Grey hair is a privilege to own & can give a very classy look with the right cut & style. If you prefer not to show off your silver strands and wish to add colour you can. Here we look at the range of Desert Shadow organic hair colours which are suitable for grey hair and talk about what you can achieve with the different shades of colour.
In this article we will look at the following
- Things to think about when choosing a colour
- Degrees of grey and how to use your greys to create depth and highlights
- 12 shades of Desert Shadow colour and how each will work with grey hair. We will give a description of expected results
- Important notes when using our organic hair colours on grey hair
Things to think about when choosing a colour
1. The lighter and closer you go to your natural colour the easier it will be for you to maintain.
Grey regrowth can be easier to disguise when you use a lighter colour. It might give you an extra few days for stretching out the colour and frequency of application. You can choose a darker colour just keep in mind that your may need to apply the colours at more regular intervals as your hair grows.
2. If you are unsure which colour to choose start with a lighter colour.
Desert Shadow organic hair colours are long lasting colours that fade slightly. They are called semi permanent due to the fact they do not change the structure of your hair but that does not mean they wash out. They may fade after the first couple of uses but will build up to become a deep and long lasting shade.
Our colours do not contain any bleach or peroxide so this means you can colour match or go darker but you can not go lighter. This is why we suggest you go for a lighter colour and then if you feel to go darker then do so.
If your hair is naturally darker but you have quite a few greys then you can use a lighter tone to create a highlight look. We have more details below
3. Desert Shadow organic colours build with repeated applications
Once you have achieve the colour tone you like we recommend you apply the colour to the regrowth only and do a full colour application every 4th or 5th time. This will avoid the colour darkening and any layering of colour where the ends may continue to take on the colour and darken.
4. If you think you may want to bleach or lighten your hair in the future this product is not for you
As I mentioned earlier our colours are long lasting which is great for a permanent shade that doesn't need too much maintenance other than colouring the regrowth. However, this colour is not great for those wish to chop and change their hair colour. These products are a lifestyle choice and more for those who want reliable colour that doesn't contain toxic chemicals or carcinogens and are more conscious and sustainable for the environment.
If you feel that you would like to use usual salon colours that is okay, it really is your choice and we respect everyones choice. We do have some amazing hair treatments that you can use in conjunction with standard chemical colours that will help to keep your hair & scalp healthy in between salon visits. You can read more about which treatments are good for Salon coloured hair here:
Degrees of grey & how to create depth and highlights
You can play with the colours and use them to create highlights, making your greys work for you in a way that suits you.
30% or less of grey hair
If you have 30% or less of grey hair you can choose a colour similar to your own natural colour or lighter. Colour matching will give you a uniform colour all over while choosing a colour slightly lighter than your natural tone will turn your greys into highlights.
50% grey hair
If you have 50% or more of grey hair you may wish to go for a lighter shade. Choosing a lighter shade than your natural tone will turn your greys into highlights. You can also choose to colour match to your natural tone for an all over even colour.
80% or more grey hair
If you have 80% or more of grey hair you might like to go with one of our lighter shades to make the upkeep a little easier. You can also choose to colour match to your natural tone for an all over even colour. Just note that you may require more regular applications, you can save time and money by using 1 pack of colour for 2 or even 3 applications. Read more about this here: What to do with left over hair colour that has been activated
12 shades of Desert Shadow colour and how each will work with grey hair
9.3 Warm Golden Blonde
Sun Shadow will give a golden glow to grey and light blonde hair.
Can be applied to the hair for 30 to 45 mins for a subtle colour or left in the hair for 1.5 to 3 hours for the full golden effect. This colour will show on light and grey coloured hair but will not be seen on medium to dark hair.
*application times may vary and first time users should perform a
strand test to determine desired time.
RECOMMENDED FOR LIGHTER HAIR TONES
Sun shadow will give the best results with lighter hair as the colour will compliment the existing colour while at the same time colouring the greys.
LIGHT TONE RESULTS
grey with blonde - you will achieve a golden tone to all of your hair. The grey strands may be ever so slightly lighter than your existing blonde hair but this will create depth and give a nice highlight effect.
grey with light brown - you will achieve a golden tone to all of your hair. The grey strands will be lighter than your light brown hair but this will create depth and create a highlight effect. Your light brown hair will take on a very slight golden glow that will be more noticeable in the sunlight.
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MEDIUM TO DARK HAIR TONE RESULTS
Can be used on medium to darker hair with grey but may not give a noticeable effect.
grey with medium brown - you will achieve a golden tone on the grey hairs only. Due to the contrast between the light and dark in your hair it may seem that the greys do not have any golden colour...... they do it is just harder to see.
grey with dark brown - you will achieve a golden tone on the greys only. Again, due to the contrast between the light and dark in your hair it may seem that the greys do not have any golden colour, they do it is just harder to see. The product will not show up on the darker hair but will act as a treatment, making your hair soft and shiny.
Please note: The more grey hair you have the more noticeable the Sun Shadow will be. If you have 50% or more grey hair it will be more noticeable than if you have only a few grey strands.
IMPORTANT!
*This colour does have yellow undertones (hence the name Sun Shadow) Some hair types may pick up on this tone more or less than others. We recommend a strand test to determine desired processing time and final colour result. This is especially important for people with lighter hair tones. Colour resistant hair will require the longer period for processing time.
8.4 Strawberry Blonde/Light red
Strawberry Shadow will give a warm strawberry light red glow to grey and light coloured hair.
Can be applied to the hair for 30 to 45 mins for a subtle glow or left in the hair for 1.5 to 3 hours for the full strawberry red colour.
*application times may vary and first time users should perform a
strand test to determine desired time.
RECOMMENDED FOR LIGHT to MEDIUM HAIR TONES
Strawberry Shadow will give the best results with lighter to medium hair as the colour will compliment the existing colour while at the same time colouring the greys. This is a light red so expect a reddish glow.
LIGHT TONE RESULTS
grey with blonde - you will achieve a warm light red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands may be ever so slightly lighter than your existing blonde hair but this will create depth and give a nice highlight effect.
grey with light brown - you will achieve a warm light red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands will be lighter and a little brighter than your light brown hair but this will create depth and give a nice highlight effect. Your light brown hair will take on a beautiful warm glow that will be noticeable.
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MEDIUM TO DARK HAIR TONE RESULTS
Can be used on medium to darker hair with grey but may not give a noticeable effect.
grey with medium brown - you will achieve a light and bright red tone on the grey hairs. Your medium brown hair may take on an ever so subtle warm glow which will be more noticeable in the sunlight.
grey with dark brown - you will achieve a light and bright red tone on the grey hairs only. The product will not show up on the darker hair but will act as a treatment, leaving your hair soft and shiny.
Please note: The more grey hair you have the more noticeable the Strawberry Shadow will be. If you have 50% or more grey hair it will be more noticeable than if you just have a few grey strands.
IMPORTANT!
*This colour does have copper undertones and is a light red colour. Some hair types may pick up on this tone more than others. We recommend a strand test to determine desired processing time and final colour result. This is especially important for people with lighter hair. Colour resistant hair will require the longer period for processing time.
7.4 Hot Copper Red
Copper Shadow will add a bold and hot tangerine hue to grey and light coloured hair.
Can be applied for 30 to 45mins for a lighter copper or left in the hair for 2 to 3 hours for the full copper red glow
*application times may vary and first time users should perform a
strand test to determine desired time..
RECOMMENDED FOR LIGHT to MEDIUM HAIR TONES
Copper Shadow will give the best results with lighter to medium hair as the colour will compliment the existing colour while at the same time colouring the greys. This is a hot copper red so expect a vibrant red tone.
LIGHT TONE RESULTS
grey with blonde - you will achieve a hot copper red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands may be ever so slightly brighter than your existing blonde hair but this will create depth and give a nice highlight effect.
grey with light brown - you will achieve a hot copper red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands will be lighter and a brighter than your light brown hair but this will create depth and give a nice highlight effect. Your light brown hair will take on a beautiful copper red that will be noticeable.
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MEDIUM TO DARK HAIR TONE RESULTS
Can be used on medium to darker hair with grey but may not give a noticeable effect.
grey with medium brown - you will achieve a hot copper red tone on the grey hairs. Your medium brown hair will take on a red glow which will be a little deeper, still copper in tone but not as vibrant as the grey hair.
grey with dark brown - you will achieve a hot copper red tone on the grey hairs only. Your darker hair may take on an ever so slight red reflect in the sun but it will not be very noticeable.
Please note: The more grey hair and lighter your hair is, the more noticeable the Copper Shadow will be.
IMPORTANT!
*This colour does have strong copper undertones and is a light hot copper red colour. Some hair types may pick up on this tone more than others. We recommend a strand test to determine desired processing time and final colour result. This is especially important for people with lighter hair. Colour resistant hair will require the longer period for processing time.
**This colour is not recommended if you wish to bleach or lighten your hair in the future
6.4 Red Shadow
Medium Copper Red
Fiery copper, Red Shadow will give a pop of fire red to grey hair.
Can be applied to the hair for 30 to 45 mins for a less intense fire glow or left in the hair for 2 to 3 hours for the full fiery effect.
*application times may vary and first time users should perform a
strand test to determine desired time.
RECOMMENDED FOR LIGHT to MEDIUM HAIR TONES
Red Shadow will give the best results with lighter to medium hair as the colour will compliment the existing colour while at the same time colouring the greys. This is a hot copper red so expect a fiery red tone.
LIGHT TONE RESULTS
grey with blonde - you will achieve a fiery medium copper red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands may be slightly lighter or brighter but on the whole your colour will be an even tone.
grey with light brown - you will achieve a fiery medium copper red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands will be lighter and a brighter than your light brown hair but this will create depth and give a nice highlight effect. Your light brown hair will take on a beautiful fiery red tone that will be noticeable.
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MEDIUM TO DARK HAIR TONE RESULTS
Can be used on medium to darker hair with grey. The effect on the darker hair will be seen but wont be as vibrant.
grey with medium brown - you will achieve a fiery copper red tone on the grey hairs. Your medium brown hair will take on a rich fiery glow which will be noticeable.
grey with dark brown - you will achieve a fiery copper red tone on the grey hairs only. Your darker hair may take on an ever so slight red reflect in the sun but it will not be noticeable.
Please note: The more grey hair and lighter your hair is, the more noticeable the Red Shadow will be.
IMPORTANT!
*This colour does have strong copper undertones and is a medium hot copper red colour. Some hair types may pick up on this tone more than others. We recommend a strand test to determine desired processing time and final colour result. This is especially important for people with lighter hair. Colour resistant hair will require the longer period for processing time.
**This colour is not recommended if you wish to bleach or lighten your hair in the future
* please note this article is a guide only and individual results may vary depending on your hair type and previous colouring & styling products used. We always recommend you do a strand test before full application to decide if the colour is right for you
6.64 Deep Copper Red
Intense fiery copper, Deep Red Shadow will give a deep copper fire red to grey hair.
Can be applied to the hair for 30 to 45 mins for a hot copper glow or left in the hair for 2 to 3 hours for the full vibrant effect.
*application times may vary and first time users should perform a strand test to determine desired time.
RECOMMENDED FOR ALL HAIR TONES
Deep Red Shadow will give vibrant results with lighter to medium hair as the colour will compliment the existing colour while at the same time colouring the greys. This is a hot copper red so expect a vibrant red tone.
LIGHT & MEDIUM TONE RESULTS
grey with blonde - you will achieve a fiery deep copper red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands may be ever so slightly brighter than your existing blonde hair but this will create depth and give a nice highlight effect.
grey with light brown - you will achieve a fiery deep copper red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands will be lighter and a brighter than your light brown hair but this will create depth and give a nice highlight effect. Your light brown hair will take on a beautiful fiery red tone that will be deeper rather than vibrant.
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DARKER HAIR TONE RESULTS
Can be used on medium to darker hair with grey. The effect on the darker hair will be seen but wont be as vibrant.
grey with medium brown - you will achieve a fiery copper red tone on the grey hairs. Your medium brown hair will take on a rich, deep fiery glow which will be noticeable but be more on the burgundy side.
grey with dark brown - you will achieve a fiery copper red tone on the grey hairs only. Your darker hair may take on an ever so slight red reflect in the sun but it will not be noticeable.
Please note: The more grey hair and lighter your hair is, the more vibrant the Deep Red Shadow will be.
IMPORTANT!
*This colour does have strong copper undertones and is a deep hot copper red colour. Some hair types may pick up on this tone more than others. We recommend a strand test to determine desired processing time and final colour result. This is especially important for people with lighter hair. Colour resistant hair will require the longer period for processing time.
**This colour is not recommended if you wish to bleach or lighten your hair in the future
6.54 Auburn Red
Caramel Shadow will add spice & warmth to grey hair. It may also leave a subdued copper undertone to some hair types.
Follow the grey coverage mixing instructions for best results.
*application times may vary and first time users should perform a strand test to determine desired time.
SUITABLE FOR ALL HAIR TONES
Caramel Shadow will give an auburn red tone to light & medium hair. The colour will compliment the existing colour while at the same time colouring the greys. This is an auburn red colour hot so expect a red tone.
LIGHT HAIR TONE RESULTS
grey with blonde - you will achieve a warm and spicy red tone to all of your hair. The colour will mostly be uniform and even.
grey with light brown - you will achieve an auburn red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands will be lighter and possibly a little brighter than your light brown hair but this will create depth and give a nice highlight effect. Your light brown hair will take on a beautiful warm and spicy red tone.
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DARKER HAIR TONE RESULTS
Can be used on medium to darker hair with grey. The effect on the darker hair will be seen but wont be as noticeable as it is on the grey strands.
grey with medium brown - you will achieve an auburn red tone on the grey hairs. Your medium brown hair will take on a slight red glow which will be noticeable but very subtle.
grey with dark brown - you will achieve an auburn red tone on the grey hairs only. Your darker hair may take on an ever so slight red reflect in the sun but it will not be noticeable.
Please note: The more grey hair and lighter your hair is, the more noticeable the Caramel Shadow will be. Some people may pick up on the red tones more than others
IMPORTANT!
*This colour does have strong auburn tones meaning it is a red colour. Some hair types may pick up on the red tone more than others. We recommend a strand test to determine desired processing time and final colour result. This is especially important for people with lighter hair. Colour resistant hair will require the grey coverage mixing method and longer period for processing time.
**This colour is not recommended if you wish to bleach or lighten your hair in the future
5.5 Medium Warm Brown
Warm and sweet like winter chestnuts, Chestnut Shadow will give a beautiful warm, medium reddish brown on grey hair .
Follow the grey coverage mixing instructions for best results.
*application times may vary and first time users should perform a strand test to determine desired time.
SUITABLE FOR ALL HAIR TONES
Chestnut Shadow will give a medium brown tone with strong red reflects to light & medium coloured hair. This colour will compliment the existing colour while at the same time colouring the greys. This is a red brown colour so expect a red tone.
LIGHT HAIR TONE RESULTS
grey with blonde - you will achieve a chestnut medium brown tone with strong red reflects to all of your hair. The colour will mostly be uniform and even.
grey with light brown - you will achieve a medium brown red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands may be slightly lighter than your light brown hair but this will create depth and give a nice effect. Your light brown hair will take on a beautiful warm medium red brown tone.
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MEDIUM TO DARK HAIR TONE RESULTS
Can be used on medium to darker hair with grey. The effect on the darker hair will be seen but wont be as noticeable as it is on the grey strands.
grey with medium brown - you will achieve a red brown tone on the grey hairs. Your medium brown hair will take on a slight red glow which will be noticeable especially in the sunlight.
grey with dark brown - you will achieve a red brown tone on the grey hairs only. Your darker hair may take on an ever so slight red reflect in the sun but it will not be very noticeable.
Please note: The more grey hair and lighter your hair is, the more noticeable the Chestnut Shadow will be. Some people may pick up on the red tones more than others
IMPORTANT!
*This colour does have strong red tones. Some hair types may pick up on the red tone more than others. We recommend a strand test to determine desired processing time and final colour result. This is especially important for people with lighter hair. Colour resistant hair will require the grey coverage mixing method and longer period for processing time.
**This colour is not recommended if you wish to bleach or lighten your hair in the future
7.31 Light Golden Brown
Honey Shadow will give a sweet & golden light brown colour on grey hair.
Follow the grey coverage mixing instructions for best results.
*application times may vary and first time users should perform a strand test to determine desired time.
5.0) Medium natural brown
The Natural Brunette, Walnut Shadow will give medium brown tones to grey, light and dark blonde hair. It will even the tone of medium brown hair and give a natural brown tone. This colour is ideal for people with naturally brown hair
*this colour will not lighten the hair as it contains no bleach or peroxide
RECOMMENDED FOR LIGHT to MEDIUM HAIR TONES
Strawberry Shadow will give the best results with lighter to medium hair as the colour will compliment the existing colour while at the same time colouring the greys. This is a light red so expect a reddish glow.
grey with blonde - you will achieve a warm light red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands may be ever so slightly lighter than your existing blonde hair but this will create depth and give a nice highlight effect.
grey with light brown - you will achieve a warm light red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands will be lighter and a little brighter than your light brown hair but this will create depth and give a nice highlight effect. Your light brown hair will take on a beautiful warm glow that will be noticeable.
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MEDIUM TO DARK HAIR TONE RESULTS
Can be used on medium to darker hair with grey but may not give a noticeable effect.
grey with medium brown - you will achieve a light and bright red tone on the grey hairs. Your medium brown hair may take on an ever so subtle warm glow which will be more noticeable in the sunlight.
grey with dark brown - you will achieve a light and bright red tone on the grey hairs only. The product will not show up on the darker hair but will act as a treatment, leaving your hair soft and shiny.
Please note: The more grey hair you have the more noticeable the Strawberry Shadow will be. If you have 50% or more grey hair it will be more noticeable than if you just have a few grey strands.
(3.1) Dark Brown
Classic, classy brown, Chocolate Shadow is a rich colour that will give silky dark chocolate tones to all hair colours except for black*.
This colour is ideal for most complexions and people with naturally brown or dark hair.
* We recommend a Red Shadow or Copper Shadow base application for hair with more than 30% grey, light blonde & colour resistant hair to achieve optimum colour results.
RECOMMENDED FOR MEDIUM TO DARK HAIR TONES
Chocolate Shadow will give the best results with medium to darker hair with up to 30% grey as the colour will compliment the existing colour while at the same time colouring the greys.
This colour can be used on lighter hair and on hair with more than 30% grey. Blonde hair will always need to apply a red base before application. People with 50% or more grey may need a red base to assist with colour uptake but also may achieve good coverage with the use of our prewash bar. Everyones hair is different and it will be a matter of trying the product to see how your hair embraces the colour.
LIGHT TONES
grey with light blonde to light brown - you will achieve a dark brown tone to all of your hair. You will require a red base application before using the Chocolate Shadow to avoid any blue ash tones coming through. If you do not use the red base you will most probably see a blue or slight green tone in your hair in the sun light. Hair dressers always use a red base to change light hair to dark hair. This ensures a solid base is laid down to achieve a balanced colour. If you do not have a solid base colour before using a darker colour your hair will have a washed out appearance.
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MEDIUM TO DARK TONES
Recommended for use on medium to darker hair with grey
grey with medium brown - you will achieve a light and bright red tone on the grey hairs. Your medium brown hair may take on an ever so subtle warm glow which will be more noticeable in the sunlight.
grey with dark brown - you will achieve a light and bright red tone on the grey hairs only. The product will not show up on the darker hair but will act as a treatment, leaving your hair soft and shiny.
Please note: The more grey hair you have the more noticeable the Strawberry Shadow will be. If you have 50% or more grey hair it will be more noticeable than if you just have a few grey strands.
(1.17) Dark and mysterious raven black. Indigo Shadow will give a blue black tone on medium to dark brown hair. This colour is ideal for most complexions, especially people with naturally brown or dark hair.
*A Red Shadow or Copper Shadow base application is required for grey, light blonde & colour resistant hair to achieve optimum colour results. If instructions are not follwed & red base is not used the result will not be as shown.
RECOMMENDED FOR LIGHT to MEDIUM HAIR TONES
Strawberry Shadow will give the best results with lighter to medium hair as the colour will compliment the existing colour while at the same time colouring the greys. This is a light red so expect a reddish glow.
grey with blonde - you will achieve a warm light red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands may be ever so slightly lighter than your existing blonde hair but this will create depth and give a nice highlight effect.
grey with light brown - you will achieve a warm light red tone to all of your hair. The grey strands will be lighter and a little brighter than your light brown hair but this will create depth and give a nice highlight effect. Your light brown hair will take on a beautiful warm glow that will be noticeable.
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OTHER HAIR TONES
Can be used on medium to darker hair with grey but may not give a noticeable effect.
grey with medium brown - you will achieve a light and bright red tone on the grey hairs. Your medium brown hair may take on an ever so subtle warm glow which will be more noticeable in the sunlight.
grey with dark brown - you will achieve a light and bright red tone on the grey hairs only. The product will not show up on the darker hair but will act as a treatment, leaving your hair soft and shiny.
Please note: The more grey hair you have the more noticeable the Strawberry Shadow will be. If you have 50% or more grey hair it will be more noticeable than if you just have a few grey strands.
* please note this article is a guide only and individual results may vary depending on your hair type and previous colouring & styling products used. We always recommend you do a strand test before full application to decide if the colour is right for you