Hello! I have somewhat thick ashy blonde hair. I decided to try the new pastels and chose the Smoky Blue and while the results were interesting and fun, I have decided it isn't for me. After reading on how to go from grey to blonde, yesterday I got my normal medium blonde color, applied it, and then afterwards did my spruce with a light ash blonde. When all was said and done, zero color took. The bit of blonde from the original incomplete coverage of the Smoky Blue still shows through, but it was as if I didn't do anything.
I have read that grey hair has no pigment, therefore it doesn't color because there is no pigment to color (assuming that is correct). If this is true, how do I get my now steely grey hair back to blonde with products from the drug store... any help would be appreciated!
Alexa
What products did you use, were they permanent dyes?
I used the new Loreal Feria pastel smokey blue, then tried my normal blend of Feria blondes - box from the drug store... thats all I have used for 25+ years so I am assuming these fall in the permanent category.
I think you just need to tone it with something warm. Are you in the USA? I am not sure what brands you have access to in your drug stores (you will have a much better selection if you go to Sallys or another beauty supply store) but as long as it is warm toned (golden or honey blonde) and doesn't require peroxide (developer) it should put some warmth back into your blonde
I just have to add, it's naturally grey hair that has no, or little, pigment. Dyed grey has pigments, they're just purple pigments to tone out the yellow in hair but it's quite subtle.
Yes I am in Los Angeles. Well, that is good to know. So weird I never leave color on that long, I just tone it to maintain and add some dynamics, keeps the roots in check and for the first time I left the color on for a long time, and it did zero. I will try warm! Thank you so much! I hate the yellow and the brassy by the way, I love the cool colors and ashy blonde... so oy... the cycled begins!
Thank you again so much this is such a lifesaver of a place. Read so much valuable info here!
Blue greys really counteract the warmth more than you'd think, one of my friends recently tried to use a pastel orange/ peach colour over what she thought was completely faded blue grey but it must have still been toned so cool that it came out pink! You won't end up with a warm brassy blonde as long as you're careful as the blue and grey will be counteracting it, you just need something to pull it back towards blonde.