Hair Color 101: The Expert Take

The shampoo prioritizes the elimination of brassy, unwelcome tones caused by color fading and oxidizing over time. Charging lackluster locks with a nourishing host of antioxidant vitamins, the powerhouse formula helps to shield your color from oxidative stress as it strengthens the hair fiber for a vibrant and resilient finish.

Christophe Robin Color Shield Mask

The formula of the hair mask is infused with an acidic pH, allowing it to effortlessly illuminate your colour for long-lasting vibrancy and brilliance. The mask for coloured hair is finished with a creamy, lightweight texture that is fast-absorbing, never leaving a greasy, heavy residue.

Demi – Permanent Hair 

Demi-Permanent hair color is formulated with less ammonia than Permanent. It’s also mixed with a lower volume of developer. While this does penetrate the hair shaft, its much less damaging than permanent hair color. This will not lighten your hair color but can deposit color over blonde or lightened hair, however it is typically used to enhance or darken your hair color. The color will gradually fade over 12-24 washes.

I compare Demi Permanent color to women’s hosiery. It’s like adding a sheer layer of color to enhance what you already have. This is a great option for someone who doesn’t want to commit to a permanent color but would like to go a shade darker. Your hair can look healthier after a demi-permanent hair color treatment. A clear Demi Permanent can add luster and shine. If you’re a blonde you are probably familiar with toners. These are usually made with demi-permanent formulations and can work to counteract brassiness while keeping the blonde color intact. It does not cover grays but does help to blend them more evenly into your hair and can elongate the time in between salon visits.

If using a demi permanent to help with brassiness, you might also want to try a toning shampoo. I’m including some of our tried and true products for keeping your color the perfect tone:

Phyto Phytoargent No Yellow Shampoo

For gray, white and platinum blondes.

Philip B Icelandic Blonde Shampoo

Light blonde to medium blonde.

Christophe Robin Shade Variation Mask – Ash Brown

 Formulated to neutralize orange hues and artificial tones in pure brown hair.

Whether your hair is natural or colored, it combines anti-red pigments and licorice extract to counterbalance the effects of oxidation, whilst nourishing your hair and providing antioxidant protection to shield it from environmental damage.

Semi – Permanent Hair

The benefit of a Semi Permanent hair color is that it has no ammonia and does not need to be mixed with a developer. The gentle formulation deposits color onto the surface of the hair. Unlike permanent or demi-permanent hair color, semi-permanent color does not penetrate the hair shaft. However, it is like Demi Permanent in that it alters the tone of the hair and functions as a sheer coating.

Semi-Permanent hair color also works to add shine and luster to the hair but is much less damaging than Permanent or Demi Permanent. Semi-permanent color may also be found in shampoos, conditioners and masks that can be used to maintain the tone of hair between salon visits. 

These types of products are extremely beneficial to refresh faded hair color or to blend in new hair growth with the base color. Depending on the integrity of the hair, Semi Permanent color will gradually fade over 4-10 shampoos. While this will not last like a Demi- Permanent color, it’s very easy to do at home with a shampoo, conditioner or color enhancing mask. This is ideal for anyone wanting to save time and money with a longer time between salon visits.

If you’re interested in a Semi permanent or temporary color, I highly suggest you check out the Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gels  and the EVO FABULOSO line in various shades. The color works to instantly cover up gray hairs without modifying the hair’s structure, making it a short-term fix that fades gracefully and evenly in 5 to 7 washes without leaving a ‘helmet’ root effect. 

Last but least, coloring your hair can be a big investment. It’s important to protect that investment by selecting products that will help maintain and extend the vibrancy of your hair color.