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.
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.
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.
Brands like Manic Panic, Arctic Fox, and Vivid Hair Color offer a wide range of vibrant colors and are known for being gentler on the hair. Vegetable-Based Dyes: Products like Herbatint or Naturtint use natural ingredients and are less likely to cause damage.
While hair dye can lead to damage and eventually breakage, it won't lead to permanent hair loss in most cases.
And your hair might feel healthier
While hair dyes and techniques have come a long way since their follicle-frying beginnings, they do still leave some damage. Taking a hiatus from color will help your hair return to its previous state--especially as dyed ends get chopped off.
Certain harsh chemicals in popular box dyes have given many stylists pause. Common concerns include: Ammonia - This mixing agent lifts cuticles to deposit colour but is quite drying over time. Peroxide - High volumes like 30+ developer cause more damage to delicate hair.
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.
“You get what you pay for” has never been more true than when comparing box hair color to professional, in-salon, hair color services. While it may seem like a good option for the budget-conscious DIY-er, in the end, box hair dye can destroy those healthy locks (and wallets) you're working so hard to protect.
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.
The reality is that no hair dye is “good” for your hair. Both options can do some damage, but in a salon you have a professional overseeing the process and tailoring it to your needs which can make it less damaging overall.
"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.
The most popular solution is changing the hair shade with tea or coffee. A good replacement for chemically-packed products is also a natural hair dye, meaning - henna. However, you must use it skillfully so that the shade you get is natural and not too ginger (unless that's the result you expect).
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.
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.
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.
Using ingredients like henna, indigo, coffee, tea, beetroot, carrot juice, lemon juice, sage, and walnut shells can help you achieve a range of hair colours while nourishing your locks. With patience and regular application, you can enjoy vibrant, chemical-free hair colour that enhances your natural beauty.
Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color
A top performer in GH Beauty Lab testing, Garnier's permanent color is made with no ammonia and a high concentration of nourishing oil so it's gentle on hair that's damaged from treatments like keratin or thinning strands.
Box dyes often say they contain moisturising ingredients or are 'ammonia-free'. However, even these usually contain PPDs, salts and other chemicals that will damage hair, especially with repeated use.
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. Ammonia and hydrogen peroxide combine to open up the hair's cuticle to reach the internal structure and make a color change ...
For best results, use ammonia-free hair color range and lower the chances of hair damage. Additionally, several hair colors are formulated using nourishing oils and other enriching ingredients. These nourishing hair colors help retain the moisture of your hair and maintain its shine and smoothness.
The best hair dye for grey hair if you're brunette
You won't be surprised to hear that you should be covering the grey with brown dye, but the best hair dye for grey hair here is a medium-light shade, even if you are naturally very dark, as this will complement your naturally paling skin.
The two best ways to dye your hair brown naturally involve using henna or coffee. Whichever method you use, spread the dye onto your hair using your fingers after you've mixed it, making sure it covers each strand thoroughly.