Hair Dye Guide: Temporary, Demi & Permanent

When it comes to choosing at-home hair dye, it’s not just about the shade. You need to find the perfect formula to match up with your hair goals too. That means the coverage, how long the dye lasts and how it cares for your hair are all important things to think about. But when you’re faced with temporary, permanent, demi-permanent and semi-permanent hair dye, we know things can get a little bit confusing.

Let's be honest: these universally used terms are actually quite misleading. So, we’re breaking down the differences for you.

Discover what sets temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent and permanent hair dye apart with this quick-to-follow guide. You’ll be working your perfect product in no time!

Quick take: the differences between temporary, permanent and semi-permanent colour

The color: Temporary Colour

• Try: Clairol Root Touch-Up Spray.
• How long it lasts: Until your next shampoo.
• Care benefits: No hair damage – think of these temporary touch-ups as 'makeup for hair'.
• Gray coverage: Yes, if you're using a root concealer like the Root Touch-Up Spray.
• Color results: Low-commitment grey coverage that stays flawless until you shampoo it out. Ultra-natural finish that's easy to blend for a seamless effect.

The color: Demi-Permanent Colour

• Try: Clairol Natural Instincts.
• How long it lasts: Up to 28 washes.
• Care benefits: Ammonia-free formula is ultra gentle. A boost of coconut oil and aloe vera makes it ideal for dry hair types.
• Gray coverage: Grey blending – perfect for those first silver strays.
• Color results: Radiant, healthy-looking hair. Plus, it comes in a range of beautiful shades for every hair type.

The color: Permanent Colour

• Try: Clairol Nice'n Easy.
• How long it lasts: Permanent transformation.
• Care benefits: Nince'n Easy has conditioners built into every step.
• Gray coverage: Full 100% grey hair coverage, even on stubborn silver strands.
• Color results: Vibrant colour results, with complete coverage of greys. A great choice for the longest-lasting finish and bolder transformations.

Now for a closer look...

You've seen the basics on the different types of hair dye; now let's look closer at their individual benefits so that you can choose your ultimate colour...

Temporary hair dye: to touch up greys and grown-out roots on the go

Temporary hair dye is your go-to when you want a one-wash wonder shade. It gives you an instant pop of colour that you can simply shampoo out when you're ready. In the Clairol collection, our temporary Root Touch-Up Spray makes disguising greys ultra easy; just apply the Spray into roots for cover-up that you can top up on the go.

And, because it features micro-fine powders, it feels completely weightless on hair, blending seamlessly with your current colour. You'll find a range of shades to choose from, whether you're working a blonde shade, a red mane or brown hair. Covering up greys has never been so easy.

Demi-permanent hair dye: for long-lasting, bold colour with no ammonia

Demi-permanent hair colours are like the midway point between semi and permanent shades. They last longer than a semi-permanent hair dye but not as long as a permanent hue. Unlike many permanent shades, they also boast an ammonia-free formula. This means they don't use ammonia to completely open up the hair cuticle – something that most permanent hues do so that pigment can be deposited inside the hair shaft.

Instead, demi-permanent dyes wrap around and just under the outer cuticle of the hair, veiling strands in vivid colour that gradually fades away. So, if you want something longer-lasting than temporary or semi-permanent dye, reach for a demi-permanent hair dye like Natural Instincts. With coconut oil and aloe vera to keep hair soft and hydrated, it's gentle, effective, and gives you vibrant flawlessness for up to 28 washes.

Permanent hair dye: for the ultimate in long wear with intense vibrancy

This is your longest-lasting colour option. If you want salon-grade colour (without the time-consuming salon visits!), reach for a permanent colour. Not only will you achieve up to 100% grey coverage, but you'll also get show-stopping vibrancy from your chosen shade. Seriously, the results are TikTok-worthy. Our most popular permanent product is Nice'n Easy Crème, which develops in just 25 minutes and comes in a variety of incredible shades.

And, finally, if it's just root coverage you crave, try permanent Root Touch-Up; a sweep-on formula that makes greys vanish in 10 minutes. The easy-to-use applicator brush lets you zero in on silvery strays for no roots, no greys and no trips to the salon. Plus, it lasts for up to three weeks, so you can brush on your perfect shade and wear with confidence.

Want more tips on the different colour types? Discover everything there is to know about doing a root touch-up at home.