Which color type is designed to produce longer-lasting results than temporary color but not permanent?

• A. Permanent color
• B. Direct dye
• C. Demi-permanent color
• D. Temporary color

Answer: (C)

The main idea is understanding how long different color types last. Demi-permanent color sits between temporary and permanent: it deposits pigment to give you a lasting shade, but it doesn’t lift the natural color. Because it uses little or no developer, it doesn’t change the hair’s structure like permanent color does, so the color fades gradually rather than staying forever. In practice, you’ll see the shade persist through multiple shampoos—often around 12 to 24 washes—before it fades away. This makes it a good choice for toning, refreshing color, or blending gray between more permanent services. Temporary color sits on the surface and washes out in one or a few shampoos, while permanent color lasts much longer because it penetrates the cortex with peroxide. Direct dye colors are also deposit-only and can last longer than temporary, but their durability varies by product, and they’re not guaranteed to be as long-lasting as demi-permanent.