Perhaps I'm being overly self conscious but sometimes I wonder when others see my hair if they think wow what an obvious dye job.

If you feel like it looks artificial, you could try to go to a different hair dresser? :) I personally don’t mind the artificial look, and wouldn’t think twice about it if I saw you. If I see someone with died hair, I just think it’s because they like the color, I never think about it covering gray hairs. 🤗

Why darker? Go lighter. It's easier to cover gray when you're hair is lighter. If you want to continue to color your hair you won't have to color as often if it's lighter.

Think about gradually adding in some highlights like light brown to avoid that flat black one-dimensional color.

Like this:

I look like a man. 😐

I don't even have hair.

As if! As if grey hair were not attractive! 🌷

use a lighter color,more brown

I did that ONCE, and thought , "Oh gawd, I look like a Baptist preacher."

Go with a dark brown shade the next time you do it.

Never bothered about others thinking how or whether it's painted black or just natural black.
(When I shaved my head, as a mark of respect when Dad & Mom expired,some nosy folks got a surprise)

I do Chill,and Enjoy