Going grey is natural but many women opt to cover it up.
Image: Freepik
Going grey is a completely natural part of ageing, but not everyone feels ready to embrace their silver strands, despite the growing acceptance of grey hair in recent years.
Celebrities like Andie MacDowell, Helen Mirren, and Sarah Jessica Parker have confidently showcased their greys, inspiring many.
Still, for some women, greying can start early and feel like an unwelcome reminder of ageing, while others simply feel more like themselves with their natural colour restored.
If you decide to cover your greys, it's important to understand that dyeing your hair isn’t a one-time fix and that it requires commitment and ongoing care.
Whether you choose to colour your hair at home or visit a salon, here’s everything you need to know to maintain healthy, vibrant results.
Choose the right hair colour product
Not all hair dyes are created equal, especially when it comes to covering grey hair. Here are your main options:
- Permanent hair colour: Best for full, long-lasting coverage. It penetrates the hair shaft and completely conceals greys.
- Semi-permanent dye: Less damaging but may not fully cover resistant greys. This type of dye is Ideal for blending rather than full coverage.
- Root touch-up products: Great for quick fixes between salon visits. These products are available in sprays, powders, and pens.
- Natural alternatives: Henna or vegetable-based dyes provide a gentler approach but may have limited grey coverage.
Consider your natural hair colour
If you have less than 50% grey, you can often match your natural colour for a seamless look.
For more than 50% grey, you may need a shade slightly lighter or darker than your original colour for better coverage.
Warm tones (golden, caramel, auburn) blend greys more naturally than cool ash tones, which can sometimes look harsh.
Grey hair can be resistant to colour
Grey hairs lack melanin, making them more stubborn to dye. Here’s how you can improve coverage:
- Use a high-quality dye specifically formulated for greys (look for "grey coverage" on the label).
- Leave the dye on for the full recommended processing time.
- Consider a pre-colour treatment to help the dye adhere better.
Maintenance is key
Grey roots reappear quickly (usually within 4-6 weeks), so upkeep is essential.
Schedule regular root touch-ups (every 4-6 weeks).
Use colour-safe shampoos and conditioners to extend vibrancy.
Try a gloss or glaze treatment between dyes to refresh colour.
Potential damage
Frequent colouring can dry out your hair. Here’s how to protect it:
- Using sulfate-free, moisturising haircare products.
- Applying deep conditioning treatments weekly.
- Avoid excessive heat styling to prevent further damage.
Alternative options to traditional dye
If you want to avoid chemical processing, you might want to consider the following:
Highlights or lowlights to blend greys naturally.
Transitioning to silver with toning shampoos for a chic look.
Embracing the grow-out with a stylish cut or grey-blending techniques.
IOL Lifestyle