Best Semi-Permanent Hair Dye of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2025

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Semi-permanent hair dye is a popular choice for those who want to experiment with color without a long-term commitment. Unlike traditional permanent hair dye, semi-permanent dye does not penetrate the hair shaft, but rather coats the hair cuticle, resulting in a more subtle, temporary change. These dyes typically last anywhere from 4-6 weeks, depending on the frequency of washing and the individual's hair type. They are available in a wide range of colors, from natural hues to bold, vibrant shades, and are often formulated with nourishing ingredients to help protect and strengthen the hair. Overall, semi-permanent hair dye is a great option for those looking to switch up their look without the commitment of a permanent change.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Adore Haircolor #072 Paprika Cover #TOP 1
Adore Haircolor #072 Paprika
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ARCTIC FOX Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye (Purple AF) Cover #TOP 2
ARCTIC FOX Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye (Purple AF)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
L’Oréal Paris Colorista Maroon Cover #TOP 3
L’Oréal Paris Colorista Maroon
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

#TOP 1

Adore Haircolor #072 Paprika

AD-72
072 Paprika
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Adore Haircolor #072 Paprika Cover
Adore Semi Permanent Hair Color - Vegan and Cruelty-Free Brown Hair Dye - 4 Fl Oz - 072 Paprika (Pack of 1)

Adore Paprika Haircolor is a semi-permanent hair dye that comes in a 4-ounce (118ml) bottle. It gives your hair a beautiful and sensual feel without using alcohol, peroxide, or ammonia. This hair dye is perfect for those who want to change their hair color temporarily without damaging their hair. The semi-permanent feature allows you to experiment with different colors and shades without committing to a long-term change. Additionally, the 4-ounce size is convenient for multiple applications, making it a cost-effective choice for regular use. With Adore Paprika Haircolor, you can achieve a vibrant and shiny hair color in the comfort of your own home.

What We Like
No ammonia
No peroxide
Cost-effective
#TOP 2

ARCTIC FOX Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye (Purple AF)

PURPLE AF
8 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
ARCTIC FOX Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye (Purple AF) Cover
ARCTIC FOX Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye (8 Fl Oz, PURPLE AF)

ARCTIC FOX Vegan and Cruelty-Free Semi-Permanent Hair Color Dye in Purple AF is a deep, true purple that works well on a variety of base colors from platinum to light brown. It's made from vegan ingredients with no animal by-products and no harmful chemicals that damage the hair. It's gentle for frequent use and conditions your hair as it restores vibrancy. It's long lasting, smears less, and has a sweet scent.

What We Like
Vegan and cruelty-free
Gentle for frequent use
Long lasting and smears less
Sweet scent
Works well on a variety of base colors
#TOP 3

L’Oréal Paris Colorista Maroon

071249360781
Maroon
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
L’Oréal Paris Colorista Maroon Cover
L'Oreal Paris Colorista Semi Permanent Hair Color for Brunettes, Color Depositing Hair Mask Formula, Maroon

L’Oréal Paris Colorista Maroon is a semi-permanent hair color specifically designed for brunettes. This hair color is created with pure direct dyes in a conditioning hair mask, providing vibrant and long-lasting color without the need for bleach. With its ammonia-free and peroxide-free formula, it is gentle on hair and scalp. The vegan formula ensures that no animal derived ingredients or byproducts are used. L’Oréal Paris Colorista Maroon offers brunettes a hassle-free way to achieve a bold and trendy hair color without compromising the health of their hair.

What We Like
No bleach required
No ammonia or peroxide
Vegan formula
#TOP 4

Punky Cotton Candy Semi Permanent Hair Dye

90730
Cotton Candy
Punky Cotton Candy Semi Permanent Hair Dye Cover
Punky Cotton Candy Semi Permanent Conditioning Hair Color, Vegan, PPD and Paraben Free, lasts up to 35 washes, 3.5oz

Punky Cotton Candy Semi Permanent Conditioning Hair Color is a vegan, PPD and paraben-free, semi-permanent conditioning hair dye that will give you a dazzling pale pink shade, without damaging your hair. It lasts up to 35 shampoos and conditions your hair, leaving it silky soft, healthy-looking and nourished. With color-enhancing Keratin Complex for a more lasting intense, vivid color, it is easy to use and apply, perfect for creating trendy colors, multi-tonal hair, ombre, or holographic hues. Trusted by professionals, Punky Colour offers excellent customer service, making it the perfect hair dye for anyone looking for a head-turning look.

What We Like
Vegan, PPD and paraben-free
Conditions hair, leaving it silky soft, healthy-looking and nourished
Lasts up to 35 shampoos
Color-enhancing Keratin Complex for a more lasting intense, vivid color
Easy to use and apply
#TOP 5

Clairol Professional Beautiful Advanced Gray Solutions 2a Rich Dark Brown

99240013656
2A Rich Dark Brown
3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Clairol Professional Beautiful Advanced Gray Solutions 2a Rich Dark Brown Cover
Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Advanced Gray Solutions, 2A Rich Dark Brown, 3 oz. - Packaging May Vary

Clairol Advanced Gray Solutions is a semi-permanent hair color by Clairol Professional, designed to cover up to 50% of gray hair. With its Advanced O2 technology, it ensures long-lasting color and vibrant shine. This hair dye offers a convenient solution for those looking to touch up gray hair without committing to a permanent color change. The semi-permanent nature allows for flexibility and gradual color fading, perfect for those who want to experiment with different shades. Its ability to cover gray hair effectively makes it a go-to choice for individuals seeking a natural and youthful appearance.

What We Like
Matches copper red perfectly
Gradual, natural gray coverage
Leaves hair soft and undamaged
Improves hair shine and health
Easy, in-shower application
#TOP 6

MANIC PANIC Electric Amethyst Hair Dye

HCR 11036
Electric Amethyst
4 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
MANIC PANIC Electric Amethyst Hair Dye Cover
MANIC PANIC Electric Amethyst Purple Hair Dye - Classic High Voltage - Semi Permanent Bright Purple Hair Color With Violet And Blue Undertones - Vegan, PPD & Ammonia Free (4oz)

The MANIC PANIC Electric Amethyst Hair Dye is a semi-permanent hair dye that comes in a glowing medium violet color with cool blueish undertones. Its mixable colors and tones offer endless possibilities of shades and it comes ready to use, no developer needed. The cruelty-free and vegan formula is safe to use and gradually fades in four to six weeks without penetrating the cortex of your hair. For best results, it is recommended to lighten hair to the lightest level ten blonde with MANIC PANIC Flash Lightning Bleach Kits before using the hair dye.

What We Like
Customizable shades with mixable colors and pastelizer
Semi-permanent formula gradually fades without damaging hair
Cruelty-free and vegan formula with no harmful ingredients
#TOP 7

KISS Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Jet Black
5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
KISS Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Color Cover
Kiss Tintation Semi-Permanent Hair Color Treatment 148 mL (5 US fl.oz) (Jet Black)

KISS Tintation Hair Color offers a bold way to change your look while keeping your hair healthy. With 48 vibrant shades to choose from, you can express your unique style without limits. This semi-permanent treatment is packed with natural ingredients, starting with Aloe Vera Water, which helps repair your scalp and maintain a balanced pH. The formula also includes nourishing agents like Argan Oil and Collagen, ensuring your hair stays conditioned and vibrant throughout the coloring process.

What We Like
Vivid color options
Healthy hair benefits
Aloe Vera for scalp care
Natural conditioning ingredients
#TOP 8

Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection 11w Honey Brown

99240013635
11W Honey Brown
3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection 11w Honey Brown Cover
Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Hair Color, 11W Honey Brown, 3 oz. - Packaging May Vary

The Clairol Beautiful Collection Hair Color offers a gentle way to achieve vibrant, natural-looking hair color. Enriched with natural ingredients like Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil, this formula helps nourish your hair while coloring, ensuring it stays healthy. You’ll appreciate that it is free from harsh chemicals such as ammonia and peroxide, making it a safer choice for your hair. With its easy application process, you simply apply it to towel-dried hair and let it sit for 25 minutes. This product not only provides rich color but also enhances shine, giving your hair a beautiful finish.

What We Like
Natural ingredients
Ammonia-free formula
Easy application
Rich color and shine
#TOP 9

Good Dye Young Streaks and Strands Semi Permanent Hair Dye

Ex-Girl
2 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Good Dye Young Streaks and Strands Semi Permanent Hair Dye Cover
Good Dye Young Streaks and Strands Semi Permanent Hair Dye (Ex-Girl Pink) – UV Protective Temporary Hair Color Lasts 15-24+ Washes – Conditioning Pink Hair Dye – PPD free Hair Dye-Cruelty-Free & Vegan

Good Dye Young Hair Dye is a high-quality semi permanent hair color that combines vibrant pigments with a conditioning formula. It does not damage the hair and instead provides nourishment. The color is deposited on top of the hair shaft, acting like a stain that gradually fades over time with each wash. This hair dye is made with natural ingredients, including essential oils like Bergamot, which has mood-lifting properties. It also contains Sunflower Extract, which provides UV protection to prevent color fading caused by the sun and heat styling tools. Good Dye Young Hair Dye is vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the U.S.A. It is best suited for level 10 light blonde hair and comes with a complete set of instructions for easy application.

What We Like
High-quality and vibrant colors
Non-damaging and conditioning formula
Natural ingredients with essential oils
#TOP 10

Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection 20d Black

99240013643
20D Black
3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection 20d Black Cover
Clairol Professional Beautiful Collection Hair Color, 20D Black, 3 oz. - Packaging May Vary

Clairol Beautiful Collection Hair Dye offers a convenient and effective way to achieve vibrant, natural-looking color while caring for your hair. Enriched with nourishing ingredients like Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil, this dye ensures your locks remain moisturized. The formula is free from harsh chemicals such as ammonia and peroxide, making it gentle on your hair and scalp. You can easily apply it directly from the bottle to clean, towel-dried hair, and with just 25 minutes of processing time, you’ll be left with stunning color and up to 45% more shine. Enjoy a fade-resistant finish that keeps your hair looking great longer.

What We Like
Natural ingredients
Ammonia-free formula
Easy application
Long-lasting color
Enhanced shine
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does semi permanent hair color wash out completely?

Semi-permanent dye does eventually wash out completely. That's because it does not bind permanently to the hair strands. If you like your new hair color and want to prevent it from fading, it's a good idea to apply a touch-up color every few weeks.

2. How long does a semi permanent hair color last?

Semi-permanent hair dye typically lasts about six weeks, but you could see it gradually start to fade prior.

3. Is semi permanent color damaging to hair?

Does Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Damage Hair? Since semi-permanent hair color just coats the outside of the hair, it generally does not cause any damage to the hair structure itself. Semi-permanent hair color does not penetrate the cortex of the hair, so it does not permanently alter your natural hair color or melanin.

4. What is the difference between demi and semi permanent hair color?

The primary difference between semi- and demi-permanent hair color is how long they last after repeated washing and exposure to sunlight. Both methods are temporary compared to permanent hair color, with demi- lasting up to 30 washings, and semi- lasting about 5.

Editor's Notes

During our semi-permanent hair dye research, we found 48 semi-permanent hair dye products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 916,430 customer reviews through our big data system to write the semi-permanent hair dye list. We found that most customers choose semi-permanent hair dye with an average price of $11.21.

The semi-permanent hair dye are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of semi-permanent hair dye, including Adore, ARCTIC FOX, Punky, Clairol Professional, MANIC PANIC. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 4,533 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.