Coloring Gray Hair - How to Color Gray Hair

The turning of hair from its natural color to gray due to age is called achromotrichia. Graying takes place when the pigment melanin stops being produced in the root of the hair and new strands also grow without the pigment. The primary deciding factor in the age at which a person's hair starts turning gray seems to be genetics. The two genes that appear to be responsible for this change are Bcl-2 and Bcl-w. Over 40 percent of Americans have some gray hair, by the time they are 40. However, many develop premature gray hair, while others may be born with some gray hair as they inherit the trait. Coloring the hair is an option to overcome this problem. For that, you would like to know the techniques to color gray hair.

Challenges in Coloring Your Gray Hair

When you consider covering the gray, it is important to settle on a color that will complement your skin tone and eye color. Many people find that coloring gray hair is not the same as coloring normal hair. A common complaint is that it does not take color well and when it does, it only lasts for a few days. Hair experts say that as gray hair does not contain any pigment, it has a very rough texture, and consequently does not absorb color well. As a solution, some instructions on how to color resistant gray hair suggest that you first bleach your gray hair, which makes it accept color better. One way to do it is to comb 20% peroxide though the hair, leave it on for 5-10 minutes (changes for each individual), and then, rinse it off. This can be followed with an application of the desired hair color.

How to Color Gray Hair

Supplies

• Stylist gloves
• Old clothing
• Hair dye mixing bowl and spatula/brush
• Towels and washcloths
• Hair dye kit in your color preference
• Kitchen timer or stopwatch

Instructions

1. The obvious first step is to select and buy a hair color of your choice. It is advisable to pick a permanent dye or level 3 color, which will be strong enough to cover your gray hair completely. Ensure that the color you buy is designed particularly for gray hair.
2. Follow the instructions on the hair dye and accordingly mix it in a bowl and keep it ready.
3. During the process of coloring, if dye drips onto any surface (and it is likely to), they will get stained. The next preparatory step is to cover all the surfaces, such as the sink and tiles, where the dye is likely to fall, with paper towels.
4. The same will happen with your clothing that are likely to get a few stains, so change into a set of old clothes. Also cover your shoulders with a towel.
5. To start the coloring process, brush out your hair into sections. It is best to color following an inside-out pattern, starting with the innermost layer of hair. Using your dye brush, carefully apply the dye to the gray strands of hair in the section you are working on.
6. Once you are done with applying the dye to all of your hair, pile it on top of your head. Then, use a wet cloth to wipe off all the dye that has got brushed onto your face or neck.
7. You now need to wait for the color to set in. Set the timer for 45 minutes, and if comfortable, go around doing your chores. Alternatively, you could put your feet up and read a book or watch TV.
8. When the timer bell rings, rinse out the color from your hair, using warm water. Then, apply the conditioner that comes with the hair dye kit and wait for about 3 to 5 minutes before you rinse it out.

Use these easy instructions on gray hair coloring to achieve your desired results. If you are worried about the impact of the hair color on your hair and scalp, you could always try a herbal color like henna. So, go ahead, coloring your hair will make you feel young again!