S/O--Gray hair coverage question

[willibug]

Okay, I've started getting noticeable gray hairs. Just a few areas at my temples right now. I love to see women graying naturally, and I'd always said I thought I'd do the same. But I'm just not ready--yet! So, what can I use myself, without paying lots of money, to cover these areas? My hair is medium brown. I've never done ANYTHING to my hair, so I need help. Any advice appreciated!

[MCR]

I used temporary hair color for years (I've been going gray since I was a teen)
It colors the gray hairs permanently and washes out of the darker hair.
But I haven't bothered for the last 5mths, I'm getting really gray sides and trying to go natural, I'm not sure I like it, yet.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do, I really widh I hadn't bothered to start all the coloring of hair, and gone natural from the beginning.

[Treasuremapper]

I have colored my hair for years, starting way before my hair was grey.

So here is my advice: learn from my mistakes and go get some professional hair color. I would start with partial highlights or lowlights, just enough to cover the grey. That way, when it starts to grow out, you won't have a big telltale line.

I have tried to color my own hair and the results have always been atrocious. I have also had a few hair dresser colors that were atrocious.

The best way to find a good colorist is to look for women with great looking color on the street, and then approach them and just ask for their colorist's contact information. Don't be shy -- people LOVE to be asked, and I have found some of my best colorists that way.

Overall color is cheaper, but at your age, the more frugal option is going to be highlights, imho, so you don't have to color every four to six weeks.

[treemom2]

I absolutely Love Henna!! It turns my gray/white into lovely highlights and is very natural. I buy mine from mountain rose herbs online. It's pretty cheap, lasts for about 8 weeks, and comes in a lot of colors. It isn't a "hair dye" but it will dye your gray and give you awesome body to your hair while also acting as an amazing conditioner.

Oh, my hair is also brown. I use red henna though because I love the red highlights. I mix it with black brewed coffee, 1T olive oil, and 2T apple cider vinegar (to help cover the gray).

[pollyanna]

Subbing to find this later

[kewb]

I always said I wouldn't color but my gray is ugly. I have clumps of gray. I get my hair done by a professional, When I have done it myself the results were horrible. I do an all over color that is close to my natural shade but less ash brown than my hair color and then some highlights to blend the gray. This way I do not have root maintenance.

[Verity]

Home haircolor has limitations in terms of covering gray. If you leave the color on for a short time, the gray won't be completely covered. If you leave it on longer, your gray may be covered, but you'll look as if you have shoe polish on your hair. (I've also had this look inflicted on me by "professionals.") Very dark hair usually isn't flattering on someone who's old enough to have grays. (Those who are prematurely gray probably could pull off very dark hair.)

I go to a salon. I feel a bit guilty about spending the money, but I rationalize it by not spending tons on clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc.

I would also advise sticking with a colorist (not just a salon) who "gets" your ideas about color and understand what works on your hair. If you ask someone else to duplicate the color you have, she can't always do it, no matter how good her intentions.

[Magali]

I'd use henna. I used it when I was younger and it was beautiful. Can't bring myself to use chemical dyes anymore.

[~*max*~]

Good thread! Question from another battling the gray - can you use henna if you already have coloring in your hair?

[treemom2]

Originally Posted by ~*max*~

Good thread! Question from another battling the gray - can you use henna if you already have coloring in your hair?

No, you can't use it with any color in your hair. I guess there is some sort of reaction if you try to do this.

[willibug]

Thanks so much, ladies! Very interesting to hear what everyone else does.

I've been googling around a bit, and found a bit of info on using rosemary and sage tea as a rinse to restore color. Anyone tried this? Here's a link...

http://www.pioneerthinking.com/graydye.html

[miss_sonja]

At home colour works great, esp for smaller amounts of grey. I've had the best luck with Excellence by L'oreal. Great coverage, conditions hair, and doesn't smell too bad. Cost about $7 on sale.

I would let my hair go natural, but it washes me out really badly and makes me FEEL old, which sucks. Maybe someday...

[pibblestiltskin@ma]

I started going gray in my 20's. I have colored once or twice but honestly I am too lazy to keep up with it and would have ugly roots showing most of the time so I don't bother. I do however get that color enhancing/color boost stuff you put on in the shower and use it from time to time. It does help with that washed out look but doesn't really cover the gray. My stylist always suggest lowlights (which are light highlights but darken the hair vs. lighten).