20% off £25

Code:MERRY
OffersBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceOutlet3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for £18 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for £5 Mix & MatchIntroductory Offer2 for £50 Mix & Match2 for £60 Mix & MatchBuy more save 10%Vitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBioglanGrass & Co.BetterYouNature's WayNatures AidBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceOutletIntroductory OfferShort DatedBuy 1 Get 1 FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkChristmas Food & GiftsFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksHot ChocolateTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksCoconut WaterKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthSnacksShop all SnacksSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsCrackers & CrispbreadsBiscuits & CookiesSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornSweets & MintsChocolate Coated SnacksVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodCoconutHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHuelHeath & HeatherNakdPukkaTwiningsPerfectTedManuka DoctorSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 price3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for £5 Mix & MatchOutletBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy more save 10%2 for £12 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSugar FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentOptimum NutritionPrecision EngineeredUSNMyproteinApplied NutritionGrenadePhDHuelTriActiveSiSSave up to 1/2 PriceBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory Offer2 for £50 Mix & Match2 for £60 Mix & Match2 for £25 Mix & MatchOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreePalm Oil FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inBeautyGiftsNatural Beauty Shop AllSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautyFace CareShop all Face CareCleanser & TonerFace MoisturiserFace Oil & SerumFace WashFace Exfoliators & ScrubsFace MasksHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+ATrilogyChilds FarmBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price2 for £18 Mix & MatchOutletBuy 1 Get 1 FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeFish FreeNew inChristmasCBDShop all CBDCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCBD Food & DrinkCBD BeautyGrass & Co.TRIPCannaray CBDCBDfxfourfiveHolland & BarrettHolistic HerbReakiroBody & Mind BotanicalsLove HempBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletSave up to 1/2 PriceDairy FreeAlcohol FreeGluten FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeasExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettUSNEat WaterIdeal HealthNudie SnacksBraggGrenadeNatures AidSlimExpertFrejaBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 Price2 for £12 Mix & MatchOutletGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicBetterYouApplied NutritionNew NordicBuy one get one 1/2 priceSave up to 1/2 PriceOutlet2 for £18 Mix & Match3 for 2 Mix & Match2 for £60 Mix & Match2 for £12 Mix & MatchBuy 1 Get 1 FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inNew InBest SellersTrendingMedicines and HealthcareVeganShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

Semi-Permanent Hair Colour

5 items

Sometimes we all fancy a change to our hair colour, but want to exercise a bit of caution too.

 

A semi-permanent dye or temporary dye can be a great option.

 

Note, the two terms are often used interchangeably, but temporary hair dye technically lasts even less time – fading after just a few washes.

 

However, with both dye types, the dye coats the surface of the hair shaft, rather than fundamentally changing the colour, as permanent hair dye does.

 

Semi-permanent dye lasts four to six weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair.

 

To make the colour last longer, avoid washing with really hot water, and try to wash your hair as little as possible. Of course, go the other way if you’re keen to see the colour go!

 

Once the colour has started to fade, you can update with the same colour, or take things in an entirely direction.

 

There are also colour-protecting shampoos, conditioners, and primers, that can help retain longevity.

 

Why use semi-permanent dye

 

If you are feeling indecisive, want to try something new, or are not sure how a colour will look on you, a semi-permanent dye can make it easy to test out a colour, and switch from it if you need to.

 

Temporary and semi-permanent dye is also good for your hair and can add shine and vivacity to it.

 

For people with ash blonde or brown hair, semi-permanent dye can be a playful way to add some radiance and deep glow, or a bit of spark, without making an all-out change.

 

Thin hair can also benefit from a semi-permanent dye, as it adds depth and volume straight away.

 

Using semi-permanent hair dye to cover grey

 

To cover grey hair or grey roots, pick a shade that is a bit lighter than your natural hair.

 

Grey is a strong canvas for colour and dye will often come out slightly more intense on grey hair than on brown or dark blond hair.

 

Semi-permanent dye will not provide the full coverage over grey hair that permanent dye does – instead it will cover about 20 percent of grey or white hair.

 

However, it can be a great choice when you aren’t sure how a colour will look, or what you want to do. Or when you want to gently colour the greys but keep their stylish appearance at the same time.

 

When you have around 20 to 25 percent grey hair, a semi-permanent dye can be a great strategy to blend that in, while keeping the effort involved to a minimum.

 

Tips for using semi-permanent hair colour

 

After following the instructions in the box, keep these handy tips in mind.

 

You can mix dyes, somewhat like paint, to make your own custom shade.

 

Applying semi-permanent hair colour

 

There is less risk with a semi-permanent or temporary dye compared to permanent dye, but if you want to be on the safe side, you can test run a little by snipping off a tiny bit of your hair from an obtrusiveness place at the back of your head, and dye that first. That will help you know exactly how the dye looks applied over your particular hair colour.

 

If you want to regularly upgrade your hair, by using semi-permanent dye every few weeks in order to maintain a colour that you like, first apply the dye to new roots. Wait around 15 minutes, then apply it to the rest of your hair.

 

If you have extremely long hair, or a lot of it, you may need two boxes of dye for complete coverage.

 

Ideally, clean your hair with shampoo first, before using the dye. To keep the colour going as long as possible, wash your hair less frequently, wash in warm to cool water, and avoid heat styling.

 

Wear a hat when out in the sun, or avoid direct sunlight.

 

You do not need to condition after dying, but you can also use a mixture of white vinegar and water (in equal parts) to prolong the dye’s colour.

 

Dip your comb in the mixture and comb it through your hair. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse well. The vinegar raises the pH level of the hair, which helps with colour performance.

 

Healthy options

 

Try semi-permanent dyes from Reflex which last for up to 12 washes and are enriched with henna and plant extracts for extra radiance and shine.

 

Available in six different and natural-looking shades, the Reflex series includes a multi-care mask that you can apply straight after the initial dye and then afterwards, to help maintain the colour.

 

Always carry out a patch test for 48 hours before using any dye.

Sometimes we all fancy a change to our hair colour, but want to exercise a bit of caution too.

 

A semi-permanent dye or temporary dye can be a great option.

 

Note, the two terms are often used interchangeably, but temporary hair dye technically lasts even less time – fading after just a few washes.

 

However, with both dye types, the dye coats the surface of the hair shaft, rather than fundamentally changing the colour, as permanent hair dye does.

 

Semi-permanent dye lasts four to six weeks, depending on how often you wash your hair.

 

To make the colour last longer, avoid washing with really hot water, and try to wash your hair as little as possible. Of course, go the other way if you’re keen to see the colour go!

 

Once the colour has started to fade, you can update with the same colour, or take things in an entirely direction.

 

There are also colour-protecting shampoos, conditioners, and primers, that can help retain longevity.

 

Why use semi-permanent dye

 

If you are feeling indecisive, want to try something new, or are not sure how a colour will look on you, a semi-permanent dye can make it easy to test out a colour, and switch from it if you need to.

 

Temporary and semi-permanent dye is also good for your hair and can add shine and vivacity to it.

 

For people with ash blonde or brown hair, semi-permanent dye can be a playful way to add some radiance and deep glow, or a bit of spark, without making an all-out change.

 

Thin hair can also benefit from a semi-permanent dye, as it adds depth and volume straight away.

 

Using semi-permanent hair dye to cover grey

 

To cover grey hair or grey roots, pick a shade that is a bit lighter than your natural hair.

 

Grey is a strong canvas for colour and dye will often come out slightly more intense on grey hair than on brown or dark blond hair.

 

Semi-permanent dye will not provide the full coverage over grey hair that permanent dye does – instead it will cover about 20 percent of grey or white hair.

 

However, it can be a great choice when you aren’t sure how a colour will look, or what you want to do. Or when you want to gently colour the greys but keep their stylish appearance at the same time.

 

When you have around 20 to 25 percent grey hair, a semi-permanent dye can be a great strategy to blend that in, while keeping the effort involved to a minimum.

 

Tips for using semi-permanent hair colour

 

After following the instructions in the box, keep these handy tips in mind.

 

You can mix dyes, somewhat like paint, to make your own custom shade.

 

Applying semi-permanent hair colour

 

There is less risk with a semi-permanent or temporary dye compared to permanent dye, but if you want to be on the safe side, you can test run a little by snipping off a tiny bit of your hair from an obtrusiveness place at the back of your head, and dye that first. That will help you know exactly how the dye looks applied over your particular hair colour.

 

If you want to regularly upgrade your hair, by using semi-permanent dye every few weeks in order to maintain a colour that you like, first apply the dye to new roots. Wait around 15 minutes, then apply it to the rest of your hair.

 

If you have extremely long hair, or a lot of it, you may need two boxes of dye for complete coverage.

 

Ideally, clean your hair with shampoo first, before using the dye. To keep the colour going as long as possible, wash your hair less frequently, wash in warm to cool water, and avoid heat styling.

 

Wear a hat when out in the sun, or avoid direct sunlight.

 

You do not need to condition after dying, but you can also use a mixture of white vinegar and water (in equal parts) to prolong the dye’s colour.

 

Dip your comb in the mixture and comb it through your hair. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse well. The vinegar raises the pH level of the hair, which helps with colour performance.

 

Healthy options

 

Try semi-permanent dyes from Reflex which last for up to 12 washes and are enriched with henna and plant extracts for extra radiance and shine.

 

Available in six different and natural-looking shades, the Reflex series includes a multi-care mask that you can apply straight after the initial dye and then afterwards, to help maintain the colour.

 

Always carry out a patch test for 48 hours before using any dye.

Show less
Sign up for exclusive offers
Plus, get expert advice to support your health & wellness straight to your inbox when you sign up to Holland & Barrett emails.