When it comes to professional hair colour, one of the most important decisions is whether to use permanent or demi-permanent formulations. Both deliver beautiful results, but they behave very differently in the hair and require different application strategies.
At Beauty Hair, we stock the full professional ranges from L’Oréal and Wella, including Majirel, Dia Light, Dia Richesse, Dia Color, Color Touch and Koleston Perfect. This guide will help you understand the differences so you can choose the right system for every client.
What Is Permanent Hair Colour?
Permanent hair colour penetrates the hair shaft and deposits colour molecules that remain until the hair grows out or is chemically removed.
Key characteristics:
- Contains ammonia or other alkaline agents that open the cuticle
- Provides 100% grey coverage
- Lasts 6–8 weeks or until the hair grows out
- Ideal for complete colour changes, root coverage and dramatic results
Professional permanent ranges we recommend:
- L’Oréal Majirel – The salon classic. Rich, luminous permanent colour with exceptional grey coverage and long-lasting results.
- Wella Koleston Perfect – Renowned for its reliability, vibrant shades and superior performance on resistant grey hair.
What Is Demi-Permanent Hair Colour?
Demi-permanent colour deposits colour without penetrating as deeply. It typically lasts 20–28 shampoos and fades gradually without leaving a harsh regrowth line.
Key characteristics:
- Usually ammonia-free or very low ammonia
- Gentler on the hair
- Adds shine and tone
- Up to 70% grey coverage (depending on the range)
- Perfect for toning, refreshing colour, blending greys and enhancing natural shade
Professional demi-permanent ranges we recommend:
- L’Oréal Dia Light – Acid-gel formula that delivers incredible shine, conditioning and seamless blending. Perfect for glossing and toning sensitised hair.
- L’Oréal Dia Richesse – Richer deposit than Dia Light with better grey blending while remaining gentle.
- L’Oréal Dia Color – Modern demi-permanent gloss for beautiful shine and soft natural-looking results.
- Wella Color Touch – Ammonia-free demi-permanent with rich colour and up to 70% grey coverage. Excellent for refresh services.
Permanent vs Demi-Permanent: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Permanent (Majirel, Koleston) | Demi-Permanent (Dia Light, Dia Richesse, Dia Color, Color Touch) |
|---|---|---|
| Grey Coverage | 100% | Up to 70% |
| Longevity | Until hair grows out | 20–28 washes |
| Regrowth Line | Visible | Soft, blended fade |
| Hair Health | More alkaline, can be drying | Gentler, often conditioning |
| Best For | Full colour changes, strong grey coverage, root regrowth | Toner, gloss, refresh, blending, sensitised hair |
| Fade | Abrupt at roots | Gradual and natural |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose permanent colour when:
- Client has more than 50% grey
- Wants a complete colour change (e.g. from dark to blonde or vibrant fashion shades)
- Needs long-lasting root coverage
- Salon client who returns every 4–6 weeks for roots
Choose demi-permanent colour when:
- Client wants to enhance natural colour or add shine
- Hair is damaged, bleached or sensitised
- Looking for low-maintenance “no-root” look
- Wants to test a new shade without commitment
- Refreshing previously coloured hair between permanent services
Many salons use both in combination. For example, using Majirel or Koleston for the roots and Dia Light or Color Touch on the lengths for shine and tone.
Professional Results Start with Professional Products
At Beauty Hair we supply only genuine professional hair colour to salons and serious colourists across the UK. All products are sourced directly from the manufacturers with full batch traceability.
Whether you need the power of Majirel and Koleston Perfect or the gentle brilliance of the Dia range and Color Touch, we have the full professional selection with fast UK delivery.
Browse our complete professional hair colour collection today.
Beauty Hair – Professional products. Professional results.
Tags: permanent hair colour, demi permanent hair colour, majirel, dia light, dia richesse, dia color, color touch, koleston perfect, loreal professional, wella professional, hair colour guide, grey coverage, professional hair colour uk