment without the in-salon experience or price. They say pain is beauty, but not when your hair pick-me-up is formulated with oat protein, amino acids and kakadu plum extract. The only outrageous ingredient in this conditioning treatment is the color.
Hairstylist and colorist Samantha Higgins only asks that you follow one crucial rule while using this: “Always, always wear gloves and take precautions to stain-proof your area!”
oVertone Coloring Conditioner
What if we said there’s a way to color your hair in less than 15 minutes using only a conditioner? Something so easy couldn’t possibly exist, right? Wrong. No matter your starting hair color, oVertone can provide the right shade for you — whether it be a chic neutral tint or a head-turning hue. You’ll be shocked by the pigment produced by this boundary pushing (and inexpensive) product.
“If you’re looking for a bold color, I like oVertone semi-permanent color. It works perfectly on brunettes seeing as most temporary dyes work best on lighter hair. It’s also longer lasting compared to other brands,” said Ortega.