How Long Does Semi-Permanent Black Hair Dye Last?

Semi-permanent black hair dye is a popular option for temporarily changing your hair color without the harsh chemicals found in permanent dyes. But how long does it actually last? Here’s a detailed look at what to expect when using semi-permanent black dye on your hair.

What is Semi-Permanent Hair Dye?

Semi-permanent hair dye only coats the outside of the hair shaft. It does not penetrate the cortex the way permanent hair dye does.

Here are some key things to know about semi-permanent hair dye:

• Contains no ammonia or peroxide
• Does not lift or lighten natural hair color
• Lasts around 4-12 shampoos or 4-6 weeks
• Gradually fades out over time
• Less damaging than permanent dye

Semi-permanent dye is deposited on the cuticle layer of the hair and washes out over time. It cannot lighten hair or create dramatic color changes. It’s ideal for subtly darkening your natural shade or adding a glossy tint.

How Long Does Semi-Permanent Black Hair Dye Last?

On average, semi-permanent black hair dye will last 4-6 weeks and through 4-12 washes. However, there are several factors that affect the longevity:

Your Natural Hair Color

• On dark brown to black hair, semi-permanent black dye will last longer and fade gracefully.

• On light brown to blonde hair, the darker color has more contrast so it fades out faster.

Porosity of Your Hair

• Porous hair absorbs dye quickly but also releases it faster. For porous hair, semi-permanent color may only last 2-4 weeks.

• For less porous hair, the color has a harder time penetrating but will cling longer once inside the cuticle. It could last up to 2 months.

Frequency of Washing

• Washing your hair more often will cause the color to fade faster. Washing 2-3 times a week will make it fade after 4-6 weeks.

• Washing just once a week allows semi-permanent color to last around 6-8 weeks.

Use of Hot Styling Tools

• Frequent use of flat irons, blow dryers, curling irons will cause semi-permanent color to fade more quickly.

• Letting your hair air dry and avoiding heat 2-3 days a week will help the color last longer.

Sun Exposure

• Sun exposure causes semi-permanent black dye to fade faster.

• Wearing hats outside and using UV-protectant products helps prevent fading from sun damage.

Chlorine Exposure

• Swimming in pools frequently can strip semi-permanent black dye rapidly.

• Apply a swim cap and/or seek chlorine-removing shampoos to make the color last longer.

Product Buildup

• Conditioners, oils, gels, and other products can seal semi-permanent dye inside the cuticle if not washed away regularly.

• Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove buildup so color washes out properly over time.

How to Make Semi-Permanent Black Dye Last Longer

Here are some tips to help semi-permanent black hair dye last as long as possible:

• Wash with lukewarm or cool water instead of hot
• Use a sulfate-free, color-safe shampoo
• Alternate regular shampoo with a co-wash (conditioner wash)
• Apply a weekly conditioning hair mask or deep treatment
• Avoid washing hair daily; aim for every other day or 2-3 times a week
• Let hair air dry instead of blow drying with heat
• Protect hair from sun exposure with hats, scarves
• Rinse with cold water after swimming
• Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to prevent buildup
• Get occasional trims to remove dry, damaged ends
• Avoid heat styling when possible

Following these tips will help semi-permanent black hair dye retain its color and last 4-6 weeks or longer.

What to Expect as Semi-Permanent Black Dye Fades

Semi-permanent black hair dye does not just wash out evenly. Often it fades in an uneven, unpredictable manner. Here’s what to expect as the color fades:

• Roots and regrowth will appear faster. The new growth coming in has no dye while the lengths retain color longer.

• Warmer areas like the nape of the neck and around the hairline tend to fade quicker.

• Porous or damaged areas like ends and over-processed sections will release dye faster.

• Resistant gray hairs only absorb a fraction of the color so they surface faster.

• In some spots the black fades to a warm brown; other areas fade to a murky green or ashy gray.

• Staining around the edges is common even after the black has washed out in most areas.

To help combat uneven fading, use a color-depositing shampoo or conditioner, alternate with a clarifying shampoo, and get the occasional gloss treatment. Avoiding permanent black dye is wise if you plan to return to a lighter shade soon.

Removing Semi-Permanent Black Hair Dye

If you need to speed up the fading or remove semi-permanent black dye quickly, here are some options:

• Use a color-removing treatment specifically designed for direct dyes. These contain chemicals that break down the dye molecules. Follow precisely and limit to 1-2 uses to avoid damage.

• Try a pre-shampoo clarifying treatment. These help remove buildup and surface-level dye.

• Make a baking soda paste and massage onto damp hair. The alkaline composition helps lift direct dyes. Rinse thoroughly.

• Apply crushed vitamin C tablets mixed with hot water. The acidity helps remove semi-permanent dye. Do not exceed 30 minutes.

• Use an anti-dandruff shampoo several times a week. The zinc pyrithione acts as a mild color stripper.

• Get a bleach bath performed by a professional stylist. This can rapidly remove the black tint but is damaging.

Be cautious with home removal methods and do your research first. Seek professional help if you need dramatic lightening from black dye.

Should You Use Semi-Permanent or Demi-Permanent Black Dye?

Besides semi-permanent hair dye, there is also something called demi-permanent dye. What’s the difference, and which one lasts longer?

Demi-permanent hair dye contains a small amount of peroxide that helps open the cuticle so dye penetrates deeper. It lasts longer than semi-permanent dye – around 24 washes or 12 weeks.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Semi-Permanent	Demi-Permanent
No peroxide	Low peroxide formula
Lasts 4-12 washes	Lasts up to 24 washes
No ammonia	Can contain ammonia
Only stains cuticle	Penetrates cortex slightly
Subtle, natural look	Longer-lasting, but can look artificial if overdone

For black hair dye that looks natural and fades gracefully, semi-permanent is the better choice. Demi-permanent formulas result in an intense, opaque black that does not fade as seamlessly.

If you want longer lasting color with touch-ups only every 12 weeks, choose a demi. For hair that’s a lighter shade of brown, semi-permanent is ideal for avoiding a harsh black contrast. Consult your stylist to pick the right formula for your hair goals and needs.

Does Semi-Permanent Work on Natural Gray Hair?

Semi-permanent black hair dye has limited effectiveness on stubborn gray hairs. Since the dye merely coats the outside of hair, it does not grab onto gray strands as easily.

When used on naturally gray hair, expect semi-permanent black dye to:

• Cover around 50% of grays
• Fade off gray hairs after just 1-2 washes
• Leave a dark stain on grays rather than full coverage
• Create an uneven effect as gray hairs rapidly reappear

For better gray coverage, a demi-permanent or permanent black dye is needed. If you have over 50% gray hair, semi-permanent likely won’t deliver the results you want. However, for subtle gray blending with just a few stray grays, it can be the perfect solution.

How Long Before You Can Redye with Semi-Permanent Black?

Most haircolorists recommend waiting 2-4 weeks after initial application before reapplying semi-permanent black dye.

It’s important to wait until the previous color has faded by about 50% so you don’t create too much buildup. Excessive overlapping with semi-permanent dye can lead to:

• Uneven color results
• Staining of hair
• Dry, brittle texture
• Dull, lifeless look

Aim for a gloss refresh after 4 weeks. For a full recolor, wait 6-8 weeks to ensure the previous shade has sufficiently washed