Hello, everyone!
Welcome back to Cosette’s Beauty Pantry, where I’m grappling with a hair decision that’s got me in a bit of a tizzy. It’s been over nine months since I last coloured my hair on the 23rd of December 2024, and I’ve been proudly embracing my natural grey hair ever since. I shared my journey in a blog post a few months ago, celebrating the freedom of letting my silver strands shine. But now, I’m itching to dye my hair again—and I’m planning to do it myself if I take the plunge. The catch? It’ll take about nine more months to fully grow out my previous colour, and that’s only if I keep my hair as short as it is now. So, I’m at a crossroads: stick with my grey or dive into a DIY colour adventure? Join me as I unpack this dilemma, weigh my options, and ask for your wisdom. Let’s dive in!
 |
| What my hair currently looks like. |
More photos here!
My Grey Hair Journey So Far
When I stopped dyeing my hair last December, it was a bold leap. For years, I’d covered my greys with various shades, but I was curious to see my natural hair in all its silver glory. The grow-out phase was a journey—those grey roots were a statement of their own. Over time, I grew to love my grey hair. It felt authentic, empowering, and like a rebellion against society’s pressure to hide ageing. I invested in purple shampoos to keep the silver vibrant and experimented with styles to make it pop.
But now, I’m feeling restless. The urge to change things up is strong, and I’m tempted to grab a box of dye and transform my look at home. Yet, knowing it’ll take another nine months to grow out my previous colour (unless I grow my hair longer, which would extend the timeline), I’m wondering if dyeing now is worth it or if I should stay the grey course.
Why I’m Considering DIY Dyeing
So, what’s sparking this urge to colour again? For one, I miss the vibrancy of dyed hair. There’s something about a fresh shade—whether it’s a warm caramel, a bold auburn, or a sleek brunette—that feels like a mood boost. My grey hair is beautiful, but it can feel a bit one-dimensional at times, especially in dull lighting. I’m craving a pop of colour to reflect my playful side.
Doing it myself is a no-brainer for me. I love the hands-on process of DIY dyeing—it’s like a mini beauty experiment in my bathroom. It’s budget-friendly, and I enjoy the control of picking my shade and applying it just the way I want. But dyeing now means committing to maintaining the new colour or facing another long grow-out if I change my mind again.
The Grow-Out Factor
The fact that it’ll take nine more months to fully grow out my previous colour is a big consideration. My hair is short now, which speeds up the process, but if I decide to grow it longer, that timeline could stretch. Dyeing again would reset the clock, and I’d need to be ready for the upkeep—especially with grey roots, which can be stubborn and show up quickly. This makes me think carefully about whether I want a dramatic change or something more temporary that blends with my grey as it grows.
My DIY Dyeing Options
If I go for it, I’m doing it at home, so I’ve been researching the best ways to colour grey hair myself. Here’s what I’m considering:
1. Permanent Dye: This would cover my greys and remaining old colour completely. I’m drawn to rich tones like chestnut or chocolate brown, but I could also go bold with something. Permanent dye offers a polished, uniform look, but grey hair can be tricky to cover, so I’d need a formula designed for full coverage. The downside? Roots will show fast, and I’d be committed to touch-ups every few weeks.
2. Semi-Permanent Dye: A gentler, temporary option that could let me experiment without a long-term commitment. Semi-permanent dyes fade over 4-8 weeks. They’re less damaging, but they might not fully cover my greys or blend seamlessly with my old colour, so I’d need to choose carefully.
3. Demi-Permanent Dye: This is a middle ground, offering longer-lasting colour than semi-permanent but less commitment than permanent. It could add shine and blend my greys with a natural-looking shade, like a warm brown. It’s a good option for easing into colour while keeping my grow-out manageable.
4. Sticking with Grey: I could skip the dye and keep embracing my silver strands. The grow-out is already halfway done, so maybe I just need to refresh my routine with new products or styling tricks to reignite my love for my natural hair. This option feels safe but less exciting right now.
Navigating DIY Challenges
DIY dyeing grey hair comes with challenges. Grey strands can be wiry and resistant, so I’ll need a high-quality dye that’s up to the task. Hair health is another priority. Grey hair can be fragile, so I’ll choose an ammonia-free dye with nourishing ingredients like argan oil. I’m also planning to follow up with a deep-conditioning treatment to keep my hair soft and shiny.
The Emotional Side
This decision feels bigger than just hair. Embracing my grey was a powerful act of self-acceptance, and I’m worried that dyeing again might feel like stepping back. But I’m starting to see it as another form of self-expression—not hiding my age, but playing with my look. Hair is so personal, and whether I go silver or vibrant, I want to feel confident and true to myself.
What’s Next?
I’m still undecided, so I’m turning to you, my amazing Cosette’s Beauty Pantry community. I’m planning to browse some DIY dye options and maybe do a strand test to see how a new colour looks. I’ll share an update on whether I go for it or stick with my grey. In the meantime, I’d love your insights!
Here’s my question for you: Have you ever done a DIY hair dye job, especially on grey hair? What products or tips made it a success? Or, if you’re growing out your colour, how do you stay patient with the process? Share your stories in the comments below!
Thanks for being part of this hair journey, everyone. Whether I end up with a bold new colour or keep rocking my silver, I’m grateful to have you along for the ride.
With love,
