How Long Does Permanent Hair Dye Last?

Key Takeaways

Permanent colour lasts 6–8 weeks for most people – but it varies depending on the type of hair dye and how you care for your hair afterwards.
Water, heat, and UV rays are the biggest fade culprits.
Oil-based formulas and gentle care help your colour last longer.

Ever stood in the aisle, box dye in hand, wondering how many weeks of glossy colour you’ll actually get? Let’s figure out how long permanent hair colour usually lasts, why some shades fade faster, and – most importantly – the best ways to stretch every vibrant day out of your hue.

What is permanent hair colour?

Permanent hair dye sinks past the cuticle into the cortex of each strand, locking colour in place. Because the pigment sits deeper than a temporary colour or a semi-permanent gloss, it won’t rinse away in a couple of shampoos – but it isn't a literal “forever” colour either.

Most people see root regrowth or fading after just over a month, while it’s generally considered safe to dye hair every 6–8 weeks for upkeep.

According to a 2024 market report, permanent hair colour accounted for 72 percent of hair colour sales in Europe, proving its popularity with DIY colourists who crave lasting results.

How long should permanent hair colour last?

Factor	Typical outcome	What you can do
Root regrowth	6–8 weeks on average	Schedule a root touch-up or try a root concealer spray.
Overall fade	Gradual shift after 4–6 weeks	Use a shampoo targeted for coloured hair, cool water and limit washing.
Vibrant reds	May dull within 3 weeks	Refresh with a colour-depositing mask.
Oil-based dyes	Hold pigment for up to 8 weeks	Choose ranges enriched with oils for staying power.

Why does permanent hair dye fade?

● Shampoo and water

Dye molecules are water-soluble. Every wash lifts a little pigment, which is why daily shampoo fans often see faster fading.

● Porous or damaged strands

Hair that feels rough or looks dull has gaps in the cuticle. Those gaps let colour slide out more quickly from damaged or porous hair.

● UV and heat styling

Sunlight and 200°C stylers can oxidise pigment and break down the cuticle.

● Colour choice

Red tones have larger pigment molecules, which don’t penetrate the hair shaft as deeply. As a result, they're more easily washed away or lifted by shampoo, heat, or environmental factors like the sun.

● Product quality

Choose formulas that coat and care for strands, helping colour last its full run. Oil-based dyes do not dissolve as easily when you shampoo, giving them even more staying power. Not only do they improve colour delivery (think very vibrant colours), but oil-based dyes also do not dissolve as easily when you shampoo.

Try Nutrisse by Garnier, enriched with shea, avocado and olive oil - infusing colour and care at the heart of the fibre for a long-lasting result. Another one of our favourite oil-based dyes is Olia, formulated with 60% flower oils for colour that treats your hair and gives you vibrant colours.

Lasting hair colour, product by product

Wondering how long do Garnier hair dyes last? Explore the benefits of our permanent hair colour ranges below.

Product range	Key benefits	Longevity*
Nutrisse hair dye	Up to 100% grey coverage, shea–avocado–olive oil blend	~8 weeks
Olia range	Ammonia-free, 60% flower-oil formula, visibly shinier hair	~8 weeks
GOOD hair colour range	90% natural-origin ingredients, vegan formula*	~8 weeks

*Longevity assumes you follow after-care steps below.
**average natural origin of colouring cream, developer and mask formulas
***no animal derived ingredients or by-products

How to make hair dye last longer

Step 1 – Wait before washing

Hold off shampooing for the first 48 hours. This gives pigment time to settle.

Step 2 – Switch your shampoo

Use a sulphate-free*, colour-protect formula. Our Ultimate Blends Argan Oil duo is a fuss-free choice.

Step 3 – Lower the temperature

Rinse with cool to lukewarm water. Hot showers lift the cuticle and the colour along with it.

Step 4 – Add weekly care

A nourishing mask keeps hair hydrated and seals pigment. Try the Pineapple & Amla Hair Food 3-in-1 mask once a week.

Step 5 – Protect from heat and sun

Spritz a heat protector before styling and pop on a hat during peak sun.

Need more help? Browse our detailed at-home hair dye guide or troubleshoot slips with our hair dye mistakes checklist.

*no sulphated surfactants

Colour care for every shade

Blonde refresh – Use a purple shampoo weekly. See our tips to maintain blonde hair.
Brunette boost – Oil masks add gloss without darkening.
Red revival – A red-depositing conditioner tops up vibrancy mid-month.
Going back to natural hair colour? Learn how to restore hair colour gradually.

To sum up, permanent hair colour does not last forever due to root regrowth or fading. Expect 6–8 weeks of true-to-box colour, then plan for either a touch-up or a new shade – and use our maintenance tips and suitable hair care in between.

With the right shade, an oil-powered formula and a few protective habits, you can enjoy lasting hair dye that stays true to tone for the full two-month stretch – giving you time to plan your next colour adventure or simply enjoy your signature shade.

Find your new vibrant permanent colour with Garnier

Permanent hair colour FAQs

Most users enjoy vibrant colour for six to eight weeks before roots or fading prompt a refresh.
Frequent washing, heat tools, UV exposure and very porous hair all speed up pigment loss.
The underlying pigment stays in the cortex, but it can fade so much that the original tone appears gone. A colour remover is needed for a full reset.
Limit washing, use colour-safe products, avoid high heat and choose oil-powered dyes. These tweaks can give you up to two extra weeks of vibrancy.

Plan a root touch-up at the six-week mark or sooner if growth is obvious. Conduct a patch test 48 hours beforehand.