Curl Centric: Curly Hair Products, Hairstyles, and Hair Growth Techniques

  • Hair Care
  • Hair Growth
  • Hairstyles
  • Products
    • Shampoos
    • Conditioners
  • About
    • About Us
    • About Kenneth Byrd
    • About Kira Byrd
    • FAQs
    • Contact
    • Editorial Guidelines
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Hair Care
  • Hair Growth
  • Hairstyles
  • Products
    • Shampoos
    • Conditioners
  • About
    • About Us
    • About Kenneth Byrd
    • About Kira Byrd
    • FAQs
    • Contact
    • Editorial Guidelines
search icon
Homepage link
  • Hair Care
  • Hair Growth
  • Hairstyles
  • Products
    • Shampoos
    • Conditioners
  • About
    • About Us
    • About Kenneth Byrd
    • About Kira Byrd
    • FAQs
    • Contact
    • Editorial Guidelines
×

How To Use Ion Semi-Permanent Hair Color: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Published: Jan 23, 2022 · Modified: Dec 27, 2023 by Kenneth Byrd · This post may contain affiliate links

Beautiful young African American woman with color-treated hair dyed with Ion Color Brilliance Brights dye.

Are you thinking about dyeing your natural hair with an ion semi-permanent hair color but aren't quite sure where to start? You’ve found the right article.

We’ll break down everything you need to know when coloring your curls with ion semi-permanent hair dye. By the end of the article, you’ll feel confident enough to take the plunge and try a new hair color that’ll leave a head-turning impression.

Table of Contents

  • 1 Key Takeaways
  • 2 Here’s How To Use Ion Semi-Permanent Hair Color
    • 2.1 Step 1. Preparation 
    • 2.2 Step 2. Application 
    • 2.3 Step 3. Aftercare
  • 3 How Long Does Ion Semi-Permanent Last? 
  • 4 Pros and Cons of Using Ion Semi-Permanent Dye 
    • 4.1 Pros
    • 4.2 Cons
  • 5 Dos and Don’ts of Using Ion Semi-Permanent Dye 
    • 5.1 Related Articles

Key Takeaways

  • Choosing the Right Shade: Select a semi-permanent color that complements your skin tone and fits your style, whether it's a bold new look or a subtle natural color. For gray hair, consider the level of color intensity and pick a shade that offers easier access to your dream hair color.
  • Preparation is Key: Use a non-metallic bowl for mixing the ion semi-permanent hair color. Protect your skin with petroleum jelly around the hairline. If it's your first time, a strand test on a small section of hair ensures the color suits your natural hair color and doesn't irritate you if you have sensitive skin.
  • Applying on the Right Hair Type: Semi-permanent color works best on pre-lightened, dry hair. For those with long hair, ensure even application for consistent color. Avoid ion developer for a gentler formula, which is particularly beneficial for those with sensitive scalps.
  • Aftercare for Longevity: Post-coloring, use color-safe shampoo to maintain your chosen shade (e.g., vibrant red). Avoid hot water; instead, use warm water to preserve the color. Regular moisturizing is crucial, especially for long-time color maintenance on natural, coarse, or long hair.
  • Reapplication and Maintenance: Semi-permanent hair colors require reapplication to maintain the intensity. For low maintenance, choose a color close to your natural hair color. Remember, the processing time varies based on hair porosity and the desired degree of lift.
Young woman with pre-lightened hair dyed with semi-permanent hair color.

Here’s How To Use Ion Semi-Permanent Hair Color

Ion semi-permanent hair color is an exciting product that allows you to experiment with different colors without worrying about hair damage.

But if you don’t know how to dye your hair correctly, you could end up with lackluster, streaky, or unnoticeable results. Below are the steps you should follow for a salon-quality dye job. 

ION COLOR BRILLIANCE/ RED/ BRIGHTS COLLECTION/ SEMI-PERMANENT/ NO DEVELOPER

Step 1. Preparation 

Although semi-permanent hair dye is temporary, trying out a new color can still be daunting. So, make sure that you put considerable thought into your color choice.

Decide on a Color

Are you feeling bold? Try red to express your passionate and robust personality or hot pink to stand out from the crowd. Or maybe you want to start with a warm and subtle shade. Regardless, choose a hue that makes you feel confident. 

Black woman with light and dark brown colored hair wearing a white dress shirt.

Gather Your Other Supplies

Aside from the ion hair dye, you’ll need the following supplies: 

  • Vaseline
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Hair Dyeing Supply Kit OR below supplies
  • Mixing bowl
  • Applicator brush
  • Gloves 
  • Hair clips
  • Microfiber Towel
  • Phone or a timer
  • Wet washcloth
  • Plastic cap and hooded dryer (optional)

All of these supplies should be available at your local beauty supply store (e.g., Sally Beauty Supply) or you can purchase them online (using this link).

Wash Hair

Shampoo your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo to help retain your hair’s moisture. The oils on your scalp can help to minimize scalp irritation and lessen the drying effect that color can cause.

Towel dry your curls (using a microfiber towel) to absorb any excess moisture. Towel drying will slightly open up your hair cuticles and allow your hair to accept the new color more readily. Note that towel-dried hair is only recommended if you have a microfiber towel.

Separate Hair Into Sections

Using hair clips, separate your hair into four different sections. Work from the back of your head to the front. It can be challenging to work through curly hair, so separating your hair into sections will make for a much easier application process. 

A woman with natural brown hair dyed with blonde semi-permanent hair color walking in New York City.

Protect Your Skin and Clothing

Apply Vaseline or any other barrier cream to your hairline (but NOT in your hair) and around your ears to prevent the hair dye from causing any unwanted irritation or staining your skin. 

We also recommend wearing old clothes and draping a towel around your neck and over your shoulders to prevent irritation in those areas. 

Step 2. Application 

Cheerful African American woman with pre-lightened hair wearing light tips dyed with Ion Color Brilliance Brights.

Mix Up the Ion Hair Dye

First things first, put on your gloves. Not only will wearing gloves protect your skin from irritation, but it’ll keep them from being stained with the hair dye.

Squeeze the product into your mixing bowl and mix the product with your applicator brush. You don’t need a developer with this hair dye.

Once the dye is mixed thoroughly, you’re ready for application and well on your way to a new and exciting look.

Apply the Hair Dye

Choose one of the four parted sections of hair and part it into even smaller sections. Apply the dye from roots to tips using the applicator brush.

Once the section is 100% saturated in dye, use your fingers to massage it in. Repeat this process until each section of your hair is coated in color. 

Set Your Timer and Wait

Let the dye sit for 25 minutes at room temperature.

Cute woman with pre-bleached natural hair walking down the street drinking coffee.

Add Heat (Optional)

For a longer-lasting color result, put on a plastic cap and sit under a hooded dryer for up to 10 minutes more. 

Rinse

Rinse your hair with cool water until the water is running clear. After all of the product has been rinsed out, condition your hair to ensure it stays hydrated. 

You’re All Done

Style to your liking.  

Step 3. Aftercare

African American female with a dark brown natural hair color sitting outside with talking on the phone.

Only Wash With Cool/Cold Water

Cool water will help lock the color in and keep it vibrant and bright. 

Follow a Hair Care Routine

Regardless of the texture or color of your hair, it’s essential to develop a proper hair care routine to protect and care for your curls.

Doing so will also extend the life of your new color for as long as possible. Some of the most crucial hair care routine steps include frequent moisturizing and conditioning sessions and using color-safe hair products. 

Use a Heat Protectant

Although ion semi-permanent hair color is not damaging to the hair, it is still important to use a heat protectant to preserve the color. If possible, avoid using heat altogether and embrace your natural texture. 

Black lady leaving Sally's Beauty Supply after shopping for vibrant color brilliance semi-permanent hair dye.

How Long Does Ion Semi-Permanent Last? 

You can expect ion semi-permanent hair to last about 4-6 weeks. But the color longevity depends on how often you wash your hair. The more you wash, the quicker it will fade. The less you wash, the slower it will fade. 

Pros and Cons of Using Ion Semi-Permanent Dye 

You may have heard some great things about ion semi-permanent dye, and it’s a great overall product. But, just like every other hair care product, it comes with both pros and cons. Here are the most important ones: 

Young black woman with ultra-rich super thick hair on the phone laughing.

Pros

  • It’s temporary. Ion-semi permanent hair dye is meant to alter only the surface of your hair and washes out relatively quickly. This means you can try out new and exciting hair colors without fully committing to them. 
  • Safe to use. Since ion-semi permanent hair color does not have ammonia or peroxide, it is much less damaging to your hair than permanent hair dyes would be. It also does not require a developer, so it’s ready to apply straight from the tube. 

Cons

  • It fades. Semi-permanent dye can be a simple way to change up your hair color without the commitment, but it will gradually fade with every wash. You may not like how your hair looks as the color is fading. 
  • Frequent reapplication. Since it is a semi-permanent color, it is not meant to last and will need frequent reapplying if you want to keep the color vibrant.

Dos and Don’ts of Using Ion Semi-Permanent Dye 

In addition to following the instructions above to a T, use the below dos and don’ts to avoid a hair color disaster. 

Female college student with naturally dark hair wearing casual clothes around campus.
  • Do read the instructions included in the packaging. Sure, it’s a semi-permanentchange, but it is always important to read the instructions before applying any product to your natural hair. 
  • Do set a timer. If you don’t leave the dye on long enough, your results won’t be vibrant enough or last as long as advertised. 
  • Don’t start the application without gloves and towels. Just because it’s a temporary dye doesn’t mean it won’t stain just about everything. 
  • Don’t assume it will wash out immediately. If you end up dissatisfied with the results, be prepared for this new color to be around for at least a month (depending on how often you wash) until it completely fades out to your original hair color. But don’t worry, it will all wash out eventually, just not right away.

Related Articles

  • How To Use Adore Hair Dye on Natural Hair
  • How to Dye Dark Hair Blue Without Bleaching
  • How Long Does Overtone Last on Virgin Hair
  • How Does Ion Hair Color Remover Work?

So, if you love the thought of expressing yourself in a way you haven’t before, but you’re not ready to go through with a permanent switch, ion semi-permanent hair dye is a great option.

We hope that this article has answered all your questions pertaining to how to use ion semi-permanent hair color.

You should now feel comfortable and confident in your ability to color your natural hair at home, but if you have any questions, reach out to a professional colorist in your area. Good luck and have fun!

More Natural Hair Products

  • A beautiful African American female with gorgeous curls on her 4A natural hair styled with organic styling products.
    Can You Put Mousse on Synthetic Hair? Synthetic Wigs, Weaves & Braids?
  • A beautiful young African American female with a 4C fine hair texture styled with jojoba oil and an edge brush.
    Best Edge Control, Tamers, and Styling Gel for Natural Hair
  • A white girl with towel-dried hair after using T15 pale beige blonde permanent liquid hair toner on her light brown curls.
    Wella T15 Before and After on Orange, Beige, and Yellow Hair
  • A black female with frizzy curls and wavy hair styled with flaxseed hair gel and coconut oil.
    How to Use Flaxseed Gel for Curly Hair: DIY Hair Gel for Curls
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Reddit

About Kenneth Byrd

Kenneth Byrd, with a BS in Accounting and Management Information Systems and an MBA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has over 15 years of experience and is a recognized authority in hair care. Co-founder of Curl Centric® and Natural Hair Box, Kenneth has dedicated himself to promoting ethical and scientifically-backed hair care practices. Rigorous editorial guidelines, industry recognitions, and features in numerous media outlets evidence his expertise. Kenneth’s commitment to transparency, quality, and empowerment has positioned him as a trusted voice in the field, empowering readers to confidently embrace their natural beauty.

Kira Byrd wearing short pixie cut

Hey, I'm Kira!

Curl Centric is a curly hair blog created by husband-and-wife team Kenneth and Kira Byrd. With over 15 years of experience and a community of 10,000+ daily readers, we share trusted techniques to help you embrace and care for your natural curls with confidence.

More about us

Popular Posts

  • Black man with mature dreadlocks
    How To Get Dreadlocks: Origin, History, Hairstyles and More

  • black women wearing goddess braids locs and green shirt
    Goddess Braids: How to Create and Maintain DIY Goddess Box Braids Hairstyles

  • crochet box braids
    How to Create Cute Box Braids Hairstyles, Designs, and Ideas

  • Cute African American female with a light-brown skin tone and a TWA hair length that requires minimal styling.
    TWA Hairstyles: Short and Medium TWA Styles and Haircuts

Recent Posts

  • A cute white girl with gummy bleached hair is experiencing hair breakage and split ends from over-processing.
    How to Fix Gummy Hair After Bleaching, Perm, or Washing

  • A cute black girl with natural curls on a type 3 hair texture styled with natural oils in a loose ponytail hairstyle that's perfect for her greasy hair.
    How to Take Care of Curly Hair: Hair Care Regimens for Curls

  • A pretty black female with natural curly hair styled with natural oils creates a soaking wet hair appearance on her dark brown thick hair.
    How to Wash Curly Hair: DIY Shampoo or Co-Wash Curly Hair

  • A cute black female wearing a 4x4 lace closure wig with curly hair strands and a natural and beautiful hairline.
    What Is a 4x4 Lace Wig? What Does a 4x4 Lace Wig Look Like

  • Why Use Microfiber Towels for Hair
    Best Microfiber Hair Towels and Turbans for Drying Curly Hair

  • A cute white lady wearing a red shirt with curly permed hair curled with perm rods.
    When Can I Wash My Hair After a Perm? Bust Permed Hair Myths

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Meet the Team
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Blog

Contact

  • Contact
  • FAQs
  • Sitemap

CurlCentric.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher. Curl Centric® services, articles, content, and products are provided for informational purposes only. Curl Centric does not provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Curl Centric follows a strict editorial policy that produces accurate, factual, and honest content to help you make the right hair care decisions. Curl Centric has an affiliate relationship for some of the products that we recommend. We may receive compensation if purchases are made using our links, at no extra cost to you. CurlCentric.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. To ensure that we maintain our editorial integrity, our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our sponsors and advertisers. The product recommendations and advertisers that appear on Curl Centric are from companies that compensate us through an exclusive, full-service ad management partner. This compensation does not influence the content we publish or the product reviews shown on our site.

COPYRIGHT © 2023 CURL CENTRIC® ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Curl Centric®, a trademark of Natural Hair Community, LLC

1401 Doug Baker Blvd Ste 107 604 Birmingham, AL 35242 | 1 (844) 424-CURL