Demi Permanent Hair Color: Super Sync vs. Tonal Control

What is Demi-Permanent Hair Color?

Demi-permanent hair color is a deposit-focused formula that enhances, refines, and / or shifts tone without the long-term commitment of permanent color. Because it typically uses a low-volume developer with a non-ammoniated formula, it gently swells the cuticle without penetrating deeply into the cortex; therefore, making it a strong choice for glossing, toning, gray blending, and refreshing faded mid-lengths and ends.

What some stylists do not know is that demi permanent hair color can vary in terms of alkalinity. There are two buckets that demi permanent hair color fits into, alkaline or acidic color. But how are they different and how do you choose the right one for your guest? Check out the consultation guide to see which demi-permanent product is right for your client

Acidic vs. Alkaline

The key difference is how the formula environment influences deposit, tonal control, and the way the hair responds during processing.

An alkaline demi, such as Matrix SuperSync is the type stylists often choose for tone shifting, gray blending, or refreshing faded lengths. Because alkaline demis have more tenacity- they have a more opaque, full coverage end result. However, that added intensity of alkalinity can over deposit on porous hair. In addition, not every guest, especially our blondes, want a opaque result.

Because Matrix Tonal Control is an acidic formula, it is more gentle to the cuticular layer of the hair strand. Tonal Control also cannot penetrate as deeply into cortex due to it’s acidic nature, leaving a less opaque end result with the highest shine possible. In the case of Matrix Tonal Control, you also have visible, real time control as it processes- no scary oxidation here! Acidic color systems are often favored after lightening services, where the goal is to refine exposed warmth without pushing the toner too dark or too matte.

When to Use Super Sync vs. Tonal Control?

Super Sync is an alkaline formula that swells the cuticle to deposit color and shift the base level by up to one level. Best to use for:

✔️ Root Touch Ups.
✔️ Gray Coverage / Blending.
✔️ Shadow Roots.
✔️ Lowlights.
✔️ Color Correction.

Tonal Control is an acidic formula that does not swell the cuticle; it seals the cuticle to deposit tone without shifting the natural base. This product is best to use for:

✔️ Refreshing.
✔️ Glossing.
✔️ Enhancing Color (post-lightening service).

To find out more information on difference between the two products, check out the guide below: 

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