Why Is Gray Hair Hard To Cover?
As your hair ages and becomes white, the texture of your hair shaft changes as well. Gray hair is more prone to dryness, rough ends, and brittleness. It has a coarser texture making it difficult for the dye to penetrate the hair. Because of this semi- or demi-permanent hair dyes might not provide full gray coverage. These dyes will fade away easily or not even cover gray color at all in the first place. Permanent hair dyes enter the cortex to color the hair from within, which provides better color coverage that lasts longer too.
15 Best Hair Color Shades To Cover Your Gray Hair In 2022
Note: If you have any allergies, sensitive scalp or hair loss issue, consult a dermatologist before using any of these hair coloring products. Perform a patch test on the back of your neck or on your forearm to check for irritation, allergies, redness, burning sensation, or swelling. If any adverse reactions are noticed, please consult a doctor before further use.
1. Best Gentle Formula: Revlon Colorsilk – Medium Brown
Revlon’s Colorsilk permanent hair dye provides long-lasting coverage. Its formula contains keratin and silk amino acids which nourish the hair while also adding color to it. It uses Revlon’s exclusive 3D color gel technology to provide a rich, natural, and multi-dimensional color with increased shine. It comes in 41 different shades and is very easy to use at home. It does not have any harsh odors and covers grays effortlessly, providing glossy and long-lasting color. It comes in a non-drip, liquid-gel consistency and provides multi-tonal color from the roots to the tips, delivering improved definition and dimension for your hair color. Shade: Medium Brown Medium brown is neither too dark nor too light which makes it a good color to cover gray hair. It’s not too dark, which might provide a stark contrast to any new gray roots. Coloring your hair to a medium brown gives it a naturally younger appearance. It may even outline your face shape. You can also check this video out for a brief review of the product. Pros
3D color technology Multi-tonal color Ammonia-free Non-drip Liquid-gel consistency Easy to use Natural color Good smell
Cons
May cause reactions due to PPD
2. Best Ammonia-Free: Garnier Olia – Medium Rose Gold
Garnier Olia is a permanent, oil-powered, and ammonia-free hair color kit. It contains an exclusive 60% oil blend with natural flower oils. It has a no-drip cream texture formula. It provides 100% gray coverage with long-lasting color and visibly healthier hair. It can be used for root touch-ups or to enhance your natural hair shade as well. It offers 34 shades from blonde to rose cold. It contains avocado, olive, and shea oil that nourishes the hair. This hair dye removes any roughness or dullness from hair, making it silky and three times shinier and stronger. It comes with an easy-to-apply applicator. It also has a pleasant sensorial fragrance. Shade: Medium Rose Gold If you had blonde or light brown natural hair, but now your grays are overtaking them, color your hair medium rose gold. The color blends the blonde or light brown locks with the gray hair. It leaves you with a lovely but deep rose gold hue. If you want a detailed review of the product, make sure to take a look at this hair care enthusiast’s video. Pros
No-drip texture Long-lasting color Easy to blend with other colors Ammonia-free No harsh odor
Cons
Contains SLS, EDTA, and added fragrance
3. Best Shine-Enhancing Formula: Garnier Olia – Medium Pearl Blonde
Made with an exclusive 60% oil blend of natural flower oils, Garnier Olia makes hair healthier with stronger color. It is a permanent, oil-powered, and ammonia-free hair colorant. Its non-drip formula provides full gray coverage with long-lasting color. Ranging from blonde to rose gold, this hair dye offers a wide range of 34 colors. It is formulated with avocado, olive, and shea oil which replenish your hair strands to make them shinier and healthier. This hair dye makes hair silkier and stronger by removing any roughness or dullness in hair. It can be used to color hair, for root touch-ups, or to enhance your natural hair shade. Shade: Medium Pearl Blonde It is specially designed with a combination of natural and golden tones. This color brightens the skin tone. It covers gray hair completely. It provides a smooth transition from colored hair to natural-color growing roots. It suits anyone with light blonde to light brown natural hair. Pros
Non-drip Cream texture Covers even stubborn gray hair Mild smell
Cons
Contains alcohol, added perfume, and resorcinol
4. Best Vegan: Naturetint Permanent Hair Color Gel- Light Chestnut Brown
The Naturetint Permanent Hair Color Gel contains enriching ingredients like oleic acid taken from olives and meadowfoam seed oil. These ingredients nourish and moisturize hair, making it soft and shiny. It provides 100% gray coverage with long-lasting, vibrant, and deep-hydration hair color. It comes in a gel-based texture and is ideal for oily, dry, and normal hair types. It is dermatologist-tested. It is gentle on hair and the scalp. One box covers up to shoulder-length hair. Shade: Light Chestnut Brown Best described as a light brown shade with a golden shine, light chestnut brown is great for full coverage of gray hair. It accentuates facial features without harshening the outline of your face. You can also check this YouTuber’s detailed review to know more about the results after using this product. Pros
Ideal for oily, dry and normal hair types Dermatologist-tested No parabens No ammonia No artificial fragrance No resorcinol No heavy metals Vegan and cruelty free Gentle on scalp
Cons
Contains alcohol Contains hydrogen peroxide and sulfate
5. Best Gray Coverage: L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme – Light Brown
The L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme provides full gray coverage with triple protection. The triple protection system seals, replenishes, and conditions hair. It even covers stubborn gray hair. It leaves you with rich and radiant colored hair. Its pre-color treatment made with ceramide protects color-treated ends from color build-up. This hair dye is made with ceramide, pro-keratin complex, and collagen which leaves hair nourished and healthier. It comes in non-drip formula and in 38 different shades ranging from ash blonde to jet black. Shade: Light Brown Light brown covers grays easily without being too dark to create a contrast with light roots. The light brown shade reduces the appearance of fine lines. Light brown also brings out gray, blue, and green eyes. It enhances the green in hazel eyes. Pros
No red tint Good color deposit No stubborn grays Soft, smooth and shinier hair
Cons
Contains added fragrance Contains alcohol and propylene glycol Contains ammonium and laureth
6. Best Non-Drip Formula: L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme – Dark Ash Brown
Made with a non-drip, triple protection system, The L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme seals, conditions and replenishes hair strands. It provides complete gray coverage, which colors even stubborn gray hair. It is formulated with ceramide, pro-keratin complex and collagen, transforming hair to make it vibrant, nourished, and healthier. It comes with a pre-color treatment, containing ceramide, which protects color treated ends from color build-up. It offers a wide variety of 38 shades ranging from blonde to black hair colors. Shade: Dark Ash Brown If your natural hair color was dark brown or black, this shade is perfect for you. Since gray hair is light, coloring your hair black or very dark brown might not look very natural. Instead opt for this dark ash shade. It colors your hair dark brown with a caramel-ish shine. Pros
Non-drip formula Triple protection system Consistent application Easy to use Good gray coverage
Cons
Contains added fragrance Contains alcohol and propylene glycol Contains ammonium and laureth
7. Best For Dry Hair: Soft-Sheen Carson Dark And Lovely – Jet Black
The Soft-Sheen Carson Dark and Lovely permanent hair dye offers 100% gray coverage. It protects relaxed and natural hair. It is infused with shea, avocado, and olive fruit oils that leave hair intensely nourished from the roots to the ends. It also contains vitamin E and argan oil which protects hair from dryness. It has a non-drip, liquid-gel formula. Hair becomes shinier and silkier after use, with rich color that lasts up to 8 weeks long. It provides hair with vibrant and fade-resistant color and shine. It uses an exclusive moisture-seal technology for increased conditioning to protect natural and relaxed hair. Shade: Jet Black If you want to go bold, cover your grays with jet black. It brings out your face shape and sharpens your features especially your cheekbones, jawline, and eyes. Pros
Easy to use Good gray coverage Ideal for relaxed and natural hair Non-drip Liquid-gel formula Exclusive moisture-seal technology Fade-resistant
Cons
Contains alcohol and added fragrance and color Contains palm oil known to cause allergic reactions
8. Best Natural Formula: Tints Of Nature, Simply Healthier Hair Color – Natural Medium Brown
The Tints Of Nature contains 95% of naturally-derived ingredients including over 75% of certified organic elements. It nourishes hair while offering full gray coverage. It comes in 24 different colors with a range of shades in brown, black, red, and blonde. It strengthens and hydrates hair while naturally locking in added color. Shade: Natural Medium Brown Nothing covers grays like a lovely natural medium brown shade. This color gives your hair a natural feel and look. The medium brown doesn’t bring too much of a contrast to your gray roots. The medium brown shade softens any harsh lines, giving you a more youthful appearance. Pros
95% naturally-derived ingredients No ammonia No parabens No DEA No resorcinol No silicones No propylene glycol Vegan Dermatologist-tested Good color deposit Mild odor
Cons
Contains hydrogen peroxide, urea, and alcohol
9. Best Moisturizing Formula: Garnier Nutrisee Ultra Coverage – Deep Light Golden Brown
Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Coverage is great for coloring even stubborn gray hair. It provides rich and permanent color coverage. It is made with avocado, olive, and shea oils that make hair healthier while nourishing it. This triple-oil-blend locks in moisture to hydrate hair. It comes in a rich, non-drip cream textured formula which spreads evenly. It uses Coverplus ™ technology. This means that deep and neutral brown pigments are used to color hair to provide maximum coverage. Shade: Deep Light Golden Brown This deep light golden brown shade is that perfect, in-demand, sun-kissed brown hair color. It’s an intense brown shade with a lovely sun golden shine. It works well as highlights as well. Pros
Triple-oil-blend Coverplus ™ technology Non-drip Cream texture Pleasing smell
Cons
Contains alcohol and propylene glycol Contains added fragrance
10. Best For Chemically-Treated Hair: Wella ColorCharm Permanent Liquid Hair Color for Gray Coverage
Choose Wella ColorCharm Permanent Liquid Hair Color for a vibrant and dazzling shade. It is infused with Liquifuse technology, which securely bonds the color molecules to your strands and helps the color persist for a long time. When combined with a hair developer, this liquid hair color creates a long-lasting effect. You will get up to 100% gray coverage with only one application. Shade: 6A Dark Ash Blonde. This shade comprises blue pigments that are intended to neutralize) brassy orange tones. If you want light, ash-brown results, this is the color for you. Pros
Long-lasting Provides incredible shine Easy to use Liquid-gel formula Fade-resistant Gentle fragrance
Cons
Contains ammonia and laureth.
11. Best Vibrant Color: L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme – Light Auburn
The L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme is made with a triple protection system containing ceramide, pro-keratin complex, and collagen. Apart from providing full gray coverage, the triple protection system fortifies and nourishes hair. This hair creme enriches hair with rich and vibrant color. It comes with a pre-color treatment that prevents color build-up at hair ends. Ranging from blonde to black, this hair dye offers 38 different shades so you can attain your desired hair shade. It is made with a non-drip formula. Shade: Light Auburn The best way to cover grays is to not use extremely dark shades. If you add some vibrance, consider a brilliant light auburn color. No matter your eye color, this light auburn shade will make them pop. It also enhances your facial features. Pros
Triple protection system Good color deposit Full gray coverage Easy to apply Natural looking color Blends well Cost effective
Cons
Contains added fragrance Contains alcohol and propylene glycol Contains ammonium and laureth
12. Best Nourishing Formula: Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme – Light Golden Brown
Garnier’s Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme is made with color-boosting technology. It contains a blend of three fruit oils- avocado, olive, and shea oils, which provide even and permanent hair color. These three oils lock in moisture to make hair soft and intensely nourished. It has a rich and non-drip cream formula. It can be used to color hair, root touch-ups, or enhance natural hair color. The creme texture easily spreads evenly throughout the hair, from the roots to the tips. Shade: Light Golden Brown This is a light brown shade with a blonde shine. It softens the appearance of fine lines on your face. It gives you a youthful appearance. The light brown shade is a perfect blend of light and dark, without being too intense. Pros
Easy application Triple fruit oil blend Non-drip Cream texture Long-lasting
Cons
Contains added fragrance Fades easily Contains alcohol and propylene glycol
13. Best Easy-To-Use: Revlon Colorsilk – Dark Ash Blonde
Formulated with keratin and silk amino acids, Revlon’s Colorsilk permanent hair dye provides long-lasting coverage with radiant color. It is made with an exclusive 3D color gel technology that gives hair a natural, multi-dimensional tone paired with enhanced hair shine. It does not contain ammonia or harsh odors. It comes in 41 different colors that provide hair with multi-tonal color coverage from the roots to the tips. It enhances hair color definition and adds dimension. It is formed with a non-drip formula and has a liquid-gel consistency. Shade: Dark Ash Blonde This deep blonde shade gives your gray hair a more intense and cooler-toned blonde hue with a subtle brown hint. Even if you miss covering some gray locks here and there, this shade makes it work. Pros
Non-drip Liquid gel consistency 3D color technology Multi-tonal color Easy to use Natural color Ammonia-free Long-lasting
Cons
Contains PPD
14. Best Value Added Set: L’Oreal Paris Excellence Creme – Reddish Blonde
Made with collagen, ceramide, and pro-keratin complex, the Excellence Creme edition from L’Oreal Paris colors replenishes and fortifies hair. It is formulated with a triple protection system that colors even the most stubborn gray hair to give you radiant and rich colored tresses. It is made with a non-drip formula and comes in a range of 38 vibrant shades. It contains a pre-color treatment made with ceramide that prevents any color build-up at hair ends. Pros
Easy application Triple protection system Good color deposit Full gray coverage Natural looking color Blends well Cost effective
Cons
Contains alcohol, ammonium and laureth
15. Best Long-Lasting: Clairol Nice’N Easy – Medium Cool Blonde
The Clairol Nice’N Easy permanent hair dye provides natural and vibrant color made with a blend of tones and highlights. The cream contains conditioners that soften hair and add shine. It provides 100% gray coverage that lasts up to 8 weeks. It is ideal for chemically-treated hair. It comes in a wide variety of 50 different shades. It is gentle on the hair and scalp. It contains an exclusive molecule ME plus, which reduces the risk of an allergic reaction. The kit comes with a color-activating lotion, permanent color creme, and the colorseal conditioner. Note: If you have any known allergies, check with a dermatologist before using this hair dye. Shade: Medium Cool Blonde This is a cool-toned blonde shade with a metallic or silver-ish shine. Even if gray roots start showing within a few weeks, this color will blend well with them. It brings out eye colors. Pros
Ideal for chemically-treated hair Exclusive ME plus molecule Fresh floral scent Non-drip formula Good color deposit
Cons
Contains alcohol Contains added fragrance, propylene glycol, and EDTA
Deciding to dye your hair is always a brave choice! Some colors cover your natural hair color better, while others make your tresses appear vibrant and unique. Take a look at this guide to know more about the several pointers that you need to consider while purchasing new shades and colors for gray hair.
What To Consider When Buying Hair Color Shades To Cover Your Gray Hair
Nourishing Formula
This is the most important factor, regardless of your skin tone or hair texture. If you have very dry, damaged, or brittle hair, you need to find a color that will nourish the strands and help them grow strong.
Natural-looking Finish
When choosing your new shades to cover graying hair, it is important that you choose colors that look natural on your skin tone. If you have a cool undertone, you can opt for golden blonde, copper red, and honey brown shades. For a neutral skin tone, choose muted shades such as different browns, burgundy, and mahogany. For warm undertones, choose shades like ivory, ash, or mocha brown.
User-friendly
The color you choose should be non-dripping, easy to apply, and non-staining. The color should be easy to wash out of your clothes and skin in just one wash cycle.
Chemical-free formula
Try to opt for ammonia-free formula since ammonia damages the hair cuticles while making your hair dry and brittle. Ammonia also causes burning in the eyes and irritation to some people. Ammonia-free colors give you softer, shinier, and brighter tresses.
Long-lasting
Pick a color that would not fade away. Most shades have a simple formula that is designed to last up to eight weeks. Some of the more expensive brands may have a higher percentage of gold or platinum in their formula which would help you keep your color looking fresh for a longer period of time.
Eye Color Preference
To accentuate your personality, you can also choose the hair color according to the color of your eyes. For blue-colored eyes, caramel and golden-toned blonde shades help make your eyes appear brighter. Red goes perfectly with green and gray-colored eyes. Here are some tips on how to cover your gray hair properly!
How To Cover Your Gray Hair The Right Way
- Time And Commitment: Don’t be in a hurry when coloring your hair. Take your time. Keep a timer in hand. Also, keep checking your hair once you’ve dyed it. Check your hair every 15 minutes to see if you’ve achieved the color you want. Coloring your hair takes commitment. Gray hair is stubborn to color, so you have to use permanent hair dye for the color to set it. The color will last for two months; so be sure of the color you pick!
- Method And Technique: Since you are coloring your hair at home, remember – practice makes perfect. There are different techniques you can use to color your hair. You could use a brush to achieve a specific style or use your hand to give it a more natural look. You can use foil to separate each layer. Practicing these techniques will allow you to choose the one that works best for you.
- Picking The Hair Color: You need to keep your skin tone and hair type in mind when picking a hair color and dye. If you have warm-toned skin, then you should choose warm-toned colors. But if you have cool-toned skin, then you need cool-toned colors. People with neutral skin tones can work with both warm and cool toned colors. Choose your hair dye based on your hair type and issue. Some hair dyes specifically cater to hair that has been chemically treated, while others are specially made for natural and relaxed hair.
- Hair Prep: Prepare your hair before and after you dye it. Oil your hair regularly to make it strong. Use hair masks and protein serums to strengthen your hair. This way, when you use bleach, your hair will not weakened to the point of falling out or breaking. Use shower filters to prevent any unwanted minerals or chemicals in the water from fading out the hair color.
- The Right Products: After you have colored your hair, use products that cater to color-treated hair. These products (shampoos, conditioners, serums, hairsprays, etc.) have ingredients that prevent the color from fading away easily. To be sure of which products work for you, check with a stylist or hair care professional.
- Light It Up: When coloring your hair, make sure the room you are in is completely lit up. Put on all the lights in the room so that you clearly see the color you are achieving. Also, color your hair in the daytime, so you can check how the color will look in natural light too. There will be a slight difference in how the hair color will look in natural light vs. artificial light.
- Patch Test: Hair dyes contain chemicals and ingredients that may cause adverse or allergic reactions. Always perform a patch test before completely applying the hair dye on your hair. Apply a little bit of the dye on the back of your neck or forearm. Wait to see if any redness, swelling, burning or irritation occurs. If it does, consult a dermatologist before you proceed any further.
- Protection From Dye: Wear old clothes when dyeing your hair to prevent staining your good clothes. Use gloves when applying the dye to prevent stains on your skin. Protect the surfaces, walls, and flooring where you are coloring your hair. Also, cover the skin close to your hairline with petroleum jelly. This prevents any color from staining your skin.
- Keep All Your Tools Ready: Make sure you have everything you need before you start coloring your hair. Have a checklist to make sure you have a brush, applicator, bowl, cloth, gloves, clips, foil, etc. This prevents any need for you to keep getting up, which may mess up the application.
- Healthy Hair: Bleached hair may look dull and be damaged even after you apply color. Strengthen your hair by following a few tips. Oil your hair with warm oil an hour before you wash your hair. Use serums, masks, and packs to strengthen your hair. Use keratin and color-treated products to fortify hair. Avoid using heat and other chemical treatments on your hair.
- Retouching: You’ll have to touch-up your hair every few weeks to keep the color fresh. There are semi-permanent, organic dyes to keep your hair color fresh and your hair healthier.
How Often Should You Do A Touch-Up?
It depends on how quickly the hair color fades from your hair and how fast your roots grow out. Normally, you should go for touch-ups every 4-5 weeks. Some hair types are more prone to color fading prone while others are fade-resistant. The same applies to some hair dyes. Some brand dyes last longer than others. There are products that can increase your hair color’s lifespan and vibrancy. However, you will definitely have to get a touch-up after a maximum of 7-8 weeks.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The writer of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is passionate about all things hair, be it finding new styles or trying out new products to care for different hair types. She scanned through many review forums to find the best hair color shades for covering gray hair. She selected these products based on color pigmentation, consistency, and the absence of harsh elements. Is it better to go lighter or darker to cover gray hair? A darker dye is required from the roots to a few inches below. However, a slightly lighter shade can be used for the rest of it. What’s the best professional hair color for gray hair? Use natural shades that have ‘N’ or ‘0’ markings. Clairol Nice’N Easy has received very good reviews on this front. What is the best temporary hair color for gray hair? The Clairol Natural Instincts hair color is known for its commendable coverage and effectiveness on gray hair.
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