Hair colour/box dye which don't damage your hair?

[Wafty]

Hi, I've lurked on here for ages but never posted, I wonder if any of you more knowledgeable people could advise me on box hair dye? I have a very short bob, the longest lengths are about 5 inches, the back is much shorter. I've had two full head colours in the last couple of months, mid-brown at the hairdresser and a box dye I put over it as I felt it was too light for me (pre lockdown). Now the roots will very soon need doing, I cannot do roots so I'm intending to put another full head box dye on till the hairdresser can hopefully reopen.
So are there any semi-permanent dyes which might last 28 washes or so, which will not damage my hair? I've used Casting in the past and liked it, but I was hoping to find something with no developer etc. Any shade of darkish brown will do, I just want to even the colour up a bit.
Thanks in advance if anyone can advise me.

To add...I have fine, straight, dark mousy brown hair with a small sprinkling of grey. I've overdyed it in the distant past but the only time it broke off was years ago when I went full-on blonde and overdid it.

Without a developer it would be temporary I’m afraid. With grey you need a developer too. However things like 28 wash casting are probably perfect for what you need and less of a developer than a permanent would be.

Be careful with putting colour on top of colour - it will only make your previous dyed hair darker. It’s best to do the roots and pull through to the ends for the last 10-15 mins.

The only two hair dyes I have ever used are Henna and Garnier Olia. Henna is very messy and takes a while to perfect. Its relatively cheap though (£9 does my bob 3 times) but I do add other items to the mix which does bump up the price. The only box dye I have ever used is Olia, unlike the stuff hairdressers use this is much more gentle my hair. It feels as if my hair has never been dyed.

That being said I would still pick henna above boxed dye any day...

I was going to suggest castings till I read you don't want that! Apparently nice and easy do a semi, but it likely has a developer also. I've used castings for years and if you do use it, go for a much lighter colour than you want. I'm naturally dark/chestnut brown. I buy light brown or iced brown, which are at least 3 shades lighter than my own. If I get dark or even a med brown, it comes out almost black!

I'd always thought that if hair has henna on it, you cannot use 'normal' dye till it completely grows out. I thought it could turns a funny colour otherwise. Hopefully a hairdresser can confirm, but I'd be careful using henna, as I think its also permanent.

I don't dye my hair anymore, but the best I've used is Daniel Field mail order. You can choose your colour online and it'll be sent to you by post. I just looked at the site and it seems orders are continuing as normal. The condition of my hair was great after every colour treatment.

Thanks for the replies, much appreciated.

I like Casting Elouera, just wondered if I might be able to find anything a bit more gentle. I think Garnier Ola is what I put on it a few weeks ago.
I realise the ends will go darker so was going for a dark brown to even it all out. Just till I can get to a hairdresser

Holland/Barrett or a health food type store might be able to advise on a more natural hair colour?

Why can't you do roots?

Putting colour on top of colour will mean you end up with build up at the ends and a lighter shade towards the scalp.

I have quite a bit of grey, I have been doing my own colour at home for years, I only ever do root touch ups- same shade every time.

Doing roots yourself is easier than you think.
Plenty on you tube if you need to see how its done.

I use a cheap permanant dye- never any problems.