What hair color hides grey best?

When it comes to gray hair, there’s no wrong or right; you can embrace those shimmering silver strands or seamlessly blend your roots away with the help of a colorist. If you’re going for the latter option, your go-to salon pro will have the technique down, leaving you with only one thing to consider: what are the best colors to cover gray hair?

Now, you may want to just go with your natural hue, asking your colorist to match it through the roots to get grays under wraps – all without undergoing a major transformation. However, if you’re looking for a fresh, new shade that comes with the bonus of covering grays, keep scrolling for the very best camouflaging colors, from platinum to golden brown hair…

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--> --><div class="_buttons"><a target="_blank" rel="prev" href="https://www.hadviser.com/how-to-disguise-gray-hair-with-highlights/10/" class="_button _prev"><span class="_1"></span><span class="_2">Previous</span><span class="_3"></span></a><span class="_text">1/10</span><a target="_blank" rel="next" href="https://www.hadviser.com/how-to-disguise-gray-hair-with-highlights/2/" class="_button _next"><span class="_1"></span><span class="_2">Next style</span><span class="_3"></span></a></div><div class="_title"><span class="_helper"></span></div><div id="tps_slideContainer_15533" class="theiaPostSlider_slides"><div class="theiaPostSlider_preloadedSlide"> <blockquote class="blockquote-custom bq-custom-4">I’m interested in blending gray hair with highlights. Will this trick work for me?</blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">One of the most regular questions in our inbox is ‘Can highlights disguise gray hair?’ Yes, highlighting in most cases is more effective in blending grays with the rest of your hair than traditional dyeing.</p> <blockquote class="blockquote-custom bq-custom-1">A simple formula: highlights to disguise gray hair are recommended when there’s no more than 30% of gray hair if you’re brunette or 40% if you’re blonde.</blockquote> <p style="text-align:left">An experienced colorist will advise you the right way and cope with a task of any complexity. Our aim here is to reveal the most working ways to cover gray hair with highlights and tips on gray coverage that you need to know before booking your hairstylist.</p> <p style="text-align:left"><strong>1. Massive Gray Coverage.</strong> If your wish is to camouflage the gray entirely, you can get your gray roots touched up. As your gray starts to grow in, adding in highlights with your standard root color will help to diffuse the hard line. This will make you feel like you can’t see your few silver sparkles as soon as before because they will blend right in with those highlights. There are two easy ways to cover gray roots. The first is a demi-permanent option with non-permanent pigment that will gradually fade over time, and the second is a permanent technique that camouflages the grayness completely.</p> <div id="attachment_15545" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width:1062px"><img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.hadviser.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/12-how-to-disguise-gray-regrowth.jpg?resize=1062%2C1080&ssl=1" alt="Ideas How to Blend Gray Hair with Highlights for Women" width="1062" height="1080" class="size-full wp-image-15545" data-recalc-dims="1"><div class="wp-caption-text">By <a href="https://www.instagram.com/caitgala_fremin_stylist/" target="_blank">Caitlin Galan</a></div></div> </div></div><div class="ad" data-lazyad="" data-matchmedia="only screen and (min-width: 250px) and (max-width: 767px)"> <script type="text/lazyad"> <!-- <div class='adv-container mobile' style='margin-bottom:40px;margin-top:40px;'><div style='height:250px;'> <div id='admixer-hb-715-638022159672184155'></div><script type='text/javascript' src='https://prebid-inv-eu.admixer.net/prebid-loader2.aspx?adguid=e5a08b64-4cd5-4ccc-b694-9543c7d54eec'> -->

Tricia Cosgrove, L’Oréal Professionnel artist, gave us her top tips for finding the best hair color for gray hair. We even share some of the latest salon innovations that can conceal your grays in just 10 minutes. Keep scrolling for everything you need to know, plus 20 inspirational looks that prove gray is anything but matronly.

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Is it better to highlight or color gray hair?

The best coloring technique for gray hair ultimately depends on the look you are trying to achieve and how much coverage you desire. We suggest opting for an all-over color service if you want to fully mask every gray hair on your head with a uniform shade. However, highlighting may be better if your goal is to blend your grays seamlessly.

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What type of hair color covers gray hair the best?

Many women tackle their grays in the privacy of their own home with box dye, but there’s nothing better than salon hair color if you’re dealing with grays. Have you ever noticed that gray hair is coarser than pigment-producing strands? That’s because as follicles stop producing color, they also stop creating sebum that keeps hair soft and moisturized. This results in a wiry texture that can make it difficult for the at-home dye to penetrate and latch onto strands. A professional colorist knows how to best color these rough hairs, giving your grays the coverage they need to ensure the best results.

“The best tip I have is to consult a pro! Professional hairdressers are well educated in the chemistry of hair color. This really isn’t the type of thing most people can tackle themselves, and corrective [sic] color gets expensive!” Cosgrove explains.

It’s not just the color of the dye that matters, either. Formulas that are only available to professionals cover grays better than others. Cosgrove recommends demi or semi-permanent hair color for gray hair with a push toward permanent if you’re ready to commit to a new color. As a bonus, your stylist will be able to offer tips for keeping your gray hairs as soft and manageable as possible. Who doesn’t want dreamy, silky hair?

If you’re on the fence about which coloring method is best for you, here’s a quick breakdown of three of the most common solutions.

Permanent Gray Coverage

If permanent hair color for gray hair is what you’re looking for, let us introduce you to Redken’s permanent hair color line (only available in salons): Color Gel Lacquers 10 Minute Color. These formulas provide 100 percent gray coverage and one level of lift in just 10 minutes. Color Gel Lacquers 10 Minute Color come in 14 shades and offer quick gray coverage whether your strands are blonde, brunette, or copper.

Demi-Permanent Gray Coverage

For long-lasting (but not permanent) results, you can opt for a hair gloss like Redken Shades EQ. These demi-permanent, ammonia-free hair gloss formulas can provide temporary color change in just 20 minutes, including gray coverage. The results last four to six weeks, meaning you can try a new hair color for gray hair without the commitment.



Temporary Gray Coverage

Can’t make it to the salon every time your grays start to show? We get it. Luckily, temporary hair color for gray hair exists. You can conceal graying hair between appointments with formulas like L’Oréal Professionnel’s Hair Touch Up Root Concealers. Available in seven shades, these formulas give quick, easy, natural-looking gray coverage that lasts until your next wash day.

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How often should I dye my hair to cover gray?

Because gray hairs can be so sneaky, maintaining a lapse-less hair color schedule is probably the most important part of managing them. How often you’ll need to come back depends on the difference between your natural shade and the salon color, as well as the technique your stylist uses. It’ll be a little bit different for everybody, but certainly not an opportunity to walk away for six months at a time.

Product carousel: HDC10538, HDC10537, HDC10231, HDC10123

How do you care for colored gray hair?

Between appointments, focus on using color-protecting products to help your hue last (and keep your grays totally disguised). We recommend Redken’s Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo and Conditioner. This sulfate-free system gently cleanses and conditions color-treated hair to enhance shine and hair color vibrancy.

Another way to prevent your hue from dulling is by keeping a heat protectant on hand whenever you reach for hot tools. We love Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Iron Smoother Leave-In Spray, which smooths hair as it simultaneously protects hair against heat damage up to 450 degrees.

We already know that gray hair grows drier and coarser, but a deep conditioning hair mask is the secret to keeping tresses silky and healthy. You can streamline your routine with a nourishing mask that also protects the vibrancy of color-treated hair, like Pureology Hydrate Superfood Treatment Mask.

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What is the best hair color for gray hair?

Now that you’re set on the kind of dye you need to cover gray hair, you need to determine which shade to choose. Neutral shades like soft blonde, mushroom brown, light copper, and caramel blonde balayage are the easiest to blend gray into (and maintain over time without wanting to shave your hair off).

Plus, Cosgrove points out that it’s easy to overwhelm your face with color. Go lighter, then add more if you want to make a dramatic statement.

“I think the most common mistake is going too dark. It’s important to remember that as our hair loses pigment, so does our skin. A softer color than what we had before we went gray is probably best,” she says.

Need inspiration before you head to the salon? Keep scrolling for the 20 best hair colors for gray hair that are pro-approved.

The 20 Best Hair Colors for Gray Hair to Try Now

Good hair day by @lamajbackwards

White Blonde

A shade like white blonde will seamlessly blend with your gray regrowth. Note: Achieving a shade as light as white will require a few bleaching sessions with your colorist, so be sure to use repairing products like Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate Intensive Treatment. Part of the Acidic Bonding Concentrate system, this highly reparative rinse-off formula works within your hair to strengthen hair bonds weakened by stressors like hair color and lightening.

Good hair day by @rafaelbertolucci1

Caramel Balayage

There’s no need for us to sell you on caramel balayage because it basically sells itself. This warm, lighthearted take on blonde hair suits every skin tone and makes you glow. Who wouldn’t want to try it?

Ensure lightened brown hair remains bright, not brassy with Matrix Brass Off All-In-One Toning Leave-In Spray. This conditioning leave-in spray uses blue dye color-depositing technology to neutralize those pesky brassy and orange tones that plague lightened brunettes and dark blonde hair.

Good hair day by @desireealyssahair

Blonde Highlights

There are many reasons that blonde highlights are a top choice for covering gray hair. Blonde highlights soften the root area where grays start to peak through and let your colorist target gray-prone sections.

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Blonde Herringbone Highlights

Ask your stylist about herringbone highlights if you want to work with your grays, not against them. Instead of placing your foils on top of each other, your stylist will place them diagonally. This helps the cool and warm tones mesh together in a gorgeous fusion of color that intentionally includes your grays in its final result.

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Soft Blonde

We’ve seen every blonde rendition on planet Earth, so believe us when we say this soft blonde shade is unique in its neutrality and dimension. Fight the urge to bleach your grays into oblivion and choose this darker blonde instead. A little warmth is never bad, and you can always ask to go lighter next appointment.

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Dimensional Brunette

Add dimension to your brown hair color with subtle lowlights. Strategically placed lowlights can help hide graying hair while adding depth and dimension to your brunette strands.

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Medium Brown

We’re obsessed with this gray coverage result on medium brown hair using Redken Color Gel Lacquers 10 Minute Color in the shade 05N Walnut.

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Coffee

This caffeine-inspired hue uses Redken Color Gel Lacquers 10 Minute Color in the shade 4NN Coffee Grounds.

Good hair day by @lamajbackwards

Chocolate Mousse

Craving chocolate? Ask your colorist to use Redken Color Gel Lacquers 10 Minute Color 6NN Chocolate Mousse for a warm-toned look with 100 percent gray coverage.

Light Copper

Red heads have a reputation for not going gray, but ginger shades lose their pigment over time, resulting in a lighter, duller color. Your colorist can refresh your fiery hue with a permanent hair color formula. One caveat: Salon red hair is notoriously prone to premature fading, so make sure you’re ready for the commitment before you dive in.

Good hair day by @beautybybrittanymcentire

Sugar and Spice Copper

For a lower-maintenance take on red, have your stylist apply copper, brunette, and bright blonde highlights and lowlights. As brilliant as it is beautiful, this multi-tonal look helps your existing grays blend nicely and prevents a harsh line of demarcation for any new gray growth.

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Ginger with Lowlights

Give your ginger shade dimension while hiding any stray grays with blended lowlights throughout your mane.

Good hair day by @konstantinos_hair

Greige Balayage

Think twice if you think balayage is only meant for the mid-lengths to ends of hair! Sweeping a few strokes of trendy greige (gray and beige) balayage near the roots creates a sun-kissed glow that seamlessly infuses your natural salt and peppers.

Good hair day by @elle_ashandalter

Silver

If you can’t beat them, embrace them! Lean into your natural grays with a full-on silver shade. It’s on-trend and customizable for every skin tone.

For a shade as bright and cool as this one, we advise using a shampoo and conditioner like L’Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Purple Shampoo and Conditioner once or twice a week to contrast yellow undertones.

Good hair day by @stylelushsalon

Silver Highlights

A full head of silver hair may not be for everyone, which is why we recommend silver highlights for a more subtle take on the look.

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White with Lowlights

Lowlights will tone down a white shade while adding tons of dimension to your mane. If you notice your bright white fading within two weeks of your last color appointment, consider incorporating a system like ​​Redken Blondage High Bright into your regimen. The line’s Pre-Treatment, Shampoo, and Conditioner are powered by its Brightening Care Complex and vitamin C to lift impurities that darken or dull blonde hair.

Good hair day by @melaniedessauer_hairstylist

Mushroom Brown

Like the delicious mushroom, this ashy, portobello-inspired shade appears to be standard brown hair at first glance. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice the light gray hues peeking through without stealing the whole show.

Lavender Gray

Lavender is a top contender for the best hair color for gray hair. Purple hair may seem like a big jump, but the ashy tones in a muted lavender perfectly mesh with grays and give your overall look a youthful edge.

Good hair day by @seolahair

Dark Ash Gray

Want to conceal grays while still embracing the richness of a brunette hue? Dark ash gray lets you have the best of both worlds. This ashy matte color focuses the bulk of your grays at the ends, not the roots, so that you can go gray the fashionable way.

Good hair day by @xcellenthairsquare

Two-Toned Slate Brunette

Can’t get enough of this chalky slate gray? Ask your stylist to use Matrix SoColor Cult in Marble Grey on two-thirds of your dark base for a unique two-toned effect.

Interested in getting professional gray coverage? Head to Hair.com to shop all the products you’ll need to make your dyed ‘do dazzle.