Guide to Long Lasting Hair Color

Different types of hair color

1. Permanent hair color

As the name suggests, this hair color is permanent. Permanent hair colors open the shaft of your hair and add pigment to it. In the process, they change the composition of your hair. Permanent hair color is the best long-lasting hair color option as it doesn’t wash off. It is usually used when you want to lighten or darken your hair.

If you are looking to cover your greys or opt for a global color, it is best to choose a permanent hair color shade. This long-lasting hair color doesn’t wash off. You may need to reapply permanent hair color every four to eight weeks depending on how fast your hair grows. The maintenance of permanent hair color is minimal as you need to touch up your roots only when your hair grows out.

2. Semi-permanent hair color

Semi-permanent hair color is a slightly gentler blend when compared to permanent hair color. It doesn’t permanently lighten or darken the strands of your hair. When you apply a semi-permanent hair color, it gets deposited on top of your hair. This type of hair color does not penetrate your shaft but merely changes its tone.

Semi-permanent hair color can last between 6-12 washes if you are wondering how long hair color lasts. After this, the color gradually starts to fade out. Semi-permanent hair colors are great if you want to fix your brassy or ashy hair. They are a decently long-lasting hair color that does not damage your hair. Semi-permanent hair colors are widely used when creating a balayage look!

3. Temporary hair color

If you are in the mood to experiment with fun hair color shades without any commitment, this type of hair color is for you! Temporary hair colors, like shampoo hair colors, only last for one to two washes. It is great to cover your greys in between touch-ups. These hair colors are a quick fix and not a permanent solution.

Tips to make your hair color last longer

Now that you’ve chosen the type of hair color and gotten a beautiful look, you have to make sure it lasts as long as possible. Here is a hair color guide to ensure long-lasting results-

1. Wash less frequently

After rinsing the color, don’t shampoo your hair immediately. Using a shampoo immediately will not give your hair color enough time to settle into your hair strands. To ensure long-lasting hair color, it is important to space out your hair washes. Frequently shampooing your hair can strip the color and fade faster. To prolong the period between washes, you can use dry shampoo on your roots.

2. Color-protectant products

Using hair care products suited for colored hair is a great way to make sure you experience the best long-lasting hair color. These products are gentle and contain ingredients that are color-safe and prolong the life of your hair color.

3. Use hair masks

Using nourishing hair masks and conditioning treatments helps keep your color vibrant and fresh. Dry hair tends to lose color more quickly than hydrated hair. This is why using nourishing hair masks once a week will give you shiny and fresh-looking hair color.

4. Hair serums are essential

Hair serums after every wash routine help you close off the cuticles and add a lasting shine to your hair. Make sure that you use 2-3 pumps of nourishing hair serum on damp hair to prevent moisture loss, add sheen, and get a long-lasting hair color.

5. Ditch hot showers

Make sure you use lukewarm or cool water while showering. While it's tough to escape the comforts of a hot shower, the scalding water temperatures tend to open hair cuticles and strip off your hair color. Avoid hard water, very hot showers, and chlorine from swimming pools to preserve your hair color.

Now that you know how to ace a long-lasting hair color, it’s time you bring home your perfect hair color packet. Browse through the many hair color products by Garnier and learn everything ‘color’ with the hair color tips. Browse through the Virtual Try-On tool to see how the different colors look on you and pick one from a wide variety of shades.