What are the four categories of hair color?

• A. Natural, Artificial, Metallic, Neon
• B. Temporary, Semi-permanent, Demi-permanent, Permanent
• C. Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary
• D. Light, Medium, Dark, Very Dark

Answer: (B)

These four categories describe hair color based on how long the color lasts and whether it deposits pigment or lifts natural pigment. Temporary color coats the hair surface and washes out in a short time, usually without a developer. Semi-permanent color uses direct dyes that coat the cuticle and last through several shampoos, typically with little to no lifting of natural color. Demi-permanent color penetrates more and uses a low-volume developer to deposit color, fading gradually over many washes. Permanent color relies on a standard developer to lift and oxidize pigment, delivering lasting color that grows out with the hair. This four-part classification—temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent—is the standard way to categorize hair color. The other terms describe hue families or shade depths rather than how long the color lasts.