Why Demi-Permanent: A Colorist’s Guide

Why Demi-Permanent: A Colorist’s Guide

“Hair is the fabric. Color is the brushstroke. Style is the art.”
— Dafina Smith, CEO of Covet Labs

Hair color has always been more than a transformation—it's a conversation between science and style. And in that dialogue, demi-permanent color speaks volumes.

Used by master colorists and emerging artists alike, demi-permanent color offers a gentle, buildable approach to tone, refresh, and refine—without the long-term commitment or structural damage of permanent dye. And now, with the launch of Pro Color by Covet Labs, stylists finally have a demi-permanent solution formulated specifically for the needs of hair extensions and natural hair alike.

Welcome to the next chapter in color innovation, crafted by Covet & Mane’s new research and development arm: Covet Labs.

What Is Demi-Permanent Color?

Unlike permanent color, which lifts and deposits by penetrating deep into the hair shaft, demi-permanent color sits just beneath the cuticle. It gradually fades over time without a harsh line of demarcation, making it a go-to for:

  • Blending gray

  • Toning pre-lightened hair

  • Enhancing shine

  • Refreshing faded color

  • Creating dimensional lowlights

  • Glossing without damage

It’s the middle ground between a subtle refresh and a transformative shift—gentle enough to preserve hair health, yet effective enough to make a serious impact.

The Pros (and a Few Cons) of Demi-Permanent Color

Pros:

  • Low-ammonia or ammonia-free, making it safer for fragile hair and extensions

  • Natural-looking fade—no harsh grow-out lines

  • Ideal for glossing and toning between major services

  • Extends the life of existing color without over-processing

  • Fewer commitment fears for clients who love flexibility

Cons:

  • Not meant for major color lifts or dramatic changes

  • Results fade over 4–6 weeks (which may require more frequent refreshes)

  • May not fully cover resistant gray hairs

Demi-Permanent vs. Semi-Permanent: What’s the Difference?

These two terms often get confused—even among seasoned stylists. While both are gentler than permanent color, the difference lies in how long they last, how deeply they penetrate the hair, and how much control they give you.

Feature

Demi-Permanent

Semi-Permanent

Penetration

Slightly penetrates the hair cuticle

Sits on top of the hair shaft

Longevity

Lasts 20–28 washes

Lasts 4–12 washes

Developer Use

Uses a low-volume developer

No developer required

Gray Blending

Blends some gray, depending on porosity

Minimal to no gray coverage

Toning/Glossing

Excellent for toning and refreshing

Best for quick gloss or fun color overlay

Fade

Fades gradually and evenly

May fade quickly or unevenly on porous hair

Extension Safe?

Yes—especially when formulated like Pro Color

Sometimes too surface-level to last on extensions

Why choose demi over semi?
For stylists, demi-permanent color offers a level of control, tone longevity, and blendability that semi-permanent often can’t. It behaves more predictably, lasts longer, and pairs beautifully with luxury extensions.

Introducing Pro Color: A Modern Tool for Modern Colorists

Developed by Covet Labs, Pro Color is a demi-permanent color system created with one goal: create a new standard in extension-safe color.

This innovative line of professional-grade color drops offers:

  • Extension-safe formulas that respect the integrity of hand-tied wefts

  • Ammonia-free technology for gentle processing

  • Custom-blending flexibility with concentrated pigment drops

  • Neutral to bold tone range for every level, shade, and texture

  • No-gloss residue, making it ideal for high-performance blondes and natural textures

What Is Covet Labs?

If Covet & Mane is known for revolutionizing hand-tied hair, Covet Labs is its think tank.

A hub for innovation and education, Covet Labs exists to solve real problems for real stylists—from scalp-safe cleanses to pigment technology designed to extend the life and beauty of extensions.

Pro Color is the debut launch—but it’s only the beginning. Expect more tools, more support, and more elevation in the year ahead.

Is Demi-Permanent Right for Every Client?

Not always. But it's perfect for clients who:

  • Want a tone refresh without altering their base

  • Need glossing between appointments

  • Are blending grays or growing out previous color

  • Wear hand-tied or tape-in extensions

  • Want shine and tone, not damage and lift

And with Pro Color, stylists finally have a demi-permanent option they can trust on both natural strands and high-end extensions.

Conclusion: Gentle by Nature, Powerful by Design

Demi-permanent color is no longer the industry’s best-kept secret. It’s the future of healthy, dimensional color—and Pro Color by Covet Labs is leading the way.

Ready to elevate your extension-safe color game?
Shop Pro Color now and explore the Covet Labs collection built for stylists, by stylists.

 

SOCIAL

🖌️ Gloss, tone, and transform—without compromise.
Meet Pro Color by Covet Labs: demi-permanent, extension-safe color drops crafted for high-performance artists.
✨ Color consciously. Perform powerfully.