Men's hair coloring advice?
Printed From: HairBoutique.com
Category: Hair Talk
Forum Name: Hair Color
Forum Description: The tricks and tribulations of changing your hair color
URL: https://talk.hairboutique.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=64618
Printed Date: July 27 2025 at 8:12am
Topic: Men's hair coloring advice?
Posted By: trichophile
Subject: Men's hair coloring advice?
Date Posted: June 24 2009 at 4:38pm
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Hello -- I'm a man and I'm considering coloring my hair (or having it professionally colored). I've been going prematurely white on the sides for the past few years, and it makes me look far older than my face. Before anyone cautions me against it, a word in my defense: I understand that gray temples/salt & pepper/whatever can look "distinguished" on some men, but it simply doesn't on me. My natural hair color is dark ash blond with some natural golden highlights on top. White on the sides just looks weird with it. Having said that, I'm acutely aware of the fact that the last thing I want is to look like I color my hair. And yes, I realize that I would be committing to a pretty high-maintenance regimen. Unfortunately, the information I've been able to find on-line about haircolor for men has been contradictory, so I don't know much about it. Semi-permanent, demi-permanent, semi-demi-permanent...it all gets pretty confusing to me. I tried self-medicating with "Youthair" (which is one of those lead-based colors, similar to "Grecian Formula"), but after 2 months, had no change in the white hair whatsoever. Time for Plan B. Here are my questions: Is it possible to just color the white areas, with the color overlapping my still-natural-colored hair? Is it possible to ease into color on the white areas, gradually going from white to "natural color"? I don't want to scare anyone with a drastic change. To avoid the possibility of visible roots, and assuming that my hair grows at the typical 1/2" per month, how often should I get it touched up? Every week? Is there any difference between the haircolor products that are marketed for men, and for women? Or is it all just packaging? Finally, are there any brands of haircolor that I should consider above others? If it's useful to know, my hair is very straight, virgin, of medium-fine consistency, and cut fairly short on the sides and in back, with the top being about 4" long. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. |
Replies:
Posted By: borne.blonde
Date Posted: June 25 2009 at 2:26am
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I hope in the past you didn't use something with metallic salts or whatever the grecian type is don't ever put that one on your hair! How about the Redken For Men Color Camo! Google it & see the swatches... Find a salon in the area & say exactly what you want. A colorist can use a variety of formulas on different parts of your hair & make it look subtle / believable  . (Stuff you SHOULD NOT put on your hair ! . list of the products that contain Lead Acetate for coloring hair: *according to T.C.* *-RD Hair Coloring & Groomer, Creme Formula for Men (LT Laboratories, Brookline Mass.) *-Youthhair Creme, Hair Dressing and Conditioner for Men and Women, (MajesticDrug Company, Inc, Bronx, N.Y.) *-Grecian Plus, Gray (Hair) Control Foam, (COMBE Inc., Dist., White PLains, N.Y.) *-Lady Grecian Formula, Gentle Liquid with Conditioner (COMBE Inc., Dist., White PLains, N.Y.) *-Grecian Formula 16, Liquid with Conditioner (COMBE Inc., Dist., White PLains, N.Y.) <-this is the 'original' Grecian Formula. Other Grecian haircolor products are standard coal-tar dyes. |
Posted By: trichophile
Date Posted: June 25 2009 at 6:49pm
Yeah, Youthair is a lead acetate product, like Grecian is. They claim that it can't pass through the scalp to enter the bloodstream, but just the same, it made me uncomfortable to use. I suppose it falls into the same category of fluoridated water and toothpaste, or mercury amalgam fillings -- there's evidence to support both sides, and there may never be a conclusive determination about their safety.
Thanks for the advice. The Redken product looks like it might work, although I can't find much info on their site, nor can I get much of a sense of colors from the tiny swatches they provide. Goldwell also seems to have some colors for men, as does HaircolourToGo. Still, I can't help but wonder if the greater selection of women's haircolors wouldn't be a viable option. IS there a difference between the products for men versus women, or is it all just packaging? |
borne.blonde wrote:Posted By: borne.blonde
Date Posted: June 25 2009 at 9:47pm
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If you go to a beauty store you can check out some free Comparison Chart stuff & look at the swatches to see which level you are at if you do know or have a photo that is helpful ... Ion Brilliance explains each important pt & percentage of gray do you have & Is your white resistant, what is the dominant tone of your hair etc. I thought that 20 Volume and Neutral colors are key for covering gray.. Clairol has NN Double pigment to help cover gray.(not that I am recommending that) but just an example... Natural or neutral colors are used. If you see something in a mag that matches what you wish for that helps too. Male vs. Female color...I am under the impression it is marketing hype but I will ask a male chemist to be sure... (yes I have read male hair may be more resistant...) YOu may already know this info: http://www.hairfinder.com/tips/menhaircolor.htm which type do you wish demi, semi, permanent etc Redken Color For Men is a demi-permanent hair color. Demi-permanent means that it covers well, but washes out. This color will last up to 4 weeks. Gray is camouflaged and naturally blended. Easy to use! Ash- provides a smokey result (also used to get rid of red tones) Natural- provides a cool tone You can choose from: Light natural/ash for light hair- levels 7 or higher (Blonde-light blonde hair) Medium natural/ash for medium hair levels 4-6 (med brown-dirty blonde hair) Dark Natural/ash for dark hair levels 1-3 (dark bown-black hair) To use: Simply mix the color equally with the Redken For Men Color Camo developer Apply on dry hair, leave for 10 minutes then rinse. shampoo. condition. |