Everything You Need To Know About Covering Grey Hair
Regardless of how stunning we think our hair looks, greying hair has the tendency to take us aback. You may be in your 30s or even 20s, but the first appearance of grey hair raises the question: Is this going to be your final look? Thankfully, the world of hair color gives you enough autonomy over tweaking, covering, or even fixing the look you may not be ready for. Better yet, Redken Artists are open with all the knowledge they have to guide you through your journey of grey hair coverage. Dive in to learn everything there is about greying and learn how to cover grey hair if that’s what you want.
Keynotes on Grey Hair Coverage
- Grey hair can become resistant to absorbing color due to the thickening of outer hair layers, making grey hair coverage challenging.
- Demi-permanent colors blend grey hair with existing hair color, offering less maintenance and a subtle transition.
- Permanent hair colors provide complete grey hair coverage for a uniform look similar to painting over a surface.
- Different hairstyles or textures like layers, bangs, or textured waves can make grey hair less noticeable.
WHY IS GREY HAIR COVERAGE TOUGH?
Though a very achievable goal, it can get tricky to cover grey hair. When your hair stops producing color and turns grey, the outer layers of hair (your cuticle) thicken. Once this happens, your hair may turn more resistant to absorbing color, making grey hair coverage potentially more challenging than other color processes.
Thankfully, Redken has got you (and your greys) covered. Tap into the classic permanent coverage and read on for everything you need to know about how to cover grey hair with precision.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO COVER GREY HAIR?
To boil it down, there are essentially two different types of colors your colorist will use to cover grey hair—demi-permanent or permanent.
WHAT IS A DEMI-PERMANENT HAIR COLOR?
Demi-permanent hair color options, like Shades EQ Gloss, deliver non-permanent pigment that will gradually fade over time. Demi-permanent colors do not cover grey hair so much as they color it, making grey hair blend in more with the overall color and look almost like a highlight. While this may be the case, a big benefit to taking this route for covering grey hair is less maintenance. With demi-permanent hair colors, the grow-out process is much less noticeable and you’ll be able to go longer between salon appointments.
WHAT IS A PERMANENT HAIR COLOR?
On the other hand, permanent hair colors completely cover grey hair to give you a more solid and uniform result. Unlike demi-permanent color, a permanent color completely colors your hair, not allowing the initial color to peek through. Redken Artists compare it to a stained piece of wood. Where the stain has the same effect as a demi-permanent color—you’d still be able to see the natural grain along with the variation in the shades and tone. A permanent hair color would be like taking brown paint and painting the board so that it’s totally and completely covered. For pesky greys, especially, permanent color is a good option!
Now that you know the basics of how to cover grey hair, read on to know everything you can do to get perfectly colored hair.
OPT FOR PERMANENT ROOT COVERAGE
If you want that immediate satisfaction of leaving the salon without worrying about how to cover grey hair, permanent color is the way to go. Talk to your colorist about Redken’s Color Gels Oils. This liquid, permanent, and ammonia-free hair color works best if you’re looking to get 100% grey coverage with a rich hair color. Grey coverage with permanent color often requires a single process hair color service.
WHAT IS A SINGLE PROCESS HAIR COLOR APPLICATION?
With a single process service, your colorist will apply the color, let it sit and process, then rinse it off and you’re good to go.
Compare that to a technique such as highlighting, where, post-rinse, there’s usually another type of color (such as a gloss) applied. Yes, permanent color may require a few more trips to the salon because those new greys will be more noticeable once they start cropping up. However, the benefit is that those single-process coloring appointments for grey hair coverage will be short and sweet.
1. ADD SOME HAIR HIGHLIGHTS
If you’re unsure about going global for covering grey hair, highlights are your answer. Smooth operators, highlights blend greys with ease and also lend a multi-dimensional look to your hair that will distract you from the greys. An easy answer to how to cover grey hair, strategic highlights also have the potential to add depth and make your hair appear fuller and more vibrant. Go for shades that complement your base color and even your skin tone. If traditional highlights seem too passé, go for more exciting options like balayage. Learn more about different hair coloring techniques like ombre, balayage and more before making your pick.
2. GO LIGHTER WITH HAIR COLOR
Going lighter with hair color is another great strategy for covering grey hair. After consulting your hairstylist, dive into lighter shades of permanent hair color that blend more seamlessly with grey, making regrowth less noticeable. Blonde and light brown hues are particularly famous for masking greys and adding spruce to your look. Make sure you go for ammonia-free hair colors to dodge the harm that hair lightening may bring your way.
3. CHANGE YOUR HAIRSTYLE
Tricks as simple as parting your hair differently can also be an answer to how to cover grey hair. Try identifying the greying areas and the risk of the new hairdo. When you cover grey hair, different styling methods can even add movement to your hair and shape your face. Layers, bangs, and shorter styles are particularly effective for grey hair coverage.
4. ADD TEXTURE TO YOUR HAIR
Texture is what adds the sheen and bounce to your hair. Enhance your natural waves and curls if you wonder how to cover grey hair. When your hair is textured, it reflects light differently, making grey strands less obvious. The texture allows these grow-outs to pop less and give your hair a more dynamic look. Textured hair reflects light in different directions, making grey strands less conspicuous. Use lightweight hair texture products that keep your hair airy and blend in the greys seamlessly.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With au naturel being the vogue, many women are simply taking to their natural greys. However, it's just as natural not to be ready for this trend. Many of us may look best with our dark hair in all its glory. So, opt for permanent colors that add vibrance to your skin undertone and step out confidently with your ideal hair. With all the scoop on how to cover grey hair there’s nothing holding you back now. Check out the Redken website and find the best hair care, hair color and hair styling solutions along with the best hair styling tips to cover greying hair.