It’s been an interesting and challenging time for all of us right now where the things we take for granted are no longer available to us. One of those things is access to your hairdresser to keep your hair looking good.
While growing it a little longer is not a hard thing to come to terms with, the emergence of a grey regrowth and colour fading are things completely out of your control.
You may or may not have considered a little DIY colour maintenance in the past but, as the weeks tick by, this may have to become a reality.
What DIY colour maintenance options are there?
Firstly there are a few things to consider; most importantly, does it worry you seeing some grey or seeing a dark regrowth or faded ends? If this is not a huge issue for you, then my advice is to just keep the hair healthy with lots of leave in conditioner and reduce styling.
Styling such as blow drying ironing or curling the hair is not such a priority right now because the vast majority of us are not going to work every day.
If you feel you want to – in some way – maintain your colour, then let’s look at some options for disguising regrowth.
Simple camouflage
This may be done quite easily by using a temporary concealer such as a colour dust powder applied onto the parting and hair line. There are several products available at certain pharmacies or major supermarkets.
It can also be done using a makeup face powder if you are able to match it up with your hair colour. It can be applied using a brush that you would have in your make up kit. This method will only last until the hair is next washed.
More advanced
A more advanced/longer lasting option would be to apply a semi-permanent colour to your parting and hair line only. A semi colour can be applied to wet hair and should last 4 to 6 washes.
You would need to be able to match up your shade to achieve this and it would require a more careful application to do this properly.
Getting rid of the grey
In order to cover the grey, you would need to use a permanent colour and have a better understanding of the numbering system that is internationally used for all colours.
Ideally if you can get a family member to do this for you, then the results would be better.
Blending blonde
Trying to disguise blonde highlights as they are growing out is more of a challenge, as one solid colour will not suffice. A simple solution may be to tone them down a little so as the ends are not as faded and dry looking.
This can be done using a semi-permanent colour and this could be the time to experiment with some subtle pastel tones. The most important thing here is to keep the hair healthy.
Blonde and base colour combinations
This is where you may have the dark/grey regrowth covered with a permanent shade and there are highlights through the colour.
The simplest solution is to just focus on the regrowth only and not be concerned with the blonde as it grows out. Again, there are ways to approach this method but it may require more thought and preparation.
In all of the above methods there are some basic steps to consider before taking on the challenge. Again, I must stress that if you feel you can live with it as is, then that may be the best option.
Things to consider before purchasing hair colour
Can you get away with some simple, more natural solutions? For example:
- Baby powder to blend in blonde regrowth
- Chamomile tea infusion to enhance blonde
- Coffee to make darker hair shinier
- Or… take a look online to investigate other natural options that you may have in the cupboard
Can someone do it for you, and can it be done using good lighting and without making a huge mess?
Can you get away with just a semi rather than a permanent colour?
I plan on growing into more depth on all of these matters, including correct application and techniques. However, hopefully this information will provide a little hope and some relief for those who are not keen to face the mirror at the moment.
Stay safe everyone!
Nigel