Very specific hair dye question

[UniverseRewardsTheBrave]

I'm a bit clueless about this so would love some advice!

I naturally have very dark hair, which is slowly collecting greys.

I usually have a global colour done at the salon, but it's always too 'warm' (I think) - too chestnutty and I don't think it suits me, even though I always say I want it my natural colour just to cover the greys.

Unfortunately I think I'm becoming intolerant to dye - last time I had it done my scalp was incredibly itchy and sore for days afterwards.

I want to get it dyed for an event in February, mainly to hide the greys. I don't think it would be a good idea to do another global colour and risk a reaction. What can I do? Could they do foils with a darker colour to stop it looking so chestnutty while also covering the greys? I always think of foils as a lighter colour so not sure if that would work.

Thanks!

I've just done an ash brown box dye as the warm browns also went too chestnut/ red. Much prefer it.

Agree that it sounds like you need an ashy brown. If you're getting it done at the hairdresser, ask them not to put it on your scalp.

I'm very fond of a box dye; if you're slapping it all over, you can't really go wrong with it (though do a strand test first). You can also test it on your scalp to see if it irritates. If it does, you could apply it properly - with sectioning and a tinting brush - again avoiding the scalp.

If you're feeling timid, you could try a colour glaze or mask, which just sit on top of the hairs instead of forcing open the cuticle. They don't cover greys but, if you only have a few, could blend them in. You've got plenty of time to test-run a couple, as they'll wash out before you need to make a decision.

I think you need to find a hairdresser who uses a vegetable dye

Thanks for the glaze/mask suggestion. I had no idea such things existed. Although they are pretty pricey for a very temporary solution.

I didn't know that hairdressers could do a global colour without getting the dye on my scalp - this would be the best solution for me I think, just because I've never had great experiences with box dye.

Be careful. If you are really developing an allergy to hair dye then it can be very serious. Has your hairdresser done a patch test?

I’m also dark and greying - not allergic to dye though. I got fed up of the roots showing after 2-3 weeks so have gone down the highlights route to blend it in. When I used to dye it dark it would always end up brassy (although blue shampoo can help with this). But I’d do an allergy test before anything else if I were you!

Thanks for this. I think it's something that has been slowly developing, but certainly after the last time I went it was very uncomfortable for 3 days. I haven't told my hairdresser about it (and am actually looking to move to a different salon for a few reasons) but yes, perhaps a patch test would be a good idea.

Maybe I'll contact the new salon I'm thinking of going to and asking for a patch test and a chat about what would be the best option for my hair.

Good suggestions from previous posters but just wanted to say I'm surprised that a patch test isn't a standard service from your salon - mine insist on a patch test 48 hours before every dye appointment even if you're an existing client.

I've never had a patch test in my life!

You could always just use a spray in root concealer.

I think you need a new hairdresser if you don't love the colour and they're not even patch testing!

For an event, the Josh Wood glosses are about £20 for a tube and they temporarily cover some of my greys and tint the others so they look like shiny light brown hairs, and blend them in. Lasts 3 washes well, 6 before it's all gone. Half a tube generously coats my hair (below shoulder length). I have dark hair too and I use chocolate brown but there is a cooler smoky option too.

It smells nice and is less faff than a full box dye - you need gloves but it's basically a nice conditioning mask as well as a colour and doesn't stain skin.

I was reading about this product recently. It sounds really good.

https://trynovahair.com

Sounds like moving salons is definitely be a good move then! Hope your new one can get you the result you want 😊