What are the 8 different types of hair color?

When you’re ready to transform your look, choosing the right hair color formula is key. Each type—from permanent dyes to temporary glosses—offers different levels of coverage, longevity, and hair health benefits. In this comparison, you’ll explore the eight main hair color types so you can pick the option that suits your style and maintenance routine.

Permanent Hair Color-What are the 8 different types of hair color?

Permanent hair color, also called oxidative dye, gives you long-lasting pigments and full gray coverage. It alters your natural pigment and stays until your roots regrow.

How It Works
Permanent dyes penetrate your hair cortex through the cuticle scales using an oxidant and an alkali, triggering a chemical reaction that forms new color molecules (Salerm). Keyra Colors enhances this process with keratin and natural components for 100% gray coverage and up to four levels of lightening (Keyra Colors). Blust On’s Long Lasting formula adds hydrolyzed keratin, argan oil, and provitamin B5 to boost shine and strength while cutting processing time by 70% (Blust-On).

Pros

• Complete gray coverage
• Permanent lift or deposit
• Rich, vibrant shades that won’t wash out

Cons

• Requires touch-ups at the roots
• Moderate to high damage risk without professional application
• Stronger odor, longer processing

Best For

• Major color transformations
• Full gray coverage
• Low-maintenance color that lasts until regrowth

Demi-Permanent Hair Color

Demi-permanent color deposits tone without fully lifting your natural pigment. It sits between permanent and semi-permanent on longevity and damage.

How It Works
Demi-permanent dyes use a low-volume developer to deposit color molecules just inside the cuticle, with no heavy alkali present. This approach maintains hair integrity and fades gradually over 24-28 shampoos. Blust On’s Demi-Permanent Pro Active range refreshes your hue without deep cortex penetration (Blust-On).

Pros

• Gentle on your hair fiber
• Adds depth and tone with a natural fade
• No harsh regrowth line

Cons

• Doesn’t lift natural color
• Limited gray coverage
• Shorter lifespan than permanent dyes

Best For

• Tonal adjustments and color refresh
• First-time color treatments
• Fine or damaged hair needing a gentle option

Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Semi-permanent color coats the hair shaft without an oxidant, offering vibrant, temporary hues that wash out after several shampoos.

How It Works
Semi-permanent formulas use direct dyes that adhere to your hair’s outer layer. They bypass oxidants and alkalis, so you get an instant pop of color that lasts 6-12 shampoos.

Pros

• No ammonia or developer needed
• Low-commitment experimentation
• Adds shine and condition

Cons

• Limited to darker or vibrant shades
• Minimal gray coverage
• Color intensity fades quickly

Best For

• Trying bold or pastel shades
• Boosting existing color between touch-ups
• Protecting hair health with no harsh chemicals

Temporary Hair Color

Temporary color sits on the hair cuticle and rinses out in a single wash. It’s ideal for one-night events or trend experiments.

How It Works
Shampoos, hair chalks, sprays and mascaras deposit pigment on the surface, washing away with your next shampoo. There’s zero chemical lift.

Pros

• Zero commitment, one-wash removal
• No chemical damage
• Perfect for special occasions

Cons

• Can stain fabrics and pillowcases
• Uneven results on porous hair
• Limited color selection

Best For

• Costumes, festivals, or photo shoots
• Testing a trend before a permanent switch
• Non-committal color accents

Bleach And Decolorizer

Bleaching breaks down natural melanin to lighten hair before adding color or for an ultra-blonde finish.

How It Works
Decolorizers and bleaching powders use peroxide and alkali to dissolve your hair’s pigment. Blust On PRO offers ammonia-free bleaching powders that lift hair up to seven levels while respecting hair structure (Blust-On).

Pros

• Maximum lift for dramatic transformations
• Prepares hair for pastel or high-lift shades
• Professional-grade results

Cons

• High damage potential without care
• Requires precise technique and timing
• Not a stand-alone color

Best For

• Dramatic blonding or pastels
• Pre-lightening before vivid dyes
• Professional salon services

Toners And Glosses

Toners and glosses refine your hair color by neutralizing brassiness or boosting shine without major pigment changes.

How It Works
Gloss treatments deposit a sheer tint or corrective pigment on the cuticle. Toners neutralize unwanted undertones after bleaching, while glosses seal the hair with a clear or tinted shine boost.

Pros

• Removes brassy hues
• Enhances shine and smoothness
• Minimal damage

Cons

• Temporary; lasts 10-20 shampoos
• No major color change
• Doesn’t cover gray hair

Best For

• Blonde or highlighted hair maintenance
• Adding sheen to color
• Correcting tone after bleaching

Natural Vegetable Hair Color

Plant-based dyes, like henna and indigo, use natural pigments to color hair with minimal chemicals.

How It Works
Vegetable dyes deposit pigments on the hair surface and bind to the cuticle. They don’t penetrate deeply but can stain the cortex enough to cover grays partially.

Pros

• Gentle, chemical-free formula
• Conditioning and strengthening properties
• Eco-friendly ingredients

Cons

• Limited shade range (reds, browns, blacks)
• Patchy or unpredictable on porous hair
• Longer application time

Best For

• Sensitive scalps or allergy concerns
• Eco-conscious beauty routines
• Conditioning treatments with mild tint

Root Touch-Up Kits

Root touch-up kits target regrowth lines with easy-apply formulas for fast coverage between full color sessions.

How It Works
These kits use permanent or semi-permanent formulas in applicators—sprays, powders or brushes—to camouflage roots until your next appointment.

Pros

• Quick application at home
• Targets only regrowth areas
• Saves time and money between salon visits

Cons

• Not a full color service
• Can clash with faded lengths
• Needs frequent reapplication

Best For

• Managing three- to four-week regrowth
• Busy schedules and quick fixes
• Maintaining even color until your salon visit

Comparison Table

Type	Longevity	Gray Coverage	Damage Risk	Reapplication
Permanent Hair Color	Until regrowth	Yes	Medium-High	Roots only
Demi-Permanent Hair Color	4-6 weeks	Partial	Low-Medium	Full application
Semi-Permanent Hair Color	6-12 shampoos	No	Low	Full application
Temporary Hair Color	1 shampoo	No	Minimal	Every use
Bleach And Decolorizer	N/A (lightening step)	N/A	High	With every service
Toners And Glosses	10-20 shampoos	N/A	Minimal	At each color session
Vegetable Hair Color	4-6 weeks	Partial	Low	Full application
Root Touch-Up Kits	Until next shampoo	Yes (roots)	Medium	As regrowth appears

Choosing the right hair color type is all about balancing your style goals with maintenance and hair health. If you want permanent transformation, go for oxidative formulas from brands like Keyra Colors. For experimentation with minimal commitment, try semi-permanent or temporary options. And don’t forget to refresh with toners, glosses or root touch-up kits between services. With these eight categories mapped out, you can pick the perfect solution for your next hair color adventure.