# Grecian Formula **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 23, 2004, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grecian-formula/261051 "2004-08-23T04:53:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grecian-formula/261051/1 "2004-08-23T04:53:38Z")
OK, what’s the scoop on Grecian Formula? It’s a clear liquid, right? How does it color your hair? (or remove grey?) If it realy works It seems like it would be a pretty good idea. I mean, dye can look so fake, plus you have to tend to the roots, whereas with something like Grecian Formula it seems like it would look more natural if it worked. Also if their are any users of Grecian out there, I’d like to hear from you both good and bad. e3 ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grecian-formula/261051/2 "2004-08-23T05:16:20Z")
[Get the lead out](http://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/stuff/7811scit4.html): > [@](#): > > Gradual or progressive dyes—like Grecian Formula 16—surprised me. They are usually marketed to men and contain lead acetate [Pb(CH3COO)2]. As the solution is rubbed on the hair, it penetrates the cuticle and the Pb2+ ions react with sulfur atoms in the proteins to form lead sulfide (PbS), which is a dark color. The more frequently the solution is applied, the darker the, ahem, lead head. ---
**Author:** ![Enright3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/enright3/32/2897_2.png) [@Enright3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enright3)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grecian-formula/261051/3 "2004-08-23T05:41:35Z")
Thanks, Q.E.D., While I’m at it, would anyone like to tackle the question of WHY you aren’t supposed to use Grecian for your facial hair? [http://www.grecian-formula.com/faq-grecian.html](http://www.grecian-formula.com/faq-grecian.html) ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grecian-formula/261051/4 "2004-08-23T05:50:17Z")
> [@Enright3](#): > > While I’m at it, would anyone like to tackle the question of WHY you aren’t supposed to use Grecian for your facial hair? It’s because of the aforementioned lead. Using it on facial hair carries the added risk of accidental oral ingestion, which is a bad thing where lead is concerned. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grecian-formula/261051/5 "2004-08-23T12:14:33Z")
I haven’t seen any commercials for it in years. I thought it was no longer made. ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grecian-formula/261051/6 "2004-08-23T12:25:23Z")
Oh my. It sounds like the patina I use to turn lead solder black. I wouldn’t put that on my hair! ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2004, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/grecian-formula/261051/7 "2004-08-23T14:42:28Z")
> [@Johnny L.A.](#): > > I haven’t seen any commercials for it in years. I thought it was no longer made. No, it’s still around. See their website [here](http://www.grecian-formula.com/).