🎨 Permanent vs Demi vs Toner: What’s the (Hair Colour) Deal?

Because “just a colour” doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all.

Ever sat in the chair and been hit with a flurry of terms like permanent, demi, toner — and nodded like you totally got it? Don’t worry, we’ve all faked it till we made it. But knowing the difference can help you choose the right colour service for your hair goals (and your lifestyle).

Let’s break it down — no jargon, no judgment.

💥 Permanent Colour: The Full Commitment

This is the long-haul relationship of hair colour. Permanent colour is designed to open the hair cuticle and change the colour of your natural hair permanently. That means it covers greys like a champ, lightens or darkens your base tone, and grows out rather than washing out.

🧪 The science-y bit? It uses developer (usually 20–40 volume) to lift the cuticle and deposit pigment into the hair shaft.

🧡 Best for:

• Covering greys completely

• Lightening or darkening your natural hair

• Those who want commitment (or control)

💬 Hush Tip: Permanent colour is fab for roots or bold transformations — but it needs regular touch-ups, especially if regrowth isn’t your vibe.

🌫️ Demi-Permanent Colour: The Chill Cousin

Demi-permanent colour is like permanent’s low-key sibling. It uses a lower volume developer (like 5–10 vol), doesn’t lift your natural colour, and fades out over time — usually after 20–30 washes.

It still penetrates slightly into the hair (unlike semi-permanent, which sits on top), so it lasts longer than a toner, but won’t fully commit like a permanent dye.

🧡 Best for:

• Enhancing your natural tone

• Blending early greys

• Rich, glossy shades with less regrowth drama

💬 Hush Tip: Demi is perfect for low-maintenance babes or those flirting with a colour shift without the long-term marriage. Great for shine, refreshes, and “not sure if I’m into this yet” energy.

🫧 Toner: The Finishing Touch

A toner is like the cherry on top — it doesn’t change your base colour, but it tweaks the tone. Think brassiness begone, softness enhanced, or pastel magic.

It’s most commonly used after lightening (hi, blondes 👋) to cancel out unwanted yellow, orange or red tones, and to add dimension and shine. It usually lasts around 4–6 weeks, depending on hair health and your wash routine.

🧪 Evo’s Staino and Fab Pro ranges are perfect examples: pigment-packed, mixable, and salon-customisable to your exact tone goal.

🧡 Best for:

• Toning down brass after bleaching

• Adding a soft wash of colour

• Extending the life of your colour

💬 Hush Tip: You’ll usually get a toner after a lightening service, but we also recommend them every few weeks to keep your colour salon-fresh. (Blondes — we’re looking at you.)

TL;DR:

• Permanent: Long-lasting, full coverage, grows out.

• Demi-permanent: Gentle fade, tone-rich, less regrowth.

• Toner: Temporary top-up for tone, gloss and freshness.

🎯 So... What’s Right For Me?

If you're going grey and want full coverage? Permanent.
Trying out a deeper tone with no long-term pressure? Demi.
Just lifted your colour and need to neutralise brass? Toner, 100%.

Still unsure? That’s what we’re here for. Book a consult, and we’ll help you choose the right colour plan for your vibe, your lifestyle, and your hair goals.