My hair stylist used a semi-permanent hair color on me about a week ago and I have noticed that my grey hair has not retained the color especially at the roots, what do I do?

Question: My hair stylist used a semi-permanent hair color on me about a week ago and I have noticed that my grey hair has not retained the color especially at the roots, what do I do? Any suggestions?

Answer: First of all let me just tell you this… your stylist should know better than that! If your hair is 25% or more grey, only a permanent hair color will cover completely with out the wash out effect.

When considering hair color, one rule to always remember is this, your natural hair color or your existing hair color plus how porous your hair is and the amount of grey, are the determining factors for permanent or semi- permanent hair color.

I suggest you tell your stylist to use a permanent color next time. The processing time and the developer used also plays a role in the ordeal. Sometimes we professionals have to know when to ease up or when to hit it hard, not all grey hair reacts the same and not all products oxidize the same. It’s important to have a history with your stylist so that he or she can improve the quality of results as time progresses.

Don’t forget that your hair can grow at a normal rate of about ½ inch or more a month. This means that your new growth will start showing about a few days to a week after the color process. Talk to your stylist to try and find a color scheme that might camofloge your new growth. It’s a process but it’s worth it.