As disappointing as it may be to hear, hair dye, no matter how beautiful, doesn’t last forever. So, what gives? In this post, we’ll look into the details of how different hair dyes work and the results you can expect to get from each. Then, we will dive into the million dollar question of exactly how long does hair dye last. Let’s go!
Table of Contents
- How Long Does Hair Dye Last?
- How do I Keep my Dyed Hair from Fading?
- FAQs
- There’s Much to Consider When Determining How Long Does Hair Dye Last
How Long Does Hair Dye Last?
How Long Does Hair Dye Last in Hair?
To answer the question of how long does hair dye last, it is important to understand that not all dyes are created equal.
Indeed, there are different types of hair coloring, all of which have different lasting power. With this in mind, the more appropriate question might be to ask, “How long does permanent hair dye last before it fades?” or “How long does store bought hair dye last in your hair?”
And these questions, we are happy to answer!
How Long Does Permanent Hair Dye Last?
Permanent hair dyes generally last 6-8 weeks but can last shorter amounts of time depending on your lifestyle and hair care routine.
Permanent hair dye is a chemical process that deeply penetrates the hair shaft. And while this is best done at the salon, there are permanent hair colors and dyes that are sold in the store. They just might not look as good as a professional dye job.
How Long Does Semi Permanent Hair Dye Last?
Semi-permanent hair dyes don’t last as long as permanent and can typically stand up to eight washes (though many make claims to be able to last longer than that).
Check out this popular Buzzfeed video below to see how two of the most popular semi-permanent brands stand up to over 20 washes.
How Long Does Hair Dye Last Once Mixed?
For best results, mixed hair dye must be used within 1 hour. Do not store mixed hair color…it simply is not safe to do so!
How Long Does Hair Dye Last With Bleach?
Believe it or not, hair dye mixed with bleach can spoil even faster… even in as short as 20 minutes in some cases!
Now, if you are wondering how long does hair dye last without bleach on your locks, then the answer is that it will depend on the type of hair color (permanent or semi-permanent) and your lifestyle, as mentioned before.
When compared to the question of how long does permanent hair dye last on bleached hair, we can say that between the two, dying bleached hair will win out.
On average, hair colors last 4-8 weeks on bleached hair and 2-6 weeks on unbleached hair. However, results widely vary between individuals.
How Long Does a Tube of Hair Color Last?
In general, tubes of hair color, assuming you store it in a cool dry place and have tightly replaced the lid, should last you a good 6 weeks or more. After that point, the dye may yield a different, or darker, result once applied to your tresses.
If you are concerned, read the package label on the package or contact the manufacturer for more details.
How Long Does Hair Dye Last After Opened?
If you have hair coloring that has been opened, we recommend keeping it stored out of the way in a safe, dry and cool place for no longer than 6 weeks.
Once the jig is up, go ahead and discard the hair color. Keeping it any longer could leave you with undesirable results that include green hair, no hair color change at all, or even worse… damaged hair.
It isn’t worth it!
How do I Keep my Dyed Hair from Fading?
There are several tricks of the hair color trade that can help you make your hair color job last longer. Some great tips to keep your freshly dyed mane looking as great as the day you dyed it include:
- Steer Clear of Chlorine
- Wash Your Hair Less Often
- Use Hair Products Specially Designed For Color-Treated Hair
- Avoid Hot Shower Water
- Do Not Overuse Heating Tools
- Avoid Excess Sun Exposure
FAQs
Is permanent hair dye really permanent?
Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, and that includes permanent hair dye. While permanent dyes tend to last longer than their semi-permanent and temporary counterparts, permanent dyes also eventually fade meaning you’ll need to have intermittent touch-ups done to hold on to that color.
Does hair dye ever fade completely?
Though even permanent hair color will eventually fade, the truth is that permanent hair color can stick around long after it’s outstayed its welcome.
In fact, there may be times when the only option you’ll have is to grow your hair out and cut the remaining color off if you want a fresh new look.
Some have success with dying overtop of the existing hair color, but even this can have less than desirable outcomes.
What colors stay in hair the longest?
In general, brown is the way to go if you are looking for your hair color to last! Bold and bright hues will also stick around for a gentle stain over time, but certainly, brown is the color to pick for permanence. There are many brown colors to choose from depending on your skin tone, so this is a safe color to try!
What is the longest lasting hair dye color?
Again, brown is the winner for long lasting hair color. So, if brown is the color you’ve been dreaming of, you’re in luck!
How long does hair dye last in hair?
Not all dyes are created equal.
There are different types of hair coloring, all of which have different lasting power.
How long does permanent hair dye last?
Permanent hair dyes generally last 6-8 weeks but can last shorter amounts of time depending on your lifestyle and hair care routine.
How long does semi permanent hair dye last?
Semi-permanent hair dyes don’t last as long as permanent and can typically stand up to eight washes (though many make claims to be able to last longer than that).
How long does hair dye last once mixed?
For best results, mixed hair dye must be used within 1 hour.
How long does hair dye last with bleach?
Believe it or not, hair dye mixed with bleach can spoil even faster… even in as short as 20 minutes in some cases!
How long does a tube of hair color last?
In general, tubes of hair color, assuming you store it in a cool dry place and have tightly replaced the lid, should last you a good 6 weeks or more.
How long does hair dye last after opened?
If you have hair coloring that has been opened, we recommend keeping it stored out of the way in a safe, dry and cool place for no longer than 6 weeks.
There’s Much to Consider When Determining How Long Does Hair Dye Last
As you can see, the amount of time that hair color lasts in your tresses depends on a variety of factors. These include your lifestyle, hair care routine and the type of hair you already have.
Add to that the various tips and hair color hacks that are scattered across the internet, and you’ll see why there isn’t one set time limit to how long hair color can last in the hair.
In general, try to limit washes and stick to hair care products that are specifically designed for color-treated hair. Be sure to also use deep conditioning treatments before applying your color and steer clear of chlorine as these can strip the work you did on your locks.
Here are related posts on our blog to learn more about bleaching, coloring, and taking care of your hair:
So cool that you had such a variety of different hair colors! And yes, lots of factors definitely contribute to the longevity of hair dye!
Such an interesting article!
Back in the day (3 years ago) I tried many tones: grey, blue, green, pink. I would love to do it again but the truth is that it takes time and money to mantain the color. As you well said it could last 6-8 weeks but it may vary depending some factors. What I remember is that the color used to last a bit less in the summers (summers are really humid in the Meditarranean).
I would love to have a colorful hair one day! If that happens I’ll come to your site for tips!
Pablo