How Long To Leave Splat Hair Dye In For Stunning Color

Splat hair dye has become a cult favorite brand for coloring hair wild neon and pastel fantasy shades. The vivid, funky colors lend themselves perfectly to expressing individual style.

But to get the most out of these vivid dyes, it’s important to know the optimal processing time. How long should you leave Splat hair color in to get stunning results that pop?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:

• The difference between Splat’s permanent and semi-permanent formulas
• Recommended processing times for each type
• Tips for maximizing color vibrancy
• Why you should NEVER leave Splat dye in overnight
• How to properly rinse out Splat hair color

Let’s start with understanding the differences between Splat’s two main hair dye lines.

Permanent vs. Semi-Permanent Splat

Splat offers both permanent and semi-permanent hair dye options. The main differences are:

Permanent Splat

• Lasts 4-6 weeks
• Contains ammonia and peroxide
• Needs developer to activate
• Process for 45 minutes max
• Vibrant, opaque coverage

Semi-Permanent Splat

• Lasts 4-8 washes
• Lower ammonia levels
• No developer needed
• Process 20-40 minutes
• Stains hair subtly

Permanent Splat will lead to much longer-lasting color with full coverage while semi-permanent washes out quicker with a sheer stained effect. Keep these differences in mind as we dive into processing times.

How Long to Leave Permanent Splat Hair Dye In

Permanent Splat hair dye needs to process for 45 minutes maximum to get the full color result. Any longer can risk serious damage. Here are some tips:

• Start timing when dye is fully applied. Once the last section of hair is covered in dye, set a timer for 45 minutes.

• Do not exceed 45 minutes. The chemicals penetrate fully by 45 minutes. More time leads to overprocessing without extra color.

• Cover hair with a shower cap. Trapping in warmth helps the color develop fully in 45 minutes.

• Rinse with shampoo & conditioner. Shampoo stops the chemical reaction and removes excess dye for even results.

Keep a close eye on the clock. Permanent dye left in too long can dry out and ruin your hair.

How Long to Leave Semi-Permanent Splat Hair Dye In

For semi-permanent Splat dye, you have more flexibility with process times. The general guidelines are:

• Pastels: 20 minutes
• Medium brights: 25 minutes
• Dark brights: 30-35 minutes

However, you can safely leave semi-permanent Splat dye in for up to 40 minutes, especially for extra-vibrant results.

Other application tips include:

• Dampen hair slightly before applying dye – the water helps it absorb better.

• Add heat for the last 10 minutes – use a blow dryer or sit under a hooded dryer to intensify the color.

• Watch closely as time passes to avoid overprocessing.

• Rinse with just water – no shampoo or conditioning to avoid diluting the color.

The longer you leave semi-permanent Splat dye in, the more vivid and intense your final shade will be. Max out at 40 minutes for stunning color payoff.

Should You Leave Splat Hair Dye in Overnight?

You may come across advice online about leaving hair dye in overnight for extra vibrancy. However, this is extremely risky and damaging – especially with Splat’s permanent formula.

Here’s why you should NEVER leave Splat hair color in overnight:

• Permanent Splat will overprocess and cause major dryness and breakage.

• Even semi-permanent Splat contains low levels of ammonia that can damage hair left in too long.

• Hair can only absorb so much dye – overnight will saturate strands and cause leeching of color later.

• Manufacturers extensively test these times for safety – altering steps risks reactions.

• The extra 8 hours will not dramatically improve color vibrancy.

For best results with the least damage, follow the exact processing times listed earlier for permanent and semi-permanent Splat. Don’t risk the health of your hair by leaving dye in overnight.

Rinsing Out Splat Hair Dye Properly

The final step is rinsing thoroughly and properly based on the type of Splat dye you used. Follow these post-process steps:

For Permanent Splat:

• Rinse with warm water until it runs clear
• Shampoo and then condition hair
• The shampoo removes excess dye
• Conditioner closes cuticles for even results

For Semi-Permanent Splat:

• Rinse hair thoroughly with warm water
• Do not shampoo or condition after rinsing
• Shampoo will dilute and ruin vibrancy

Proper rinsing locks in the fresh hair color and prevents issues like bleeding and blotchiness later on.

The Bottom Line

To get the most eye-catching results from Splat hair dye with minimum damage, carefully follow the recommended processing and rinsing steps.

Permanent Splat must be rinsed out after 45 minutes max. Semi-permanent Splat can be left in 20-40 minutes for customized vibrancy. And never leave permanent or semi-permanent Splat dye in overnight.

Respecting these optimal time frames will lead to gorgeous, head-turning color with hair left healthy. Splat away for party-perfect strands!