Highest quality semi/demi permanent that covers greys?

[chocolaterevs]

I've been using permanent hair dye, but hate the demarcation line and know it will look worse the more grey I get. I currently have only a sprinkling of grey, but it's increasing month by month.

I hate going to the salon and need to dye every 4 weeks. Really want to do it from home What's the best quality semi or demi I can buy?

My colour is somewhere between 6 and 7. Currently using 7.11 L'Oréal dark ash blonde.

I use the l'Oreal semi permanent colours. I have a LOT of grey - I'd say I'm probably at about 50% now, at least.

There is a trick though and you have to be very conscientious about it - it's not like when I was 27 and using box dye because I was broke and could just slap it on.

You have to start by applying on the roots, then rubbing it in - really trying to massage it in - then doing that again at least 2 more times. I usually do apply/rub/massage at least three times before I then apply the colour to the rest of my hair. Basically, I do it until I can see that the roots are completely and totally covered and are absorbing the dye.

Then leave it on for the max time. In effect, your roots will have also had a few extra minutes.

Last week, I was in a hurry so only did it once and it did cover all the grey, but not quite as well and I'm seeing it start to fade already. It was clearly 100% my fault.

That’s interesting. When my dn dies my hair she is really thorough when doing my roots and always does a far better job than I can.

@SignoraVolpe yes, that makes sense. I noticed that when I DID go to the hairdresser, they always did the massaging/rubbing thing and were a bit casual about the rest of my hair (even when it was really long) so I started doing it myself when I dyed it and quickly realised what a difference it makes.

My hairdresser is 100% open about the fact that she's not wild about box dye. She also says she's always surprised at how good mine looks!

Is it the casting crème gloss? Do you find it damaging using it every month?

That's really interesting with regard to technique. Thank you for that!

Yes, it's the casting creme gloss (do they do other semi permanent ones? I haven't checked that out if they do).

I don't do it monthly, more like roughly every 6-7 weeks (mine grows insanely slowly), so I can't definitively say regarding damage, but frankly, if anything, I find my hair appears to be healthier and better in the weeks immediately after dying. But then, my hair is naturally very dry and very coarse so dying it has always made it softer and shinier.

That's great that you've not noticed any damage. I wonder if box dyes aren't as bad as people say they are.

I think semi permanent is probably less damaging anyway so it might be that.

Casting is good. I would apply just to roots and then pull through the lengths just 10 mins before you rinse off.
You will probably need to leave it on longer than instructions say if you've got a lot of grey to cover. Choose a shade lighter than what you think you need.

Really useful advice thanks!

Do we not think there are any more high quality options available for semi permanents? Is it just the typical casting creme gloss etc or similar?

My hair is blonde 8N and I now have about 75% white hair. I really do not want to use permanent dyes anymore because my hair is getting damaged having to have it done every 3 weeks to hide roots. I now use Redken Shades EQ demi-permanent with their recommended Procession Solution (no other). I did a lot of searches and questioned professionals but found it difficult to get the right formula to cover the white. Redken got back to me saying "For hair that is level 8 with 75% gray you would mix:
3/4 oz 9NB
3/4 oz 7NB
1/2 oz 8N
with: 2 oz Processing Solution.

Five weeks later and my hair is just blended with no demarcation line!
Basically, you must use a minimum 1oz NB with 1 oz Processing Solution.
Redken Shades EQ is professional but I get it on eBay or Amazon

Here is the only procession solution you should use with it: https://www.redkenpro.com/products/haircolor/shades-eq-processing-solution-for-precision-application

PS I cheated by adding 1/2 oz 8n rather than a 1 to 1 ratio