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If you’re looking for a drastic color change with (almost) no strings attached, chances are you’re considering using a semi-permanent option like oVertone. But how long does oVertone last, and is it right for you? We’ll cover this and more below.
How Long Does oVertone Last?
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According to oVertone, the product lasts up to twenty-two washes. However, several factors affect the longevity of these coloring conditioners, such as your starting hair color, hair porosity, and how much you wash your hair.
oVertone is a fun way to achieve rich, vibrant colors in the comfort of your own home. And given the beautiful results the product line delivers, it’s no surprise that these easy-to-use conditioners have become wildly popular.
But for anyone new to the oVertone game, you likely have some questions.
- What is it?
- How is oVertone different from regular dye?
- Can you make the treatments last longer?
- Can you remove oVertone from your hair?
To make things simpler for you, we went ahead and found the answers to your most burning oVertone questions. Keep reading for our in-depth guide.
What Is oVertone?
oVertone makes a fantastic line of color depositing conditioners. Their products deposit color on both colored and natural hair to keep locks looking vibrant–despite washing and styling.
If you’ve ever dyed your hair, you know that permanent dyes tend to fade quickly, even if you pay top dollar in a salon. This problem is compounded if you prefer bright colors, which is how the idea for oVertone came about.
The owners wanted a way to maintain color at home. And they delivered. The line now includes thirty color options, ranging from the Vibrant line (described as conditioners that deliver bold, beautiful color), to Extreme, for more daring colors that are sure to stand out.
Whatever color you choose, every time you use oVertone, you replace any color you’ve lost from washing and styling your hair.
oVertone conditioners are available in two forms:
- Daily Conditioners, formulated for use after shampooing. They leave a bit of color to keep things looking fresh.
- Coloring Conditioners, a deep conditioner you can use to refresh faded colors or change things up altogether.
oVertone vs. Traditional Hair Dye
You might think they’re the same thing, as both oVertone and traditional dyes color the hair. In reality, there are critical differences between the two–primarily, how they go about achieving their color goals.
Traditional dyes use harsh chemicals, like hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, to open the hair cuticle. This process of opening the hair cuticle is what makes dyes permanent, but it’s not without its downside. Permanent dyes are highly damaging and can lead to dry, brittle hair over time.
On the other hand, oVertone contains no harsh chemicals, and its coloring conditioners deliver bright results without forcing the cuticle open.
Instead, the products are formulated with colored pigments that sit on top of the hair. They’re also fortified with vitamins and nutrients for healthy hair, making them much less damaging.
How to Make oVertone Last Longer
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What makes oVertone so appealing is that you can make your color last a long time, simply by employing a few tips and tricks.
Wait to Wash
After the first application, don’t wash your hair right away. Instead, let about forty-eight to seventy-two hours pass before your next shampooing. Waiting allows the pigment in the product time to settle on the hair surface.
Consider Your Shampoo
It’s best to switch to sulfate and paraben-free shampoo once you begin using oVertone. Both sulfates and parabens are a big no-no when it comes to maintaining vivid color, so be sure to avoid them.
Skip a Wash
Just like with traditional dyes, the more you wash your oVertone-treated hair, the faster the dye will lose vibrancy. If you typically wash your hair three times per week, try cutting back to one or two to slow the process. Deal with any greasy hair in between washes by investing in a quality dry shampoo.
Leave the Conditioner in Longer
Unlike traditional dyes, which you should only let sit for the recommended amount of time, it’s okay to leave oVertone in longer than the directions specify.
The coloring conditioners are formulated with gentle ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your locks by leaving them in longer. oVertone experts even recommend this practice, though they don’t specify how long “a little bit longer” is.
It’s up to you to figure out what the sweet spot is! Experiment with different treatment lengths to see what works for you.
Read Next: How to Make Semi-Permanent Hair Dye Last Longer
How to Remove oVertone
What if you’re rocking a bright blue hue that you’ve tired of? Can you remove oVertone? If you’re not in a hurry (say, you don’t need to get rid of your blue hair for a job interview), you can simply wait it out.
Stop using your Daily Conditioner, and consider adding extra weekly shampooing sessions if you’re shampooing infrequently. But if time is of the essence, you can speed things up.
Here are some easy ways to help break up your color.
- Purchase a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo, which will begin to break down the color with the first wash. You’ll likely need several washes for the best results, so make sure you have some time to spend in the shower.
- A dye remover is an even faster option, as it removes pigment in less than thirty minutes. To maximize its benefits, use a clarifying shampoo mentioned above immediately afterward.
- Finally, you can take a moisturizing shampoo and combine it with a developer, a highly effective way of removing pigment from your hair. Keep in mind that going this route may lead to a dry scalp and hair, so make sure to use a deep conditioner after.
Read Next: How to Remove Hair Dye From Hair
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oVertone a hair dye?
No, it’s not. Traditional hair dyes contain chemicals that break open the hair cuticle to leave color, while oVertone conditioners use pigment to deposit color.
Is oVertone effective on all hair textures?
Yes, which is one of the reasons so many people love oVertone. Whether you’re a 1a or a 4c, you’ll be able to achieve excellent results–not to mention, oVertone is curl safe.
How long do I need to let the conditioner sit on my hair?
It depends on the product. If you’re using a Daily Conditioner, you should let it sit for about three to five minutes, and if you’re using a Coloring Conditioner, leave it for ten to fifteen minutes.
Does oVertone stain easily?
Any oVertone veteran will recommend you wear gloves when handling the product, and with good reason. It stains bathtubs, sinks, and countertops easily, and it’s not always easy to get it out with bleach.
Will oVertone cover gray roots?
Some people find that oVertone covers their grays, but the company doesn’t make any guarantees. Because the formula is deposit-only, it doesn’t always penetrate the thicker cuticle layer characteristic of gray or white hairs.
So, How Long Does oVertone Last?
If you want to sport a vibrant new color but aren’t quite ready to commit to a permanent dye, oVertone is the perfect solution. It delivers excellent results, and it washes out fairly quickly, depending on your hair type and condition.