Here's a breakdown:
* Permanent hair dye: These dyes contain ammonia and peroxide, which lift your natural pigment before depositing color. You can use permanent dye to darken your hair, cover gray, or change your hair color slightly without bleaching. However, you can't lighten your hair significantly with permanent dye without bleaching.
* Semi-permanent hair dye: These dyes are ammonia-free and use a lower concentration of peroxide. They deposit color on the hair shaft without lifting your natural pigment. You can use semi-permanent dyes to add subtle highlights, refresh faded color, or experiment with temporary color changes.
* Temporary hair dye: These dyes are typically water-based and wash out after one or two shampoos. They don't penetrate the hair shaft and only coat the surface. You can use temporary dyes for fun, temporary color changes but they won't permanently alter your hair color.
Here are some things to consider:
* Your current hair color: If your hair is naturally dark, you'll likely need to bleach it before you can achieve lighter shades.
* Your desired color: If you're only looking for a subtle change, you may not need to bleach your hair. But if you want a drastic color change, bleaching is usually necessary.
* The quality of your hair: Bleaching can damage your hair, so it's important to consider the health of your hair before you bleach it.
Ultimately, it's best to consult with a professional hairstylist to determine the best way to achieve your desired hair color. They can assess your hair type, color, and condition and recommend the most appropriate dyeing technique.