Best ways to color Grey hair

Most of us at some time in our lives will begin to see the signs of aging, which includes our hair turning Grey. Mine has been Grey for a long time, and as a hairdresser, I have been helping men, and women disguise their Grey hair for 25 years, and I am going to tell you the best ways I have found for making your hair look as natural as possible, whilst covering the tale, tale signs of hair aging. We will be looking at several ways to accomplish this, which includes, colouring grey hair using temporary color, semi permanent color, full head color, highlights, and lowlights. There should be a hair coloring dye for everyone, dependant on how much you wish to cover, and what percentage of Grey you have.

I said I would tell you the best techniques I use, although there are several which include:

• Hair mascara.
• Toners.
• Shades
• Colored Mousse.
• Coloured setting lotions
• Spray.
  
• Coloured shampoo.

All of these methods for temporay color, should wash out, but beware, as some can stain the hair, leaving unsightly patches. Make sure you go for a color that isn't too dark to begin with, as you should really think about going slightly lighter as you age. My number one choice out of all of these is the coloured mousse. I use the Indola range of colored mousses, which are soft to blow dry, and easy to apply. The cost is minimal, and you will have several applications from one can. This is good for hair that has up to 100% grey, as it will tone your hair, and wash out with ease. When applying, make sure you have a good egg sized amount, and dab through the hair, then massage in, and comb through. More can be applied to partings, or other areas that are on display.

The most popular colors are, medium blonde, dark blonde, and light brown. For ease, I would suggest choosing a color that is a few shades lighter than your original hair color. This will ensure that you are not making your hair coloring look too fake.

With a semi you will have to mix two ingredients together. One will be the developer, and the other the coloring agents. It is a milder color than a permanent, and should last a good few washes, and fade out naturally. According to how porous your hair is, you may find it lasts a little longer. Again choose a lighter color to start off, as you can adjust over time. Stick to soft blonds, or golden colors, as these look very natural. You should find that the hair does not have a line of regrowth, and if it does, it will be little compared to a permanent color. As for advising on which products to choose, I would say a trip to a salon is the best way, but I know lots of you like to color your hair at home ,so go for good, well known brands. Clynol, Wella, Loreal, and Garnier are but a few of the high ranking retailers. Ask the shop assistant for advice on which products would suit your hair best. When buying online, choose popular colors, and ask the web site for advice.

Permanent color is the only color you can use to lighten hair. Remember this, as all the others do not have the power in them to lift the base color of your hair. This will give you a regrowth, dependant on how much lighter, or darker, you choose to go against your natural color. Apply this with care, as it will stain clothing, and furnishings. Choose a color slightly lighter than your natural base if you have a high percentage of grey hair. If your grey is a lower percentage, then a darker color will be OK, but buy a hair dye specifically for grey hair, as these are stronger, which is needed when trying to penetrate course greying hair. If you visit a salon, then you will have more help in choosing, as a color chart will be used to determine:

1. Your natural base shade.
2. Which color you like the look of.
3. The ultimate outcome of the coloring of your hair.

When applying a permanent color at home yourself, take small sections, and paint on to the roots of the hair. leave for the specified time, and take through to the ends. If your hair has no color, then apply to the mid lengths and ends first, then apply to the roots. You can give the hair a good comb through, with a wide tooth comb, for optimum coverage. If you feel a little scared that your hair will come out too dark, or too light, then choose two shades lighter, or darker, dependant on your choice. Home colors are much easier, and nicer now, so sticking to the good brands will ensure a good color, and should leave your hair feeling shinier and less course.

This for me is by far the best way to color grey hair, no matter how high, or low a percentage of grey you have. It can be used with a semi, or permanent color, which can be applied between the packets of color for a full head look, but leaving the hair very natural because of the Hi/Low lights. This process really does need to be carried out by a professional, but will last you a good few months. If you have the Hi/low lights on there own, you will have no definite regrowth, which means regular visits back to your hairdresser are not paramount. Using this technique, keeps the hair natural, and bleach, or high lift products can be used for lighter effects. I will always recommend this method as it can make all the difference to your natural skin tone. It is a very soft way of coloring, and can be matched perfect to your natural color if you so wish.

You may never have tried this before, so ask your stylist if you could try a few through your parting to start you off. This is a lot cheaper, and will give you some idea as too the outcome of a full head.

I have given you all the best ways to color grey hair, but if you have any questions, or queries on this subject, please feel free to ask any advice. The best ways to color grey hair is my professional opinion, and may differ opposed to others. There is no set way with coloring grey hair, so go for the one you feel more at ease with. Try to find as much help as you can, and good luck in finding the best way to color grey hair.