Dyeing greying hair for the first time without permanent colour

[LeeMiller]

I have somehow managed to get to my late thirties without ever dyeing my dark brown hair. Now I have enough grey hairs coming through to make pulling them out seem like a losing battle. I've been using Aveda colour deposit conditioner which helps but doesn't solve the problem (it's also a pain as it only lasts a couple of washes) and I think it's time to step it up a bit.

I'd go to a salon but I can't afford to keep up regular treatments so I'm thinking it might be better to start as I mean to go on, and do it at home. I understand that permanent colour is better for grey coverage but I don't want that as a) it's the first time I'm dying my hair and I'm afraid I'll mess it up and b) I'd prefer to avoid big root lines so something that washes out gradually is more appealing.

Any suggestions for semi-permanent colour that's effective at grey coverage on darkish brown hair? Or, even better, any natural alternatives (not henna) like vegetable dyes that actually work? Also, as a first time dyer are there any important tips that I should know? Thanks in advance...

Clairol colour enhancer is really good. Lasts about 8 washes.
A good one to start with.
It used to be known as loving care. :)

There are darker colours too.
No mixing or anything. I find it lasts a bit longer than 8 washes too.
I have mid brown hair , with a few silvers that blend with this'
Superdrug have it / Amazon...

Thanks @somany! That sounds good, maybe simular to l'oreal casting gloss which i read about on another thread.

How do you find the colours? I read somewhere that you should always go a shade lighter, but maybe that's only for permanent colour. I'm terrified of ending up with a blocky 'helmet' look!

If I do it myself I always go at least two shades lighter, so that the greys are almost like lighter brown highlights IYSWIM
I've got very dark brown hair and even come medium browns look black and witchy on me!

Yes, start with a lighter shade.
I did, but l'm finding the one l've been using a little copper in places.
It might be my hair as it has masses of red in it?
As it won't last very long/ it isn't even a semi - l'm not too worried about experiencing!
I've chosen medium golden brown.

In my very honest opinion do not do it. Once you have done it (permanent of semi-permanent) you will end up with a change in your hair which will give you a root line. And then the constant upkeep.

There are websites, threads here, several Facebook groups, magazine articles galore full of women trying to ditch the dye. Wishing they had not gone down the root of dye. That the dye just looks wrong. That ultimately the dye is more aging than a few scattered (or even headful of) grey hairs.

But seriously think about it. Does it really matter if you have some grey hairs? If so highlights/lowlights (easier to grow out as they are not a block colour) may be a better option.

So many women do it "because it is what we do". Men don't.

You don't get a line with semi permanent- it just fades. Especially the product l recommend. It pretty much washes out, imparts highlights.
I agree with the highlight idea though, and when l have properly noticeable silvers , l will probably go down that route.
Grey/ silver hair isn't aging / but initial scattering do have have the potential to look like you've forgotten a part of your grooming.
For many women this isn't an issue, for some it might be. :)

@nobodyknowsmeatall thanks for the warning and I know it's largely societal pressure.

However, I do find the greys very draining and unflattering on me (dark brown hair and pasty complexion) and while I like the look of a full head of glossy white-grey hair I'm not so keen on the mousey effect that a scattering of greys gives me. It's a personal choice but I just don't feel ready to go grey yet.

I do want something that will wash out eventually though as I don't want to be trapped in a cycle with roots showing. And I like the sound of low/high lights but I'm guessing that's best not attempted at home and I can't really justify regular salon trips.

Probably not relevant as I’m fair but Nice and Easy doesn’t fade at all for me. Started using it in November and have done it twice since and it’s very very blonde and isn’t fading at all. I was in a similar boat, hadn’t dyed my hair since teens and now mid forties with enough grey coming through to make me feel elderly hence the dye.

Hhm, I'm struggling to find a source for the Clairol colour enhancer (I'm not in the UK and superdrug doesn't deliver here, and boots don't stock it). Anyone know of any similar products that last around 8 washes? Sounds nice and low commitment compared to 24+ washes like some of the other semis in case I get the wrong shade!

Also has anyone tried a vegetable gloss like Wella coloration EOS?

Oh, l didn't realise you weren't in the UK.
I'd actually see a hairdresser ( if in budget) as ,if l couldn't use this very temporary fix - ld probably high -light.
We don't all look good with early splatterings of white/silver grey.
I'm 45, very young looking. The whites didn't do me any favours as my face and hair didn't match/ if you see what l mean?
Lego hair is never a good look,but looking as if you've forgotten something is pretty depressing too!

There are lots of great options with hair dyes but here are a few:
Gloss - hair gloss is kind of a very subtle version of hair dye. It won't change your hair colour much & it's easy to just pop some in your hair for a few minutes in the shower after shampoo and before conditioner/masks. When hair greys it loses the red pigments that bounce the light, I'd recommend going for a warm-toned gloss. Depending on how different your hair is to your roots this might not be enough but it's a gentle toe in the water. Lasts 3-6 washes usually.
Semi-permanent dyes - I love the schwarzkopf live colour range, they tend not to stain the hair. Manic Panic washes out well too but it's a little difficult to find exact natural tones as they're vegie dyes.
One thing I'd avoid like the plague if you're only just experimenting is the semi-permanent "kits" where you have to mix two bottles to form a dye. They're good if you want longevity but a little difficult for grey cover-up, because they contain a low-level peroxide that gently lifts your hair colour (essentially gently bleaching). They dry the hair out which is also not great as hair tends to do that naturally with age. Generally most things that only have one bottle won't dry out the hair because it's only depositing pigment rather than lifting etc.
Not sure what other products would be best as I'm in Australia but hopefully this helps.

caroline did you use the product l posted? :)
There are 3 different types.
8 washes
24 washes
And permanent = regrowth!

Ah, no I use the 24 wash one. And I wash my hair at least every other day so 24 washes are well gone!

Thanks for the explanation gingerbeerd I think I'll definitely start with a gloss and maybe move onto a longer lasting semi like the Schwarzkopf or the version of nice n easy Caroline uses if it goes well.
somany I tracked down some of the nice n easy colour enhancer you use online, thanks for the recommendation, I feel a lot less anxious about taking the plunge knowing that it'll rinse out.