Aging of the body is a completely normal process, accompanied by a number of physical and visual changes. In women, in particular, it is manifested by the appearance of gray hair on the head . However, such a natural phenomenon needs skillful concealment. Therefore, many women try to return to their original hair color using chemistry. About how to paint over gray hair, we will tell in this article.
Choose the right shade
So, you decided to get rid of gray hair with cosmetic paint. First you need to choose the color of the paint that will match your hair tone. What does not need to be done in this case? You should not put a package of paint to the head in the hope of immediately choosing the appropriate shade. Remember that the first picture on the packaging is advertising. And you just need to turn the box over and look at its back panel, where a few photos “before” and “after” are usually painted.
What and how to paint?
In the second stage, before painting gray hair on your hair, decide on the purpose. That is, you need to clarify the following points:
- Will you dye all the hair completely (and tone-on-tone with the native color of your curls);
- Do you plan to paint only the roots;
- Want to change the current color to another (for example, darker or lighter).
In addition (mainly for blondes) that you have to paint over gray hair with natural means, you should also get rid of the red tint on the hair. Most often, it occurs after not too successful coloring of the head.
We look at the numbers
Another important point. Before buying a package of paint, pay attention to the numbers that are indicated on it. So, all the basic colors are usually indicated by round numbers, for example, 1.0, 2.0 and up to 10.0. At the same time, 1.0 will be suitable for lovers of color a la "burning brunette", and 10.0 - for light blondes.
In addition, if, for example, you are blonde and not only think about how to naturally gray hair, but also plan to give your hair a certain shade, you should buy a tonic or a special balm. Their packaging also contains numbers. However, unlike paints, 1, 2, etc. are written on toners instead of zero. When using a tint dye with the number 1, you can neutralize the red and achieve a beautiful ash tint. When choosing 2, get ready to get a beautiful mother-of-pearl shine. If you need warmer shades, then you should give preference to funds with numbers 3 or 4.
Mix dye and paint
In order to color the gray hair at home and get the right shade, mix the paint and dye. For example, you chose paint 9.0, and dye - 10.21. Next, you should take some container and pour the contents of both packages in a 1: 1 ratio. The main thing is to choose a bowl made of ceramic, wood or plastic for such a procedure. It is strictly forbidden to use metal utensils for mixing paints.
Important! If you bought paint that you had never used before, be sure to conduct an initial allergy test. To do this, take a little paint and apply it on the delicate skin of the elbow.
What do we paint in the first place?
Please note that if in all previous times you already tried to paint over the gray hair with natural means, but did not affect the rest of the hair length, before starting the procedure, apply regular paint to all curls, bypassing the roots. After about half an hour and put a little paint on them. This way you even out the color of the roots and ends of the hair.
Use tinting for the desired shade.
After we dyed the roots and the length of the hair, or just the roots, we can return to the bowl where the tinted balm was previously mixed . Then apply it on your curls and wait 20-30 minutes, as indicated in the instructions. Use only a special brush or sponge. According to hairdressers, it is not worth using a comb in this case for a better distribution of paint. Otherwise, you risk damaging your curls.
Wash off with water and apply balm
The next step is to thoroughly rinse the dyed hair with water, without using shampoo. After that, it is recommended to get wet curls with a towel and look in the mirror. If the color obtained suits you completely, then it is advisable to fix the effect using a special balm, which is part of the box with paint.
How to paint gray hair on dark hair: highlights
Undoubtedly, it is much easier for women with blond hair to fight gray hair than burning brunettes or brown-haired women. However, for them there are methods to deal with violent gray hair.
For example, one of the options involves highlighting. Such dyeing, as a rule, allows you to leave your natural hair color and add spectacular light or colored strands to it. But this method is only suitable if no more than 50% of your hair is affected by gray hair.
Dye dark hair with tint balm
If, when changing hair color, you prefer to use exclusively natural products, you can always paint gray hair with a tinted balm. The advantages of using this method are many. Firstly, such a paint is the most sparing for your hair. Secondly, with its help you can skillfully adjust the intensity of staining.
For example, for a small shade, you just need to add a few drops of the product to the hair balm. And, of course, after each shampooing, your color will become brighter.
We use semi-permanent paint
Do not know how to paint gray hair on dark hair? No problem. The semi-permanent ammonia-free paint will help you solve the problem. It resembles a coloring tonic, as it does not penetrate deep into the hair, but lingers exclusively on its front surface.
Such paint, as a rule, lasts about 7-10 days and, like a tonic, is washed out over time. However, this method of staining is not suitable for those women whose percentage of gray hair exceeds 30%.
Paint over gray with henna
Another simple, and most importantly, safe method of staining is the use of henna. Many are familiar with this wonderful substance that strengthens and nourishes the hair, giving it a natural shine. However, not everyone knows how to paint gray hair with henna.
So, for this procedure, we need henna, a container and a brush or brush for mixing. Next, pour the contents of the bag into the dishes, add a little water and mix until a homogeneous gruel is formed. If desired, a little oil (essential or culinary) or the yolk of one egg can be added to it. In this case, when applied to the hair, your mixture will lie smoother and more even.
Then you should cover your head with cellophane and a towel, leaving the natural composition prepared by you on your hair (strictly according to the instructions) from 40 minutes to several hours. After the time, it remains only to wash the henna from your curls. About how to paint over gray hair with basma, we will tell further.
How to dye your hair with basma?
Basma is also considered a natural dye that can be safely used without harming the hair. And if henna has a peculiar reddish or reddish hue, then with the help of basma your curls can acquire a darker color, for example, blue-black, milky, chestnut or light brown.
In short, the principle of action of this substance is similar to the previous tool. But far from all packages indicate that basma should be used only in combination with henna. Otherwise, you risk getting a non-standard green hair color. And only when in contact with henna does Basma neutralize its original shade and help get rid of the excessive red that henna rewards us. But how to paint gray hair with henna and basma, correctly calculating the proportion?
According to many makeup artists and hairdressers, the ratio of both natural components is calculated purely individually, it depends on the effect that is planned to be achieved, and on the length of the hair. At the same time, the principle of applying this cocktail remains the same as when using classic henna. Or you can dye your hair in two stages: first, apply henna and rinse, and then basma and also rinse.
What are the features of using henna and basma?
When using natural dyes, many women have a lot of problems. So, for example, some are just sure that the longer you keep the henna mixture on your head, the more intense the color. However, this is not the case. Others, on the contrary, are afraid to spoil their curls, referring to the possible fragility and dryness of hair after using dyes. Answering the question of how to paint over gray hair with henna and basma so as not to dry the hair, we recall that when using any coloring matter, certain rules should be observed.
So, in order not to harm your hair, do not overexpose the composition on the head longer than the norm specified in the instructions. Another important point: if you still have chemical paint on your curls, then before using henna or basma, it is recommended to first tint one strand. After you make sure that no unexpected reaction has occurred, and the hair has not acquired an unusual shade, you can cover the remaining length of your curls with henna and basma.
In addition, dark or orange stains that remain after staining cause a big problem for beginners. Moreover, it is not so easy to get rid of them, as when using ordinary chemical paint. In order to avoid this, it is necessary to smear all exposed areas of the body with greasy cream or olive oil before painting. And in order for the hair not to look heavy, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse it with water, getting rid of dyes.
Adding coffee, cocoa and other ingredients
Do you know how to paint gray hair using henna and other improvised means? As it turned out, doing this is very easy. It is enough to add to the basic composition of henna, for example, a few tablespoons of ground coffee or cocoa. You can also use whey and even cognac. In all three cases, a uniform darkening of the hair will occur.
Summary: when using these or other means for coloring gray hair, be careful. Read the instructions carefully. Work with gloves and do not overdo the dosage.