Anyone who’s tried covering grey hair without harsh chemicals knows the search can feel endless. Plantur 39 Anti-Grey Shampoo promises gradual color buildup using a clever ingredient called 5,6-DHI, making it a standout option for women who want to avoid traditional dyes.

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Product Type: Anti-grey shampoo for women · Key Active Ingredients: 5,6-DHI, Caffeine · Time to First Visible Effect: 2–3 weeks with regular use · Available Size: 200 ml

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • Manufacturer says first visible results after 2–3 weeks of regular use (Plantur 39 official product page)
  • Full colour development takes longer and depends on frequency of use (Plantur 39 official product page)
4What’s next

Key facts at a glance

Plantur 39 hinges on a gradual pigment-building mechanism that sets it apart from permanent dyes.

Label Value
Main Active 5,6-DHI (colour precursor) – Plantur 39 official site
Additional Active Caffeine – Plantur 39 official site
Application Use as a regular shampoo, leave 2–5 minutes – Plantur 39 official site
Time to Effect 2–3 weeks – Plantur 39 official site
Size 200 ml – Boots product listing
Target User Women with grey hair – Plantur 39 official site

Is Plantur 39 good for grey hair?

How does the Anti-Grey effect work?

The active ingredient 5,6-DHI (a colour precursor) attaches to the hair shaft and reacts with oxygen to form dark pigments. According to the Plantur 39 official product page, the colour intensifies with each wash, gradually concealing grey regrowth. The formula also includes caffeine, phytoflavones from white tea, panthenol, zinc, and niacinamide – ingredients chosen to support scalp health and hair strength.

The upshot

Women with dye allergies get a non‑irritating alternative, but the trade‑off is patience: colour builds slowly over weeks, not hours.

What are the key ingredients?

INCIdecoder’s analysis confirms the full ingredient list includes Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Panthenol, Caffeine, Propylene Glycol, and fragrance allergens such as limonene, linalool, citronellol, and geraniol. Panthenol is noted for its anti‑inflammatory and skin‑protecting properties, which may offset irritation from surfactants (INCIdecoder ingredient analysis).

Takeaway: The formula trades instant dramatic change for scalp-friendly actives that build pigment over repeated washes.

Does Plantur 39 get rid of grey hair?

Is the effect permanent or temporary?

Plantur 39 does not permanently reverse greying. The colour is temporary and washes out gradually if you stop using the product. The official instructions say the intensity can be controlled by how often you use it and how long you leave it on (Plantur 39 official product page).

Can it reverse grey hair?

No. The darkening effect is purely cosmetic – it coats the hair shaft with colour molecules. It does not alter the biological process of greying, which is driven by melanocyte decline.

The catch

Users who expect a permanent fix will be disappointed. Think of it as a “wash‑in” colour that needs constant upkeep to maintain coverage.

How long does Plantur 39 Anti-Grey take to work?

When will I see first results?

The manufacturer states that first visible results typically appear after 2–3 weeks of regular use. Each wash deposits a small amount of pigment, so the colour builds gradually (Plantur 39 official product page).

How long does a full transformation take?

Full development depends on hair type, greyness level, and how strictly you follow the 2–5 minute leave‑in instruction. Some users on Boots review pages have reported little to no change after several weeks, suggesting individual results vary (Boots customer review).

What this means: Consistency is critical. Skipping washes or rinsing too quickly can reduce the colour payoff.

What are the side effects of Plantur 39?

Is it safe for sensitive scalps?

Plantur 39 is generally well‑tolerated. Panthenol’s anti‑inflammatory properties help counter potential irritation from Sodium Laureth Sulfate. However, fragrance allergens (limonene, linalool) are flagged as potential contact‑allergy concerns by INCIdecoder, especially after oxidation on exposure to air (INCIdecoder ingredient analysis).

Can it cause allergic reactions?

The risk is low compared to permanent hair dyes, which often contain PPD (p‑phenylenediamine). Selfcarekaren’s YouTube review noted no allergic reaction, but one Boots customer gave a negative review citing lack of effect, not irritation (YouTube review by selfcarekaren).

What to watch

If you have known sensitivity to limonene or linalool, a patch test before full use is sensible – even the official site does not guarantee zero reaction.

What is the very best shampoo for gray hair?

How does Plantur 39 compare to other options?

Plantur 39 is one of several “gradual darkening” shampoos. The main competitor is Alpecin Grey Attack, which also uses 5,6‑DHI but is marketed toward men.

Feature Plantur 39 Anti-Grey Alpecin Grey Attack
Active ingredient 5,6‑DHI + caffeine 5,6‑DHI + repigmentation complex
Target user Women (Plantur 39 official page) Men (Alpecin official page)
Leave‑in time 2–5 minutes 2 minutes (recommended)
Price (approx.) £8–10 / 200 ml £7–9 / 250 ml
Fragrance allergens Limonene, linalool, citronellol, geraniol Similar profile (includes limonene, linalool)
Certification No organic claim No organic claim
What this means: The two products share the same core mechanism; the main differentiators are marketing positioning and secondary actives.

What about Alpecin Grey Attack vs Plantur 39?

The two products share the same core mechanism. The main differentiators are marketing positioning (women vs. men) and secondary actives (caffeine plus phytoflavones in Plantur vs. a proprietary repigmentation complex in Alpecin). Neither is dramatically superior on paper; choice may come down to fragrance preference or brand trust.

Spec table – Plantur 39 Anti-Grey

Six technical specifications drawn from the official site and third‑party ingredient analysis.

Specification Details
Form Liquid shampoo
Primary mechanism 5,6‑DHI oxidation on hair shaft
Shade range Only one shade (gradual darkening, no colour variation)
pH level Not disclosed by manufacturer
Sulfate content Contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate (INCIdecoder)
Parabens Not listed in ingredients
Animal testing No statement on official site
Packaging 200 ml plastic bottle

Upsides and downsides

Upsides

  • Gradual colour avoids sudden dye lines
  • Low allergy risk compared to permanent dyes
  • Contains scalp‑friendly ingredients (panthenol, caffeine)
  • No ammonia, no peroxide

Downsides

  • Colour fades if use is stopped
  • Mixed user feedback on effectiveness (Boots review)
  • Potential fragrance allergen sensitivity
  • Not suitable for those wanting instant or dramatic coverage
The pattern: The choice between Plantur 39 and Alpecin Grey Attack comes down to gender marketing and personal sensitivity; functionally, they are near-identical.

Clarity – what’s confirmed and what’s uncertain

Confirmed facts

  • Product contains 5,6‑DHI which oxidises to form colour on hair (Plantur 39 official page)
  • Caffeine is present for scalp stimulation (Plantur 39 official page)
  • Manufacturer advises 2–5 minutes leave‑in (Plantur 39 official page)
  • INGREDIENT list includes Sodium Laureth Sulfate and fragrance allergens (INCIdecoder)

What’s unclear

  • Exact coverage timeline for all hair types (Boots customer feedback)
  • Effectiveness compared to permanent dyes in stubborn grey areas
  • Long‑term safety data on daily use of 5,6‑DHI

What users say

“The colour result becomes more intense with every wash and grey regrowth is concealed as the hair becomes naturally darker.”

Plantur 39 official product description

“I have a hair dye allergy and tried this – no reaction at all, but the grey didn’t change colour much after a month.”

Boots customer review (paraphrased from Boots product page)

Summary

Plantur 39 Anti-Grey offers a genuine dye‑free route to gradually reduce the appearance of grey hair, backed by a plausible chemistry (5,6‑DHI oxidation) and a skin‑conscious ingredient list. The low‑confidence user feedback and the temporary nature of the colour mean it’s not a silver bullet. For women with hair dye allergies in the UK, the choice is clear: accept slower, subtler results and the need for continued use, or stick with permanent dyes and accept the irritation risk.

For those wondering about long-term results, detailed Plantur 39 Anti-Grey erfaringer provide insights from European users.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use Plantur 39 on chemically treated hair?
Yes – because it contains no ammonia or peroxide, it is safe for colour‑treated, permed, or relaxed hair. However, the gradual darkening effect may interact with existing colour; test on a small section first.
Will Plantur 39 change the colour of my natural non‑grey hair?
It can subtly darken all hair over time, but the effect is most visible on grey or white strands because they have no underlying pigment. Brunette or blonde hair may see a slight deepening.
Does Plantur 39 require a prescription?
No – it is an over‑the‑counter cosmetic shampoo available at pharmacies and online retailers such as Boots (Boots product page).
Is Plantur 39 tested on animals?
The official site does not state a position on animal testing. Under EU/UK cosmetics law, animal testing is banned for finished products, but ingredient suppliers may use historical animal data.
Can I use Plantur 39 if I have a sensitive scalp?
It is generally well‑tolerated, but those with known sensitivity to limonene or linalool should do a patch test first (INCIdecoder flags these as potential allergens).
Does Plantur 39 contain sulfates or parabens?
It contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate (a sulfate) but no parabens according to the ingredient list (INCIdecoder).
How does Plantur 39 Anti-Grey differ from the Blonde or Brown Color Series?
The Anti‑Grey line uses 5,6‑DHI to gradually darken all hair, while the Color Series uses direct dyes for more dramatic, shade‑specific results. The Anti‑Grey effect is subtler and builds over washes.
What is the price range of Plantur 39 Anti-Grey?
Typically £8–10 for a 200 ml bottle at UK retailers like Boots (Boots product page).

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