Cover Those Rebel Gray Hairs

Why does some gray hair resist color and fade quickly?

At first it was just a couple of silver strands here and there. 

And then, over time, more strands. Then strands turn into locks, and locks into patches and then one day there is more gray than color.

It's not unusual for the gray to be most noticeable around the roots giving hair a thinning appearance because the gray is light and your scalp may be fair also.

Box colors and even some salon colors won't really fully cover the gray, or the color fades quickly over the gray hairs giving you fading roots which again may emphasize or give the appearance of thinning hair.

 

 

Why does hair turn gray?

This article from Scientific American explains it this way.

"Melanin, a chemical produced by specialized cells within each hair follicle, is responsible for giving hair color. Different types of melanin are responsible for different types of hair color-eumalinin for brown or black hair and pheomelanin for yellow or red hair. The type of melanin an individual has is controlled by pigment cells that are, in turn, determined by genes. As we age, the pigment cells at the base of our hair follicles stop producing melanin; without the chemical, our hair turns white. The body has no central source for melanin, such as a gland; the chemical is produced for each strand of hair: This is why hairs tend to go gray individually."

Why does some hair color fail on gray hair?

Hair that has turned gray is coarser and wiry, making it difficult to drive color into the hair shaft.

The color chosen is not formulated for resistant gray shades while the ends continue to soak up color because they are more porous.

A trained professional can formulate and apply the correct color with the correct strength of cream developer.  Starting at the roots and adjusting for any previously colored ends, protecting those ends from build-up or discoloration of pigment.

Color that REALLY COVERS gray hair and lasts! It's Real!

 
Professional color have now developed color lines will give you "absolute" coverage and no fading. Timing,  application and lighting is essential to achieve that natural blending from roots to ends.

Finally there is a real solution to color resistant gray hair. Drop me a note or call the salon and I'll be happy to book a consultation so that you can make an informed decisions on which color is best for the results you want.

Gray Hair - Things to consider before you color your gray hair.

Showing signs of gray hair? 

Eventually we all do, some of us as early as twenty, and others won't see one gray hair until our fifties.  The lighter your hair, the less noticeable gray hair is, but they are there.  So you may be thinking, "Should I or shouldn't I color my hair?”, “And How and where do I start?”

At this point it is best to take it easy and not reach for a box of permanent hair color.

Semi-permanent or demi-permanent color lasts a few weeks by blending those grays without taking away the natural colors running through your hair. As you accumulate more gray it will also become more resistant to being colored, they become wiry and defiant, the semi-permanent colors won't cover or blend in any longer.

A permanent color actually changes the hair color by using a developer or activator mixed with color formulated to enter the hair cuticle instead of just coating the hair shaft.  Permanent color can be applied as highlights, or color weaves that blend in with your natural color to produce that blonde or warm tone that is lost in the graying process. Applied all over the hair it will completely cover the gray and produce a natural shiny color and finish.

Prior to coloring a professional will ask you questions that help them know your color history, your preferences, plus they can determine warm and cool tones of color that will best compliment your skin.

Your professional colorist will show you color swatches and make suggestions on how light or dark it should be to maintain a natural look.They will explain your home maintenance to keep you color long-lasting and healthy, and how to know when to return for a touch-up.

The right color can be a fountain of youth, but we also know when it comes to color “one box does not fit all!”

Next post I'll discuss color correction, stay tuned!