Gray hair is part and parcel of growing old. Although some people are totally okay with gray hair on their heads, others prefer to color it. The best hair colors for gray hair help you cover up the graying strands effectively and are made of natural ingredients.
If you’re uncomfortable with your natural gray hair, coloring it would be an excellent option. You may use permanent, semi-permanent, or demi-permanent hair color for covering gray hair strands. Read this post as we give you a few tips on choosing the perfect shade and coloring your gray hair and bring you a long list of the best colors for gray hair.
Top Picks
Precautions To Take Before Applying Hair Color
Take the following precautions while using any hair dye for gray hair.
- Always do a patch test at least two days before its application.
- Never leave your dye for more than the prescribed amount of time.
- Do not mix different dyes.
- Keep the dye away from the reach of children.
- Read the labels carefully.
- Do not dye your eyebrows or eyelashes.
- Wear gloves while applying dye and rinse it off thoroughly after application.
18 Best Hair Colors For Gray Hair
1. Best Water-Resistant: Color Wow Root Cover Up
This root cover-up color from Color Wow is an easy way to instantly touch up your grays. It has a highly pigmented formula infused with reflective mineral particles to make the coverage last long and look natural. The water-resistant dye leaves a smudge-and fade-proof stain, removing the hassle of frequent touch-ups.
The root cover-up powder is also suitable for color-treated hair and can also be used to cover bald patches. Moreover, being free of parabens, PPD, and wax makes it ideal for all skin types.
Pros
- Mess-free application
- Non-sticky formula
- No animal testing
- Available in multiple shades
- Includes applicator brush
Cons
- Brush may be softer than expected
- May stain the fingers if not applied properly
"I love the double-sided brush included with this hair touch-up powder. It makes hiding the gray roots in tricky areas easy. The powder even doubles as an eyebrow filler, and though it may not be a permanent fix, it serves the purpose well."
2. Best Nourishing: Revlon Colorsilk Hair Color
With Revlon’s permanent hair dye, you can achieve gray coverage with a salon-style finish at home. Its long-lasting color makes your hair shiny and completely conceals gray hair. Revlon’s 3D color gel technology allows you to choose from a wide range of natural hair color shades.
Further, it has a liquid-gel texture that you can spread evenly throughout your hair. One of the best hair colors for gray hair, it nourishes your hair as it contains keratin and silk amino acids. It is free of ammonia and can deliver visible results.
Pros
- Moderately thick texture
- Bottle nozzle ensures easy application
- Makes the hair soft and glossy
- Prevents hair damage
Cons
- May dry out hair
"The dark brown tones of this dye give my hair a natural-looking finish without weighing down the strands. I had initially left the dye on for more than the instructed time, which gave me results that were darker than expected. Since then, I have been following the instructions diligently. Give ths dye a try if you want a lustrous effect without drying the hair."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 96 positive reviews on Amazon.
Remember3. Best For Complete Gray Coverage: Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color Cream
Garnier Nutrisse permanent hair color covers your hair from root to tip. This hair dye for gray hair is rich in triple oils and formulated to nourish your hair while providing complete gray coverage. This professional-grade hair color for silver hair uses intense hair colors made from natural pigments and comes in various shades.
It is a non-drip hair color with a creamy texture and a pleasant fragrance. The cream spreads evenly for a simple, salon-like experience at home. It also retains moisture, which helps condition your hair after application. Watch this review video to learn how to use the product.
Pros
- Protects the hair against dryness
- Provides uniform color and shine
- Long-lasting hair color
- Available in a wide range of colors
Cons
- Color may be slightly darker than expected
- Scent may be overpowering for some
"This hair color has managed to keep my mane healthy and shiny even with repeated use. It has a pleasant scent and offers moisturizing benefits, which are a big plus. Finding the right shade for my hair was a bit tricky, but once that hurdle was passed, the color has only impressed me since then."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has earned its stripes, with over 4,651 reviews on Amazon.
Quick factColor Wow Root Cover Up Best Water-Resistant | Revlon Colorsilk Hair Color Best Nourishing | Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color Cream Best For Complete Gray Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | - | 3.7 x 2 x 6 inches | 2.46 x 6.5 x 6.25 inches |
| Weight | - | 4.4 Ounces | 15.43 Ounces. |
| Color | - | - | 50 Medium Natural Brown (Truffle) |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 96 | 4,651 |
| Price | - | $6.88 | $16.94 |
4. Best Conditioning: SoftSheen-Carson Fade Resist Color
Available in 18 rich shades, ranging from jet black to blonde, the Fade Resist permanent hair dye series by SoftSheen-Carson is designed to provide full gray coverage that lasts for over eight weeks. Besides bestowing a vibrant and intense color, the dye also makes the mane shiny as it is infused with argan oil.
In addition, the hair color contains Vitamin E to nourish the locks, preventing them from drying. Moreover, the no-drip jelly-like consistency ensures hassle- and mess-free application.
Pros
- Suitable for all hair textures
- Enriched with shea butter, avocado, and olive oil
- Repairs brittle and dry hair
- Ammonia-free
Cons
- May have a chemical smell
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
"I love how shiny this dye makes my hair look. It requires a longer processing time than standard dyes, but the long-lasting color makes that hassle worth it. It even came with a conditioner, which worked well for my hair type."
5. Best For Sensitive Skin: Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel
If you are looking for a nourishing formula that is dermatologically tested, this dye by Herbatint can be the perfect solution. The hair dye for natural gray hair is made with the highest quality herbal and botanical extracts, such as aloe vera, black walnut, white birch, and rhubarb. These organic extracts nourish the hair and scalp while providing a rich hue. The dermatologist-tested hair color for gray hair is also free of fragrance, alcohol, ammonia, parabens, and resorcinol.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Odorless
- Available in 36 shades
- B Corp-certified
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- Some may experience dry hair
- May be difficult to rinse off
"My hair feels silky even after it is dyed with this hair color, a result none of the previously used hair colors offered. While the shade selection can be tricky, and the scent can feel a bit overpowering, the results have been impressive."
6. Best Mess-Free: Style Edit Root Concealer Touch-Up Spray
The root touch-up color by Style Edit comes packed in a spray bottle, making it easy and mess-free to keep your roots matching the mane when you’re on vacation or when going to the saloon is not feasible. Made of color-adaptive pigments, the product adheres to hair fibers efficiently and provides a natural and consistent-looking coverage.
The spray comes in a set of two, provides long-lasting coverage, and is suitable for all hair types and textures. Just shake the bottle, part your hair, and spray the product from a distance of six inches for visible results.
Pros
- Residue-free formula
- Makes hair shiny
- Sweat-and rain-resistant
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Quantity may be lower than expected
- May stain the fingers if used incorrectly
"This root touch-up powder has significantly reduced the number of times I visit the salon to get my hair colored. The can requires a good shake before use, but its fine spraying nozzle makes it easy to touch the roots without staining the skin. Plus, the non-sticky formula has been able to withstand sweat and rain."
7. Best For Even Coverage: Wella ColorCharm Permanent Liquid Haircolor
The Wella ColorCharm range of permanent hair colors is crafted using patented Liquifuse technology to ensure full coverage and consistent color throughout the mane. This permanent hair color is available in 69 shades, including blonde, brown, and black, to suit diverse needs and preferences. The long-lasting hair color thoroughly saturates the hair strands and leaves a slow fade stain, removing the hassle of frequent touch-ups.
Pros
- Smooth consistency
- Nourishes the hair strands
- Has a floral fragrance
- Comes with clear application instructions
Cons
- Some may find the smell overpowering
- May not be free of ammonia
"I am impressed with the reliable color match that Wella ColorCharm offers. The dark and smokey ash blonde is my favorite, as it matches my complexion and gives a natural-looking sheen to my strands. I'd recommend you use a sulfate-free shampoo to make the color last long."
8. Best For A Glossy Finish: L’Oreal Paris Excellence Hair Color
L’Oreal Paris’s gray coverage hair color provides a long-lasting and lustrous appearance. It has a non-drip formula and comes in 38 glossy shades. Apart from offering radiance to your hair, the colors from this series help seal, condition, and replenish your hair.
With its triple protection system, the Excellence Creme range nourishes your hair. This professional-grade permanent hair dye for gray hair contains ceramide, pro-keratin, and collagen, and is suitable for color-treated hair.
Pros
- Bleach-free
- Consistent color
- Easy to use
- Suitable for all hair types
Cons
- May have a strong scent
"I've been using this hair color for quite some time now. It provides a vibrant color payoff and covers the greys in just a few swipes. The consistency tends to be on the runny end, but with some practice, I have learned to apply it evenly."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 5,440 positive reviews on Amazon.
9. Best Versatile: Sevich Hair Shadow Powder
Choose the Sevich Hair Shadow powder if you prefer a hair touch-up product that comes in powder form rather than liquid or spray. The powder provides enhanced root coverage and fills the hairline to conceal bald patches or thinning areas. This versatile pigmented powder can also be used as a concealer for graying or patchy beards and eyebrows.
Moreover, the powder is available in multiple shades, and the lid of the container is equipped with a mirror to make touch-ups convenient and feasible, even on the go.
Pros
- Free of preservatives
- Devoid of peroxides and sulfates
- Includes a powder puff
- Portable
Cons
- May not be long lasting
- May not be waterproof
"This hair color powder has been the perfect find for me, as I just wanted something to cover the grays. It is easy to apply and helps make my thinning hair patches look fuller."
10. Best Natural: Naturtint Hair Color
Cover the most stubborn gray hair strands with this ammonia-, sulfate-, and paraben-free formulation of the Naturtint permanent hair color. It nourishes and strengthens the hair, making it one of the best hair colors for gray hair. It harnesses the power of olive and meadowfoam seed oils to leave your hair glossier after each treatment.
Further, this professional-grade hair color contains natural baobab, moringa seed, and pea extracts. With 32 vibrant and mixable hair color shades, you can easily find your natural hair color shade. In addition, the product is vegan and cruelty-free.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Moisturize the hair
- Provides UV and heat protection
- Offers pollution protection
Cons
- May provide a less natural finish
- May be hard to rinse off
"After testing numerous hair colors, I have finally found my favorite. This gentle formula provides impressive coverage without affecting the strand's moisture levels, and its not-so-overpowering scent is a big plus. And although the results aren't the most long-lasting, I would recommend this product due to its ease of application and chemical-free ingredients."
11. Best Easy-To-Apply: Schwarzkopf Hair Color Cream
Nourish your hair from root to tip before coloring with the pre-color serum by Schwarzkopf hair color. This helps enhance the color, provides complete gray hair coverage, and ensures long-lasting color.
This celebrity-endorsed hair color for gray hair uses anti-breakage technology to nourish and strengthen hair and retain its shine and softness. It has a creamy texture and is easy to apply. Further, it contains keratin, which helps condition and repair damaged hair.
Pros
- Includes anti-brass conditioner
- Repairs inner hair structure
- Provides natural finish
- Smoothes hair strands
Cons
- Smell may be powerful
- Color may not last long
"The creamy texture of this dye makes it effortless to cover every inch of my hair strands. But while the application is simple, the result can be darker than expected. So, I suggest you pick a shade lighter than your hair color."
12. Best For Natural Looking Hair: Clairol Nice’n Easy Hair Color
With Clairol’s professional hair color, you can achieve a salon look. This natural-looking hair color provides up to eight weeks of gray coverage and is ideal for obtaining shiny and soft hair. With three tones and a highlight, this hair dye for gray hair can provide long-lasting sunlit color and shine.
You can easily find a lustrous color to camouflage gray hair from its 50 shades. Its cream consistency is simple to apply. In addition, this hair color for gray hair is infused with conditioning ingredients, ensuring adequate nourishment and visible results for your hair.
Pros
- Non-drip color
- Blends perfectly
- Bleach-free
- Blocks damage to hair
- Gentle on the scalp
Cons
- May take more time to color coarse hair
- Certain shades may stain the scalp
"Although I was slightly concerned about choosing the correct shade, the color I received was true to the one on the box and covered my grays without making the hair look artificial. It has a slight ammonia smell, but the salon-quality results make that a minor trade-off. Also, the color lasts for multiple washes, reducing the number of times I have to do touch-ups."
13.Best Cruelty-Free Hair Color:Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit
The diverse range of hair colors offered by Madison Reed can help you cover your gray strands in a jiffy. Its cream-based formula leaves a natural-looking hue and is enriched with argan oil, keratin, and ginseng root extracts to revitalize and nourish the strands.
This cruelty-free hair color provides 100% gray coverage and is free from harsh chemicals, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Provides long-lasting and visible results
- Add shine to the hair strands
- Dermatologist-tested
- Includes gloves, cap, barrier cream, wipe, and shampoo
Cons
- Some may find the application process tricky
- Quantity may be lower than expected
"With this dye, I have finally found a hair product that covers my grays without stripping the strands of their natural moisture. It has a pleasant fragrance and creates undertones that make my hair look naturally vibrant. Some may find the color slightly darker than anticipated, but choosing a lighter shade can solve that minor issue."
14. Best Semi-Permanent: Clairol Professional Hair Color
Clairol professional semi-permanent hair color comes in a variety of tones to cover all shades of gray hair. It is designed to nourish your hair while providing long-lasting color for up to 12 shampoo washes. In addition, you can use it on color-treated hair.
The gray coverage hair color enhances your natural hair color while providing a long-lasting shine, thanks to its oxygen trapping technology. It is also free of ammonia and peroxide and comes in a user-friendly bottle.
Pros
- Impressive coverage
- Deeply conditions the hair
- Does not need any developer
- Rejuvenates the hair
Cons
- Hair strands may feel slightly stiff
"Talk about covering the grays and making your hair look like you had just gotten multidimensional highlights from a salon. This dye delivers. It comes in a no-mix applicator bottle, which makes it easy to touch up the base of the roots when in a hurry."
15.Best Long-Lasting:Tints Of Nature Natural Simply Healthy Hair Color
With a unique patented formula, the hair color by Tints of Nature offers long-lasting 100% gray coverage. It is infused with natural and organic ingredients to keep the hair strands from drying or breaking during the coloring process. The dyes offered by the brand are inter-mixable, making it easy to get the right hue.
The hair color is vegan-friendly and includes a pair of gloves, an applicator cap, and hydrating shampoo to get the best results.
Pros
- Available multiple shades
- Creates a vibrant stain
- Suitable for all hair textures
- Easy to apply
Cons
- May have a strong chemical smell
- May contain low levels of ammonia
"I've consistently turned to this hair color for its gentle formula, which works well for covering the grays with a more natural approach. While some may not find the coverage long-lasting, the lack of chemicals makes it a fair compromise. Plus, I like that it comes with all the necessary accessories for application."
16. Best For Sensitive Scalp:Schwarzkopf Simply Color Permanent Hair Color
Color your hair in a mess-free manner with the creamy hair color by Schwarzkopf. Its dermatologist-tested formula provides long-lasting coverage and is infused with nourishing ingredients such as botanical oat milk, soy protein, and argan oil to keep the strands hydrated.
Suitable for all hair types and colors, this is one of the best hair colors for gray hair. It leaves an even and vibrant color from the root to the tip of the hair strands and makes them look healthy. Moreover, this permanent hair dye for gray hair is free of drying and damaging elements such as alcohol, PPD, and PTD, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Silicone-free
- Easy to apply
- Mild fragrance
- Available in multiple shades
- Gentle on the scalp
Cons
- Some might find it difficult to squeeze the color out of the container
- Quantity may be lower than expected
"This dye offers soft, natural results without causing scalp irritation. Its coverage over grays can be improved, as they tend to show more quickly than I'd like. Regardless, this dye remains my preferred option due to its easy-to-apply and non-drip consistency."
17. Best Herbal: Indus Valley Hair Color
The Indus Valley permanent hair dye for gray hair uses ammonia and hydrogen peroxide-free formula that is harmless and has a pleasant fragrance. It revitalizes and nourishes your hair with eight herbs. These eight herbs provide complete gray hair coverage in a single application. It is appropriate for all hair types.
This hair color smoothens, shines, and adds bounce to damaged hair. It is a vegan product appropriate for all hair types. Besides, the gel consistency of this hair dye for gray hair makes it convenient for you to apply it all by yourself.
Pros
- Gentle
- Does not cause dryness and brittleness in hair
- Bleach-free
- cruelty-free
- Ideal for both men and women
Cons
- May be less suitable for root touch-ups
- May irritate the scalp for some
"Besides covering my grays efficiently, this dye has kept allergic reactions at bay. The quantity is less than expected but sufficient for my short hair. And its sweet orange aroma is not too overpowering. I would recommend you go for it."
Quick tip18. Best Fragrant: HJL Hair Color
Get up to eight weeks of glossy, rich gray hair coverage with the HJL hair color collection. The kit includes a hair coloring comb, which makes applying the hair dye easier. It’s simple to mix, spread, and coat your grays with this applicator.
The HJL hair color, infused with the goodness of several oils and amino acid serum, rejuvenates and covers the grays from root to tip. This permanent hair dye for gray hair has a pleasant fragrance and is also not harmful to your hair.
Pros
- Gentle on the scalp
- Makes hair healthy and silky
- Hydrates and nourishes hair
- Ammonia-free
Cons
- Pump comb may not perform well
"The pleasant smell and ammonia-free formula have made this dye the perfect find for me. The comb applicator, though tricky to maneuver initially, is very helpful in covering the hair evenly, and the earmuffs and shower cap make it easy to keep the color off my clothes and ears."
How To Apply Hair Color To Hair?
To apply gray coverage hair color at home, you’ll need
- A hair color of your choice
- A coloring brush and a bowl or the entire hair coloring kit
- A comb
- A handheld mirror
- Disposable gloves
- Vaseline and
- Wet wipes
Here are the steps to follow.
- Select a color of your choice: For complete coverage of gray hairs, select a shade that matches your hair color. If you’re unsure about which shade to use, always go for a dye that is lighter than your gray shade, as this will help create a gray highlighting effect.
- Mix the color: Follow the instructions on the package and mix the hair color as directed. Mix a small amount for the patch and strand tests. Only after the dye has passed both tests should you proceed with mixing the required amount of dye.
- Test the dye: Before you apply the hair dye for gray locks, you must first perform a patch test. Next, apply a pinch of dye behind your ears or on your elbow. Wait two days and look for any signs of an allergic reaction. Use the dye only if you are not allergic to it. After this test, color the ends of your hair to see how the color looks. If the results aren’t satisfactory, change your shade.
- Clothing: Wear an old robe or any plastic cover around your shoulders to avoid staining your dress.
- Prepare to dye: Get your tool ready and put on your gloves. Keep Vaseline and makeup remover wipes handy. These can be used to remove dye drips from the face.
- Start dyeing: Divide your hair into four or five sections for ease of dyeing. Focus on one section at a time and clip the rest to avoid confusion. Then, using the brush, begin dying from the roots. Gently run the brush through the lengths of your hair. Apply dye on dry hair for best results, and use a handheld mirror while dyeing the hair on the back of the head.
- Follow instructions: Follow the time specifications on the package before washing your hair.
, an award-winning stylist and the founder of Urban Tangles, a multicultural hair and makeup studio, says, “Gray hair has a mind of its own. If you use a semi-permanent in an attempt to cover it and it doesn’t cover, use a Demi-permanent color. If the Demi-permanent color doesn’t work, use a permanent color. Make sure you use enough color so that your hair is saturated fully with the product.”
How To Choose The Right Hair Color For Gray Hair?
Here are a few pointers to help you choose the right hair color for gray hair.
- Choose a hair color for mature hair that is free of ammonia, parabens, and sulfates.
- Find your shade in the color palette. Choose a shade that is either above or below the color of your
- Always check for the color’s durability, as specified by the manufacturer.
- Try to find expert-recommended hair colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it better to go for a lighter or darker shade to cover gray hair?
It is recommended to go a shade slightly lighter than your natural hair color to cover your grays. If you are unsure about picking the right shade, consult a professional colorist for expert advice.
2. Is it better to highlight or color my gray hair?
It depends on how much gray hair you have. If you have a few gray strands, highlighting would be an ideal choice. However, if you have a large amount of gray hair, using a hair color for gray hair would make for a better choice.
3. What happens if I put blonde dye on my gray hair?
Depending on the color of your gray strands, it will turn them into either golden highlights or a brassy color.
4. What are lowlights for gray hair?
Lowlights are basically achieved by using a hair color that is one or two shades darker than your natural color.
5. Should I go blonde if I have gray hair?
It depends on the shade of your natural gray hair and your non-gray hair color. If you have white-ish gray hair and your natural shade is closer to blonde, blonde hair color might work for you.
6. Should I go lighter with my hair color as I age?
It is not recommended to go more than two shades lighter than your natural hair color at any age.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a fashion and beauty enthusiast and reviewer who loves sharing her knowledge with her readers. She scoured several websites and read reviews of hair colorists and users to create a list of the best hair colors for gray hair. Every recommended product is enriched with natural ingredients and effective in covering gray hair. Poulami has described each one in detail to give you their authentic picture and help you make an informed choice. She added a buying guide and also explained the correct process of applying hair color.
The Bottom Line
Gray hair is part and parcel of aging. And although not everyone wants to get rid of it, you might be thinking about dyeing those tresses with your favorite hair color. The best hair colors listed here are highly recommended for their quality ingredients and ease of application. With these hair dyes, you can have natural-looking hair that looks beautiful and gray-free. Our top picks include the Revlon Colorsilk Hair Color for its lasting power, the Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color Cream for uniform gray coverage and shine, and the L’Oreal Paris Excellence Hair Color for its nourishing formula. However, before applying hair color for gray hair, keep in mind to do a patch test and never leave the dye in for more than the stipulated period.
Infographic: Care Following The Color Application To Your Gray Hair
If you have recently dyed your gray hair, following the care instructions provided by the product you used is essential. They may include using specific shampoos and conditioners, avoiding hot water and heat styling, and waiting a certain amount of time before rewashing your hair. Additionally, the following infographic provides further tips and points to consider when caring for your newly colored hair. So do take a moment to review it. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Avocado Oil: Characteristics, Properties, and Applications
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6600360/ - Cosmetics Safety Q&A: Hair Dyes
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/resources-consumers-cosmetics/cosmetics-safety-qa-hair-dyes
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