When it comes to beauty processes, dying hair is at the top of the list. Men and women everywhere have been dying their hair for many years and it continues to be one of the most popular beauty trends.
Not only do people dye their hair to cover grey hair, but they also use hair dye to change their hair color. It is a fun way for people to express their own style whether they want to change their hair color to another natural color such as blonde or have fun and change their hair color to something more unique such as a beautiful red.
Permanent hair dye is most commonly used because it is the longest lasting. People who are committed to changing their hair color want something that will last longer than a semi-permanent hair dye.
How Long Does Permanent Hair Dye Last Normally?
Permanent hair dye will typically last for 6 to 8 weeks. Although the name indicates that permanent hair dye will never fade, it does begin to fade in time.
Permanent hair dye is different from other forms of hair dye because permanent hair dye seeps into the hair follicle, making it the longest-lasting form of hair dye. People prefer permanent hair dye due to the fact that it gives a better overall look and will appear more natural than other types of hair dye.
Exposure to sun and heat can affect how long the permanent hair dye will last. If you are outdoors frequently, swimming in chlorinated pools, or washing and drying your hair often, this will cause the color to fade quicker.
Some people may notice boxed dye at stores labeled as permanent hair dye. However, boxed permanent hair dye is different from permanent hair dye that is used in the hair salon. It will not be formulated as well as the professional hair dye that hair stylists purchase and can be harder to get the desired results when choosing a color on a box.
If you are looking at hair dye options, you may see semi-permanent and demi-permanent hair color. Demi-permanent hair color is made without the ammonia that is in permanent hair color. It is typically applied to dry hair before shampooing and will deposit pigment on the surface layer. It will not be as long-lasting or provide as vibrant results as permanent hair color.
Semi-permanent hair color is often referred to as a toner, stain, or gloss. It is a deposit only and is not intended to last long term. Semi-permanent hair color does not require a developer to work and will typically be applied to freshly washed hair. It does not provide drastic color change results like permanent hair does and will usually just enhance the depth or vibrancy of the hair color.
Can You Dilute Permanent Hair Dye?
Permanent hair dye can provide incredibly vibrant color to hair when applied without being diluted at all. Many people will choose to dilute permanent hair dye to tone down the color and soften the end result.
There are a few different ways that you can dilute permanent hair dye depending on the end result that you want to achieve.
Diluting With Shampoo
You can dilute permanent hair dye with shampoo to create a toning shampoo. This is an easy way to maintain your permanent hair dye color if you want to regularly use your toning shampoo.
It is also important to note that you should only use a white shampoo if you are going to create a toning shampoo.
You will need your permanent hair dye, an empty bottle or bowl, a white standard shampoo, and gloves so you do not get hair dye all over your hands.
Step by Step Process:
- Fill the empty bottle or bowl with shampoo until it is half full.
- Add half of the tube or container of hair dye into the empty bottle after the shampoo.
- You will want to shake the mixture or stir until it is well mixed.
This is not the shampoo you will want to use every day if you wash your hair daily. However, if you wash your hair once or twice a week, you can use this toning shampoo or use it sparingly as you feel your hair needs it.
Diluting With Conditioner
Another way to dilute permanent hair dye is with a conditioner. This will create what is referred to as a hair rinse. As with diluting your hair dye with shampoo, you need a white conditioner for this process. A color rinse will help make your hair shiny and keep your color looking fresh.
You will need a white conditioner, an empty bottle or bowl for mixing, gloves, and the hair dye you are wanting to use.
Step by Step Process:
- Fill the bottle or bowl with conditioner until it is half full.
- Add half of a tube or container of your favorite hair dye.
- Shake the bottle or mix with a spoon if you used a bowl until it is well mixed.
You can use the color rinse a couple of times per week. Shampoo your hair as normal and then apply your color rinse. You can let it sit for up to 20 minutes for maximum results. Then you will rinse and dry your hair as normal.
Diluting With Hair Oil
Diluting permanent hair dye with oil has been a common practice over the years. It does not always provide consistent results, so it is important to use the right oil in order to achieve the best results.
If you want to dilute your permanent hair dye with oil, it is a good idea to use an oil that is all-natural such as olive oil or coconut oil.
You will need your permanent hair dye, the oil of your choosing, gloves, and an empty bottle or bowl.
Step by Step Process:
- Empty half of a tube or container of your hair dye into the empty bottle or bowl.
- Add the oil until you still have the desired consistency of your hair dye.
- Shake the bottle or stir it in the bowl until it is well mixed.
Diluting With Hydrogen Peroxide
Diluting hair dye with hydrogen peroxide has been something that has been done for many years. Hydrogen peroxide is harsh and will strip your hair. Some people believe that this helps your hair to absorb the color of the permanent hair dye better.
If you are wanting to use hydrogen peroxide with permanent hair dye, it is important to purchase a hair dye kit with hydrogen peroxide if you are doing this at home. The kit will allow you to have specific instructions and give you the exact mixture that is needed in order to achieve the desired results without damaging your hair.
Is It Possible to Dilute Your Hair After Applying Permanent Hair Dye?
Once permanent hair dye has been applied, you cannot dilute it at this point. It is important to dilute hair dye prior to application. After it has been applied, it is already beginning to work into your hair and you will not be able to dilute it at this point.
However, there are things that you can do to help your permanent hair dye fade faster if you are unhappy with the results.
One of the top things to try is to give your hair multiple washes immediately following the application of the color. You can try using a clarifying shampoo that will strip your hair more harshly than a standard shampoo will.
If you are still unhappy with the color even after washing it multiple times, then baking soda is a good option to try. You can mix baking soda with lemon juice to create a paste. This will be very acidic and can help to remove some of the hair color from your hair. Apply the paste thoroughly to your hair, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly.
Unfortunately, if neither of these options works, you may be left to either wait for the permanent hair dye to fade or to seek the help of a professional hair stylist who can color your hair and tone it to get you the color that you desire.
This should have answered many of the questions you may have about permanent hair color. It is possible to dilute permanent hair color if needed and can be somewhat easy to do so at home. You should now know how to dilute permanent hair color with common items and know the differences between permanent hair color versus semi-permanent and demi-permanent. Hair color should be fun, and we hope you continue to love dying your hair and expressing your own personal style!
