Basics

• Hair dye is a permanent process that lifts the original color of hair and deposits a new one into the strands. A tint is a temporary process that deposits a color on top of the strands without lifting the original pigment.
  
  

Hair Dye Ingredients

• Dyes consist of an oxidizing agent, such as potassium persulphate, or hydrogen peroxide. Ammonia is used as an alkalizing agent. The final color is made from a variety of synthetic colorings.
  
  

Tint Ingredients

• Tints consist of synthetic coloring agents and a water or alcohol base. If a tint is in the form of a styling product, such as a mousse, other ingredients are used, such as silicone for shine.
  
  

Results and Wear

• Hair dye has a permanent result that may fade slightly or lose its luster. New growth will need to be retouched as hair grows, every four to six weeks. Tints do not absorb into the hair shaft, and the color molecules eventually become dislodged with shampooing. A tint will need to be reapplied every two to four weeks for even coverage.
  
  

Use and Warnings

• Tints do not take well to gray hair, and the results may appear uneven or highlighted. If a tint is applied to damaged, bleached or brittle hair, the porosity of the strands will allow for the color to absorb deeper and last longer. Dye and tint can be used in a double process to give a colorful shine to a permanent dark color.