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Temporary Hair Colour Versus Permanent Dye
Permanent hair colours, like the ones offered by John Frieda and Garnier, last forever. Even if they fade due to multiple washes or sun exposure, the colour never really goes away. In fact, it ‘stains’ your hair. This means that, if you want to change your hair colour, you can only switch to a darker shade OR you’ll have to strip away the dye first.
In comparison, temporary hair colours and semi-permanent dyes fade after washing. Depending on the type of hair colour you use, it can take anywhere from one to multiple washes to completely fade the colour.
What To Look For In A Good Temporary Hair Dye
Ingredients
Most hair dyes contain ammonia to help deposit pigment, but if you have brittle, thin, or damaged hair, you might want to switch to an ammonia-free formula. You can also find vegan or organic semi-permanent dyes.
Staying Ability
Sprays, chalks, and temporary wash-outs usually only survive 1-2 shampoos, so they’re great if you want to try out a colour for just one day. If you want something that lasts slightly longer, semi- and demi-permanent dyes usually take 8+ washes to completely bleed out the colour.
Colour
Some brands only offer ‘natural’ hair colours such as dark brown, copper, or blonde. But if you’re looking for something bolder, there are many other dye brands with crazy colours like pink, purple, green, or even silver.
Availability
You can find the most popular brands at your local drug store or online at Chemist Warehouse or Priceline. But specialty dyes may only be found on niche websites or specific stores. This matters if you want to be able to replace your dyes quickly and without much hassle.
Application
Some at-home dyes require the use of a colour applicator, while others can be sprayed, ‘massaged’, or ‘shampooed’ in. If you don’t have a few hours (and an extra set of helping hands), you should choose a temporary hair colour that’s easy, quick, and convenient to apply on your own.
How To Achieve Bright Hues And Pastels
Dyeing your hair brown or black is pretty easy, but going blonde (or doing bright unnatural hair colours) is much more difficult. For the best results, you should start with light hair. If you have naturally dark hair, you may need to get your hair bleached first. You can do this at home, or go to a salon like Aveda to get it done.
Light hair is a much better base for hair dyes, and it’s a MUST if you want to rock pastel colours. Unless it’s a specific no-bleach formula designed for dark hair, the dye won’t show up as well on black or dark brown tresses.
The Best Semi-Permanent Dyes For Men And Women
Live Colour
Brand: Schwarzkopf
Price: As low as $AUD 2.69
Live Colour has multiple shade ranges and products, including one-day sprays and 2-in-1 ultra brights/pastels.
Buy Schwarzkopf Live Colour here.
Nutri Color Creme
Brand: Revlon
Price: As low as $AUD 25.95
Both classic and fantasy shades provide 2-4 weeks of intense colour.
Buy Revlon Nutri Color Creme here.
Colorista
Brand: L’Oreal
Price: As low as $AUD 12.99
Choose from Colorista’s temporary sprays, hair ‘makeup’, or ammonia-free semi-permanent dyes. They also have non-bleach options for dark hair!
Adore
Brand: Adore
Price: As low as $AUD 11.95
Adore has a whopping 56 crazy shades for you to choose from.
Colour Fresh Create
Brand: Wella
Price: As low as $AUD 27
Although Wella is more known for their toners, they also have 12 ammonia-free temporary dyes.
Buy Wella Colour Fresh Create here.
Color Brilliance
Brand: Ion
Price: As low as $AUD 18
Ion’s known for a wide shade range, deep pigments, and all-around coverage.
Buy Ion Color Brilliance here.
Arctic Fox
Brand: Arctic Fox
Price: As low as $AUD 18.95
Arctic Fox’s formula is vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and nourishes your hair as it colours!
Conclusion
Your hair is an expression of your personality, so don’t be scared to go bright and bold! These temporary hair colours will help you easily explore different shades and styles. Switch up depending on your mood, or try them out until you find your favourite one...it’s all up to you!
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