Older men, grey hair and coloring
Posted by buck on March 03, 2002 at 23:22:19: Previous Next
Started growing my hair about a year ago at age 45. I have been using Grecian Formula foam to cover some of my grey. It leaves an more natural look, varied colors, rather than some others where you end up with all the hair the same color, looking very unnatural. With my hair longer longer I'm wondering if this is OK for my hair or is there something better that would accomplish the same thing?
You don't need to respond if you want to tell me to go to a professional to get it done. I know that's an option and my hair gal tells me I'm doing just fine. She is very much attuned to long hair and I've had some nice trim-ups that really haven't delayed my progress. For those who say never get a trim, you just have to find the right person, don't go unless you know they are going to do it right. She cuts my wife's hair and knows she wants mine long, so she's not about to screw it up!
Just wondered, since this board is so informative, if anyone has some tips. Grey is fine, I just don't want so much right now. To each his own, I want my hair long and not as grey as it is naturally.
TIA for any help.
Re: Older men, grey hair and coloring
Posted by NorCal Scott on March 04, 2002 at 18:48:20: Previous Next
In Reply to: Older men, grey hair and coloring posted by buck on March 03, 2002 at 23:22:19:
The only concern I'd have is that Grecian formula colors hair with the use of lead acetate (I believe). I would not want lead anywere near me, since lead poisoning is a serious problem.
Perhaps they have changed the formula.
Coloring can lead to damage, so I understand, but I'm not really knowledgeable about that, so I'll defer to the better informed.
: Started growing my hair about a year ago at age 45. I have been using Grecian Formula foam to cover some of my grey. It leaves an more natural look, varied colors, rather than some others where you end up with all the hair the same color, looking very unnatural. With my hair longer longer I'm wondering if this is OK for my hair or is there something better that would accomplish the same thing?
: You don't need to respond if you want to tell me to go to a professional to get it done. I know that's an option and my hair gal tells me I'm doing just fine. She is very much attuned to long hair and I've had some nice trim-ups that really haven't delayed my progress. For those who say never get a trim, you just have to find the right person, don't go unless you know they are going to do it right. She cuts my wife's hair and knows she wants mine long, so she's not about to screw it up!
: Just wondered, since this board is so informative, if anyone has some tips. Grey is fine, I just don't want so much right now. To each his own, I want my hair long and not as grey as it is naturally.
: TIA for any help.
Re: Older men, grey hair and coloring
Posted by Bill S on March 04, 2002 at 19:40:54: Previous Next
In Reply to: Re: Older men, grey hair and coloring posted by NorCal Scott on March 04, 2002 at 18:48:20:
Vanity???
Started going gray at age 25. That was 30 years ago. Started groing it long one year ago. Never had the urge to cover up what nature has provide and never will. I do get frequent compliments. BTW - my hair is now nearly white.
Keep on growin'
--
Re: Older men, grey hair and coloring
Posted by tock on March 04, 2002 at 19:58:33: Previous Next
In Reply to: Older men, grey hair and coloring posted by buck on March 03, 2002 at 23:22:19:
: Started growing my hair about a year ago at age 45. I have been using Grecian Formula foam to cover some of my grey. It leaves an more natural look, varied colors, rather than some others where you end up with all the hair the same color, looking very unnatural. With my hair longer longer I'm wondering if this is OK for my hair or is there something better that would accomplish the same thing?
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Oooh . . . last I looked, Grecian had lead acetate. Read the directions on that stuff very carefully; it may still advise against using it if you have any scratches on your scalp. Ugh.
: You don't need to respond if you want to tell me to go to a professional to get it done.
< s n i p >
: Just wondered, since this board is so informative, if anyone has some tips. Grey is fine, I just don't want so much right now. To each his own, I want my hair long and not as grey as it is naturally.
: TIA for any help.
======
I'd try a demi permanent color. I use Wella Color Charm, do it a shade lighter than my natural color, and "water it down" by mixing it up 50-50 with a transparent shiny color, 0-0, so it leaves some of the gray intact while making it look shiny. Mix it up at home, it's much easier than that "Just For Men" stuff (cheaper, too, if you get it at Sally's or www.beautycentury.com), and it's less damaging as well. The box says it lasts through 6 shampoos, but I get a couple weeks out of it if I use the Aussie color safe shampoo.
If this sounds interesting, next time you see your stylist, ask her to do your hair up with a demi-permanent color and get the recipe so you can do it at home.
--Tock
Re: Older men, grey hair and coloring
Posted by buck on March 07, 2002 at 10:38:35: Previous Next
In Reply to: Older men, grey hair and coloring posted by buck on March 03, 2002 at 23:22:19:
Thanks guys. That's what I was wondering, how harmful it might be. Guess since your hair is dead and you really don't put it on your scalp, there's probably not much problem, but I think I will give up the Grecian to be on the safe side. Will have to try what tock suggested.