Box dyes often contain strong chemicals that can over-processed hair, making it dry and brittle. These chemicals can react unpredictably with other hair treatments, causing damage.
The level of chemicals in box dye is a much higher concentration than those used in salons due to the ``one size fits all'' nature of the mixture. This usually means that it's more drying and damaging in general for your hair.
Salon hair color typically offers a higher-quality and longer-lasting color that blends well with your natural hair color, while box dye may result in a less vibrant and shorter-lasting color that can be more prone to fading and damage.
If you want to go entirely chemical-free, a pure henna-based color, like the Rainbow Research Henna Hair Color (view at Amazon), is really the only option. That being said, the Biolage Haircolor (view at Sleek Shop) is our top pick, also using minimal ingredients and being anywhere from 82% to 100% plant-based.
Apply petroleum jelly or a similar product along your hairline and ears to prevent staining. Read and follow the instructions provided with the dye to ensure the best results and minimize damage. Use a brush for even application and avoid saturating the hair with too much product at once.
One of the main reasons why hairdressers hate box dye is the difficulties that come with colour corrections. Eventually, many clients who box dye their own hair will come to a salon for a colour service - whether it's because they need their colour fixing, or just because they now want a professional result.
"If you really want to reduce your exposure to harsh ingredients the safest way, color-depositing conditioners and masks are best," Patton said. These dyes don't require a developer, so they're relatively gentle.
Comparing Permanent, Semi-Permanent, and Demi-Permanent Hair Dyes. Permanent hair color has the greatest potential for hair damage due to the chemistry involved and should be done most cautiously.
If your hair is brown, you may need to bleach it more than once before you apply the grey dye. It's important you get your hair as light as possible before you attempt to turn it grey – this will help ensure a more even tone and vibrant, all-over colour.
So there are many differences between dyeing and bleaching your hair. The effect, processing time and results are very different. But the biggest difference between dyeing and bleaching is that bleaching is much more damaging for your hair, so you need to know what you are doing.
The fastest way to remove hair dye is typically by using a clarifying shampoo or anti-dandruff shampoo. These shampoos contain strong cleansing agents that can effectively strip color from the hair. It's important to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment, as these shampoos can be harsh and drying on the hair.
Natural dyes: henna & indigo
Henna's been around forever and is a tried and true non-toxic semi-permanent option. It won't damage your hair and real Henna contains no harmful ingredients.
So How Long Should I Wait? We recommend four to six weeks between each hair coloring session, but be sure to take a look at the instructions of your hair coloring kit for the best guidance. Putting some space between colorings will help keep your hair from becoming dry and weak.
There is also the possibility of allergic reactions to hair dye causing hair loss. If you are allergic to hair dye, the allergic reactions can damage the hair follicles and cause your hair to shed. That's one of the reasons it's so important to test hair dye on a patch of your skin before using it.
Pick a lighter hair colour
A lighter colour will then look better. Your hair follicles produce less pigment as you're turning older. If there's no more pigment being produced in the hair follicles, your hair turns pigmentless.
It could be that your hair is resistant to tint, especially when the hair texture has changed as a result of going white. But also it could be that by going lighter, either all over, or by introducing (subtle) highlights you would not see the regrowth strip quite as quickly as if it were lighter.
Using natural ways to cover grey hair can make it look good and help nourish it. You can try remedies like coffee and chamomile tea. These options provide different shades and support healthy hair. Give these gentle choices a try instead of chemical dyes.
Naturigin Permanent Hair Colour*
Best For Those looking for a semi-natural permanent color with ultra-nourishing properties. Why We Like It: This hair dye contains organic ingredients and includes some of the most nourishing natural ingredients in any hair dye.
P-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
PPD, or p-phenylenediamine, is widely used as a coloring agent in many hair dyes. This toxic hair dye chemical is especially common in darker shades. However, PPD can cause irritation to the skin and eyes and may also trigger asthma symptoms.
Red hair is notoriously difficult when it comes to upkeep. While it's the hardest color to fully strip from your hair, it's also the first to fade, often lightening drastically within the first few washes. So unless you're wanting to touch-up your own color at home, it would be wise to skip the scarlet shades.
Unlike over-the-counter box dyes, salon dyes are designed to offer rich, long-lasting results while minimizing damage to your hair. As you think about making a change, consider that professional hair dyes are specifically formulated to provide rich, enduring color while nourishing your hair.