Permanent vs. Semi-Permanent Hair Color & Grey Coverage
Choosing between permanent and semi-permanent hair color can significantly impact your final look, maintenance routine, and hair health—especially when grey coverage is a concern. At BRUSH Amsterdam, we guide you through this choice with expert insight and a custom approach tailored to your hair type and lifestyle.
Comparison: Semi-Permanent vs. Permanent Hair Color
| Feature | Semi-Permanent | Permanent |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity | 6-12 weeks | Until new growth appears |
| Grey Coverage | Blending only | Full coverage possible |
| Hair Damage | Minimal | Can be more drying |
| Ammonia/Peroxide | No | Usually contains both |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium–high |
| Custom Color Control | Less customizable | Highly customizable |
What’s the Difference Between Permanent and Semi-Permanent Hair Color?
Permanent hair color penetrates the hair shaft and alters the natural pigment. It offers 100% grey coverage, longer-lasting results and the ability to go lighter or darker. Schwarzkopf Professional notes that formulas like IGORA Royal are optimized for reliable and vibrant permanent results.
Semi-permanent hair color, on the other hand, coats the outside of the hair strand covering up to 50% of grey hair. It gently enhances natural tones, fades gradually and doesn’t cause regrowth lines—making it ideal for shadowing the roots, color glossing or refreshing faded lengths. It’s perfect for clients who are new to hair color or want low-commitment shine.
What’s Best for Grey Hair?
It depends on the level of grey and the result you desire:
- For full grey coverage: Permanent color is the gold standard. It ensures all grey strands are neutralized and evenly colored.
- For blending or softening grey: Semi-permanent color is ideal. It adds a translucent tint and shine without harsh lines or commitment.
Our BRUSH specialists often combine both techniques—for example, using permanent color at the roots and semi-permanent gloss through the lengths to keep the hair dimensional and healthy.
Does It Damage My Hair?
All coloring alters your hair’s structure to some degree, but at BRUSH Amsterdam, we prioritize damage-free color services by incorporating treatments like K18 and working only with premium brands such as Schwarzkopf BlondMe and IGORA Royal. Semi-permanent color is generally gentler and even conditioning.
How We Personalize Your Color Plan
During your personal consultation, we analyze:
- Your natural base and percentage of grey hair
- Your lifestyle and how often you’re willing to maintain the color
- Your hair’s condition and sensitivity
Then we recommend a customized formula and strategy for natural, dimensional results.
Perfect Grey Coverage with Dimensional Balayage
For clients who want both grey coverage and a soft grow-out, we often combine root touch-ups with a dimensional balayage. This creates light-reflecting depth and minimizes visible regrowth.
Want to understand more about how we tailor our hair color treatments? Read our Pilar Blog: The Ultimate Hair Color Guide for a full breakdown of all options.
Blending Grey Hair with Dimensional Techniques
At BRUSH Amsterdam, we regularly combine (semi-)permanent color with techniques like foilyage, balayage, or highlights. This approach is ideal for clients with greying or transitioning hair who still want softness, depth, and a multidimensional finish. By incorporating natural highlights or lowlights with tailored color placement, we create soft contrasts and movement that enhance the overall result — all while keeping maintenance low and regrowth less visible. Whether you're brunette, blonde, or red — this method is suitable for all hair colors and types.
Coloring Hair During Pregnancy or with Allergies
We understand that safety comes first — especially during pregnancy or if you have a sensitive scalp or known allergies. At BRUSH Amsterdam, we offer options like ammonia-free, PPD-free and semi-permanent color formulas that are much gentler and often suitable in these cases. While many doctors consider professional coloring safe during pregnancy, we always recommend consulting your physician first. During your consultation, let us know any sensitivities or concerns — and we’ll personalize your color accordingly.
FAQs: Permanent vs. Semi-Permanent Color & Grey Coverage
- What is the main difference between permanent and semi-permanent hair dye?
- Permanent color changes the internal pigment of the hair and provides full grey coverage. Semi-permanent color sits on the hair surface can be used as temporary color or up to 50% grey coverage and gently fades over time.
- How long does semi-permanent hair color last?
- It typically lasts up to 2-3 months, depending on your hair type, washing routine and hair products.
- Does permanent color damage the hair more than semi-permanent?
- Permanent color is made with a higher peroxide in order to be permanent and therefore in fact can be more damaging than semi-permanent color when it is not used with professional care. Ofcourse, at BRUSH, we have full expertise and always apply strengthening treatments to minimize damage.
- Is it possible to cover grey hair with semi-permanent dye?
- It can soften or tone grey hair up to 50%, but won't completely cover it. It's great for a natural blend or shine boost.
- Can I use both types together?
- Absolutely! Many clients receive permanent color on the roots and semi-permanent gloss on the lengths to maintain healthy, radiant hair.
- How do I know what’s right for me?
- During your first visit at BRUSH, we offer a detailed consultation where we assess your goals and recommend the ideal approach.
- Is it better to color on clean or dirty hair?
- We recommend coloring on dry, unwashed hair. The natural oils act as a barrier that helps protect your scalp during the process.
- Can I swim with permanent or semi-permanent hair color?
- Chlorine and salt water can cause premature fading and discoloration. Wait at least 72 hours after coloring before swimming, and always protect your hair with conditioner or a cap.
- Can I color my hair when I have a sensitive scalp?
- Yes, but it’s crucial to use the right products. At BRUSH, we have gentle formulas and techniques designed for clients with sensitivities. Let us know in advance so we can prepare a custom solution.
Book Your Color Consultation
Ready to find your perfect color match—whether you're blending grey or making a bold change? Book your custom consultation with one of our BRUSH color experts today.
