Color-Resistant Gray Hair

Q: I’ve been using L'Oréal hair color for a long time, but recently, I’ve been having trouble getting my gray hair to take the color, especially at the nape of my neck and around the front near my ears. I typically use 8G (Light Golden Blonde), and I’ve experimented by slowly moving from 6G to 9G, thinking that switching back to 8G might help the dye adhere better. However, nothing seems to work.

Isn’t there a product I could apply to my gray areas before coloring to help the dye grab better? I’ve tried several approaches, but none have been successful. I’d prefer not to go back to darker shades because they look too harsh against my skin tone. I’d really appreciate any advice or suggestions you might have.

A: Based on your description, it sounds like your gray hair has become resistant to the hair color you’re using. This is a common issue because gray hair often has a tighter, more compact cuticle layer compared to pigmented hair, making it harder for dye chemicals to penetrate effectively. Fortunately, there are a couple of solutions you can try, depending on what’s available to you.

First, check your local beauty supply store for a product called Gray Magic. It comes in a small ampule and is specifically formulated to help hair color penetrate stubborn, resistant gray hair. You’ll typically find it in the hair color aisle alongside other coloring products and accessories. Simply mix it with your hair color as directed before application.

If Gray Magic isn’t available in your area - or if the beauty supply store doesn’t carry a comparable alternative - you can use a technique called presoftening. This method involves pre-treating the resistant gray hair with hydrogen peroxide developer to gently open the cuticle layer, allowing the color to absorb more effectively. Here’s how to do it:

1. Apply 10-volume peroxide developer directly to the stubborn gray areas.

2. Leave it on for about 10–15 minutes (no longer, as over-processing can damage hair).

3. Gently wipe away the developer with a clean, dry towel.

4. Proceed with your usual hair color application.

This pre-treatment should help your gray hair accept the color more evenly. If you’re unsure about the process, consulting a professional colorist can provide personalized guidance for your specific hair type.

©Hairfinder.com

See also:

Dye resistant hair

Hair color and coloring

How to cover gray hair with hair color

Things that can go wrong when coloring hair