Thinking About Color? A Fresh Look at Bigen Semi-Permanent Hair Color for Natural Hair

By Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks

From the Crowning Glory Archives | Originally Published August 13, 2014 | Refreshed October 2026

Hello, My Beautiful Curl Friends!

Every now and then, many of us naturalistas begin to flirt with the idea of changing our hair color.

Maybe we want to brighten things up a bit.
Maybe we want to enhance our natural shade.
Maybe we are looking for a way to blend a few grays.

Whatever the reason, trying color can feel exciting — but also a little intimidating.

When I first shared this post, I was looking at Bigen Semi-Permanent Hair Color as an option for naturals who wanted a change without immediately jumping into a harsher coloring experience.

And honestly, I still think this conversation is worth revisiting.

What First Caught My Attention

At the time, one of the things that stood out to me about Bigen’s semi-permanent color was that it was promoted as being ammonia-free and peroxide-free.

That immediately made it sound like an interesting option for women who wanted color but were also concerned about maintaining softness and moisture in their hair.

For naturals, that matters.

We already know our curls and coils need care, moisture, and a gentle touch. So anytime a product promises a less harsh coloring experience, it naturally gets our attention.

Why Semi-Permanent Color Appeals to So Many Naturals

Semi-permanent hair color can be a nice option for women who want to experiment without making a long-term commitment right away.

Some of the reasons naturals may consider it include:

• wanting to enhance their current shade
• adding richness or warmth to the hair
• blending some gray strands
• trying something new without jumping fully into permanent color

For many women, it can feel like a good “middle ground” between doing nothing and making a dramatic coloring change.

A Realistic Note About Dark Hair

Now ladies, let’s keep it honest.

If your natural hair is dark — like mine often has been — you may not get a bold or dramatic color result from a semi-permanent dye alone.

In many cases, darker hair may only show a subtle tint unless the hair has first been lightened.

So if you are expecting a vibrant or highly visible color transformation, it’s important to understand that a semi-permanent option may give you a softer, more understated result.

And honestly, that is not always a bad thing.

Sometimes subtle is beautiful.

What About Gray Coverage?

Another reason women often look into products like this is gray blending.

If you are beginning to see gray strands and want a softer approach, a semi-permanent color may help blend them depending on your hair and the shade you choose.

However, if you are looking for very strong or complete gray coverage, you may find that a more permanent option is needed.

The main thing is to be clear about your goal before you begin.

Are you trying to:

• experiment with a shade?
• enrich your current color?
• blend grays?
• make a bold statement?

Your answer will help determine whether a semi-permanent formula is the right fit.

A Few Important Tips Before You Color

Any time we use a coloring product, we want to be wise and careful.

Here are a few simple reminders:

• always read and follow the package directions
• do a patch test if recommended
• wear gloves
• protect your hairline and ears with petroleum jelly or a barrier cream
• do a strand test first so you can preview the result
• remember that previous color treatments can affect your final outcome

And if you are unsure, it is always okay to consult a trusted stylist before moving forward.

Healthy Hair Still Comes First

No matter how pretty the color may be, healthy hair must remain the priority.

Color-treated natural hair often needs extra attention in the areas of:

• moisture
• gentle cleansing
• deep conditioning
• protein-moisture balance
• reduced manipulation

So if you do decide to color your hair, be prepared to give your strands a little additional love afterward.

Beautiful color looks even better on healthy curls.

My Final Thoughts

Looking back, I still appreciate the fact that products like this gave women more options.

And as natural hair care has grown over the years, we now have even more choices than we once did.

That is good news.

Still, the best choice is not always the trendiest choice — it is the one that works best for your hair, your goals, and your comfort level.

If you have been thinking about trying a new shade, a semi-permanent color may be a gentle place to begin.

Just go in informed, realistic, and ready to care for your curls along the way.

1. Understanding Hair Porosity

Before trying a new hair color, it's helpful to understand how your strands respond to moisture. Read my What Is Hair Porosity? article for practical natural hair care tips.

2. Keeping Natural Hair Moisturized

Coloring your curls is only part of the journey! Visit my 10 Ways to Keep Your Natural Hair Moisturized for helpful conditioning and moisture-management ideas.

3. Beautiful Wash-and-Go Styling

Want to show off your curls after experimenting with color? Explore my Ultimate 3C & 4A Wash-and-Go Guide for styling techniques and curl-definition tips.

Let’s Talk, Ladies!

Have you ever tried semi-permanent color on your natural hair?

Do you prefer subtle color, bold color, or your natural shade?

And here’s my big question:

If you were to color your hair today, what shade would you be most tempted to try?

Share your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear from you!

Until next time, love your curls, embrace your coils, and celebrate every beautiful kink.

Happy Curls to You!
Lady Carolyn M. Summerset
Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks

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© 2026 Crowning Glory — Coils & Kinks by Lady Carolyn M. Summerset. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or republished without prior written permission of the author.