covering grey hair using natural ingredients

Posted by 4G (267 days ago)

Any advice on how to colour grey hair naturally ?????
Thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Douglas Lillico (267 days ago)

4G,
I am sorry to say that there really is no alternative to truly cover grey. You see grey hair is merely that lack of pigmentation not truly a color but a lack there of. Any color that tries to do this naturally usually uses a metallic based product such as Henna or a food like dye. You can use a semi permanant color they are low in ammonia and use mild developers. The problem with the dyes and stains is they have other side effects that are not really admirable and can also interfere with other coloring techniques. My personal taste is toward the Semi because it tends to give a bit of a transparent and more natural look. It is also more desirable because the root line is less drastic. On other thing I find is that a low lighting service can be used to slowly blend the grey away in steps. There are a few other ares we can look at but this is these are the best choices...hope that helps...cheers

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 4G (266 days ago)

I am absolutely frustrated having to touch up my roots every week and am seriously considering going grey but am very scared ,how it may look and what is the procedure involved and how long will it take to go completely grey if I cut my hair real short .Is there anyway you can colour your hair salt and pepper Any advice would be really appreciated
Thanks a lot

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by D-Man (266 days ago)

4G, this is a common delema for alot of people who have been coloring and are fed up of the maintainence. First off, the best thing is to have a consultation with your stylist and visual confrimation works better than virtual. I have had serveral clients take the same road (as i am sure have most stylists) and it can be a little frustrating. Cutting the hair shorter will definately help and speed up the process. There are color strippers that can be used to remove your artificial color but they can be a little unpredictable, another option would be to do alot of highlights throughout the hair to break up the solid color and help to ease out the natural hair. On average a pesons hair grows about a half inch per month (often faster in summer) so depending on the length of hair you can roughly determine how long it will take. Dont stress too much as you do have some options but as i said, best to consult your stylist or even a new one for this kind of color process.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 4G (266 days ago)

Thank you very much Douglas and Dman for your inputs,really appreciate it .
Any suggestions on English speaking stylists and where I can find them at reasonable prices,would be very welcome .
Thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by mayo (266 days ago)

I recently read the following article and decided when the time comes I'm going grey gracefully. Some people are grey because of an overall lack of grooming rather than a choice but when it's the choice of a well groomed woman, I think it looks really stylish. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20640615/site/newsweek/?from=rss

(I am based in Singapore)

Posted by Douglas Lillico (266 days ago)

4G,
I, to the detriment of my wallet, encourage my clients to go grey if they have a good distribution of Grey. As for how long, well hair grows on average of 1/4 inch a month to just above that amount. I would like to look at your hair before giving to much advice on your particular condition as each client is very unique as is your lifestyle and personal outlook on yourself. When growing out Grey there are several things to look at and a few pertinent questions to ask. I have found that in most cases the natural color of the Grey hair is very complimentary on my clients past a certain age and mind set. It also gives a sense of self confident and personal identity that color cannot achieve. Of coarse any success you have with yourself comes from self confidence not a hair style. To be Grey you should feel sexy and feminine in your own skin first and that way your Grey simply becomes an extension of your real self.
Its a big step your taking and I applaud you for taking the first step as I know what a big decision it can be. I am pretty sure its the right one for as well...let me know if you want to stop in and chat about things a bit....CHEERS

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 4G (265 days ago)

Thank you very much Douglas ,for the positive and encouraging words
I have sent you a pm
I really appreciate everyones inputs
Thanks once again to all who have given advice

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Douglas Lillico (265 days ago)

4G, thanks for the note...I look forward to chatting with you. Do me a favor jot down the products you have at home for me and make a note of any issues you may have so we address everything...cheers

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 4G (264 days ago)

I will do that Douglas
Thank you

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Purple Queen (262 days ago)

I decided last Dec. to stop colouring my hair after having an accident and having my head shaved. So it was easier for me since I didn't have to worry about the growing out part. I wanted to let you know that I'm really happy with my choice and so is my husband. I'll admit it took me awhile to like, but now I really do and its so much cheaper than having to get it coloured all the time! I'm only 38 and never thought I'd stay grey until I was in my 50 or 60's but it really has been a great thing. My true colours really look better on me now too. Good luck with this decision.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Douglas Lillico (262 days ago)

PQ,
that was great to hear. Its really good to hear that you have the confidence to go through that change. I have worked with allot of people that have cancer and other issues related to hair loss or surgery and its not easy. The good thing about this is that once you heal you gain a renewed sense of confidence and priority. It also makes hair matters seem a little less pressing...thanks for that input...cheers

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 4G (262 days ago)

Thanks Purple Queen ,for sharing your experience .
It just affirms my thought process on this subject

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Douglas Lillico (260 days ago)

4G,
I just wanted to share with you a bit about 4 clients I am currently working with each of which is in a completely different phase of life and career. I chatted with each of them this week with you in mind and told them about your concerns and as I expected they were very positive in their response and support. They are noticing a marked improvement in texture, shine, scalp health and stress levels ( from roots ). I even had two husbands e-mail back that they were skeptical at first but love it now that its finished (now that does not happen everyday). So, rest easy with your decision and remember, I worry enough about these issues for us both, you'll be fine...cheers

(keep me posted)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by 4G (259 days ago)

Thanks Douglas
I will come and see you soon

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Tidings 2 (259 days ago)

I have grey hair only on the sides and use brown mascara on my roots when the semi perm dark auburn colour washes out..............note too, when you do your own hair colouring, as long as you don't mix the 2 bottles and use only a portion of the mixtures, you can often get up to 3 uses out of each box.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by joga (241 days ago)

Purple Queen, I am also 38 and thinking of letting my natural platinum highlights shine. I read that you will only look 3 years younger if you dye hair but you will also be assumed less confident. Have you found this to be true? I was wondering if you noticed a difference in what people assumed your age to be? Although I would rather appear sassy and a BIT older than a bit younger and less secure, I have young children and I don't want people to think I am their grandmother. any advice?

(I am based in Tokyo)

Posted by Douglas Lillico (238 days ago)

Joga,
nice input and questions...
Several things that you should really be aware of first; over the past say, ten years or so, to help take our profession in a bit different direction. One of our goals was to greatly individualize our services per client and look more at the whole person and not just a hair style. This meant a more natural approach to hair both in form and in function. Colors have become more subtle, cutting less aggressive and we look at everything from body type to eye color and lifestyle when setting our goals. Going Grey was a huge part of this movement and has been a battle as much as a blessing. In a nut shell, you and no one else knows when you feel your most confident and sexy. There are other factors but this is the foundation. If you find yourself compromising either of those you may not be ready. My point is, its not just about convenience or saving money or time, its about how it makes you feel as a woman and a person. We all have an image we see in that mirror in the morning (I never visualized these wrinkles by the way, my mirror may be broken), and stepping to far outside of this right away can be uncomfortable and can make you nervous in the future....I can give you some pointers on blending it as it grows out if you like...cheers

PS...if any of you are on my Web Site, sorry about the type'os I have had several people look it over but I need to do it myself.,..just no time. If any has time I would love to chat, I need it revamped a bit as well, just no time...thanks, contact info on site

There are some very specific ways to eahttp://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/images/search_tab.gif
http://hongkong.asiaxpat.com/images/search_tab.gifse into you Grey if you decide to grow out. And I can introduce you to my clients who have gone through this

(I am based in Hong Kong)