Dye gray hair

The hair is an important part of our external appearance. At the latest when they start to turn gray, everyone is faced with the crucial question: dye or natural gray? Even though in recent years more and more men and women aged 50+ are standing by their natural hair color, most prefer to dye their gray hair. However, hair color is attractive and rejuvenating only if it looks natural and fits the type. Therefore, some basic things should be taken into account. Below you will find everything you need to know about coloring gray hair.

White, gray or silver hair?

Actually, hair does not turn gray at all with age, but colorless. This is because melanin production decreases. This pigment gives our hair its individual shade. Some hair loses color earlier than others. The combination of colored and colorless hair makes the mop of hair look gray or silver. But gray hair has a special advantage: bleaching before coloring gray hair can be omitted, because it already contains little or no color pigments.

Which color suits me?

Gray hair takes on color more strongly. Therefore, carefully feel your way to the desired hair color. Most of the time, a tone that resembles the original hair color looks best. Choose a shade that is no more than three shades darker than your former natural hair color. Unsuitable are black and very dark brown tones. This is because as we get older, we lose fatty tissue on our face. Edges and lines become more  accentuated. Hair that is too dark looks hard and makes us look older. In addition, wrinkles become more prominent. But too light a tone can also make the face look sallow. Therefore, choose warm colors with soft light reflections that flatter your complexion.

Dry hair should be washed gently and, if possible, only two or three times a week. Special moisturizing shampoos nourish the hair and treatments with aloe vera or argan oil counteract split ends. Products with keratin replenish brittle areas. Nourishing oils and shine sprays also make tired hair shine again. For fine and thinning hair, a volume shampoo provides more fullness. By the way, gray hair easily gets a yellow tint. Silver shampoos and conditioners with purple pigments help to neutralize this.

What hair color best covers gray hair?

There are several ways to color gray hair - with and without chemicals. With permanent coloring, the chemical color penetrates deep into the hair. It consists of two components, so the color must be mixed with an oxidizing agent. The color shade does not wash out, but it can easily fade over time.

If the hair is only partially grayed, you can also resort to tinting for now. This is more gentle on the hair, because here the color only surrounds the hair instead of penetrating inside. Also, the application is easier and the tint gives a nice shine. It is also advantageous that it does not have to be mixed, but is ready for use immediately. Unfortunately, a tint washes out again after a few hair washes, so regular application is required. If your hair is already completely gray, choose a hair tint that guarantees 100% gray coverage.

Natural hair colors for gray hair

There is a herb against gray hair! If you want to do without chemicals when coloring gray hair, you can also try gentle vegetable dyes (for example, with henna). It is true that fewer color shades can be produced from natural pigments than with conventional products. Nevertheless, many color wishes from blond to brown can be realized when coloring and gray hair can be covered gently. However, since every hair reacts differently to the colors, the result may vary. The only thing that helps is to try it out.

Tip for home: dye gray hair yourself

Before coloring, rub some Vaseline along the hairline (on the forehead, neck and behind the ears). This prevents discoloration of the skin. After applying according to package instructions, set yourself a clock to remember to wash it out. If the hair is then covered with aluminum foil and wrapped with a towel, the color can act more intensively due to the heat. After the exposure time, make sure to rinse out all the excess color with lukewarm water. If you rub the sink or bathtub with dishwashing liquid before coloring, you will avoid stains and will have to clean less later. Just rinse with water! To avoid the unwanted gray hairline, you must now repeat this procedure about every six weeks. Especially with dark hair, a gray hairline is noticeable more quickly.

Tipp

If the hair color differs greatly from your imagination after washing it out, this trick can help: Dissolve two aspirin tablets in half a liter of water and rinse the hair thoroughly several times. The acid contained in it attacks the hair color and dissolves it out of the hair again.

How to make the tint last longer

Tinted hair often fades after just a few weeks. If you wait two to three days before washing your hair again, the color pigments can be better deposited and are not washed out immediately. Special shampoos for colored hair make the color look stronger and ensure that the cuticle is smoothed again after tinting. Once a week, it is advisable to massage a nourishing treatment into the lengths and tips. This will preserve the shine and color for longer.

How should I dye the gray roots?

First apply the coloration to the regrown roots and only distribute it to the rest of the hair shortly before the end of the application time. This way, the gray hair will absorb more color and the result will be more even. So-called roots coloring sets prevent visible transitions, as their color pigments harmonize with different shades. In between, it may be sufficient to cover the gray hairline with an approach concealer spray. This is available in different hair colors, from light to dark. Unfortunately, it only lasts until the next hair wash. Nevertheless, it can be used to delay the next dyeing procedure.

Cover gray hair with home remedies

You can also try to dye your gray hair naturally with home remedies. For a darker shade, brew two cups of strong espresso and then mix it with the coffee grounds to make a paste. Apply it to your previously washed hair and leave it on for 10 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. When you dye your hair naturally, you won't achieve one hundred percent gray coverage, but you will get a brownish glow.

For a slight lightening, on the other hand, you need a lemon-baking powder mixture. Mix the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon with a teaspoon of baking soda. Double the amount is recommended for long hair. Apply the paste to washed hair and massage gently. After an hour of exposure, rinse thoroughly.

How does a repigmentation work?

This involves the use of an artificial melanin substitute that reacts with oxygen. This creates color pigments that resemble natural ones. These are incorporated into the hair and are intended to restore the hair's own color to a certain degree. Especially with formerly dark blond as well as light, medium and dark brown hair, good results are achieved with repigmentation. For this, the product is massaged into the scalp daily to stimulate the hair follicles. Until a result is visible, it takes several applications. The method has the disadvantage that it only works as long as it is applied regularly. If you want to try it, you can get the appropriate products at the hairdresser, pharmacies or specialized drugstores.

Hair coloring at the hairdresser

To prevent color accidents and if you are unsure, it is better to go to the hairdresser. Based on your complexion and hair texture, he can find out which color suits you and which coloring technique is suitable. Especially red tones in combination with gray hair quickly get an orange cast. The professional can mix different shades and reliably provide the desired look. Even if you want blond tones for your gray hair, he is the right person to contact. He can gently bleach gray hair using the latest technologies (such as a so-called Plex treatment).

If you are only partially gray and have naturally light hair, you may not need to have your entire head colored. In this case, individual highlights can be sufficient to integrate the gray hair inconspicuously. The hairdresser works here with different nuances and gentle color gradients. With thin hair, fine strands provide an optical fullness.

The color adheres better to well-groomed hair, so a moisturizing hair treatment is recommended a few days before the hairdresser's visit. On the day of the appointment, you should refrain from washing your hair. If available, take a photo with you that clarifies your color idea. This makes it easier for the hairdresser and you avoid misunderstandings. By the way: The healthier your hair is, the more beautiful the color result will be.

Conclusion

The right cut and the appropriate hair color emphasize one's personality and increase self-esteem. When coloring or tinting gray hair, both chemical and vegetable hair dyes can be used. A suitable shampoo and a weekly maintenance treatment ensure that the color lasts and shines for a long time. If you ever can't get to the hairdresser in time, you can bridge the gap with an approach spray.

Please add 6 and 7.
A
A
A