This type of hair coloring product offers a temporary change in hair appearance, typically lasting through several washes. It coats the hair shaft with color rather than penetrating and altering the natural pigment. An example would be a product used to temporarily deepen or enhance natural color, or to explore a non-committal fashion shade. This approach distinguishes it from permanent color, which lifts the hair cuticle and deposits color within the cortex, and from temporary colorants like hair mascara or color sprays that wash out after a single shampoo.
Gentle on the hair, these colorants offer a low-commitment way to experiment with different shades or refresh faded color. Because they don’t contain ammonia or peroxide, they avoid the potential damage associated with permanent coloring processes. This coloring method has evolved over time, benefiting from advancements in formulation and ingredient technologies. These advancements offer improved color vibrancy, longer-lasting results, and conditioning properties that enhance hair health and shine.