Skip to main content

Client Hair Colour Choices: Demi, Semi, or Permanent

Rainbow Room International Artistic Director Suzie McGill explains how to choose between demi, semi, and permanent hair colour for clients.

Published: December 16, 2025Read Time: 2 minSource: Salon Business
Client Hair Colour Choices: Demi, Semi, or Permanent

Photo by Chen Liu on Unsplash

Suzie McGill, Artistic Director at Rainbow Room International, highlights the critical decision of selecting the correct hair colour type for clients. She emphasizes that the choice between demi-permanent, semi-permanent, and permanent colour hinges on a client's hair health, lifestyle, and desired longevity.

Demi-permanent colour, utilising low peroxide levels, is presented as ideal for enhancing natural tones, blending greys, or refreshing existing colour. This option is recommended for clients seeking subtle results or transitioning colour gradually, offering dimension and shine with less damage than permanent alternatives. It is noted for its gentle grow-out.

Semi-permanent colour coats the hair shaft without penetrating the cortex, making it a temporary option that fades over several washes. This type suits clients wanting to experiment with fashion colours, tone existing shades, or refresh their current hue without long-term commitment. Its versatility for temporary changes and shine boosting is a key benefit.

Permanent colour, which penetrates the hair shaft for significant lightening or full grey coverage, requires careful formulation. McGill stresses the importance of assessing hair porosity, previous treatments, and client expectations before application for this type. It is used for complete transformations or altering the client's base colour substantially.

McGill's approach begins with a thorough consultation to understand the client's hair history and aspirations. She prioritises hair condition, elasticity, and previous services as foundational elements for successful colour application. This meticulous client assessment ensures the final colour result aligns with their lifestyle and hair health.

This article was written with AI assistance based on original source material.