Playing around with fun hair colors is a great way to switch up your style. But to get your perfect custom hue, you may be wondering – can I mix semi-permanent and permanent dye together?
The short answer is no, semi-permanent and permanent hair dyes cannot be mixed. But why is that? And what should you know about safely mixing dyes to create your own unique shade?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain:
- The key differences between permanent vs. semi-permanent hair dye
- Why you should never mix these two dye types
- What can happen if semi-permanent and permanent dyes are combined
- How to mix semi-permanent shades together
- Tips for mixing permanent dye colors
- How to use both dye types sequentially to customize color
Let’s get into everything you need to know about the do’s and don’ts of mixing permanent and semi-permanent hair dye.
The Difference Between Permanent and Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
To understand why these two dye types cannot be blended, it helps to first understand what makes them unique:
Permanent Hair Dye
- Uses ammonia or peroxide to open the cuticle and remove natural pigment
- Deposits new color inside the hair shaft for very long-lasting results
- Provides 100% gray coverage
- Lasts 4-6 weeks between touch-ups
- Can only mix shades within the same dye brand
Semi-Permanent Hair Dye
- Does not contain peroxide or ammonia
- Sits on outside of hair strand rather than penetrating cortex
- Provides sheer color that blends with natural pigment
- Lasts 4-8 shampoos
- Can mix shades within the same dye line
Why You Should Never Mix Semi and Permanent Hair Dye
Permament hair dye requires developer or peroxide to work. Developer is not used with semi-permanent dye.
When you mix products that are chemically incompatible, the results can be unpredictable.
Here’s what could potentially happen if semi-permanent and permanent dyes are combined:
- Patchy, uneven color result
- Strange off-tones or dull color
- Cuticle damage from chemicals reacting
- Rapid fading of semi-permanent dye
- Hair dryness or breakage
For best results, never mix these two dye types together in the same step.
How to Mix and Blend Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Shades
While you can’t combine semi-permanent with permanent dyes, you CAN safely mix shades within the same brand of semi-permanent color.
Here are some tips:
- Refer to a color wheel – complementary colors combine best
- Mix small amounts first to test tone
- Add lighter shades to lighten, darker to deepen
- Use a tinting brush for even blending
- Mix 1 part dye + 1 part conditioner to soften
Doing a strand test to check the color is highly recommended before applying blended semi-permanent shades all over.
How to Mix Two Permanent Hair Dye Colors
Like semi-permanent, permanent dyes can be mixed BUT only with other permanent shades within the same brand and line.
Follow these rules when mixing permament colors:
- Choose similar depth levels to blend
- Mix 1 part dye + 2 parts developer
- Combine half of each shade first to test
- Add darker shades to deepen, lighter to lighten
- Use 10 or 20 volume developer to avoid damage
Doing a patch test is critical before applying your custom permanent blend to ensure you love the resulting color.
Using Semi and Permanent Dye Separately to Create Color
While you should never mix semi and permanent dyes together directly, you CAN use both dye types sequentially to create custom color.
Here are some examples:
-
Lighten first: Bleach hair using permanent dye to prep for vibrant semi-permanent color
-
Bolster tone: Apply a semi-permanent gloss over permanent color to refresh vibrancy
-
Enhance dimension: Add semi-permanent lowlights underneath permanent highlights
Using the right techniques, semi and permanent dyes can work together to achieve dazzling customized color – just never blended in the same step!
The Takeaway
When used properly, both permanent and semi-permanent dyes can help you achieve gorgeous custom hair color results. Just remember:
- Never mix semi-permanent and permanent dye together
- Only blend shades within the same dye type and brand
- Do strand and patch tests before applying mixed formulas
- Consider using both dye types separately for dimension
Armed with these fundamental rules, you can have fun and get creative with mixing dyes while avoiding disasters like uneven tones or severe damage. Understand the limitations and possibilities to end up with hair color that is uniquely you!