The two most un-damaging ways to dye would be henna + indigo, or semi-permanent (deposit only) dye.
The safest options (meaning no PPD and no harsh chemicals) will be semi-permanent dyes, which are basically pigment and conditioner, or a two step process of henna and indigo - henna being raw plant material and indigo being partially fermented leaf and you basically mix one with lemon juice and the other with water.
The least damaging is a semi permanent color. It is not mixed with developer. It can add shine and a hint of color. Next is a Demi color. It is used in grey blending. It is mixed with low developer. So it is also less damaging.
"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.
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.
If you are looking for a low-impact, natural effect then lowlights are a safer way to color grey hair. Your stylist uses foils to apply the color so it doesn't lie directly on your scalp. That means less exposure to chemicals and fewer potential allergic reactions.
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.
Casting Crème Gloss is a semi-permanent hair dye that lasts up to 28 washes.
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.
Which are the most popular hair colouring techniques? The most popular hair colouring techniques include balayage, ombre, highlights, and babylights. These techniques offer versatility and natural-looking results.
Natural bleaching agents like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, chamomile tea, or cinnamon and honey can lighten hair gently and naturally with minimal damage.
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.
To avoid it going ginger or red then you must check what shade you are using. For example if the colour says golden, chocolate, mahogany, red, warm brown etc, these will all look 'ginger'. To achieve a rich colour, a basic shade must be added to create the depth (how dark it is).
“There are many ways that you can transition your hair [to gray],” says Whitney, “including having your hair dyed to match your roots, adding lowlights or highlights to help with the line of demarcation [i.e., the line where your pigment meets the grays], cutting your hair short or simply letting your natural hair ...
Opt for hair dyes made with natural colorants like henna, indigo, cassia, beetroot, coffee, and other plant-derived ingredients. These natural hair dye options allow you to color your hair without harsh chemicals like ammonia, PPD, resorcinol, and peroxide commonly found in conventional dyes.
How often should I dye my hair to cover grey hair? This depends on how quickly your hair grows, but often is between 4-8 weeks. If you're only just starting to grey, it may not be time to begin permanently colouring your hair.
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.
According to hair biology experts and styling experts alike, grey hair is more resistant to color than younger hair because of its texture. The relative lack of natural oils in the hair compared to younger hair make it a rougher surface that tends to reject the color being applied, especially around the roots.
Coffee Infusion: For a DIY remedy, a cool coffee rinse can enhance hair color. The caffeine creates a depth that conceals gray strands. Simply brew a strong pot of coffee, let it cool, and pour it over your hair after shampooing.
Neutral shades like soft blonde, mushroom brown, light copper, and caramel blonde balayage are the easiest to blend gray into (and maintain over time without wanting to shave your hair off).