In this article you can discover secrets behind why hair dye won’t take on grey hair and achieve the look you desire with confidence.
Many have found that the hair dye won’t take on grey hair. This can be frustrating and confusing, leaving people wondering what they are doing wrong.
The truth is that grey hair is typically resistant to hair dye because it lacks the pigment that gives hair its color. Instead, grey hair is made up of translucent strands that allow light to pass through, making it appear grey or even white.
This means that when hair dye is applied, the color molecules are unable to penetrate the hair shaft and attach themselves to the hair’s pigments, resulting in a lack of color uptake.
While there are some hair dyes available that claim to work on grey hair, they are often harsh and damaging to the hair, and may still not produce the desired result.
In this article, I will explore the reasons why hair dye won’t take on grey hair and offer some alternative solutions to help you achieve the look you desire.
Why Hair Dye Won’t Take On Grey Hair
Grey hair is different from regular hair. The texture of grey hair is different, and it can be coarse and dry. The hair follicles become less effective at holding onto moisture as we age, and this leads to dryness in our hair. Additionally, grey hair has lost its natural pigment, so hair dyes have nothing to stick to. Without the presence of pigment, hair dyes cannot impart the desired hair color.
Should women stop dyeing over their greys?
— Jeremy Vine On 5 (@JeremyVineOn5) April 28, 2023
Queen Consort Camilla's hairstylist Jo Hansford doesn't think so – she says she can't bear grey hair!
What are your thoughts? Do you dye yours or do you embrace the natural greys? pic.twitter.com/p472UtDbcs
Why Do My My Grey Roots Show After 2 Weeks Of Hair Coloring
There are several reasons why hair dye doesn’t take on grey hair, and one of them is due to the lack of pigment in grey hair.
Grey hair is caused by a reduction in melanin, which is responsible for giving color to our hair. Therefore, it becomes difficult for hair dye to penetrate the hair shaft and deposit color onto the hair follicles.
Additionally, grey hair is coarser and more porous than pigmented hair. It has a large cuticle, which makes it harder for the dye molecules to stick to the hair shaft and stay on for longer periods.
Another factor that contributes to grey hair’s stubbornness is that it resists color fading. Grey hair has fewer layers of cuticle and more layers of cortex, making it harder for the cuticle layers to open up, allowing dye molecules to penetrate the pigments.
In conclusion, several factors contribute to the lack of adherence of hair dye on grey hair. While it may be frustrating to see grey roots after only two weeks of coloring, it’s essential to understand your hair’s properties and ensure that you’re using the right type of dye formulated for grey hair.
How To Colour Resistant Grey Hair
As we age, our hair is no stranger to the natural process of greying. While some choose to embrace the grey, many still feel the need to cover it up with hair dye. However, colouring resistant grey hair can be a frustrating and difficult process.
Firstly, it is important to choose the right hair dye that is specifically formulated for grey hair. Products containing ammonia and peroxide can damage hair and dry it out, making it more difficult for the dye to penetrate.
Opt for gentle, ammonia-free dyes that are designed for resistant grey hair. Prepping your hair before colouring is crucial. Use a clarifying shampoo to remove any build-up and residue that could prevent the dye from taking hold.
Apply a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask beforehand to nourish your hair and ensure an even dye distribution. When applying the dye, section your hair and work from the roots to the ends.
Leave the dye on for the recommended time, based on your hair type and the strength of the formula. Lastly, embrace the fact that resistant grey hair may not always achieve the desired shade in one go.
Be patient and avoid over-processing your hair, as this can further damage it. Regular touch-ups with gentler dyes will keep your hair looking vibrant and youthful.
Related: What Is The Best Natural Hair Dye For Grey Hair
Will Henna Take On Color Resistant Grey Hair

If you have been struggling with coloring your grey hair, you may have come across recommendations to try henna. Henna is a natural dye that originates from the Henna plant, and it is renowned for its ability to coat the hair shaft and add a red-orange hue to the hair.
However, despite its impressive reputation, henna may not be the answer for everyone struggling with color-resistant grey hair. This is because henna can be unpredictable when used on hair previously treated with commercial dyes.
The chemicals present in these dyes can alter the texture and makeup of the hair, resulting in an uneven or undesirable color when henna is applied.
Additionally, while henna may provide a semi-permanent solution for those with resistant grey hair, its effects can be incredibly difficult to remove or correct.
This means that if you are considering using henna as a hair dye, it is essential to consult with a professional hairdresser and undertake thorough research before committing to the treatment.
In conclusion, while henna may work for some, it may not be a reliable answer for everyone struggling with color-resistant grey hair. Its unpredictable nature and long-term effects require careful consideration before use.
Can I Use Color Depositing Hair Dyes On Resistant Grey Hair

If you’re one of the many people struggling with stubborn grey hairs that just won’t hold color, you might be wondering if color depositing hair dyes are the answer to your problems. Unfortunately, the short answer is no.
Color depositing hair dyes are designed to work by adding temporary color to your hair follicles. Since grey hair lacks pigment entirely, these dyes won’t stick or be able to achieve the same results as they would on hair with existing color.
Even if you use a permanent hair dye, it may not take as well on grey hairs because the hair strands are typically coarser and more resistant. However, this doesn’t mean you have to give up on coloring your hair altogether.
There are a few things you can try to help make your color last longer, including using a pre-color treatment to open up the cuticle of your hair so the color can better penetrate the hair shaft.
Additionally, choosing a hair color formula specifically designed for grey hair and following the manufacturer’s instructions for processing time can also help. So don’t give up on achieving your desired color just yet!
What Colour Is Best To Cover Grey Hair?
When it comes to covering grey hair with dye, it’s important to choose the right colour. While some people opt for a shade that matches their natural hair colour, this may not be the best option for everyone.
In fact, choosing a slightly lighter shade can often be more flattering, as it can help to soften the appearance of wrinkles and bring out the natural highlights in the hair. On the other hand, going too dark can make the skin appear sallow and emphasize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. When choo
Using a hair dye to cover grey hair, it’s important to take into account not only your natural hair colour and skin tone, but also your personal style and the look you want to achieve.
Whether you opt for a bold and vibrant shade or a more subtle and natural-looking colour, remember that the choice is ultimately yours. Choose a colour that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and you’ll be sure to shine!
The struggle to dye grey hair is a common one, and it’s not without reason. As we age, our hair loses its vitality, and the melanin production slows down. Without melanin, the hair loses its natural pigment, and the grey hair emerges.
Unfortunately, this also means that the hair shaft becomes coarser and more resistant to dye, making it difficult to achieve a uniform color. Additionally, grey hair tends to have less oil, which is essential in maintaining hydration and softness, further exacerbating the problem.
While some hair coloring products advertise the ability to cover grey hairs, the truth is that not all products are created equal, and some may even cause further damage to already fragile hair.
Also Read:
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Can I Use Lush Henna On Grey Hair
To Summarize