How to Color Resistant Grey Hair Effectively and Correctly

Grey hair lacks color pigment and can be resistant to absorbing dye.

Covering grey is the main reason many women and men color their hair. Because grey hair lacks melanin, dye does not as easily adhere to the hair. Grey hair also tends to be coarse, making it more difficult for dye to fully penetrate the hair shaft. When hair begins to turn grey, besides the occasional stray grey hair, the temples and forehead areas tend to turn grey first. To cover grey hair effectively, make the correct choices for color and method of application.

Things You'll Need

• Permanent or demi-permanent hair color
• Plastic gloves
• Applicator bottle
• Plastic wrap (optional)

Instructions

1. Choose a shade of permanent or demi-permanent hair color. Permanent hair coloring uses ammonia to remove pigment and condition the hair shaft so dye penetrates the shaft, coloring it permanently. Permanent hair color does not wash off, like semi-permanent hair coloring. Instead, it grows out. Demi-permanent hair coloring uses an alkaline agent other than ammonia to condition the hair shaft to accept dye. Demi-permanent hair dyes do not remove pigment, so they do not lighten hair.

2. Use a color within two shades of your natural color. By selecting a color that is close to your own natural shade, grey hair will blend in with the rest of your hair, even if it does not fully accept the dye. Demi-permanent color is especially effective for this purpose, as it allows the hair's natural variation in color to persist. Permanent color makes all the hair the very same color, leaving it without natural-looking variation.

3. Avoid ash-tone colors. Grey hair already has an ash tone. Use a warm color, such as gold or red to effectively color grey hair.

4. Mix hair color according to instructions. Wear protective gloves. Apply hair dye to areas of grey first. Wait 15 to 20 minutes to give the grey hair additional time to absorb the dye. Apply color to the rest of the hair. Apply at the roots first and work out toward the ends. The ends of the hair are more porous and absorb dye more readily than the roots. Begin timing after the coloring application is complete. Leave dye on hair the specified length of time.

5. Wrap plastic wrap or a plastic cap around your hair while the color works for improved grey coverage. Heat increases absorption of dye by grey hair. Avoid a draft.

6. Wash hair according to instructions that come with your hair dye. Avoid hot water and dandruff shampoos, as they can cause the color to fade.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat hair coloring application every 6 to 8 weeks to keep hair color looking fresh.

• Use permanent hair color to lighten hair.

• Consult with your doctor or pharmacist if you take medications, as hair coloring ingredients may interact with certain medications.

References

• Blonde Ambition: Semi, Demi or Permanent?
• Sophisticated Edge: How to Color Gray Hair at Home
• Styling Aid: Covering Resistant Gray Hair

Resources

• Hair Coloring Guide: Choosing a Hair Color