Brunettes turned blonde know that covering up roots is crucial. Due to the rapid rate at which hair can grow, you might be tempted to visit the salon too frequently to dye your hair. There is a limit to how often you can color your hair without causing damage that may take unnecessary time and effort to repair.
While everyone’s hair is different, it truly depends on the type of dye you’re using as to whether you can color your hair more or less frequently.
How Often Can You Color Hair?
It’s safe to re-dye your hair every 4-6 weeks. This allows you to manage root growth while minimizing damage to your hair. However, you can re-dye hair sooner depending on the type of hair dye you used to color your hair.
Below are three different factors that affect how sooner you can dye your hair again.
Permanent Dye
The general rule of thumb with permanent dye is to wait as long as possible between coloring jobs, with 4-6 weeks being the minimum.
The harsh chemicals involved in stripping hair of its color in the bleaching process or adding different tones can take a toll on the hair, and it’s important to give it ample recovery time so it doesn’t become damaged or brittle.
Demi-Permanent Dye
Demi-permanent dye usually fades after 12-25 washes. It’s a good idea to let the color fade before dyeing again.
This lesser-known hair dye sits comfortably between permanent color and semi-permanent or temporary hair color. It does not penetrate the hair follicle but rather lives on the surface of the hair, where a small amount of peroxide binds pigment to the shaft.
Demi-permanent dye is perfect for testing out a new hair color. It’s also great for blondes who want to try going dark. To get the longest life out of this dye as possible, use a color-protecting shampoo and follow up with moisturizing conditioners and the occasional nourishing mask. When hair is properly cared for, you can move easily from one dye job to the next.
Semi-Permanent Dye
Semi-permanent dye, also known as temporary dye, typically lasts between 3 and 10 washes. As long as your hair looks and feels healthy, it can be dyed immediately after that time frame.
There is a lot more freedom in terms of dyeing frequency when it comes to semi-permanent color. You may be familiar with this coloring type on occasions like Halloween, festivals, or just having some fun with a different hair color for a week.
The nature of semi-permanent dye makes it much safer to use pretty much as often as you’d like. This color only lasts a few days to up to a week. Because its effects are fleeting, they are safer; they don’t contain harsh chemicals like alcohol or ammonia that make permanent dye last.
How long does permanent hair dye last?
Well, it lasts until you’ve got some serious regrowth going on. The time it takes depends on how fast your hair grows, but the color shouldn’t fade or lose its vibrancy in the long run.
Don’t forget, what you do between dye jobs matters too! Using a solid color treatment can keep your permanent dye looking fresh and shiny for months, even with your hair growing out.
How long does semi-permanent hair dye last?
The lifespan of semi-permanent hair dye can really vary. Depending on the brand and type, it could last from just one wash to a bunch of washes.
Semi-permanent and demi-permanent dyes have a different chemical makeup that clings to the outside of the hair shaft rather than diving deep into it. So, you’ll eventually wash it all out.
The good news is, since they don’t have harsh chemicals like ammonia, they’re not as damaging to your hair, and you can use them more often than permanent dyes. Just don’t forget to hydrate your hair with some good products.
How long does The Effect of Bleach last?
Bleach doesn’t just hide your natural hair color; it actually gets inside the hair follicle. That means once you’ve bleached your hair, it’s bleached for good. To get rid of it, you’ll have to grow it out or color over it without the bleach affecting the new dye job.
As for touch-ups, bleach is similar to hair dye. To keep your roots looking fresh, you’ll need to retouch them every 4 to 6 weeks, just like with regular color.
How Soon Can I Dye My Hair Again to Fix It?
If you used a semi-permanent dye, wash your hair a few more times to see if the color fades faster. But to keep your hair in good shape, it’s smart to wait at least two weeks before trying to fix the color.
In the meantime, stick to a healthy hair routine like using purple shampoo, hair masks, and steering clear of too much heat from curling irons, blow dryers, and flat irons.
How many times can you dye hair before it gets damaged?
There’s no universal answer since it depends on factors like hair texture, the type and shade of dye you choose, and your regular hair treatments.
Some people can dye their hair frequently without issues, while others may face dryness, brittleness, or hair loss. The type and shade of dye you pick matter too. Lighter shades could cause more damage, as they strip layers off with harsh chemicals like bleach.
To keep your hair healthy while dyeing, stick to a solid hair care routine, including purple shampoo, hair masks, and avoid too much heat from styling tools.
If you’re thinking of dyeing your hair twice a day, consider these factors.
How to Get More Life Out of Your Colored Hair
It’s a good idea to invest in products or routines that will stretch the life of your dye job to avoid over-coloring in the future.
Protect Your Hair
If you color your hair, using Olaplex No 3 Hair Perfector is a total game-changer. This product is not a conditioner, but rather a bonding treatment that restores and prevents breakage. If you color your hair frequently, you will notice a difference once you start using this product. Apply to hair anytime, as long as it’s wet.
Protect Your Color
Maintaining the beautiful tones of your colored hair will help to extend the time between coloring jobs so that hair looks amazing up until your next appointment. For blondes or babes steering clear of brassy tones, this can be done with a good-quality purple shampoo or with Oribe’s Silverati shampoo and conditioner.
In general, if you color your hair, you should be investing in high-quality shampoo designed specifically for color-treated hair. Also, avoid over-washing your hair to keep from stripping off-color.
Summary
- The type of hair dye determines the frequency
- Let the color runs its course before coloring again
- If hair feels brittle or dry it’s best to wait between dye jobs
- Dye hair every 4-6 weeks at minimum for permanent color
- Demi-permanent hair should be dyed anywhere between 12-25 washes
- Semi-permanent, or temporary color, shouldn’t be applied more than once a week
- Use a bonding treatment and moisturizing conditioner
Protecting your colored hair is key. Be sure to follow the rule of thumb for each dye type and take good care of your gorgeous hair.