Temporary vs. Semi-Permanent Hair Color: What's the Difference?

When it comes to choosing at-home hair color, 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 color 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 color, 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 color 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 color

Now for a closer look...

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

Temporary hair color: to touch up grays 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 color that you can simply shampoo out when you're ready. In the Clairol collection, our temporary Root Touch-Up Spray and Concealing Powder each make disguising grays ultra easy; just apply the Spray into roots or sweep the Powder through regrowth for cover-up you can top up on the go.

And, because they each feature micro-fine powders, they feel completely weightless on hair, blending seamlessly with your current color. 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 grays has never been so easy.

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

Demi-permanent hair colors 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 color 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, it keeps hair soft and hydrated, it's gentle, effective, and gives you vibrant flawlessness for up to 28 washes.

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

This is your longest-lasting color option. If you want salon-grade color (without the time-consuming salon visits!), reach for a permanent color. Not only will you achieve up to 100% gray 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, which develops in just 25 minutes and comes a variety of incredible shades.

To go high on shine when you're tight on time, you can also try Perfect 10, which delivers the glossiest hues in just 10 minutes. From 10 Lightest Blonde, to 2 Black for ultra dark hair looks, each shade is packed with shine-activating Micropearls for bumped-up luminosity.

Then there's Textures & Tones, a conditioning color that's specially formulated to enrich relaxed and natural textured hair. The brightest blondes, most radiant red and richest brunettes make up this nourishing collection, each packed with shea butter and aloe vera.

And, finally, if it's just root coverage you crave, try permanent Root Touch-Up By Nice’n Easy; a sweep-on formula that makes grays vanish in 10 minutes. The easy-to-use applicator brush lets you zero in on silvery strays for no roots, no grays 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 color types? Discover everything there is to know about doing a root touch-up at home.