Elderly MIL hair

[Harriet3451]

My partners mum is in her 80s and going down hill

Shes a very stern and harsh lady with some strong opinions. If something isnt quite right such as a price increase by a fee pound since the year before or if someone doesnt do something quite the way she likes it.... she says her piece with a sharp tongue and washes her hands.

This happened with a hairdresser and she wont go to a hairdresser again.

I barely visit I work long hours and live around an hour away. However I've been asked to do her hair.

She has maybe 4-5 inches of grey and the rest is a dark redy brown. Her hair has a wave to it and is in a state. I think a previous hairdresser cut all the matted bits out her hair (she doesnt brush it and lays down all day - I've finally convinced my OH to get care in for her and hospital have helped shes been in a few weeks) so theres bits that are a few inches and others that are shoulder length.

I've only ever dyed my own hair which is dark blonde and good condition.

If she wants it dyed dark red how do I do this for her with the grey roots and if she wants to go all grey, how would I do this with the red ends?

TIA for anyone who has hairdressing knowledge

Take a mobile hairdresser with you ( hi mil this is my friend she’s helping me to hold the equipment) then get hairdresser to do it - she won’t see if you hide the mirror and stand behind her ( taking notes for solo next time) or just be straight up and say I’ll be worse than the last qualified hairdresser as I have no idea - so I’ll help you find a real one!

You do realise that if you do it yourself she still won't be happy with it. Setting yourself up for a fall there. Yes to mobile hairdresser.

She sounds a trial.

Maybe get her some headscarves or something? Rather than bust a gut doing something she's still going to hate and is going to put you in the firing line.

Or ask her?

Once the mobile hairdresser has done her hair, get her a silky pillowcase it's stop her hair from matting so easily.

A good idea but...she wont pay for it, my partner is struggling at the moment and I'm inbetween jobs and to be honest wouldn't really want to fork out £50 when she has plenty of money.

In addition the house is in a state, they dont like visitors and there would be no way for the hairdresser to rinse her hair without showering her.

Perhaps best to leave it until she changes her mind.

Then just keep telling her No.
If she goes oon, repeat, repeat repeat, and don't feel guilty. Keep telling her if it's so important she can have a mobile hairdresser or go without. Don't let her bully you, you are in the position of power here.

Hi I’m a hairdresser. It’s unfair to take a mobile hairdresser into that to possibly abused by MIL lol but I know it must be difficult for you OP. If the hairdresser can’t rinse her hair how can you? You will need to wash a colour off. Would she consider having it cut short so no dye? It sounds like it needs cutting if it’s different lengths.

If she wants it dying go to sally beauty. You will need at least a 6% peroxide (developer) to cover the grey and a hair dye in the colour of her choice that is darker than the grey. It will need to be permanent to get the best result with the grey.

Mix the colour and peroxide 1:1 or according to the instructions and apply to the hair. Leave for the recommended time and rinse off.

Good luck

@numberonecook

I would be able to shower her after. She's let me do it before no problem.

Does the 6% peroxide work with a dark red?

Or is this for if she decides to go fully grey

She should probably have it cut but I am not sure how agreeable she would be. I also am not a qualified hairdresser. I used to cut my own hair and could maybe give straight hair a go but curly/wavy is a different story

Yes the 6% with the dark red will cover the grey. Any lower won’t cover the grey and higher will be damaging. HTH