How Often Can You Dye Hair Without Damaging It?

Brunettes turned blonde know that covering up roots is critical. Because of the quick rate at which hair can grow, you may be tempted to head to the salon too frequently in order to dye your hair. There is a limit as to how often you can color your hair without causing damage that may take a lot of unnecessary time and effort to fix.

While every person’s hair is different, it truly depends on the type of dye you’re using as to whether you can color your hair more or less frequently. 

How Often Can You Color Hair?

Below are three different coloring options that affect how long you can go between dye jobs. 

Permanent Dye

The general rule of thumb with permanent dye is to wait as long as possible between coloring jobs, with 4-6 weeks being the minimum.

The harsh chemicals involved in stripping hair of its color in the bleaching process or adding different tones can take a toll on the hair and it’s important to give it ample recovery time so it doesn’t fry or become brittle or limp.

Demi-Permanent Dye 

Demi-permanent dye usually fades after 12-25 washes. It’s a good idea to let the color fade before dyeing again. 

This lesser known hair dye sits comfortably in-between permanent color and semi-permanent or temporary hair color. It does not penetrate the hair follicle but rather lives on the surface of hair where a small amount of peroxide binds pigment to the shaft. 

Demi-permanent dye is perfect for testing out a new hair color. It’s also great for blondes that want to try going dark. To get the longest life out of this dye as possible, use a color protecting shampoo and follow up with moisturizing conditioners and the occasional nourishing mask. When hair is properly cared for, you can move easily from one dye job to the next. 

Semi-Permanent Dye

Semi-permanent dye, also known as temporary dye, typically lasts between 3 and 10 washes. As long as hair looks and feels healthy, it can be dyed immediately after that time frame. 

There is a lot more freedom in terms of dyeing frequency when it comes to semi-permanent color. You may be familiar with this coloring type on occasions like Halloween, festivals, or just having some fun with a different hair color for a week. 

The nature of semi-permanent dye makes it much safer to use pretty much as often as you’d like. This color only lasts a few days to up to a week. Because its effects are fleeting, they are safer; they don’t contain harsh chemicals like alcohol or ammonia that make permanent dye last.

Ways to Get More Life Out of Your Colored Hair 

It’s a good idea to invest in products or routines that will stretch the life of your dye job to avoid over-coloring in the future. 

Protect Your Hair 

If you color your hair, using Olaplex No 3 Hair Perfector is a total game-changer. This product is not a conditioner, but rather a bonding treatment that restores and prevents breakage. If you color your hair frequently, you will notice a difference once you start using this product. Apply to hair anytime, as long as it’s wet. 

Protect Your Color 

Maintaining the beautiful tones of your colored hair will help to extend the time between coloring jobs so that hair looks amazing up until your next appointment. For blondes or babes steering clear of brassy tones, this can be done with a good-quality purple shampoo or with Oribe’s Silverati shampoo and conditioner. 

In general, if you color your hair, you should be investing in high-quality shampoo designed specifically for color-treated hair. Also, avoid over-washing your hair to keep from stripping off-color. 

Summary

• The type of hair dye determines the frequency 
• Let the color runs its course before coloring again
• If hair feels brittle or dry it’s best to wait between dye jobs
• Dye hair every 4-6 weeks at minimum for permanent color
• Demi-permanent hair should be dyed anywhere between 12-25 washes
• Semi-permanent, or temporary color, shouldn’t be applied more than once a week
• Use a bonding treatment and moisturizing conditioner 

Protecting your colored hair is key. Be sure to follow the rule of thumb for each dye type and take good care of your gorgeous hair.