Demi Permanent Hair Color Explained
Demi permanent hair color is designed to deposit only and last approximately 2-6 weeks. This is great for clients that want to try a new color without the commitment. Fading occurs gradually over time, which results with subtle root regrowth. The top professional brands contain no ammonia and are mixed with a low volume type of developer. They are most commonly used by hair colorists to refresh or enhance color, blend grey, toning and color correction.
Redken Shades EQ Gloss
Available since the 80’s, Redken Shades EQ Equalising Conditioning Color Gloss is non-ammonia based and processes at an acidic pH without lifting. The Shades EQ family features no ammonia for minimized cuticle damage and includes Shades EQ Gloss, a gentle equalizing conditioning color featuring wheat amino acids for healthy shine. The consistency is liquid but can be easily converted to a thicker gel consistency with the Redken processing solution for precise application. Shades EQ includes Redken technology Cationic complex which claims to have positively charged ingredients that easily bind to the hair to condition, detangle, smooth and increase manageability. Another Redken technology that is included is the Keracare technology, which incorporates xylose to provide heat protection and help prevent breakage.
Redken has launched the Shades EQ Gloss with Bonder Inside technology. Finally a demi permanent hair color with the benefits of bonding technology.
Shades EQ Gloss utilizes a processing solution that is a 7 volume / 2% developer.
We asked Hair Colorist and Wig specialist Mikah Styles of Salon Eleven in Toronto, why he uses Redken Shades EQ Gloss. “I find Redken Shades EQ to be gentle on wigs and extensions with maximum shine on hair after. I love the toners, especially for highlighted wigs and extensions as non highlighted hair remains original color unlike most toners that have some lift in them and can pull warmth in hair. Also I found that it’s the best product for shadow roots as it’s translucent. It’s great for refreshing color on old wigs”.
Mikah Styles of Salon Eleven
Schwarzkopf Igora Vibrance
IGORA VIBRANCE is Schwarzkopf latest demi-permanent hair color that claims it can lasts up to 25 shampoos. Igora Vibrance utilizes technology called Aquaxyl, which stabilizes the inner moisture level of the hair through a combination of sugar molecules and vitamins.
What is unique about Igora Vibrance is that the user can choose between a gel or cream consistency. The gel is great for easy application and the cream offers precise application for technical application.
Igora Vibrance has up to 65 shades that work great with their signature permanent line, Igora Royal.
We asked Master Hair Colorist Nicole Graftner why she uses Schwarzkopf Igora Vibrance. Nicole started using Schwarzkopf Igora Vibrance since its initial launch and is her favourite go to demi permanent hair color. “Vibrance offers amazing grey coverage. The caramel tones and customizable blondes are amazing to work with”.
Wella Professionals Color Touch
Wella has a long history of ammonia free, demi-permanent colors going back to the 80’s with Midway Couture and Presentation. Today, Wella's demi-permanent line is Color Touch. Hair colorists love that it has virtually invisible or subtle root re-growth and lasts up to 24 shampoos. Wella hair color products are known for their exceptional shine and Color Touch does not disappoint. Wella utilizes Light2Color complex technology for high shine and vibrant results. Color Touch plus has up to 70% grey coverage.
Color Touch emulsion developer is available in 2 strengths, 1.9% for depositing or toning and a 4% for low lift or intense grey blending.
We asked Master Hair Colorist Christine Winter, why she uses Wella Color Touch. “Wella Color Touch has the best shine element and different pastels”.
Master Hair Colorist, Christine Winter
Goldwell Colorance
Goldwell introduced Colorance acid hair color back in the 80’s. Developed to be the first acidic hair color to utilize an oxidative pigment that could develop in a non-alkaline environment. In addition, Colorance incorporates hydrolyzed wheat protein and natural plant extracts to condition and protect the hair. Colorance also utilizes the Goldwell IntraLipid Technology that repairs the hair during chemical services.
For developers, Goldwell has launched their new and improved their Colorance 2%/7 Vol Liquid Developer Lotion with Bondpro+.
We asked celebrity stylist Norm Wright of Taz Salon in Toronto, why he uses Goldwell Colorance. “It’s translucency allows the hair to remain dimensional, leaving it with incredible shine. It also fades out naturally so the maintenance is minimal. The wide variety of tones, the full spectrum, satisfying every demographic.”
L’Oreal Diarichess and Dialight
DIARICHESSE has been available from L'Oréal Professionnel since the 80’s. It is their premier demi-permanent, tone-on-tone color, designed for natural hair. Along with its sister range DIALIGHT, it replaces the old Richesse de Diacolor and Hi.Richesse ranges.
In the range, you'll find 59 shades spread across 7 color families: Ash, Cool Blondes, Clear Browns, Naturals, Reds & Coppers, Warm Blondes and Warm Browns. We especially like the Clear shade (in the Naturals family) which is perfect for giving a transparent gloss to an existing hair color.
DIARICHESSE is ammonia-free and will give white hair coverage of up to 70% on base shades. It will lighten up to 1.5 levels and also darken up to 4 levels with variable intensity and a color that fades away discreetly over time.
On top of all that, it develops in just 20 minutes using the specially optimised DIACTIVATEUR (available in 3 strengths). All of which makes it perfect for clients who are new to coloring or those looking for a gentle refresh of their existing color.
We asked Toronto Hair Colorist Travis Fiedtkou why he uses L’Oreal DiaRichesse and DiaLight. “Diarichesse has great shine and lasts long. They are my go to's for blondes and brunettes”.
Summary
In conclusion, there is a reason why the brands we mentioned are utilized by some of the top creative hair colorists in the city. They are trusted by the professionals over the years and have their individual strengths. Are you working with human hair wigs and extensions? Redken Shades EQ can be a good choice. Trying to cover grey? Consider trying Schwarzkopf Igora Vibrance. Are you attempting to create a custom colour with shine? Check out the wide range of colours from Wella Color Touch. Are you looking for long lasting colour and shine? Consider Goldwell Colorance. L'Oreal Professionnel Dia Light is known to be exceptional for sensitized hair. Do you need a demi-permanent with the latest bonding technology? Take a look at the Redken Shades EQ with Bonder Inside.
Consider what factors are important for you and the information here can help you make an informed decision on choosing the best demi-permanent hair color for you.
