how to go back to grey

I`d like to go back to nature. My "real" color is brown and grey. (I think about 30-40 percent grey) I`ve dyed my hair for about 5 years, dark brown/black over the past year. Any suggestions as to how to go natural without the roots looking like a skunk stripe for the transition? My hair is shoulder length and I`d like to keep it long and longer.

There are things you can do. You can get a color remover to lessen the darker color then add a demi permanent hair color to blend the grey. Most demi permanent hair colors fade on tone and will leave a little grow out. Eventually with each hair cut you will lose some of the old color and be able to stop coloring your hair. The other method requires an experienced colorist. Your hair can be “stripped” of the pigment to the white stage. That means no pigment in your hair whatsoever. Your colorist will then use a blue or purple toner to give your hair that “true” gray hair look (plus cancel any leftover yellow pigment in your hair.) The second technique requires a knowledable colorist because the chemicals involved can do real damage to your hair if not used properly. It also may be too much for someone with just 30 - 40% gray hair. There is also a highlighting method that can be used that involves decreasing the number of foils on each visit. After 4 or 5 visits, you can stop coloring altogether. You have options to achieve the look you want. Good luck!!!

I noted that you are staying in the same color range and that is the key. A semi permanent color will last about 6 weeks (depending on how often you shampoo) and should give you the results you are looking for. You shouldn`t have any problem putting it over a permanent color as long as at least 24 hours has gone by. You might try a shade lighter than normal to be sure the hair doesn`t absorb too much (in case it is slightly dry, especially at the ends). If your hair was in good shape before the coloring, this should not damage it too bad but be prepared to do some deep conditioning if it dries out (a common problem). Let us know what you decide and how it worked for you.