How to Color Gray Hair & Not Have the Brassy Look

Don't be afraid to cover the gray.

The easy part of dyeing your gray hair is deciding to actually dye it. The hard part is trying to decide what shade of your target color to use. As a basic rule, try to stay within two shades of your natural hair color for the most natural-looking results. This rules helps you make the most of your natural skin tone as well as eye color.

Things You'll Need

• Hair dye
• Plastic gloves (normally included with the hair dye)
• Towel
• Timer
• Blue- or purple-tinted shampoo and conditioner

Instructions

1. Choose the correct tone of hair dye. As a general rule, “ash” or “cool” shades tend to minimize brassiness along with red or “strawberry” highlights. Colors designated as “warm” or “golden” tend to emphasize the red tones. Tones labeled "neutral” neither enhance nor detract from other tones, allowing your hair’s natural highlights to come through.

2. Read the instructions on your hair coloring product and follow them. The most important aspect is that of timing. The dyeing process is designed to go through several stages. This is reflected in the timing of the formula. Removing the dye before completion of the process can lead to unwanted color problems.

3. Use a product designed to alleviate brassiness. If some slight brassiness should occur, consider using one of the products available to alleviate this problem. Any of the shampoos labeled for gray hair will have a blue or purple tint to them, this removes brassiness and prevents environmental factors from causing it.

References

• BecomeGorgeous.com: Get Rid of Brassy Blonde Hair