Although you technically can dye your hair as often as you like, the question is more about how frequently you *should* dye your hair in order to limit damage and preserve the health of your hair.
Several factors, including the type of dye you use and the initial condition of your hair, will influence how frequently you decide to dye it.
More frequently, temporary and semi-permanent dyes can be used. If you’re using demi-permanent or permanent hair dyes, the suggested time frame for dye maintenance is typically at least 6 to 8 weeks. When applied incorrectly, these dyes’ harsh chemicals can harm your hair.
We asked Leah Spearman, a licensed cosmetologist, and Ashley Mitchell, a hairstylist, for all the specifics on when and how often you should dye your hair. The things to think about are listed below.
Which Type of Dye You Use
How long and how frequently to dye your hair will be greatly influenced by the type of dye you use.
Temporary
Temporary dye lasts the shortest amount of time and will typically come out after your first shampoo.
If you like temporary hair dyes, you can use them as frequently as you’d like without harming your hair or making them harsh. Dye to your heart’s content!
Semi-permanent
Semi-permanent dye will last up to 3 to 6 washes.
“A semi-permanent hair dye can be done every week, since it does not penetrate your hair,” Mitchell notes.
Spearman adds that semi-permanent hair dye doesn’t “lift” (aka lighten) your natural hair color.
This is due to the fact that semi-permanent dyes, unlike demi-permanent and permanent dyes, do not contain peroxide. In other words, they can turn you from a honey blonde to a brunette, but they can’t turn you from brown to blonde. They can, however, darken your skin tone.
Demi-permanent
Demi-permanent dye can withstand up to 20 washings.
“This is a low-level peroxide dye and should be done every 6 to 8 weeks,” Mitchell says.
Demi-permanent dye deposits color, and it cannot lift hair color, Spearmen explains. But the peroxide is what allows it to penetrate your hair shaft, in contrast to semi-permanent dye, which essentially “sits” on top your cuticle.
Demi-permanent color therefore retains its vibrancy a little longer than semi-permanent.
Permanent
The most durable dye is permanent. Re-dying is typically safe every 6 to 8 weeks.
The color is deposited while the hair is lightened by permanent hair dye.
According to Spearman, this is the only dye that will cover grey hair, and it must be used in conjunction with a product known as a developer, which is a substance that facilitates the hair dye’s absorption through the cuticle of your hair and deposit of color.
Whether You’re Using Bleach
In order to lighten hair, bleach is used to remove its color. It is a permanent hair color that isn’t technically a dye but is frequently used when coloring hair, especially when going from brunette to blonde.
Because bleach is so damaging to hair, experts advise against using it too frequently.
Additionally, you should watch out for previously bleached hair. This means that you should refrain from bleaching again for at least 8 to 10 weeks after your new hair has fully grown out.
How Many Shades Lighter You’re Going
Ever heard the phrase “stay on shade?” The expert consensus is that choosing a color within three shades of your natural hair color will be easier on your hair.
More shades than that require bleach or permanent dyes containing peroxide. Those are harsher on your strands than temporary or demi-permanent options.
Should You Dye Your Hair If It’s Already Dry Or Damaged?
No, even though it might be tempting, doing so increases the likelihood of further harming your hair.
If your hair is feeling particularly dry, crunchy, frizzy, or dull-looking, treat it to some TLC by waiting at least 8 to 10 weeks between dye jobs and conditioning it every time you’re in the shower.
If You’ve Never Dyed Your Hair Before
If you’ve never dyed your hair before, you’ll probably be able to do so more frequently than a person who regularly does so. Due to the fact that you don’t dye your hair every two months, your hair is less likely to be dry or damaged.
That being said, it’s still important to give your locks a break between dye jobs, especially if you’re using permanent dye, regardless of the state your hair is in before you dye it.
Does Hair Porosity Matter?
Somewhat. It can impact how well your hair holds onto color. You might notice that your color fades more quickly than you’d like depending on the porosity of your hair.
What is Hair Porosity?
Porosity refers to how porous your hair is, and it determines how well it can absorb and retain moisture, which may have an impact on how well it can retain color.
According to Mitchell, having low porosity hair indicates a very tight cuticle. This means your hair doesn’t absorb moisture very easily, but it does retain it.
High porosity hair is the exact opposite: Your hair readily absorbs moisture, but because the cuticle is looser, it is harder to retain that moisture.
What Does It Mean When It Comes to Dyeing Your Hair?
For low-porosity hair: In order for your color to better penetrate the cuticle, it may be best to use a high developer in conjunction with it. Your color will need to stay on a little longer.
For high-porosity hair: Since your hair can more readily absorb the dye, you don’t need to leave it on as long. Your color will likely deteriorate more quickly than that of people with hair that has less porosity, though.
Is It Safe to Dye Your Hair Every 2 Weeks?
In general, no, especially if you’re trying to go from a brunette to a blonde.
The exception, again, is temporary dye, because it’s not too hard on your hair.
How to Make Your Color Last
Use a Color-safe Shampoo
Shampoos that are specifically created to be used on color-treated hair prevent hair from becoming lifeless or losing its color.
Biolage ColorLast Shampoo is a good option. The low pH of the paraben-free shampoo is meant to maintain the vibrancy of your hair color for a longer period of time.
Use a Heat Protectant
If you find yourself using your blow-dryer every morning, a heat protectant is a good idea because color-treated hair can be brittle (due to the chemicals in the dye).
Take a look at the Pureology Color Fanatic Multi-Tasking Leave-In Spray. It enjoys popularity online.
Keep Your Hair Moisturized
Deep conditioning is an effective way to achieve this.
Deep conditioners can be purchased over the counter, or you can make your own at home with coconut or olive oil. (Here are a few delicious recipes.)
Begin with once per week; more frequently may cause product buildup on your scalp.
Try a Color Gloss
Utilizing color glosses will keep your color looking fresh and vibrant while moisturizing it.
A variety of colored glosses are available in the L’Oreal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step Toning Gloss collection to keep your color vibrant. And they’re good for all hair types and textures.
The Bottom Line
A great way to change up your appearance is to dye your hair, but how frequently you should do so will largely depend on the dye you’re using.
When in doubt, give your hair a break between dye jobs, try color-safe products to protect your tresses, and if you have any concerns, go to a professional – they’ll be able to answer any questions you have and make sure your hair is in top condition.
Find more about how to dye your hair on Home Services Offers