Greying hair is a natural part of aging that many people wish to conceal by coloring their hair. Adore is a popular semi-permanent hair dye that claims to provide long-lasting color and shine. But can it effectively cover grey hair? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine how Adore works on grey hair, its pros and cons, tips for optimal grey coverage, and how it compares to other hair dyes for masking greys.
How Does Adore Work on Grey Hair?
Adore hair dye works by depositing color pigments into the hair shaft. It does not use ammonia or bleach, so it does not lighten or lift natural hair color. Instead, it coats the outside of the hair with semi-permanent stain-like color.
On grey hair, Adore adds its own tone on top of the grey rather than removing or altering the grey strands. The results are a subtle to medium tonal shift that helps blend and disguise grey hairs. However, Adore does not achieve the same bright, uniform color on grey hair as on virgin hair.
Adore hair dye lasts 4-8 washes on average. It fades progressively and gradually over time, so roots will need frequent touch-ups to maintain grey coverage. The conditioning formula means it fades nicely without obvious regrowth lines.
The Pros of Using Adore on Grey Hair
There are several benefits to using Adore hair dye on grey hair:
- No peroxide or ammonia – Less hair damage
- Subtle, natural-looking colors
- Easy to apply at home
- Inexpensive compared to salon color
- Temporary with no long-term commitment
- Fades smoothly and gradually
- Wide range of natural and vibrant shades
The lack of harsh chemicals like peroxide makes Adore a gentler option than permanent dyes. And with so many colors to pick from, you can find natural tonal matches or go bold.
The Cons of Using Adore on Grey Hair
There are also some downsides to using Adore on greys:
- Does not achieve uniform, perfect coverage
- Requires frequent root touch-ups
- Some colors stain better than others
- Can have a visible halo effect as it fades
- Not permanent like salon dye
Since Adore sits on top of hair rather than penetrating the strands, it does not conceal greys as flawlessly as permanent color. And results can vary based on your natural hair color and shade of Adore used.
Tips for Using Adore to Cover Grey
Here are some tips to maximize Adore’s grey coverage:
- Pick a shade 1-2 levels lighter than your natural color – This helps reflect more light to better disguise the grey.
- Use a protein filler additive – Filler helps the hair better absorb Adore’s pigments.
- Apply to clean, dry hair – Avoid conditioners and oils so the dye sticks.
- Section hair and saturate evenly – Carefully apply to the roots first then ends.
- Leave on 30-60 minutes before rinsing – Maximize the dye processing time.
- Rinse with cool water – Hot water can make Adore fade faster.
- Shampoo less frequently – Washing less helps extend the color.
- Use a sulfate-free shampoo – Gentler cleansers prevent stripping the color.
- Refresh roots as needed – Watch for new grey growth and touch up every 4-6 weeks.
How Does Adore Compare to Other Grey Coverage Options?
Adore offers a nice medium between permanent dyes and temporary ones like rinses and mascaras. Here’s an overview of how it stacks up against other popular grey disguising methods:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Dye |
|
|
| Semi-Permanent Dye (Adore) |
|
|
| Temporary Rinses |
|
|
| Root Concealers |
|
|
As you can see, each option has pros and cons. Adore offers a nice balance as a gentle, damage-free way to temporarily disguise greys without the harsh chemicals of permanent dye. While it requires more maintenance than salon coloring, it gives excellent flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Adore work on 100% grey hair?
Adore can work on pure grey hair, but it often requires multiple coats to build up enough tinting pigment. Using a filler and applying carefully to saturated strands will produce the best results. But even then, the coverage may still appear somewhat translucent on very grey hair.
Does Adore damage hair?
Adore is ammonia-free and contains conditioners, so it does not penetrate or alter the hair cuticle. Most users do not experience any notable damage. However, any chemical treatment can weaken hair over time with consistent use. Avoid over-processing to keep hair healthy.
What Adore shade works best for grey coverage?
Neutrals shades without warm undertones typically cover grey hair the best. Ash and silver tones counteract yellowing. Stay 1-2 shades lighter than your natural color. Examples of good shades for grey are Pale Lilac, Silver Moon, Steel Grey, Sandy Silver.
Can you layer Adore colors for grey?
Yes, layering shades can help improve grey coverage. Try applying a neutral base shade first as an undercoat, then follow up with a shade slightly darker or warmer if you want to avoid a flat one-dimensional look. Adding highlights and lowlights creates dimension.
Does Adore damage blonde hair?
Adore contains no bleach, so it won’t lighten or damage blonde hair when used correctly. However, some acetate dyes can contribute subtle staining over time on porous blonde hair. Do a strand test first and adjust your shade choice if needed based on the results.
Conclusion
Adore offers a fun and customizable way to temporarily disguise greying hair without permanent commitment. While it does not achieve flawless salon-like coverage, the damage-free formula and sheer variety of shades makes it a budget-friendly option for subtle grey blending at home. With some strategic application techniques and dedicated root touch-ups, Adore can effectively help conceal grey hairs.
Try experimenting with protein filler additives, complementary color layering, optimal post-rinsing care, and consistent root maintenance. And choose ash and silver-toned shades 1-2 levels lighter than your natural hair color for the best results covering grey. With a little patience, you can enjoy beautiful hair color with Adore even as the grey hairs naturally come in.