Color Question..sigh.

[Curlsgirl]

I have been getting toner put on at an Aveda salon and the first 3 times I have been very happy with it. This time however, in less than 2 weeks it has faded a lot and the silver is showing an inch or more from the roots especially on top.

So..another crossroads. I was happy that they could do a toner since it was so much less damaging on my hair but if it won't cover the gray any better than that it is not worth it. I guess I have a choice, to let the silvers just grow in (don't THINK I want to but I AM forty-eight years old) or get base color next time on the roots which I would still have to get done every 4 weeks or so. It wouldn't cost that much more. Don't think I will go back to coloring myself, just too hard to get it only on the roots. I just want some opinions I guess and am writing down my thoughts.

I should add that I am probably only growing to waist curly or at the longest hip length.

[Silver & Gold]

I understand how you feel. I'm 49 and I finally decided to bite the bullet and grow out my silver hair because I'm growing out my length. I knew that if I got my hair nice and long the way i wanted it I would be loath to cut it short to "start fresh" when I finally stopped coloring. I also knew that I was not going to be one of those little old ladies who color their hair until they drop. So I figured now is as good a time as any.
I only used semi-permanent color in my hair so the line wasn't too bad for me. But still, the difference between my colored and silver hair was striking. Even cassia colored my silver hair a great deal and I'm still trying to wash that out even though my last cassia treatment was in April.
So the problem always is with that line and what to do about it. Keep coloring or give it up.
If you decide to give it up there are a few ways to do it more gradually. Like instead of coloring all the roots, have the beautician give you 'lowlights' which is a way of coloring only selected strands. Not as much hair is colored, less and less strands can be selected over time so the line gradually fades in. Also the gray hairs blend in and look more like highlights at first.
I doubt I can help you decide. It's such a personal decision but hopefully I've given you a few ideas on how to proceed.

[Curlsgirl]

You really do understand! :) Do you have more silver on top too? I am just not sure I want long and silver hair. I am thinking I would feel old :o

[Silver & Gold]

It isn't an easy decision, I'm still struggling myself.

My hair is very white at the hairline and I have a couple of strong streaks at the temples. Then the canopy is sprinkled with a fair amount while the bulk of the hair underneath has very few silver hairs at all.

For some reason it is easer for me as my hair gets longer. I have some nice curls around the hairline and I dunno, perhaps I'm tired of trying to fit other people's image of what I should look like. This 'devil may care' attitude is helping me. I'm not saying that at some point in the future I won't decide to go for the semi-permanent color again or perhaps even some lowlights. But right now I'm happy that my hair is growing and looking healthier all the time as the new roots get longer and longer. I hope it carries me through and I can be free of dyes for all time. We shall see.

[lora410]

Cassia may color the roots about the same color you have now. Did the toner fade or are you just going through a super growth spurt? Whatever choice you make I wish you the best. I personally think gray hair is beautiful and if I could I would have all gray at my age:p

[redtea]

If your hair is already a lighter color, then I don't think coloring the roots only would be very damaging. I used to color my naturally dark blonde/light brown hair do a medium blonde and I never thought it seemed very damaged, although I never attempted to grow it past bsl either. I think the most damaging thing with haircolor is to get a lot of highlights, bleach more than once, or change colors. If you stick to one color that's close to your own and do the roots only, it's not really that bad. We have similar hairtypes and I've always thought mine stood up pretty well to haircolor considering everything I did to it, so maybe you'll have similar results.

[AutumnLeaves]

Because my hair is so dark, when the roots would begin appearing after only one week, I decided enough is enough. So not only did I once shave my head so I could start fresh, I cut down to the root line the second time I had that bright idea. (Yes, I was guilted into coloring after I had shaved my head!) I did suffer the grow out for a bit though so I wouldn't have to go as short as shaving my head. It has now been just about a year since I cut and I am just about back to where I was length wise (about 26", I think). But now? I will have soft, virgin hair, and it will be silver. I have loads of silver on top with an exceptionally brighter patch right in front on the left side of my head. The back and underneath does not have as much gray yet.

If you do decide to let it go and do the lowlights, it might be easier on you if you had it done at a salon. For me, doing my own coloring had so many different shades in it that no matter what I did I had various demarcation lines! LOL

[burns_erin]

Your hair appears so golden I think the silver would be rather striking. The low lights thing to phase it in should help too. i once did that to grow out black hair dye and it was very effective.

[detritus]

Catnip, chamomile and cassia are all possibilities if you want to go an herbal route. Your hair is so light I think you could get enough yellow to stick to the grays that they would look just like highlights. The color you get from them is temporary, so you would need to redo it every 3-4 weeks I'd guess. But you wouldn't need to worry about applying it only to your roots.

[MeMyselfandI]

Have you talked to the colourist?

I am not sure what you mean by a base colour? I know when I mixed some of my own tints, I needed at least 50% neutral colour so the greys can be covered.

In my mind the toner is the way the colour is made, similar to semi-permenent solution.

I agree with the others, have you given cassia a thought?

So what you are 48. If you like your present colour, think of ways of keeping it. If you like silver go for it. To me hair colour is the same as hair length, age should not define either.

What looks good on you?

I think for grey or silver you need to have the right skin tone to wear clothing that will suit grey hair. I may be wrong, but I think with grey hair needs more mutted clothing colours. Once again, skin tone plays a major issue.

Does your hair need a a neutral protein filler before applying the tint?

[Curlsgirl]

"Toner" is something they call what they use at the Aveda salon which really is about 20% peroxide mixed with color. She leaves it on the roots mostly for about 5 minutes. I have only washed 2 times this time and it is washing off more than usual or maybe a growth spurt but I doubt it.

Base color is just chemical color that they would apply on only the roots, probably 20% peroxide too but left on longer so it would stay. I already have highlights and will NOT get them on the ends again but maybe the roots occasionally to add dimension.

I really do love my blond and I do think it suits me I am afraid to experiment with cassia or anything over my other color and really not sure I want to fool with doing it myself again.

All great ideas though. Thanks SO much! I will let you know what I decide. Oh and yes my hair really does take color very well especially if I only put it on the roots which I only do now. I take very good care of my hair otherwise.

My skin tone is pinkish. BUT strangely enough I do well with gold in my hair, not red but gold. Not sure about silver but I do wear silver jewelry well. I just really don't think I could do the gray the more that I think about it.

[Curlsgirl]

I made an appointment to get a base color just on the roots tomorrow at my salon. I'll see how that goes. I can't stand my hair like it is now. :(

[Silver & Gold]

I made an appointment to get a base color just on the roots tomorrow at my salon. I'll see how that goes. I can't stand my hair like it is now. :(

I hope it works for you. I'm sitting at my computer with honey and distilled water soaking in my hair. I figure it will help blend my root area more nicely into the previously colored area (even semi-permanent leaves a slight demarkation line). But the demarkation line is so subtle that it's really a non-issue what I'm really hoping is that the honey will help remove more of the cassia yellow. I love how my hair felt after cassia but the yellow is awful if you are trying to let your natural silver come out.

[VanillaTresses]

Hi Curlsgirl- I just wanted to say that I hope that everything turns out the way that you are hoping for (I am sure it will)! I don't think that the base color is really going to be any more damaging than the toner. If you do ever decide to do it yourself again, for whatever reason, I would recommend using a bowl and brush in order to make application to the roots easier. Even better, use a bowl, brush and trusted family member or friend! Try and watch how the color is applied at the salon in case you ever end up having to do it yourself or with a friend. :o

[FrannyG]

Hi Curlsgirl! I'm at the same crossroad as you, and I've chosen not to go with the silvers. The hair on the top of my head and around my face is 90% silver. It is darker at the back, though. One thing I've realized is that I don't like the way my face looks framed by silver hair.

I know there are many fabulous silver-haired women on this forum who are stunningly gorgeous. However, my skin tone differs from theirs significantly. Maybe you feel the same way as I do about this.

There are also a lot of women here who keep their hair coloured, and have lovely, long locks.

I understand how you feel about touching up at home. It is difficult to just get the roots only. So, since you've found a stylist with whom you have a great rapport and whom you can trust, I'd say just go with the permanent touch-ups at the salon. It will make you much happier than having colour that fades away quickly.

You've learned so much here about caring for your hair that I think you can go ahead and get permanent touch-ups and still have much healthier hair than many women who have gone natural, but don't know about good hair care.

Good luck with it! I can't wait to hear how it goes. :flowers:

[Curlsgirl]

Hey! I forgot to check back in. Sorry! I ended up getting the highlights touched up at the roots and then last month getting some lowlights because it was getting too light. I have to go about once a month but am still able to avoid the base color. I would say I will have to go to that once the gray starts showing around my hairline more but right not it is only on top. I love that salon. They will NOT do anything with color to your hair if it is damaged at all for fear of risking further damage.

[Anje]

Hi Curlsgirl. I'm rather late to this thread, I see....

Another option you might want to consider is doing Ktani's catnip rinses. She does it to add a bit of light blond to her grays, but the stain doesn't last long, so if you don't care for it, there's no commitment. (Of course, it won't lighten, which it sounds like you have done to the roots, but I think it's worth a look.)

[spidermom]

The color of my hair doesn't make me old. It's the years.

[Dolly]

Hey! I forgot to check back in. Sorry! I ended up getting the highlights touched up at the roots and then last month getting some lowlights because it was getting too light. I have to go about once a month but am still able to avoid the base color. I would say I will have to go to that once the gray starts showing around my hairline more but right not it is only on top. I love that salon. They will NOT do anything with color to your hair if it is damaged at all for fear of risking further damage.


I'm glad you've found a solution (and a good salon) that you're happy with!

I starting graying in my twenties, and now, at 41, if I don't color, I would be about 25-30% gray (I was about 10-15% gray when I started coloring about 6 years ago). And, it isn't that the gray makes me feel old, because it doesn't.....the gray just doesn't look good on me at all.....

I will probably be one of the ladies who colors until the day I die!

[Gabrielle]

Ah the color question.....I am 50 years old, dirty blonde, and decided this year (or was it last fall?) that it was time to start the all over color. Sigh. Gray does not become me. Through trial and error, I found a brand that I love---Naturtint. I apply the 8A Ash Blonde every four weeks to the roots. Although I am very slow in applying the color and wish to speed it up, I am so happy with the results. The gray hair around my face dyes a lovely light ash for a face frame and the darker hair a medium ash blonde. The pale blonde streaks look like natural highlights. Actually my hair is in much better condition than it was when I used to frost or highlight, which I did religiously for the past 30 years.

[justgreen]

I found this thread too late. I would have suggested just getting some foils on your roots, not complete color. I also agree with the lowlights foiled in every six months or so, the color ends up fading anyway. I'm planning on lowlights in December, down the hair length and a few highlights on the roots only. If my gray would come in thick, I'd go with it, it's a nice silvery color.

[Curlsgirl]

I found this thread too late. I would have suggested just getting some foils on your roots, not complete color. I also agree with the lowlights foiled in every six months or so, the color ends up fading anyway. I'm planning on lowlights in December, down the hair length and a few highlights on the roots only. If my gray would come in thick, I'd go with it, it's a nice silvery color.

Oh that IS what I did, get highlights only on the roots every 3 months. Then I get lowlights along with them ONLY on the roots when it starts looking too light. The "toner" is only a tint and doesn't lighten just helps hide the grays between highlights/lowlights.


The color of my hair doesn't make me old. It's the years.Oh I didn't mean it DOES, sorry if I came across that way! I just feel better in blond that's all. I think do whatever makes you happy as long as it doesn't hurt anyone else!

[justgreen]

Oh that IS what I did, get highlights only on the roots every 3 months. Then I get lowlights along with them ONLY on the roots when it starts looking too light. The "toner" is only a tint and doesn't lighten just helps hide the grays between highlights/lowlights.




I get roots done every 4-5 weeks. Rhonda says it helps her help me, because it's easier on both of us. I have to agree with her. It really does save me money, because if I wait to long and she has to do more, it costs more. It evens out in the long run and I just love having my hair fiddled with. I love the shampoo massage, the gentle way she handles my hair. She hides her brushes while I'm there!:eyebrows: My hair always smells divine, she uses high end products. I've gone the Aveda route, right after I moved here and while it is as good I just like going to Rhonda better. Besides she's the only one I trust to dust my ends once a year.:pumpkin:

[Curlsgirl]

I pay $65 when I get highlights/lowlights no matter how many she has to do plus the tip which is typical around this area. I pay $30 plus tip when I get the "toner". I get 2 toners (once ever 4-5 weeks) in between having to do highlights/lowlights again. I am more than happy with that. I would rather do without some other things and have my hair the way I like it. I hate having my hair fiddled with unless it's straightened and very detangled already :p. I can't find anyone to do it gently enough for my satisfaction otherwise. :) I generally "dust" it myself or if I get more trimmed I go to Great Clips nearby. My colorist doesn't mind at all.

[forestwitch]

IMHO silver hair is just beautiful. It's a pity that society views it in such a negative way. I think that you should embrace your colour, but after all it is your decision and you should do what you think is right.

[Laila23]

Your hair is quite light, the silver would not stand out very much. I have seen some of the prettiest hair on a lady with light brown and gray hair. Gray can be beautiful. :)

[Curlsgirl]

It's not that light naturally. Maybe I will someday "embrace" them. But right now, uh no.

Thanks everyone!!!

[mellie]

I agree with Detritus:


Catnip, chamomile and cassia are all possibilities if you want to go an herbal route. Your hair is so light I think you could get enough yellow to stick to the grays that they would look just like highlights. The color you get from them is temporary, so you would need to redo it every 3-4 weeks I'd guess. But you wouldn't need to worry about applying it only to your roots.

These are healthy and nice things for your hair and they will shampoo out, so it will be easy to transition to totally natural if you should ever want to.

[lora410]

I am 27 and I would adore having silver hair. I don't see it as a sign of aging at all. I think silver hair is so very unique and i envy my mom who went silver in her 20's (although she colors)

[LaurelSpring]

I am 45 and I am coming to the conclusion that I am loosing the battle of the gray very quickly now. I am close to throwing in the towel but not quite yet. The more I try to cover it the more obvious it seems to me that its becomming a moot point. I am going to play with the cassia/henna a little while longer perhaps and I may give some temp. fade out color a try but I imagine that by spring it will be a wash! <pun intended>:rolleyes: