Gentle Hair Color Methods

Protect Your Hair by Using Hair Care Products That Contain Gentler Ingredients

Hello Jean,

I was wondering if you know of any dyes that aren't so harsh for the hair to cover gray, about 10%.

I have naturally dark brown hair and don't want any red tones so that eliminates henna. What's a good rich brown shade?

Thanks and I enjoy reading your website.

Tania

So glad you enjoy my website.

If your concern is purely the harshness of the peroxide or ammonia, there are brands with reduced amounts of these chemicals. Try L'Oreal Natural Match No-Ammonia Color-Calibrated Creme Hair Color, Dark Brown 4N Natural.

[ More on selecting the right shade for you later. Dark Brown 4N may be just a starting point.]

Another way to reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals, is to color less frequently.

This is now made possible by a new product by Clairol, Nice'n Easy Root Touch-up, a root touch-up kit that gives you a quick, easy way to get rid of roots or pesky grays that reappear before you want to color again, in just 10 minutes.

Clairol promises that no matter which brand of hair color you use, the color-matching formula ensures a perfect match.

If that idea appeals to you, I recommend Clairol Hydrience for your permanent color. Clairol Hydrience Sable Cove seems to be a good choice for you.

[ Again, this suggested color may be just a starting point.]

Since you want to avoid red tones, choose a color within one shade of your natural brown color. Dark hair is more subject to go red when colored.

The general rule is that the darker your natural color is, the more likely it is that your hair will go red because darker hair contains a higher level of red pigmentation. Undesirable red tones are also more prone to occur when permanent hair dyes are used. This may have something to do with the added chemicals in permanent hair dyes.

Finally, there are a couple of other things you can do to preserve your new color longer and thereby reduce exposure to peroxide and/or ammonia.

Use a shampoo and conditioner specially formulated to protect hair color from quickly fading. I recommend Citre Shine Fresh Fusion Shampoo and Citre Shine Fresh Fusion Conditioner.

Also, when you rinse your hair, use cool water. Cool or cold water closes the cuticle, the protective layer on the outside of your hair strand and prevents anything from getting into your hair or out (like your color). Warm water leaves the cuticle open and color can fade faster that way.