How to Cover Gray Hair Without Permanent Dye

They are also available in a range of options, from conditioner-like glosses that can be used in the shower to kits that are applied to dry hair and left to sit before being rinsed.

For best results, choose formulations that offer vibrant color and follow the package directions to help achieve natural, long-lasting intensity. Keep in mind that most semi-permanent dyes will only tint the hair, offering a diffused coverage of grays that can last between four to twelve washes or up to six weeks.

Many people prefer the results—especially thanks to the gentle, diffused coverage that adds shine while blurring the appearance of grays. Semi-permanent hair color is also a great way to experiment with different tones since the results won’t last forever.

Demi-permanent hair color

For a longer-lasting result, try a demi-permanent hair color, which is considered a halfway point between semi-permanent and permanent hair color. Demi-permanent hair color works by penetrating the outer cuticle of hair strands because it contains ammonia-free developer that opens the hair shaft before depositing the color. This allows the color to last longer than semi-permanent colors, while reducing the damage typical of permanent options since it does not penetrate the entire hair shaft.

Demi-permanents also offer more coverage, hiding up to 70% of grays. They also usually last up to 28 shampoos or six weeks before they fade away.

Styling Tips For Covering Gray Hair

Gray hair coverage is pretty simple if you style your hair correctly. Celebrity hairstylist Evanie Frausto recommends shifting your part away from the most visible areas. “Side parts or subtle zig-zag parts work really well,” says Frausto. He also recommends adding lift with a texturizing or volumizing spray; this will give your hair natural movement to disguise grays.

Or you can grab your hair accessory of choice to strategically cover those gray roots (and it’s one of the more scalp-friendly options out there). He says using a headband, bandana, scarf, or decorative clips will give you a polished look while hiding gray hair.

Gloss Treatments

One turns to glossing treatments to boost your natural shine and hair color. But as far as gray hacks are concerned, they also come in handy when looking for temporary gray coverage. “Glossing treatments are a great way to add shine while softening the appearance of grays,” says Frausto. He recommends something like the Redken Shades EQ, which he says deposits a touch of pigment that blends the grays seamlessly to look like natural highlights.

Gray Blending Techniques

Frausto also recommends incorporating highlights or lowlights to diffuse the gray colors in your hair. The gray blending technique is a strategic mix of highlights and lowlights to blend in those grays with your natural hair color. Celebrity colorist and co-owner of Crane hair salon Cass Kaeding once told Vogue that this technique gets you a softer line of demarcation when your roots start to grow out and gives you some dimension throughout. While it doesn’t hide your grays completely, it is a more natural-looking way to make them less noticeable.