Isn’t Hair Colour just… Hair Colour? Well, yes and no. Sure, every Shade will change your look, but not all Colours are created equal. Some are here for a good time, others for a long time — and knowing the difference can completely change your Hair journey.
That’s why it’s so important to understand the difference between Semi Permanent Colour and Permanent Hair Colour. Each comes with its own set of benefits, quirks, and staying power — and choosing the right one can mean the difference between a fleeting fling and a committed relationship with your new Shade.
So before you grab a box and hope for the best, let’s break down exactly what sets Semi and Permanent Colour apart, and how to know which one’s right for you.
Semi Permanent Colour
Lasts 8–12 washes (not forever)
Perfect for adding gloss or refreshing a Shade
Low commitment — no regrowth line
Great if you’re worried about damage
Affordable, easy to find in stores or salons
Comes in a wider variety of fun, creative Colours
Permanent Hair Colour
Long-lasting — stays until you grow it out
Creates a regrowth line as Hair grows
Best for Natural-looking Shades and covering greys
A bigger commitment, not a quick fix
Available in budget-friendly and salon-quality formulas
When chosen wisely, it’s not damaging
Yes, these Colours do exactly what their names suggest — Semi Permanent won’t last forever, while Permanent Hair Colour is long-lasting (until it grows out).
It’s easy to assume one gives you flexibility and the other doesn’t, but that’s not the whole story. Both have their place — the key is understanding how they actually work on your Hair.
Here’s the real difference: it all comes down to how the Colour reacts with your Hair.
Semi Permanent Colour sits on the outside of the Hair shaft, coating it like a glossy veil. Because it doesn’t penetrate deeply, it eventually fades out with each wash. These formulas usually come ready-to-go in a tube or bottle that you can apply directly to dry, damp, or wet Hair.
Permanent Hair Colour, on the other hand, goes deeper. It enters the Hair shaft, altering your Natural pigment for a Colour change that stays put. Permanent Colours typically come in a tube and must be mixed with a peroxide crème Developer. This mixture opens the cuticle and allows the new Shade to lock in for the long haul.
What You’ll Get With Semi Permanent Colour
Semi Permanent Colour is a one-part formula that doesn’t mix with a Developer — which means it can’t lighten your Hair. Instead, it gently coats the outside of the Hair shaft, giving you temporary Colour and shine.
Here’s what to expect:
Lasts around 4–12 washes (though it may fade sooner or sometimes stain and linger).
Sits on top of your existing Colour, which can mean results are sometimes inconsistent.
Won’t provide grey coverage.
Available in a wide range of fun, faux, and fashion Shades.
Can’t lighten Natural or previously Coloured Hair — to achieve lighter or brighter Shades, pre-bleaching is required.
Semi is your go-to for low commitment, playful changes, or simply adding a gloss over your current Colour.
What You’ll Get With Permanent Hair Colour
Permanent Hair Colour is a two-part system — Colour and Developer. The Developer opens the Hair shaft, allowing the Colour pigments to penetrate and transform your Natural Hair Colour.
Here’s what makes it different:
Long-lasting results that stay until grown out.
Lets you lighten or darken your Natural Hair Colour.
Can Colour previously Coloured Hair darker (but not lighter).
When mixed with a 20 Volume Developer, gives reliable grey coverage.
Creates a new Natural-looking Shade.
Allows you to mix Shades to create your own custom Colour.
Offers a wide range of tones and pigments to complement your skin tone and enhance your look.
The Beauty of Permanent Hair Colour Shades
Natural Shades: Perfect for creating a soft, believable Colour and achieving 100% grey coverage with a 20-volume Developer.
Ash Shades: Contain cool pigments that counteract warmth and neutralise unwanted orange or brassy tones, leaving a crisp, cool finish.
Golden and Copper Shades: Add warmth, illumination, and sun-kissed vibrancy. These tones can brighten your Hair, add dimension, and complement warm skin tones with a radiant glow.
Why We Love Permanent Hair Colour Remover
One of the best parts of using Permanent Hair Colour is knowing you can change it when you want. Our Permanent Hair Colour Remover is:
Bleach-free
Designed specifically for Permanent Colour
Safely removes old, unwanted Shades
Refreshes your Hair for a new application
Leaves your Hair feeling soft and healthy
So, enjoy the benefits of Permanent Colour, and when you’re ready for something new, remove and refresh — no damage, no stress.
