How to Get Gray Out of Dyed Hair

Everyone goes gray at some point in their lives. The stigma attached to having gray hair propels many people to go to great lengths to cover it. However, gray hair is often somewhat coarse and resistant to color change. You may color your entire head of hair, only to find you still have some gray hairs left that did not absorb the tint. Gray hair may not initially respond to hair color, however, with enough effort, you can cover those resistant gray hairs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clarifying shampoo
• Peroxide
• Hair color
• Gray drops
• Color bottle

How to Get the Gray out of Dyed Hair

1. Shampoo the hair. Be sure to do so using a clarifying shampoo product. Remove build-up by combing through and leaving on for a few minutes before rinsing. Be sure hair is thoroughly dry before color application.

2. Do not condition before coloring. Conditioners coat the hair shaft and can make it more difficult for color molecules to penetrate.

3. Pre-soften the hair. Apply a ten volume peroxide to stubborn areas of the hair, or the whole head if necessary. Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the gray hairs before applying the hair color.

4. Apply permanent hair color. Semi and demi permanent hair colors do not cover gray as well as permanent colors.Use a neutral color. Colors with a neutral base cover gray better than those with an ash, red or gold base color.

5. Purchase color specifically formulated for gray hair. In addition, try adding an additive such as gray magic to the formula to ensure gray coverage.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not rub the scalp when shampooing to decrease the chances of scalp irritation.

Resources

• Gray Magic