To color or not to color…a huge conundrum for some of us so-called seniors! I can’t speak for most women about experiencing the first gray hair, because I began coloring my hair in college. Just some auburn highlights here and there to my otherwise plain, brown hair. So I am not certain when my first gray hair appeared. Suffice to say, I must have kept Clairol in business in those years.

When I turned 60, I decided a change was needed. I switched to a hair product that brought back the medium blonde of my early childhood.

Issues with Coloring Hair

In the last year or two, I let the gray creep in for the first time and actually considered keeping it.  According to one source, professional coloring can cost as much as $400 or more, depending on services rendered, location and stylist, while most will cost considerably less. Given that information, I chose to color my own, spending less than $100 per year. However, there are added costs with special shampoos, sprays and gels for color-treated hair, regardless of who does the work.

Coloring Gray Hair Takes Time

Some might consider the additional time taken up by the coloring process and subsequent weekly conditioning treatments an additional cost. Either a couple hours spent in a salon chair or a mess to clean up at home, coloring hair involves time and effort. Gray hair sometimes requires more waiting time than other shades. For whatever reason, the gray doesn’t always want to absorb the color. Be patient.

Be Prepared for Damage

Altering hair color damages those tresses.  From dry hair to split ends to possible thinning hair, some problems may occur, regardless of who does the work. Purchase products known to be gentle on your hair.

Go Lighter!

Take a tip from a professional when planning to color your own hair. Ursula Stephens, colorist for singer Rhianna, says not to believe the hair color on the box of dye. She believes the finished color will always come out darker than expected. Her suggestion is to buy one to two shades lighter than your desired color.

Sometimes Dirty Works Better

John Corbett of the James Corbett Studio in New York, believes that color adheres better if your hair isn’t clean. He believes the color will better adhere to slightly dirty hair. Second day hair is better for coloring.

Special Shampoos Required

Choose shampoo specifically intended for color-treated hair. It won’t contain harsh chemicals and will help preserve the color.

Understand the Dangers

Know how hair dye damages hair. Whether hair color is permanent or semi-permanent, it contains peroxide. Peroxide breaks down the natural hair color and lifts the cuticle so the gray hair shaft will absorb the new color. This may well damage the hair by making it dry and easily broken.

Watch Out for Allergies

Always follow the skin test explained on the box. Some people react with allergies to hair dyes. Don’t assume that if the product worked fine last time you used it, it will do so again.  Run the test.

Think before You Leap

Should you choose the professional route, relax and enjoy the process. Be certain you can afford to keep up with the touch-ups between coloring, the time spent in the chair and choose your colorist well.

My own attempt to embrace my gray hair lasted 6 months before I grew sick of looking at the old lady greeting me in the bathroom mirror each morning. It may not get rid of the wrinkles but at least for now, I can enjoy my “blondish” hair and pretend that the hidden gray hairs must belong to someone else.