How Long Does Permanent Hair Dye Really Last?

If you’re new to dying hair, you may find it confusing how long permanent hair dye may last.

The short answer is that it depends, but usually one and a half to two months. Of course, it isn’t just fading you need to worry about.

You’ll have to touch up your roots and deal with uneven tones, especially if you didn’t treat your hair properly before using the permanent dye. However, there are tips you can use to get more out of your dye!

How Long Does Permanent Dye Usually Last?

Permanent hair dye usually lasts about 6 to 8 weeks.

Permanent dye is stronger than semi-permanent or temporary dye and will last longer than other types of hair dye. However, it still fades and grows out over time.

Hair continues to grow, and the roots will start to show after time. The exact timing depends on the speed your hair grows and how you maintain your hair.

As a result, you may need a touch-up sooner or later than this window. Proper maintenance can help your coloring last longer.

Can Permanent Hair Dye Fade?

Yes, permanent hair dye can fade. Hair dye fades a little with every wash, so it may help conserve your color by shampooing your color-treated hair less often.

Box dye is known to fade faster or more severely than permanent hair dye because the hair dye included in the at-home kit is not as strong as the ones used by professionals.

When you seek professional hair care, the dye color is selected with your hair type and routines in mind and will typically last longer.

What Causes Permanent Hair Dye To Fade?

Several factors can contribute to permanent hair dye fading.

Not Using Bleach

One thing that contributes to fade is not bleaching the hair prior to coloring it. Bleach will strip hair of its natural color and can help your natural color stay hidden by the permanent dye.

Your Hair Type and Hair Health

High porosity hair soaks up water really well, but it does not retain moisture. Permanent hair dye lasts longer on healthy, moisturized hair, so high porosity or dry hair may not hold onto color as long.

Hair Dye Color

Dyes that have a red base tend to fader quicker. On the flip side, browns and blacks will last longer before fading.

Tips To Make Permanent Hair Color Last Longer

Permanent hair dye is stronger and lasts longer than temporary or semi-permanent hair dye. However, that does not mean it will last forever.

Factors such as hair type, growth, and fading can cause your hair color to last a shorter time. Even though all color-treated hair will fade or grow out eventually, there are a few things you can do to prolong the color.

Go to a Salon

One thing you can do to ensure that your permanent hair color will last longer is to have it done by a professional.

The products professionals use are more powerful and carefully selected to meet your unique needs. Box dye may fade faster or not be the best match for your hair needs.

Improve Your Hair Care Routine

Healthy hair care routines will drastically help your permanent hair color last longer. Color-treated hair tends to sustain some damage or drying throughout the coloring process.

Using a deep conditioner and products specially formulated for color-treated hair can increase the longevity of your hair dye.

Wash Periodically

You can also try to shampoo less often. Shampoo cleanses and strips your hair of unwanted build-up and residue. In the process of cleaning your hair, it can also cause your hair color to fade.

Limit Environmental Exposure

Heat, sun, and harsh chemicals in water, like hard water or chlorine, can shorten the life of your color-treated hair.

Avoiding these exposures, or taking special precautions, will help you to maintain your hair color. 

Can You Remove Permanent Hair Color?

There are some things you try to remove permanent hair color, though it won’t come out completely. As with any hair process, you may want to consult a professional when changing your hair color or fixing coloring mistakes.

Any attempts to remove permanent hair color at home may need to be applied several times to see results. Here are some ways to remove permanent hair color at home

• Mix baking soda with lemon juice to create a paste – leave on hair for five minutes.
• Crushed vitamin C powder mixed with shampoo – leave on hair for 15 minutes.
• Use white vinegar mixed with warm water and leave on hair for 15 minutes.
• Clarifying shampoos will help it fade.

Permanent hair dye typically lasts about six to eight weeks before hair growth demands that you touch up the roots.

Your hair maintenance routines and hair type affect whether your hair dye lasts longer. Always consult a hair care professional for questions about your permanent hair dye.

Frequently Asked Questions