Recommendations for a guy trying to cover grey hair?

[Mercdial]

Hi,

I'm a guy. Shorter, light Brown/Dark Blonde hair. The last year or so I've really started to go grey rather quickly. Needless to say, I'm not ready for it! I know it can be distinctive but I can't pull it off. I've been trying various methods to get rid of them, including plucking and covering them, neither of which has worked particularly well.

To date, I've used just for men - the darkest Blonde turned my hair more Red and the light brown turns it noticeably darker and leaves some of they grey visible. I've recently started using the shampoo in just for men but have found it also turns my hair darker and leaves many of the grey hairs visible.

At a loss, I bought some oops color stripper to get it back to natural, bit the bullet and went to a professional. After explaining what I've done, she put some semi permanent color in. Upon arriving home though, I looked in the mirror and the grey was still visible. I wasn't impressed but don't blame her, given the circumstances.

I had told her I had concerns with permanent color due it being hard for a guy to pull off, due to coming away with a single color. My ultimate goal is having coloring that no one tell - as natural as possible.

I can post a photo of my natural color (if that is an option on here/if helpful). I haven't seen any colors that match up on any of the coloring charts - I would say it's a light sandy brown.

I've come across information on henna, but I've seen some scary posts on colors going wrong. I work in a professional environment so if I come in with red hair (or hair that is wildly different) I'm going to have some explaining to do.

I've also heard about coffee or tea soaks, that may work?

I guess I'm just looking for recommendations.

Thanks!

[lapushka]

Yeah, a semi would be the way to go, if you don't want permanent color. And maybe going to a hair dresser would be best for you. Just try and figure out what semi's are best at covering gray hair and go to a salon that uses those products.

Trial and error, I'm afraid.

Henna is *red* and *very* permanent. I recommend trying it on shed hair first (keep that for 14 days or so). Somehow I don't see it in your future.

[akurah]

Don't pluck them! They'll eventually get numerous enough plucking will lead to bald spots. It's unlikely, but possible, plucking could damage your follicles to the point the hair won't grow back.

Catnip tea is a tea that stains. A previous member from a long time ago used it to cover greys. It has a blonde color if memory serves. When I am home later tonight and not typing from a cell phone, I will look for the information on catnip tea for you. Cassia, also a yellow dye, might work too.

[Obsidian]

I can't recommend any color to cover grey but I want to echo lapushka on the henna, stay away from it. Even if mixed with indigo to produce a brown, its going to have a very red undertone.

A good close up of your hair color would be helpful in recommending a color that might work. Since you are new, you can't post pics here but you post a link to the picture.

[spidermom]

If you can afford it, go to a professional. Otherwise stick to colors that say on the box "lasts 28 shampoos" or something like that. Go with a blonde shade to avoid getting something too dark.

[Rebel Rebel]

Find a color specialist...seriously. They can match your natural color and you'll avoid a lot of frustration. I'd consider permanent color in a cool ash tone in something around a level 6, but a stylist would know for sure. I don't think semi will cover grey, as you experienced. You could always have them do more of a blending technique rather than full on coverage of color. That means that some grey will show through but most will get colored. At this point it sound like you've done a lot of experimenting while avoiding the the one thing that will probably work best. If you're afraid of damage then only ever have them touch up your roots which is what they should be doing anyway.

[Anje]

I've seen henna and indigo together (my husband used that for quite a while on both beard and head hair, including a pure white beard), but that was for a darker shade of medium brown, rather than what you're after.

Honestly, your best bet is probably either a simple box dye, or maybe a semi-permanent color that will rinse out over time. (I often use Adore semipermanents, which aren't damaging and come in some more natural colors as well as the funky ones I'm playing with.) In either case, you might not get full coverage of the grays, but keep in mind that even tinting them a bit will make them come across more as naturally occurring highlights than as gray hairs. To that end, I'd even suggest you use a slightly lighter color semi than you want, so as not to darken the rest of your hair too obviously.

If you go the box dye route, you might have more luck with "ash" toned colors, which are less warm and reddish than the neutral or warm ones. If your hair is short and the amount of dye excessive, you can even mix half the dye and half the developer in a third container, in which case you can get multiple applications per box. (Once the ingredients are mixed, they won't keep. But I've never had trouble mixing up a partial batch in a new container.)

[Mrstran]

I would go Demi permanent in 1 shade darker. Those grays can be incredibly stubborn even with semi permanent dyes. Demi isn't as harsh as permanent, plus you aren't lifting any color, and it's still a temporary yet longer lasting color. My step sister uses Demi dye to cover her grays in her dark brown hair. Her hair is beautiful and always looks amazing.

[Alun]

There are lots of henna mixes that produce a range of different shades, not just red. The only thing to be careful of is to make sure they contain only herbs and not metal salts. The latter react chemically with synthetic dyes to produce disastrous results, i.e. hair turns green and you get an exothermic reaction that 'cooks' your hair. If you use only herbal or only synthetic this can't happen, and I personally use only herbal.

Herbal dyes in general are usually labelled henna, and invariably contain some henna, but also other herbs like indigo and amla, that are darkening instead of reddening. The advantage, ironically, is that they don't cover as fully as synthetic dyes, so look more natural. Another advantage, for those of us with long hair, is that you don't need to get your 'roots done' as it grows out, just apply more, whereas synthetic dyes applied more than once in the same place are a recipe for damaged hair, although that hardly matters with short hair.

[lapushka]

There are lots of henna mixes that produce a range of different shades, not just red. The only thing to be careful of is to make sure they contain only herbs and not metal salts. The latter react chemically with synthetic dyes to produce disastrous results, i.e. hair turns green and you get an exothermic reaction that 'cooks' your hair. If you use only herbal or only synthetic this can't happen, and I personally use only herbal.

Herbal dyes in general are usually labelled henna, and invariably contain some henna, but also other herbs like indigo and amla, that are darkening instead of reddening. The advantage, ironically, is that they don't cover as fully as synthetic dyes, so look more natural. Another advantage, for those of us with long hair, is that you don't need to get your 'roots done' as it grows out, just apply more, whereas synthetic dyes applied more than once in the same place are a recipe for damaged hair, although that hardly matters with short hair.

Yeah, Alun, but he's dark blond/light brown, so henna is difficult for that shade! You can't get it light enough with indigo to be acceptable for such a light color. Ask me how I know. I am that shade of natural hair, and henna either made me bright red, or dark brown, to dark-dark brown, almost black (even with tiny amounts of indigo).

[Alun]

As for the 'professional environment' thing, I used to know a female Goth lawyer whose hair was dyed unnaturally black, FWIW. Mind you, one of the partners was a guy with long hair who wore Hawaiian shirts to the office.

[Alun]

Yeah, Alun, but he's dark blond/light brown, so henna is difficult for that shade! You can't get it light enough with indigo to be acceptable for such a light color. Ask me how I know. I am that shade of natural hair, and henna either made me bright red, or dark brown, to dark-dark brown, almost black (even with tiny amounts of indigo).

That's one of the problems with henna/herbal dye. It won't make your hair lighter. Oddly enough, that's where the salts came in, for lightening, in the last days before synthetic dyes appeared. Unfortunately, salts + synthetic = ruined hair.

The saving grace of short hair in this context is that if you wreck it you can quickly re-grow it. I admit I wouldn't want to chance it if it was me, though.

I think I am forced to conclude that for lightish short hair the only options all involve synthetic dye, and as long as you keep your hair short, minor damage caused by going back over dyed areas tends to disappear as it grows out.

Or you could just get a hat, LOL!

[spidermom]

Or give up the idea that you "can't pull it off". There's nothing wrong with doing what comes naturally.

[Mercdial]

Wow, thank you so much for all of the replies! I'll dig up some pictures and post links.

Needless to say, I'm out of my element so all of this is excellent information!

[EdG]

I agree with spidermom - you don't need to hide grays. Rather, you can flaunt them! :cheese:

The photo on the left shows my everyday appearance. The Silver Swirl has been in many professional environments. No-one has ever asked me why am I wearing a Silver Swirl. ;)
Ed

[bumblebums]

You could also just shave it off. Possibly an unpopular opinion on a long hair forum, but I think the sort of people who would judge you for having gray hair will probably be able to spot a dye job. Dyeing is time-intensive and requires regular maintenance, and you have to do touch-ups every couple of weeks if you don't want your roots to show. Confidence and self-acceptance are free and last forever :)

[akurah]

Ok, so I found the catnip thread:
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=476

ktani briefly covers catnip as a dye. Unfortunately the link does not work to the article in her post. This link, courtesy of The Wayback Machine, is the article:
https://web.archive.org/web/20101210065729/http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/vbjournal.php?do=article&articleid=118

Now the problem with the technique is it's almost certainly going to be a massive hassle. It will not be permanent, and I do not know how many washes it will be before it washes out.

Cassia also has a yellow dye, and there is more information here:
http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=42754

It will probably last longer than catnip.

Now as for what I actually recommend, since the above two are going to require an abnormal amount of effort on your part:
I would go back to Just For Men, and I would use the lightest blonde shade available to keep from darkening your hair (this is assuming that the lightest blond shade is lighter than your natural color). It will not lighten your existing hair, (http://thebeautybrains.com/2006/11/the-secret-that-all-women-should-know-about-mens-hair-color/) and based on your description of your hair, it may blend the greys better. If after first application more grey than you want still shows, because the lightest blonde color won't be able to darken existing hair, I would do it again.

You may not be able to cover all your greys. And while I can understand being self-conscious about it, most people don't care.

ETA: Go to Just For Men's website (https://www.justformen.com/) as well. They have a lot more options than what may be available in the store--for example, it is possible that this one may suit your needs. (https://www.justformen.com/catalog/product/view/id/151/s/autostop/category/3/) But if it doesn't, there are others.

[rmani]

I agree with spidermom - you don't need to hide grays. Rather, you can flaunt them! :cheese:

The photo on the left shows my everyday appearance. The Silver Swirl has been in many professional environments. No-one has ever asked me why am I wearing a Silver Swirl. ;)
Ed

This! I am 34 and 75% grey. I work in the medical field. The only feedback I get is positive - did I colour it this way, it's so healthy, I must have confidence to not colour it, etc... I think it has less to do with colour and more with hygiene. People assume grey hair is dry and drab and that you've given up on life lol! If you care for it people will notice that more than the colour.

[Sunshineliz]

I also agree with leaving it alone. I've rarely seen a man who can't pull off gray.

[Lady Stardust]

Another vote here for embracing the grey so that you have great multi dimensional natural colour.

I appreciate that you asked for advice on how to colour rather than opinions on what to do, but as some great advice has already been posted above I thought I'd just chime in anyway!

[Aredhel]

Just chiming in to support those who are encouraging you to embrace your greys. :) I have male friends under 30 with greys (no idea how old you are, but figured I'd mention their age range as a reminder that a lot of young people get them too!) and IMHO it makes them look ruggedly handsome and mature. Which are both very good things. Another pro to embracing your greys would be not having to take on the chore of having to dye your roots every week or two. That's a huuuge pain in the butt!

[Groovy Granny]

Here is yet another vote for SILVER...no surprise there :p

I would put my effort and money into a good barber/stylist that will create a great style for your age/occupation/interests
that will highlight your natural highlights and work with your texture.

Welcome to the forum, good luck, and happy growing (if you decide to go long) :cheer:

[Rebel Rebel]

Another vote for grey! I agree with Aredhel and the optimum choice would be no color at all. I think men especially can get away with just letting the greys do their thing whatever your age is. If you insist on color I still say go see a colorist but as it's been pointed out there are a lot of cons and upkeep.

[yahirwaO.o]

Yeah I'm a guy, have 2 or 3 greys and meh I just embrace them. However If my head starts getting noticiably grey now I'll go for plain box dye. I can't complicate my life with expensive amazon organic semi permanent dyes or hair colorists so I'll just embrace those or dye with the most plain and darkest blue black hair, lucky me its not my time yet!!!

[Alun]

You could also just shave it off. Possibly an unpopular opinion on a long hair forum, but I think the sort of people who would judge you for having gray hair will probably be able to spot a dye job. Dyeing is time-intensive and requires regular maintenance, and you have to do touch-ups every couple of weeks if you don't want your roots to show. Confidence and self-acceptance are free and last forever :)

Please don't. I quite honestly have a phobia of shaved heads, although I suppose some people feel the same about long hair.

[Sunshineliz]

I don't mind a shaved head. :) Or a well kept head of long hair either.

[EdG]

We seem to have lost the original poster.

Mercdial - please come back! LHC'ers are the nicest group of people you will find on the Internet. Any semblance to a bunch of hair crazies is purely for humor (*). ;)
Ed

(*) We think. :ponder:

[Mercdial]

Sorry - definitely haven't lost me. Honestly, I'm having a tough time finding photos of myself...ha!

Here are a couple I found. Not the best pictures but, for the most part, I think they accurately capture the color of my hair.

https://flic.kr/p/TmuoGT
https://flic.kr/p/TmuquF

To the poster that recommended semi-permanent (just for men) color that is lighter: that was my preference but it turned my hair decidedly Red. So much so that I had someone tell me "your hair is getting redder by the day!). It also just doesn't seem to cover my grey. I do have thick hair and I've heard that's a potential issue, more so with grey hair.

I'm intrigued by the catnip tea and will research thank you! I've also heard oolong tea is (for lack of a better term) pre-oxidized so it may provide better results. Soaking hair overnight in a tea blend (a few nights a week?) is doable. Not sure which blend would provide the best results with light Brown / Dark Blonde hair?

Totally willing to go to a professional colorist. The problem is you never know what kind of results (or service) you're going to get.

Thanks SO much, I truly do appreciate the helpful insights and recommendations!

[lapushka]

Judging by the pictures... I hate to bring it to you, but... where is the gray, exactly? :) I, for sure, can't see it. Are you sure you're not just being a little too hard on yourself?

[Aredhel]

Sorry - definitely haven't lost me. Honestly, I'm having a tough time finding photos of myself...ha!

Here are a couple I found. Not the best pictures but, for the most part, I think they accurately capture the color of my hair.

https://flic.kr/p/TmuoGT
https://flic.kr/p/TmuquF

To the poster that recommended semi-permanent (just for men) color that is lighter: that was my preference but it turned my hair decidedly Red. So much so that I had someone tell me "your hair is getting redder by the day!). It also just doesn't seem to cover my grey. I do have thick hair and I've heard that's a potential issue, more so with grey hair.

I'm intrigued by the catnip tea and will research thank you! I've also heard oolong tea is (for lack of a better term) pre-oxidized so it may provide better results. Soaking hair overnight in a tea blend (a few nights a week?) is doable. Not sure which blend would provide the best results with light Brown / Dark Blonde hair?

Totally willing to go to a professional colorist. The problem is you never know what kind of results (or service) you're going to get.

Thanks SO much, I truly do appreciate the helpful insights and recommendations!

Echoing Lapushka here, I don't see any grey either. My DH's 28-year old cousin's hair is fully salt & pepper on dark brown hair (very visually obvious), and he is still very handsome. You are very fortunate to have hair that light; any silvers that are actually there would be pretty hard to see. I have very dark hair and my one silver hair at the front of my head can be spotted from a mile away. ;)

[spidermom]

You are keeping your hair so short that it would be a waste of money to have color done. I'm not sure what you're concerned about - grays are hard to spot in hair that short and light in color.

[EdG]

I don't see any grays. I wouldn't worry about it. However, I recommend keeping a hair length that can't regrow itself in two months. ;)
Ed

[truepeacenik]

Most people cannot see grey in golden toned hair until the 50/50 point, anyway.
Think of it as fancy highlights and rock the best you that you can be.