Best Permanent Semi-Permanent Hair Dye of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 11 Feb 2025

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Permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes are a popular and convenient way to change the colour of your hair. These products are widely available and come in a range of colours and formulations to suit different hair types and preferences. Permanent hair dye penetrates the hair shaft and lasts until it grows out or is cut off, while semi-permanent dye coats the hair without penetrating it and gradually fades over time. Both types of dye can be used at home or by a professional stylist, and can help you achieve a new look or cover up grey hairs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Clairol Nice'n Easy Dark Brown Hair Dye Cover #TOP 1
Clairol Nice'n Easy Dark Brown Hair Dye
ftb score rating icon 9.9
L'Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Light Brown Cover #TOP 2
L'Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Light Brown
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Clairol Natural Instincts 9 Light Blonde Hair Dye Cover #TOP 3
Clairol Natural Instincts 9 Light Blonde Hair Dye
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Permanent Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

#TOP 1

Clairol Nice'n Easy Dark Brown Hair Dye

Dark Brown
135 ml (Pack of 1)
Clairol Nice'n Easy Dark Brown Hair Dye Cover
Clairol Nice'n Easy Tone+Gloss Semi Permanent Hair Dye - 400/79 Dark Brown

The Clairol Dark Brown Dye offers excellent grey coverage that lasts up to 28 shampoos, ensuring your colour remains vibrant for longer. With zero ammonia in every shade, you can enjoy a gentler dyeing experience that is kinder to your hair. The conditioning formula enhances your natural tone, giving it a beautiful gloss that can be achieved in just 20 minutes. This product is perfect for those looking for a quick and effective way to refresh their hair colour while maintaining its health.

What We Like
Long-lasting colour
Ammonia-free formula
Enhances natural tone
Quick application time
#TOP 2

L'Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Light Brown

L'Oreal Paris
100675582
500 Light Brown
1 count (Pack of 1)
L'Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss Light Brown Cover
L'Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss, Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, Radiant & Natural Colour, Shade: Light Brown 500

The L'Oréal Casting Crème Gloss offers a new formula infused with a 10% Glycolic Gloss Complex, delivering glossy and intensely conditioned hair. You can enjoy up to three times more gloss and four times silkier hair for up to 32 shampoos. This ammonia-free semi-permanent hair dye provides vibrant results while being gentle on your hair. Remember to follow the easy instructions and perform a patch test 48 hours prior to application for a safe and satisfying experience.

What We Like
Glossy, conditioned finish
Ammonia-free formula
Long-lasting colour
Easy application process
#TOP 3

Clairol Natural Instincts 9 Light Blonde Hair Dye

99350044880
9 Light Blonde
175 ml (Pack of 1)
Clairol Natural Instincts 9 Light Blonde Hair Dye Cover
Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent No Ammonia Hair Dye, 9 Light Blonde

Clairol 9 Light Blonde offers optimal coverage for your first greys, ensuring a seamless blend. Its semi-permanent formula contains no ammonia, providing a gentle way to colour your hair without damaging it. With 80 percent naturally derived ingredients, including coconut oil and aloe vera, your hair will feel healthy and nourished. This product enhances your natural colour while boosting shine, giving you rich, natural-looking results from root to tip.

What We Like
Gentle, non-damaging formula
Enhances natural colour
Gradual fading over 28 washes
Great for first-time users
No harsh root lines

Schwarzkopf LIVE Ultra Brights Red Hair Dye

1687955
Pillar Box Red
80 g (Pack of 1)
Schwarzkopf LIVE Ultra Brights Red Hair Dye Cover
Schwarzkopf LIVE Ultra Brights Pillar Box Red Semi-Permanent Hair Dye 092, Red Hair Dye for Bright or Pastel Hair Colour, Vibrant Colour Lasts up to 15 Washes

Schwarzkopf LIVE Ultra Brights Red is a semi-permanent hair dye designed for those with bleached blonde to light brown hair. This colour cream ensures you achieve an intense and vibrant red that will surely turn heads. If you prefer a softer look, you can easily mix in conditioner to create a pastel shade or even invent your own unique colour. Plus, the colour lasts for up to 15 washes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your stunning new look.

What We Like
Vibrant and intense colour
Customisable pastel shades
Long-lasting up to 15 washes
Easy to apply
Suitable for various hair types
#TOP 5

Schwarzkopf LIVE Shocking Pink Semi-Permanent Hair Dye

105777756
Shocking Pink
80 g (Pack of 1)
Schwarzkopf LIVE Shocking Pink Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Cover
Schwarzkopf LIVE Ultra Brights Shocking Pink Semi-Permanent Hair Dye 093, Pink Hair Dye for Bright or Pastel Hair Colour, Vibrant Colour Lasts up to 15 Washes

The LIVE Shocking Pink Dye is a semi-permanent hair dye designed for bleached blonde to light brown hair. This colour cream allows you to achieve an intense and vibrant shade, making it perfect for those who want to stand out. Additionally, by adding conditioner, you can create a softer pastel shade or even customise your own unique colour. Enjoy the convenience of a stunning hair transformation that lasts for up to 15 washes, giving you plenty of time to show off your new look.

What We Like
Vibrant and intense colour
Customisable pastel shades
Lasts up to 15 washes
Easy to apply
#TOP 6

Schwarzkopf LIVE Ultra Brights Purple Punk Hair Dye

1728915
Purple Punk
80 g (Pack of 1)
Schwarzkopf LIVE Ultra Brights Purple Punk Hair Dye Cover
Schwarzkopf LIVE Ultra Brights Purple Punk Semi-Permanent Hair Dye 094, Purple Hair Dye for Bright or Pastel Hair Colour, Vibrant Colour Lasts up to 15 Washes

The LIVE Ultra Brights Purple Punk is a semi-permanent hair dye designed for bleached blonde to dark blonde hair. This colour cream provides an intense and vibrant purple hue that can last up to 15 washes, making it perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with their hair colour. You can also mix the dye with conditioner to achieve a softer pastel shade or create a unique colour of your own. This flexibility allows you to personalise your look while keeping your hair in great condition.

What We Like
Vibrant colour options
Lasts up to 15 washes
Customisable pastel shades
Easy to use

Knight & Wilson Colour-Freedom Crimson Red Hair Colour

CF-CR-150
Crimson Red
150 ml (Pack of 1)
Knight & Wilson Colour-Freedom Crimson Red Hair Colour Cover
Knight & Wilson Colour-Freedom 150ml Crimson Red Semi-Permanent Hair Colour - Ultra-Vibrant Vegan Friendly Colour Mask with Shine Booster Complex - Ammonia Free Colour Lasts Up To 6-10 Washes

Knight & Wilson Colour-Freedom is a gentle semi-permanent hair dye that allows you to break free from harsh chemicals. Its effective formula helps the vibrant crimson red penetrate deep into your hair, fading beautifully over 6-10 washes. With a large 150ml tube, you can enjoy multiple applications, ensuring your colour stays fresh. The non-drip formula makes application simple and even, while the option to mix with Colour-Freedom Pasteliser lets you create your desired shade, from bold to pastel.

What We Like
Ammonia-free formula
Large 150ml tube
Easy application
Mixable for custom shades
Boosts natural shine
#TOP 8

Wella Professionals Color Fresh Mask Copper Glow

H0169
Copper Glow
150 ml (Pack of 1)
Wella Professionals Color Fresh Mask Copper Glow Cover
Wella Professional Color Fresh Mask | Temporary Color Refresh Treatment |Semi-Permanent Hair Dye | Wash Out Colour |150ml | Copper Glow

The Wella Color Fresh Mask is a semi-permanent hair dye designed for a temporary colour refresh. With a convenient 150ml packaging, it allows you to easily apply the product at home. Weighing just 0.17 kilograms, it's lightweight and simple to use. As a quality product from Wella Professionals, you can trust its effectiveness in giving your hair a beautiful copper glow, enhancing your overall look with minimal effort.

What We Like
Easy to use
Temporary colour refresh
Lightweight packaging
Quality brand
#TOP 9

Schwarzkopf LIVE Petal Pink Colour Drops

113242428
Petal Pink
30 ml (Pack of 1)
Schwarzkopf LIVE Petal Pink Colour Drops Cover
Schwarzkopf LIVE Colour Drops Petal Pink Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, 30ml, Hair Colour Drops for Colour that Lasts 2-12 Washes, Pink Hair Dye Drops

Schwarzkopf LIVE Colour Drops offers a vibrant Petal Pink hue that lasts between 2 to 12 washes, giving you the freedom to adjust the intensity based on the number of drops you use. This semi-permanent dye is designed for bleached blonde to dark blonde hair, allowing you to achieve a stunning look. With a vegan and silicone-free formula, it is a great choice for those seeking ethical beauty products. You can enjoy up to 30 uses per bottle, making it a cost-effective option to boost your hair colour or create a customised shade.

What We Like
Vibrant colour options
Customisable shade intensity
Vegan and silicone-free
Up to 30 uses
Suitable for various hair tones

L'Oréal Paris Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, Blonde 700

3600523294886
DARK BLONDE 700
1 count (Pack of 1)
L'Oréal Paris Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, Blonde 700 Cover
L'Oréal Paris Casting Crème Gloss, Semi-Permanent Hair Dye, Radiant & Natural Colour, Shade: Blonde 700

L'Oréal Casting Crème Gloss offers a new formula featuring a 10% Glycolic Gloss Complex, ensuring your hair remains glossy and intensely conditioned. You can enjoy up to three times more shine and four times silkier hair for as long as 32 shampoos. The ammonia-free formula provides gentle yet vibrant results, making it suitable for those who want to change their hair colour without harsh chemicals. Just follow the easy instructions and enjoy beautiful, radiant locks with minimal commitment.

What We Like
Ammonia-free for gentle application
Long-lasting colour up to 32 shampoos
Enhanced shine and smoothness
Simple application process
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does semi-permanent hair Colour last?

Semi-permanent hair dye lasts approximately 4-6 weeks. If you fall in love with a color during that time, you can continue to add the same shade in your hair for touch-ups. However, if you decide you're not in love with your color, you also have the freedom to fade it out and try something new!

2. Is semi-permanent hair dye permanent?

Semi-permanent hair dye doesn't change hair structure or color permanently, so it's great for short-term color changes—like if you're mulling over whether or not to go red, consider trying one of our gorgeous red hair glosses, Barolo or Cannella.

3. What is the difference between permanent and semi-permanent hair Colour?

Semi-Permanent Hair Color Unlike permanent or demi-permanent hair color, semi-permanent color does not penetrate the hair shaft. It alters the tone of the hair. What is doesn't do: Semi-permanent hair dye will not lighten your hair, cover grey or change your hair color.

4. Which is better semi-permanent or permanent hair color?

Compared to permanent color, semi-permanent color is low maintenance and less of a long-term commitment, but it wears off in just about three weeks because it doesn't contain any chemicals, such as ammonia or peroxide.

Editor's Notes

During our permanent semi-permanent hair dye research, we found 229 permanent semi-permanent hair dye products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 62,002 customer reviews through our big data system to write the permanent semi-permanent hair dye list. We found that most customers choose permanent semi-permanent hair dye with an average price of £6.59.

The permanent semi-permanent hair dye are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of permanent semi-permanent hair dye, including Clairol, L'Oreal Paris, LIVE, Knight & Wilson, WELLA PROFESSIONALS.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.