How to get my long hair to be all gray w/o cutting it?

Question

Been dying my hair with Loreal Preference for years now. It looks red to everyone. I use lightest golden brown.

I want to go all gray for once to see how I'd feel about it.

I have long hair and no desire to cut it.

So, how do I go gray?

I'm a young looking 50+. Am often guessed for being in my thirties. (I don't try to look younger, I just don't sun, so look naturally younger.)

Then, how long do I wait to change back from gray if I want? I hope I don't need to find out.

Answer 1

you either let it grow back and wait.. or you cna strip the color out and apply a grey dye to your hair..when this starts growing out then your natural greys will blend in
to redye it again if ya want color just get the dye and dye it..id wait a month at least or a few weeks..and use a good conditioner..stripping the color out is very harsh on your hair

Answer 2

My hair is redish brown and once i wanted to dye it blonde and my hair styler told me red pigments need to be bleached because a light color wouldnt last so, I guess u should get ur hair bleach and then apply gray color but after u do it make sure u use some products as Super-Charged Moisturizer by Paul Mitchell or you can prepare your own hair treatment specially if ur hair is damaged or dry

1 cup mayonnaise (room tempeture if possible, like from a jar of brand new mayo just off the grocery store shelf)
1/2 cup olive oil
3 egg yolks

Blend all ingredients together in a bowl.

If possible use room tempeture mayo - if not, let mixture warm up to room tempeture*. **If you are in a rush and just can't wait - microwave the mayo for 15 seconds - but be careful - if you nuke it too long it begins to separate**.
Apply thourghly through your hair adding extra at the ends.
Pile on top of your head and cover with a plastic shower cap and then cover with a towel to keep in the heat from your head.
Leave on for at least 10-20 minutes and then rinse out.
Should make 1 to 2 hair treatments depending on the length of your hair.
If you don't want to save the left over for another treatment use whatever is left over as a moisturizing face mask. Also can be used on dry elbow and knees(for best results, this should be used immediately after making and not saved. It will still work, but won't be as effective as when it's fresh).
Do NOT shampoo afterwards, just rinse it really well. Do this on a day when you are not going to go out. Any oil that clings to your hair after you rinse it out, will continue to condition your hair until the next time you shampoo it out.
for best hair conditioning purposes, use immediately after making without refridgerating first. The reason is, the fats and oil will penetrate your hair follicles better if it is not cold. Tip to remember for all hair care: Warm/Hot opens the hair follicles so that conditioner can penetrate deeper. And cold water closes the hair follicles. So after you shower your hair, after you rinse every thing out, rinse again with a blast of very cold water. The coldest you can possibly stand. This cold water blast will also make your hair super shiny!

Answer 3

I'm right there with you, and the maintainance is killer!

I hate to tell you this but all you can do is let it grow out...and that is even more killer!

Find yourself a good stylist; someone that specializes in hair coloring. All you can really do is get highlights put in to minimize the effect of root-grow-out.

It is going to be hard on your hair because they are really going to have to lift it. Depending on the texture of your hair and how healthy it is...or isnt...is going to make a tremendous difference in the end result.

My stylist and I just had this conversation about my hair; I am at this point about 70% grey. I am a slave to my maintainence; planning vacations, and events around my roots.

I know that it sounds vain and incredibly shallow...but, it is the only way that I really monkey with my appearance.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

You could wait and around Halloween get one of those temporary dyes of grey, apply it, and see if you like it. It comes out in about 6-8 washes.
My long hair was light golden brown and I let it go grey naturally (I'm 54) and it looks highlighted.

Answer 5

Well you cant dye it gray, so you can wear a wig, get extensions that cover your dyed hair, or cut it it or grow it out. Good Luck!

Answer 6

i believe you must get your hair bleached. if you don't like it, just dye it again.

Answer 7

why dont u try dieing it