When it comes to coloring, gray hair can be surprisingly unforgiving. Standard dyes frequently don’t give the complete coverage that many people anticipate. This frequently causes frustration, particularly when the gray strands appear earlier than anticipated.
Gray hair has a distinct texture and structure, which makes it very challenging to paint over. Generally speaking, gray strands are coarser and less prone to absorbing color. This implies that in order to achieve the desired results, you must use the proper tools and methods.
We’ll look at some practical advice and time-saving techniques in this post to help you deal with gray hair. Additionally, you’ll learn about the top 10 dyes, which are designed to tackle even the most difficult grays and guarantee brilliant, long-lasting color.
- About the nature of gray hair
- What are the stages
- About 6%
- About light shades
- Techniques for dyeing hair with gray hair
- What to dye gray hair or in which palettes to look for dyes with two zeros
- Video on the topic
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- Secrets of coloring gray hair
About the nature of gray hair
Let us first discuss a little bit about the causes of gray hair. The melanocyte cells that make melanin are found in hair follicles. This is what establishes the color of hair. Melanin’s interaction with hair proteins decreases with age, and the cuticle thickens significantly. This is the reason why, despite the appearance that white hair is the easiest color to dye, gray hair is far more difficult.
However, melanin behavior is not solely determined by age and genetics. Early onset of gray hair may even be a sign of other health issues, such as thyroid dysfunction, blood iron deficiency, or a shortage of B vitamins, particularly vitamin B6.
What are the stages
When a client comes for coloring, the master first conducts a hair diagnosis. He determines what stage of gray hair in order to properly prepare the coloring mixture.
If the client does not have gray strands, only single gray hairs, and they are less than 20% of the total number of hairs, this is the first stage. The second stage, if gray strands have appeared (usually they are at the border of hair growth) and gray hair is about 20-40%.At the third stage, a turning point occurs: gray hair becomes no less than colored, that is, 50-60%. At the fourth stage, gray hair is already 70-80%, and at the fifth stage – 90-100%.
About 6%
Regarding gray hair, almost all manufacturers recommend using a 6% oxidizer. However, it is better to try 3% in the beginning when there aren’t many gray hairs and you’re just dying the roots. This is due to the fact that 6% will probably result in a color that is one tone lighter than what is specified, and the roots will be one tone lighter than the length overall. And this will give the impression that there is less hair at the roots.
Because of its coarser texture and greater resistance to dye, gray hair can be difficult to color. Moreover, it absorbs color less readily due to the absence of natural pigment. But excellent results are achievable with the appropriate strategy and supplies. This post will provide you with useful advice, time-saving tricks, and a ranking of the top ten hair dyes that are made expressly to cover gray hair and give you the bright, even color you desire.
About light shades
Tinting dye covers gray hair only by 50-70%. If you are a brunette with a large % gray hair, then this option will not suit you. But if your desired hair shade is light ash, then you can use them, it will visually smooth out the difference and there will be no effect of glowing roots.
If you have single gray hairs and you want to become a blonde or have copper hair color, in this case, hair is also often dyed as usual, and this may be quite enough. Also, if we are talking about light shades and the first stage of gray hair, the master can offer you frequent root highlighting, and this is an excellent option to disguise gray hair and not touch up the roots so often.
Techniques for dyeing hair with gray hair
When at least 40% of the hair is gray, coloring becomes more challenging. The required shade must be blended with a gray hair specific shade, which in professional dye palettes is denoted by two zeros, such as 5.00, 6.00, etc.d. What distinguishes them from shades that have one zero? Because special shades contain a lot more color pigment, they should darken on natural hair. For instance, we would combine 7.1 and 7.00 to dye our hair ash blond (7.1).
Using such dyes is as simple as taking one part gray hair dye (if your hair is in the 1-2 stage of gray) and three parts desired shade dye. Two parts of the desired shade dye and one part of the gray hair dye are used if there are two or more stages of gray hair. The dye for gray hair and the dye of the desired shade are combined in a 1:1 ratio if the percentage of gray hair is approximately 100%. The oxidizer is added to the gray hair mixture in the exact amount that the manufacturer specifies.
If the gray hair is zonal or the gray roots have completely grown out, then the master can offer to do pre-pigmentation. Usually it is done with semi-permanent or permanent dye a tone lighter (if soft thin hair) or darker than the desired shade (if, on the contrary, hard glassy gray hair). The procedure is carried out without an oxidizer. You can dilute the dye with distilled water 1:1 (then you need to take a shade tone on tone with the desired one), then apply only to the gray areas, dry the hair, and then use the coloring mixture with an oxidizer. Or do not dilute with water, but then you need a dye one tone lighter than the desired shade.
A different, equally well-liked method for coloring hard, glassy gray hair is called preliminary loosening, or mordansage. In order to achieve this, 3% oxide is applied to gray hair and left on for 10 minutes. This helps to lift the scales and improves the penetration of the coloring pigment. Next, the areas are heated with a hairdryer to cause the scales to open wider because the cuticle of gray hair is much denser. There is no drug washoff. After that, the coloring mixture is applied to the hair after being diluted as normal.
What to dye gray hair or in which palettes to look for dyes with two zeros
Let’s look at the top ten choices that are currently most popular.
| Reason why gray hair is hard to dye | Tip or Life Hack |
| Gray hair is coarser and lacks natural pigment | Use dyes specifically designed for gray hair |
| Gray hair resists color absorption | Pre-soften the hair with a primer before applying dye |
| Gray hair often has uneven texture | Apply dye in small sections to ensure even coverage |
| Gray hair can be more porous | Use a dye with a thicker consistency for better adhesion |
| Gray hair fades faster | Opt for a long-lasting, permanent dye formula |
| Gray hair can be resistant to warmth in color | Choose dyes with warm undertones to neutralize dullness |
| Gray hair is often dry | Moisturize regularly with color-safe hair treatments |
| Gray roots are more visible | Touch up roots with a root concealer between dye sessions |
| Gray hair can turn brassy | Use a purple shampoo to neutralize yellow tones |
| Gray hair lacks shine | Use a gloss or shine-enhancing serum after coloring |
Gray hair strands are resistant and have a particular texture, which makes covering them difficult. However, excellent outcomes are achievable with the appropriate strategy.
It’s possible to cover gray hair and keep your hair looking young and vibrant by adhering to a few easy tips, like selecting the correct color and professional techniques.
You’ll have a trustworthy resource to choose the ideal dye that suits your hair type and requirements with the TOP 10 dyes in this article.
