Covering greys w/ color

I am a slightly darker brown and I too have grays.  Because the gray hair is essentially unpigmented hair now, I would be very hesitant about using anything with an ash base.  Ashes can be anything from blue based to green to violet.  The result on gray hair would be the that the gray hair would turn the color of the ash based you used.  You definitely don't want that.  If you don't want to add any lovely gold tones (which work really well with light brown hair/gray) then stick with what's call a neutral.  They will cover gray and won't add any tones to your hair. However, you may consider going one level lighter.  Sometimes neutrals can come out darker than you expect.  You could also mix two levels: light brown (level 5) and dark blond (level 6).  You would mix equal parts and get a level 5 1/2.  Hope this helps!!

The very best advice I can give you is to check out the blog Killerstrands.com (they also have a shop where you can buy products).  Also, go to google groups (just google, google groups) and put in Killer Strands.  Go to the membership registration.  Once you're in, you will find a wealth of info about hair color, products that are superior but available to us, and a plethora of other advice.  Be warned however, the gals on the site are fiercely protective of its owner (Killer Chemist) and she's the one who formulates her own products for sale on the site. (She sells other things too.) 

Because I'm at least 50% gray, I can sympathize with your dilemma.  If you use a golden shade mixed 50/50with a neutral (which is superior in gray coverage) you will get a nice warm result.  The problem with ash tones is that the base color of the ash can show up on gray or white (mines white) hair.  The blue-based ash can leave blue strands and the violet bases purple ones and so on.  With gray hair you lose all pigment, therefore the resulting salt and pepper color is often very drab and lifeless.  Going a little lighter is a great solution to the washed out problem.  What color is your skin tone?  Cool (pink undertones), warm (yellow undertones) or neutral (beige undertones).  I was a makeup artist for years and I can tell you which blonds (light browns) look good with a given skin tone and eye color.  You are usually attracted to shades that will look good on you.

On the Killer Strands site, you will learn more than you probably ever wanted to know about hair color.  It can be very daunting.  The regular posters can be very judgmental and arrogant, thinking they know what's best for you.  You need some education before you try to join the discussions.  On the blog site, look up "levels", "underlying pigment", "decolorization chart" and product info about two products:  Wellas Color Touch (semi perm) and Wellas Koleston Perfect (permanent color).  I use the permanent color.  That way I'm not constantly battling the wash-out that eventually leaves my grays right back where I started.

Under no circomestances are to use any "box" color from the drugstore or Walmart and no using anything "professional" ('cause it's really not) from the beauty supply, including Sally's.  Do yourself a favor and get your color, which ever formula you choose, from the Killer Strands store.  After you read some and ask some questions AFTER READING (they will be merciless if you haven't read up on things) all about color then you can go to the "upload photos" link on the right side of the forum page and download the "Color Touch" color charts and the "Koleston Perfect" color charts.

After using these sites for a while, I'm convinced that the gals that run it do not have gray hair.  They are simply guessing.  I have about 25 years experience coloring my own hair and I can give you invaluable advice should you choose.  One caveat: nothing is worse on gray hair than a color that is too dark.  Wella colors carried on KS run one level darker than American colors (they are European).  It's terrific that Killer Chemist carries these products, but as soon as you know what colors you like (you may have to try 2) then you can buy them MUCH CHEAPER on ebay.  You can also post the formula you're considering for group feedback.  There are about 5 regulars on the site and I think they are all know-it-alls. And they don't.  I've gotten advice from professional sources that directly contradicts what they've said.  Anyway, the resource is great and it gives you the opportunity to ask questions.  Just don't go in cold without reading for a while first.

Like I said, I've got a lot of years behind me coloring my own hair.  I would be glad to share what I've learned with you.  You can reach me at:  keetagirl@gmail.com.  I've made a lot of mistakes and believe me, if you're new at this I can save you from yourself

You definitely want to use a professional superior product without question (not that much more expensive than the "box" kits).  Email me with the following info once you've read up on the website:  your natural level, the underlying pigment in your hair, what level you want, and what shades you like on the shade charts.  Remember you will get better coverage with perm color, but Color Touch demi perm is great too!!

Look forward to hearing from you..

Lee


Edited by dlschnabelj - September 28 2009 at 7:41pm