Top 5 Semi Permanent Hair Colors For 2018

Brightly colored hair in a wide rainbow spectrum of colors can be seen on almost every celebrity and Insta-blogger out there – and we sure as hell are not complaining. Well, there are two things we’re complaining about. First, how much it costs to get our hair permanently colored. Second, the damage that it causes to our hair. But there’s one simple solution for both these problems – semi permanent hair color!

What Is Semi Permanent Hair Color?

Semi permanent hair color deposits color onto the surface of your hair and brightens up your mane. It does not penetrate the cortex the way permanent hair dye does. Therefore, the color you end up with will be at the same level as your natural hair, or darker. So, boo, if you think you can go from brunette to blonde in just a jiffy, that just ain’t happening. What it can do is add a bright pop of color, intensify and add a shine to your natural hair color, and cover up gray hair.
While permanent hair dye can last for months, semi permanent hair dye does not have that kind of lasting capacity. It fades little by little with each wash, and is almost completely gone after 15-20 washes.
Now, the hair care aisles in drugstores are stocked up to the hilt with all kinds of semi permanent hair colors. And choosing one from among them can be pretty overwhelming. But have no fear! Because I am here! With my list of top 10 best semi permanent hair dye brands that will give you the hair color of your dreams!

1. Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Color

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Let’s start off with the best of the best, why don’t we? Clairol Natural Instinct is pretty much the holy grail of semi permanent hair colors. And if you’re looking to go for more natural hair colors (like brown) or to cover up grays, then this is the product you need to put in your shopping cart. Not only does it come in a whopping 36 shades and takes just 10 minutes to process, it’s also infused with vitamin E, aloe vera, and coconut oil. This makes sure that your hair is amply moisturized when you’re coloring it.

Pros

• 10 minutes processing time
• Ammonia-free
• Lasts for up to 28 washes
• Good color coverage
• Hair softer after washing it off

Cros

• Thin consistency, which makes it more prone to getting splattered on your clothes and the walls during application
• A slight chemical-y smell when your hair is wet after every wash

Rating: 9/10
Link: amazon.com

2. L’Oréal Colorista Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Looking for a hair color that offers short term commitment, but still looks totally funky? Then L’oreal’s Colorista offering of semi permanent hair colors is what you need to get your hands on! The pastel shades of this range are gorgeous, to say the least, and come in a variety of shades of pinks, blues and greens. Not only are there 7 shades that are perfect for naturally or bleached blonde hair, the range also offers 4 shades to brunette women who would like to add a subtle pop of color without bleaching their hair. This Colorista semi permanent hair dye lasts for about 4-10 washes.

Pros

• Ammonia free
• Vegan
• Good pigmentation and color pay off

Cons

Fades rapidly with each wash

Rating: 8/10
Link: amazon.com

3. Ion Color Brilliance Semi-Permanent Brights Hair Color

Anyone who’s in the pursuit of a bold, vivid hair color job needs to check out Ion Color Brilliance Semi-Permanent Brights Hair Color. Its range of high quality, hi-fashion hair colors was designed in Italy and can be used on natural or bleached hair. Ion’s hair colors are known to be especially gentle on hair as they contain hyaluronic acid, argan oil, pequi oil, and other natural products that work to nourish your hair. They also contain 38% less ammonia. Get your hands on these bad boys if you’re looking for bright blue, pink or red shades.

Pros

• No ammonia or peroxide
• Intensely pigmented colors
• Infused with natural products that strengthen your hair

Cons

Does not cover up grays effectively


Rating: 8/10
Link: amazon.com

4. Iroiro Premium Natural Semi-Permanent Hair Color

For anyone who is super conscious about only using products that have not been tested on animals (which should be all of us, really), Iroiro’s range of semi permanent hair colors is the perfect choice. This vibrant range of colors that comes in 14 shades is 100% vegan and cruelty free. They also contain natural organic coconut oil that ensures that your hair is moisturized throughout the coloring process. But that’s not all! Iroiro is also committed to making its hair colors free of parabens, ammonia, peroxide, and synthetic preservatives and fragrances.

Pros

• Vegan
• Cruelty free
• Pleasant yuzu-cranberry frangrance
• Thick consistency prevents the dye from dripping and running
• Moisturizing due to its coconut oil content
• Color matches almost perfectly to the swatch on the box
• Fades out slowly

Cros

• Takes time and effort to rinse out
• Highly pigmented dye that can stain your skin and any clothes it comes in contact with
• Requires pre-lightening

Rating: 9/10
Link: iroirocolors.com

5. Manic Panic

Manic Panic is nothing less than a pioneer when it comes to vegan and cruelty free products. These “high voltage” hair colors (as the brand calls them) come in a rainbow spectrum of 44 shades and are known to be super pigmented. Besides having an extremely catchy name, Manic Panic is also free of para, gluten, and ammonia. So, it’s no wonder that it won NYLON magazine’s Beauty Hit List award for Best Hair color in 2017.

Pros

• Very pigmented
• Wide range of colors
• Creamy formulation that makes it easy to apply
• Does not dry out or damage hair

Cros

Fades quickly with each wash

Rating: 9/10
Link: manicpanic.com


I’m sure now you can’t wait to get your hands on some semi permanent hair color and going crazy experimenting with your hair look! So, comment below to let us know if you have any  more questions!