Can I Use Demi Permanent Hair Color on Highlighted Hair?

When it comes to hair color, many of us love to experiment with different shades and styles. If you have highlighted hair and are considering a change, you might wonder, "Can I use a demi-permanent hair color on my highlighted hair?" Let's dive into this topic and uncover all you need to know.

What's Demi-Permanent Hair Color?

Demi-permanent hair color is a fantastic option if you want to boost your natural hue or breathe new life into faded tones. Unlike permanent color that dives deep into the hair's cortex and sticks around until your hair grows out, demi-permanent color only penetrates the outer cuticle layer and washes out over time. This way, it won’t permanently alter your current color but will infuse it with rich dimensional tones. You can go as bold or as natural-looking as you'd like depending on the shade you choose.

 

Can Demi-Permanent Hair Color Be Used On Highlighted Hair?

Yes, you can use a demi-permanent hair color on highlighted hair! In fact, it can be a great option for several reasons:

• Demi-permanent hair color is ammonia-free and uses a lower-volume developer than permanent colors. This is particularly advantageous if you've had highlighting treatments and want to keep your dyed hair healthy.

• If your highlights have gotten too bright or brassy, demi-permanent color can help tone them down and blend them more naturally with your base color, giving you a more harmonious look.

• Since demi-permanent color fades out of the hair, there is less commitment than using permanent color, so you can go back to your highlighted look.

Applying a Demi-Permanent Color on Highlighted Hair

Before applying a demi-permanent hair color to your highlighted hair, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Strand test

Always do a strand test before applying demi-permanent color to make sure you get the results you want. This step is crucial because your existing highlights may absorb the color faster or darker than the rest of your hair.

Color choice

Choose a demi-permanent hair color that complements both your natural base color and existing highlights. As a general rule, shades that contain "N" in the name will give a neutral rich brunetteresult whereas the other tonal shades (without "N") will give a fun vibrant pop of color. If you’re unsure, consult with a professional who can recommend the best shade for you. 

Application technique

Apply the demi-permanent color with precision, targeting the areas you want to enhance or adjust. Use a brush or applicator to ensure the color is evenly distributed.

Processing time

Follow the instructions that come with your demi-permanent hair color for the recommended processing time. Demi-permanent color usually processes for less time than permanent color since it is deposit-only (does not lighten the hair).

Maintenance and Longevity of Demi-Permanent Hair Color on Highlighted Hair

Want to make your color last longer? Follow these practical tips to help maintain the vibrancy of your demi-permanent hair color on highlighted hair and keep your locks looking healthy:

Use color-protecting hair care products

Choose paraben and sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners crafted for color-treated hair. These gentle formulas help preserve your demi-permanent color longer than harsher products. Madison Reed’s ColorSolve Shampoo + Conditioner System is formulated specifically to protect your hair color and includes nourishing ingredients like argan oil and keratin to help lock in moisture and strengthen the hair, while black spruce extract helps shield the hair from UV rays.

Minimize heat styling

Excessive heat styling can speed up color fade and damage your hair. Whenever you can, let your hair air dry, or use heat styling tools on a low or medium setting. Before you style, spritz on a heat-protectant spray or serum, like Bonding Time Bond Building Treatment to help guard against heat damage and keep your color looking vibrant.

Protect from sun exposure

UV rays from the sun can dull demi-permanent hair color and lead to dryness. Shield your hair by wearing a hat or using hair products with UV filters when you're outside for longer periods. Additionally, apply a leave-in conditioner or serum with UV protection to keep your hair looking vibrant and shiny.

Use Color-Depositing Hair Masks

Keep your hair moisturized and healthy-looking with deep-conditioning treatments while refreshing your color simultaneously. Color-depositing conditioning masks are a great way to hydrate your hair while adding color at the same time, which will help minimize fade. Use in place of your regular conditioner every few washes.

Avoid chlorine and hard water

Chlorine from swimming pools and minerals from hard water can alter the tone of your hair color, often leaving it dull or murky-looking. It can also result in the hair feeling parched. Before you dive in, saturate your hair with clean water and slather on a protective leave-in conditioner or hair oil. After your swim, rinse your hair thoroughly and shampoo as soon as possible to wash away chlorine and mineral buildup. Finish with a moisturizing conditioner to restore hydration.

Refresh color as needed

Demi-permanent color gradually fades with each wash and typically lasts up to 25 shampoos. However, everyone's hair responds differently and some may fade faster than others. To keep your color looking vibrant, consider giving it a refresh once it looks like most of the color has faded away. You can use our semi-permanent Color Reviving Gloss for a slight refresh or apply demi-permanent color again if you are in need of a more pigmented result.
 

The takeaway

With its ammonia-free and low-peroxide formula, demi-permanent hair color is perfect for coloring highlighted hair with minimal damage and less commitment. It boosts vibrancy while preserving the health of your already highlighted strands.

Demi-permanent color is incredibly versatile – it can subtly enrich your highlights, tone down brassiness, or let you experiment with bold new shades without the commitment of permanent color. It adds shine and leaves your hair feeling soft and silky, thanks to its conditioning benefits. Plus, since it fades gradually, demi-permanent color blends seamlessly with your existing highlights, offering a more natural look and making transitions between colors a breeze. Whether you're refreshing your style or exploring something new, demi-permanent hair color lets you express your creativity while keeping your hair looking fabulous.

To learn everything you need to know about demi-permanent hair color, check out our comprehensive guide.