Dye Dilemma!

[Waspwine]

I have about 80% grey at the top and about 40% underneath. I’ve dyed my hair brown for years which was my natural colour before I went grey. My hair grows fast so dying my hair is now a regular job for me.

I am mid forties now but when I was younger, I’d think nothing of slapping on the dye. I loved how easy it was and all the colour choices I had.

Now however, I keep thinking I’m going to have a terrible reaction and die 😵. I always patch test but you can never be sure you won’t react. I’m not ready to embrace my greys just yet though 😩.

Does anyone else worry about the dying process as they age 😩 ….I know I am being a little irrational but it’s actually really stressing me out each month!

There is the option of Henna which I’ve used before but I feel more ‘me’ with brown hair.

This happens to me every three weeks as my greys become more noticeable….do I re-dye and risk death (sorry to be dramatic but that how crazy my mind gets!) do I Henna and get used to a new me or do I do something different …..I feel like I’m loosing my mind!!!

Oh to be 20 again.

I'm genuinely curious, is there a high risk of having a reaction to hair dye? Do many people then die from that reaction? Is the risk of reaction to henna any different?

I've recently stopped dying my hair as it was too much expense/faff to re-dye every 2-3 weeks (or worry about disguising roots) and I'm embracing the grey. My roots are about 2 inches now and some days I love it and some I don't.

I know you said you're not ready to embrace it yet but just wanted to share in case it gives you confidence. I wish I'd embraced my greys sooner to be honest, it feels quite empowering and nice not to have to think about it!

You can get brown henna too! Lush do 4 or 5 different shades.

I stopped dyeing in my 30s as I did start reacting to a dye I'd used for years and I was also scared of anaphylaxis.

I'd been using a semi-permanent colour so the grow-out wasn't too horrendous as the colour faded. The early photos took some getting used to though.

Having said that, I would think if you're doing a successful patch test every time you should be fine.

What are your greys like? Would you be happy to grow out the dye?

Best thing I ever did tbh. Saved ££££, hair is in great condition, and suits my colouring.

Lots of info online about how to do it.

Thanks for your reply @PorkPieForStarters. Yes reactions can be very severe to PPD chemical in permanent hair dyes. There are lots of stories in various news outlets re terrible reactions and sometimes even death.

I have never reacted to natural Henna but it’s orange colouring doesn't suit me as well. There is the option of brown but it’s usually a two step process with indigo plant which I do react to.

I may consider embracing the gray! I just need to accept it now I think!

I love lush and usually mix rouge and marron. I’ve tried the darker ones but they don’t stick to my greys as well.

I’d actually love the freedom and bravery to shave my head! I love that look on some women but alas I fear my head may be a strange shape !! :)

How about you just....stop?

So you miss being 20 - dyeing your hair brown won't bring those years back!

I never thought of trying semi permanent. I actually may give that a go and see how it works.

I have had mild reactions ie a blister here and there and or small red rash but nothing severe. However the warnings on the box say even a patch test can’t rule out a more sever reaction which is what is worrying em I think. I know it’s a little irrational but as I’m getting older it’s like I’m looking at the stark warnings and thinking why would I take such a risk for hair!!!

I am going to give some of the semi permanent dyes a look now :)

OP you can get herbal, vegan hair colours in health stores like Holland and Barrett.

There are alternatives.

Quite grey now, but I’m not as brave as you just yet. I have looked at some blogs and pages of those embracing the grey and they do look fantastic!!!

Yes I currently use H&B Naturtint permanent colour but it does have PPD in it so still a risk of reaction. I havent looked if their semi permanent has PPD in (which is unlikely) and may try that if not as a previous poster suggested.

Have a look at The Gray Book - Inspiration for going gray! on Facebook. It's a really nice community of women sharing their stories, tips and asking for advice on going grey. There are people of all ages there and it's very supportive.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/thegraybook

It's what gave me confidence to start growing my natural hair out.

Thank you for this link :)!

Have you thought about using bleach instead and having highlights? No PPD and will help blend the grey.

I'm just starting on this road. I have long thick curly hair and as I've gone thro peri, I just want to be more and more natural with things. I used to highlight every couple of years or so and just let it grow out through my hair, but now I don't want to do it anymore and I have also stopped using a hairdryer too. It just makes it so dry.

So while I've not box dyed, I have wondered what I will do when more greys come through and I think I will do what you're all saying - just let it be and take care of it.

Here's to lots of gorgeous healthy greys for us all. I worked with a lady a few years older than me, with just a few tiny greys through her waist long dark hair, no way would I ruin that hair.