Silver Jubilee- Blending Gray Hair with Highlights

By Rose Keefe

Gray hair is finally getting the respect it deserves. Not too long ago, we reacted to those first grays by running to the stylist for permanent color. Now we’re embracing the change. Celebrities like Jamie Lee Curtis, Meryl Streep, and Glenn Close are all celebrating their silvers, and even younger stars like Lady Gaga are going for a flawless combination of gray hair and highlights.

You can too. Showing off your grays has become synonymous with celebrating your natural beauty, and when you blend them with flattering highlights, the effects can be showstopping and surprisingly easy to maintain.

So how do you get started? Read on!

Head of a woman with graying hair

Before Starting: What’s Your Base Color?

When you’re getting highlights, you want to consider your base color first. Here are some tips to help blondes, brunettes, and redheads get outstanding results.

Blondes

If you’re a blonde, talk to your colorist about adding cool tones. Pearly hues, ash blonde, and even lighter shades of golden blonde will all blend beautifully with your base color and your grays. You can even opt for a trend called babylights, which are super-fine highlights that give your mane a sun-kissed look.

Brunettes

Brunettes look best when they combine highlights with some darker lowlights. Highlights added to graying brown hair can make your grays stand out, so try some balayage applied closer to your roots to achieve a flawless blending job with less noticeable regrowth. (More on balayage below.)

smilling midle-aged woman with babylights

Redheads

Redheads can look amazing by blending their grays with strawberry blonde or apricot highlights and adding some blonde or brunette lowlights for a multi-tonal finish. This combination of light and shadow looks natural and dramatic at the same time.

What Type of Highlights Should You Get?

Depending on the look you’re going for, you can choose between foils, balayage, and foilyage. Each technique uses a different method to create a defined effect, so the right one for you will depend on factors that include how light you want to go and how much time you have to maintain your new style.

1. Foils

With foil highlights, you avoid dyeing your grays to match your overall base color. Instead, the stylist lightens the hair around them, allowing the gray strands to become less noticeable.

Highlighting techniques will vary depending on how much gray you have. If you have a lot, your stylist will probably place foils all over your head to ensure thorough blending. If you’re only starting to go gray in places, they may place the foils in strategic locations, such as around your hairline. In both cases, they will finish the look by applying a root smudge or color melt to eliminate harsh color lines.

Blending your gray hair with foil highlights is a good choice for you if:

  • You have darker hair and want a dramatic contrast between your highlights and the base color. Foils can get the bright and intense shade you’re looking for.
  • You don’t mind the additional maintenance. Foils tend to lighten your hair more, making regrowth more noticeable, so you’ll need to touch up your highlights more frequently.
happy woman with highlighted gray hair

2. Balayage on Gray Hair

The term ‘balayage’ comes from the French word ‘balayer,’ which means ‘to sweep.’ Also known as hair painting, balayage is a highlighting technique that paints (sweeps) the color directly onto sections of your hair. Your stylist will apply it from root to tip in order to create a blended effect.

The size of the lightened sections will depend on how much coverage you need. In general, the more grays you have, the smaller the sections will be. Once applied, the lightener is processed in the open air or under a plastic film. When paired with a color melt or root smudge, balayage creates a natural-looking transition at the root.

Balayage is a great option for blending your grays if:

  • You don’t need to lift your own color to more than four levels in a single session. However, if you’re looking for a striking color change or an especially intense shade of blonde, foils may be a better choice.
  • You’re going for subtlety. One of the reasons why balayage is so popular is that it’s not intense- your hair looks better without too-obvious signs of a color job.
  • You’re looking for low-maintenance color. Balayage has a more subtle effect than foils, so you can go longer between touch-ups.

3. Foilyage

Specifically intended for dark hair, foilyage lightens your natural color and blends grays in a way that looks youthful and bold. As the name suggests, it is a technique that combines the blended brush painting of balayage with the power-packed brightness you get from foils.

Your stylist will paint the color onto your hair first and then cover treated sections for processing. The result is a graceful progression of color instead of harsh lines against the roots, which makes regrowth much less noticeable.

While foilyage won’t work well on lighter hair, it’s definitely worth trying if your hair is darker. The combination of bold foil work and modest balayage gives you the best of both worlds.

Conclusion

Using highlights to blend gray hair can create a multi-dimensional shade that’s full of shine and movements. You can embrace your grays while remaining stylish, which is something we all want to do.

a business woman with gray hair

How to Color Gray Hair with Highlights

Written by Evelyn Davies

Highlights to blend gray hair? Lowlights for gray hair? Blending grey hair with highlights and lowlights? Transitioning to gray? You’re at the right blog post.

I’m a hairstylist who specifically works on gray blending and natural hair. One thing that I’ve noticed is an issue with covering or blending gray hair is permanent color. Yup that warm glow you get on your hair after the tone fades? One thing I have to say about permanent is that yes it changes your hair color permanently. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a color you want.

Woman with gray hair highlights sitting in the saloon

Highlights to cover gray hair

So, what’s the deal with the transition to gray hair with highlights?

I want to cover some color knowledge with you guys. Clearly to find this highlight to cover gray hair blog means you are doing something that isn’t working, or you’re trying to figure out what to do. So, dying hair 101 – Permanent color is something that adds tone, it penetrates deeper into the hair and changes it. In order to do this, it removes some of your natural pigments. When it does this it weakens the hair cuticle because it is more aggressive. The cuticles are scales that protect the internal part of your hair, strength bonds, keratin, etc. A lot of people try using permanent color to hide grays.

woman in the salon with highlights that cover gray hair

Covering gray hair permanently isn’t the answer

It’s a quick fix, that actually is very temporary. Let me explain why highlights are best for blending gray hair.

Once the cuticle is weakened, it’s easier to experience color fade. This is because the permanent color molecules sit under the cuticle once deposited in the hair. Once the color has faded you can be left with a warm glow. This is because some of your natural pigment has been kicked out and the ”permanent” tones have faded out. So, you can end up with cold and warm contrasts on gray hair.

Woman with highlighted hair sitting in the salon

Highlights to blend gray hair isn’t that permanent?

So, are highlights permanent? Since it stays light? And why are they better to blend gray hair? Does it fade warm too?

Yes, lighteners are permanent too. However – Bleaches do not deposit a tone, they just lift pigments out. This is why blondes need toners as a second appointment in the salon. We can lift hair super light (depending on the history) and these tones blend very well with grays. Once it’s light it is light. So even if you do have a toner that gradually fades, it’s a much better long-term solution for gray hair blending.

Highlights for gray hair… does it last longer?

Think about the way your gray hair grows – in strands. Work in highlights to work in strands with the way hair grows naturally.

The application of highlights is in a vertical stripe.  This grows out beautifully in hair. It works with the natural flow of gray hair and is less work long-term. Covering gray hair fully will leave you with obvious roots, horizontal lines, and a need to go back to the salon in 4-8 weeks. NO NO NO. Don’t get stuck in the roots trap.

pretty woman with highlighted hair in the salon

Toners over highlights for gray hair

So, you have decided to opt for the highlight option? Fab, but what toners are best too?

Well, the salon I love uses an acidic-based demi-permanent color. These systems add a tone and a translucent glaze over hair, meaning you can see different levels of lightness, but it adds a tone. What is nice about these colors is they do not lift the hair or leave behind a warm glow – unless you opt for warm tones. They gently fade lighter eliminating the risk of a harsh root line. So, ask your hairstylist about acidic demi tones.

middle-aged women with toner over highlights for gray hair

Best highlights for gray hair

Another tip I have for your highlights is to ask your hair colorist for fine gradual highlights.

Personally, I like to do this on most guests, even if they have no grays. Chunkier weaves and highlights grow out way more obvious. Unless you are lifting out permanent color and you above 50% gray naturally. So, a good colorist will blend foils with a gentle application. Instead of going full force and over-loading thick strands in the hair, try fine lights to help with the root blend.

Woman with highlights in Gays and Dolls Salon

Gray hair highlights

So, I hope I’ve covered some highlights for gray hair questions. All In all, I would recommend having a good consultation with your hairdresser.

Blending gray hair with highlights isn’t the easiest job. However, it can look naturally stunning, and gray is such a beautiful color. Asking your stylist, and picking their brain, or just booking in for a consultation to chat really can help clarify the best steps for you. Remember all hair is different. We have lots of tools to achieve the looks you love so explore your gray blending options. Happy coloring.

Older woman with short gray hair blended with highlights

Dancing in the Dark: The Truth about Hair Darkening Shampoos

Permanent hair dyes are the most efficient hair coloring product for covering gray. Permanent colors provide the evenest coverage of gray hair and the longest-lasting results. However, this type of hair dye also contains the strongest chemicals that can damage your hair. In addition to harsh formulas, permanent coloring also requires commitment. You should be visiting your stylist every couple of weeks for a root touch-up. If you miss a trip to the salon, the newly grown gray hair may look unattractive.

During the pandemic, a visit to the salon is not always possible, so people seek the easiest way to cover their grays at home. That’s why many gray-haired women and men opt for milder products that are easier to use and less harsh for their hair. Although less effective than permanent dyes, some of these products can cover gray hair or at least soften the contrast between white strands and natural hair colors.

The most commonly used alternatives to traditional dyes for covering gray hair include shampoos for darkening hair, gray-reducing shampoos, and shampoos for black hair.

three women with graying hair

1. Hair Darkening Shampoos

Ready to paint it black? Hair-darkening shampoos specifically work by depositing plant pigments that coat the hair shaft when left in the hair for a while. The color lasts for several shampoos and fades gradually until it’s completely washed off. These shampoos are easy to use but can stain your skin and the surrounding surfaces.

Although hair-darkening shampoos are typically advertised as plant formulas, I highly recommend performing an allergy test before using them, because some herbal ingredients can also cause allergic reactions. This is especially important if you purchase a product from abroad or it if offers an incomplete ingredients list.

On one hand, some hair-darkening shampoos provide good coverage for gray hair. On the other hand, some brands just deposit a little pigment over the hair shaft to make gray strands look like subtle strakes that blend nicely with the pigmented hair.

The good thing about darkening shampoos is that they’re gentler to your hair than permanent colors.

The less good news is that, since the color washes out gradually with each shampoo, you’ll need to use darkening shampoos regularly to maintain the results.

Suggested use: Follow the instructions provided for the specific product. Some products can be left to work longer to ensure better coverage. Keep in mind that prolonged application may also result in a darker color.

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Brands to Consider: Deity Color Change Shampoo- Natural Dark Brown Rinse is a plant formula that covers the gray well. To maintain the results, aim to use it every time you wash your hair.

2. Black Hair Shampoos

Although they’re classified as shampoos, these are actually plant-derived semi-permanent hair dyes in shampoo form. They’re easy to apply but tend to leave stains on the skin and on the surfaces in your bathroom. So, make sure to wear gloves. The color will last for several shampoos. Although they’re usually advertised as plant formulas, some brands may contain synthetic ingredients. To stay safe, you should conduct an allergy test before using them.

Brands to consider:

  1. Dexe Black Hair Shampoo by Ecofan is an herbal formula that takes only 10 minutes to cover your grays. The color lasts for up to a month.
  2. Herbal Natural black hair Shampoo by BIOGREEN ROOTS (also comes in the brown shade) works well for covering gray hair and is less messy than other black hair shampoos. The color lasts for a couple of washes.

3. Gray Reducing Shampoos

Control GX Grey Reducing Shampoo: Is It Just for Men?

There’s absolutely nothing in the composition of this shampoo that determines that it’s meant only for men. But there’s something in men’s preferences that makes the claim on the box true. The majority of men don’t like to appear in public with freshly dyed hair. This shampoo is a good way to darken their hair gradually while maintaining a natural look. Opposite to men, women like switching between colors and prefer products that offer more obvious color changes.

How Does Gray Reducing Shampoo Work?

This shampoo uses oxygen from the air to activate the dye. The oxidation process that causes the hair’s darkening takes place 10-15 minutes after application. In the next 24 hours, more minor changes in hair color may still occur.

Control GX shampoo is supposed to be used 1-2 times a week, but it’s advised that you experiment to tailor the frequency of use to your own needs. With regular use, the number of grays decreases, but gradually so that the color always looks natural. Sound perfect? Yet there are a few imperfections.

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Downsides:

  • The biggest complaint about this shampoo is that it stains everything it touches until rinsed off. Make sure to use an old T-shirt and a towel.
  • Another problem is that the remaining content of the shampoo continues to oxidize inside the tube. To minimize this, try to expel most of the oxygen before closing the cover tightly.
  • Finally, although it’s sulfate-free, it contains a lot of ingredients that are hard to pronounce.

Despite these imperfections, Control GX Gray Reducing Shampoo has many satisfied users among men.

beautiful middleaged woman with long grey hair hair

Final Words

Most hair-darkening products have limited efficiency in covering gray hair and their ingredient list may be incomplete. As a precaution, always do an allergy test before application. The brands listed in this post have acceptable efficiency and few reports of allergic reactions.

When it comes to Control GX shampoo, this may be the right product for men who want to cover and blend grays to make them less obvious but prefer natural-looking results.

Consulting a professional is a good starting point for taking proper care of your gray hair. If that isn’t possible, ask the seller for information. Read customer reviews and try to find some useful tips. Don’t automatically pick a cheap brand because your health is the most important thing in life. While it’s great to keep your hair dark, don’t keep your health and wellness in the dark!

smiling gray haired woman in casual clothes

The Best Way to Hide Gray Hair

Written by Evelyn Davies. Hair Stylist. Creative writer.

attractive middleaged woman with graying hair smiling

Hair turning gray? Don’t you just hate it when your gray roots are so obvious? Need gray hair tips? What is gray blending? Gray dye for men? What’s the best option to cover your natural grays? Let’s explore the best way to hide gray hair.

First of all, color. Gray can be blended, covered, or even embraced. And covering gray hairs can be difficult. Gray hair can be more resistant and need extra help. A hairstylist can formulate the perfect strength of color to cover your gray. Meaning it will last longer, cover better, and avoid damage.

For all these options I recommend using a professional.

I get it – some of you guys can’t bare your gray. And that’s fine. Covering it can be high-maintenance depending on how gray you are, your color prior to turning grey, and your chosen tone.

I recommend not straying too far from your root color. Usually, hair starts to turn gray on the hairline. Not the most obvious place. Unless you tie your hair back – then you may be more interested in gray blending.

A woman with gray hair in a salon
A woman with blended gray hair

Take a look at the before and after by Chrissy Davies above – This was a grey blend to embrace the natural beauty.

Don’t be fooled though going from just a medium tone like this to a sparkly gray can be a considerable amount of time in the salon.

Don’t believe me? Here’s an image of the stages it takes to get from just a medium warm tone to a smoky gray.

Gays and Dolls salon

Best Way to Cover Gray Hair for Brunettes

If you are brunette/dark and have a few greys coming through (>5%), personally I think matching your natural dark is best. With a permanent color if you like to hide gray completely. Your hair has just begun to turn gray. It’s not overpowering and it just means the root touch up to hide gray hairs. Nice and easy.

The same goes to cover grays on medium tones/blondes. If your >5%, don’t sweat it! Just a matchup is low-maintenance enough.

Best Hi-Lights to Cover Gray on Dark Hair?

So, you have a natural mix. Super dark hair and super light greys. How are we going to blend this?

Sometimes I like to use a demi-permanent color to cover gray on dark. These are tones that leave a trace of color and they fade with time. They never fully disappear with washing but they are not so permanent. Meaning your grays don’t look obvious when you have roots. This is the best option for condition and shine.

Or, blend your brunette hair and gray hair with multi-tones, leaving some natural color in there.

You don’t need to always fully cover up greys. Multi-tonal looks are brilliant for grey blending. You don’t even need to go smoky colors if you don’t want icy tones.

Add a medium tone to marry light and dark colors. Weave fine hi-lights of dark, medium, and light tones. The dark will cover some gray, the light will blend some grays and the medium will help the color appear more natural. Check out some of my work below for a visual.

Woman with gray hair counseled by highlights

I’ve found this look on darker mixed grays by Chrissy Davies. It’s Using the cold color pallet but is still multi-toned with multi grays.

a middle-aged woman with blended gray hair

These types of colors need extra care in the salon and at home with gray toner products. I’ll speak a little about home care further in the blog… Hold on we got more info for you yet!!

Dark Short Hair Gray Coverage

So short dark hair with greys? Men wanting to cover greys? Here’s a little secret for you…

On short dark hair going gray, I like to either use a demi-permanent or Hi-lights/Low-lights. This is because short hair can show off an obvious root. We’re trying to hide grays. Not exaggerate them. Unless you are committed to 2-3 weekly touch-ups avoid full head permanent color.

Medium to Blonde Grey Hair Blend

These are nicer colors to blend with greys, and natural light, not so contrasting, just a heck of a lot easier to blend.

You can go full-force light and rock a platinum look!! You can go super-subtle and ashy hi-lights and low-lights. You got the best options for gray blending. Color your hair multi-silvers is a nice one and, in all honesty, I’ve been seeing more and more people embracing their grey.

The image below is a client that has a blonde mix to blend her natural blonde and greys by Emily Davies – melty goodness.

A woman with blonde grey hair blend

And Finally… Platinum Gray

Are you super white naturally? Lucky you. It’s such a beautiful color.

If you’re blessed with really gray-white hair, after toner in the salon using products at home can keep your hair clean, bright, and sparkly grey. Silver shampoos have boomed over the last few years. They are wonderful for enhancing grey tones.

Check this icy white hair I created below. I think it’s just divine.

a woman with super white hair sitting in a salon

Also, if you’re not embracing that gray and you want it at bay –

After a toner in the salon, use a color-depositing shampoo to prolong it. Color shampoos have an array of tones to add to your hair.

Maybe you have some grey hi-lights that need extra zaz. Some shampoos are gold, copper, and brunette for natural tones. If you’re feeling a little daring try a fashion tone! Whatever takes your fancy – You name it! Zero commitment because they fade out, fun because you get a clean pallet to try something new once you’ve finished a bottle.

I love a bit of pastel pink on white hair check this look I created below –

a woman with pastel pink on white hair

Toner Treatments and Conditioners

Not just shampoos – There are also some brilliant toner conditioners and treatments for covering grays. I usually prefer a toner shampoo. That’s because they’re generally quite deep conditioning, and I’m all for health. Again, not so committed because they fade. Low maintenance and fun!!

Color on White-Haired Ladies

Other than that, I’ve used lighteners and bleaches for brightening my clients with gray-white hair that’s a little dull. Or toned gray hair with a soft blonde toner. You still have color options but again remember straying too far from your natural means more maintenance – so maybe avoid them darks!

Hope I’ve cleared up some gray areas for you! Whatever you choose blend them hues.

How to Keep Gray Hair Soft and Shiny

When your first gray strands appear, you have two choices: You can either accept and embrace your natural looks, or you can cover your gray hair and commit to regular coloring sessions.

Why are so many women dying their gray hair?

  1. Some women may feel they look less attractive because gray doesn’t look good with their skin tone.
  2. Gray hair can make you look older than you feel. For many years, gray hair has been considered an unpleasant sign of aging, so many women decide to cover up gray because they want to regain a youthful look.
Gray haired woman looking at the morror

5 Reasons to Love Your Gray Locks

  1. Women with gray hair can look fashionable. Right now, silver hair hues are a hot trend among celebrities and young, fashionable individuals. More and more young women are visiting hair salons to request gray dye color services. This new, trendy fashion has inspired a growing number of elder women to quit coloring and wear their natural gray hair color confidently.
  2. With the right hairstyle and proper maintenance, your gray locks can look cool and appealing.
  3. Wearing your naturally gray hair can be a sign of self-confidence.
  4. You will reduce the number of harmful chemicals that you apply to the skin.
  5. You will save time and money by eliminating professional color services and stopping the endless gray root battle.

Why Does Your Hair Turn Gray?

Graying hair is generally caused by the normal aging process. On the other hand, premature graying can be caused by a variety of factors including hereditary predisposition, autoimmune disorders, vitamin deficiency (especially B12), smoking, and stress.

Graying occurs when the amount of melanin pigment that is generated by pigment-forming cells in hair follicles starts decreasing. For some people, graying begins around 25 years of age, while other people may discover their first gray hair in their 40s. Going gray is inevitable and, regardless of age, the process cannot be reversed.

attractive woman with gray hair

5 Problems Associated with Graying Hair

  1. Dryness: Going gray changes the texture of the hair. Gray hair is drier than pigmented hair because sebaceous oil glands become less active as you get older. Gray hair also has a rough texture and can be more prone to frizz and difficult to manage.
  2. Discoloration: The cuticle layer of gray hair is very porous. Gray hair attracts pigments from the environment more readily than pigmented hair and can easily turn brassy.
  3. Stubborn texture and dull appearance: Unpigmented hair lacks shine due to its uneven texture and lack of natural oils.
  4. Brittleness: Gray hair is weaker and less smooth than pigmented hair, resulting in an increased risk of breakage.
  5. Commitment: Gray hair is less responsive to coloring than pigmented hair, so it may be a bit harder to get good coverage. For most women who choose to hide their gray, this means frequent visits to the salon for touch-ups, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Proper Care for Your Gray Locks

You can’t stop the graying process, but you can do your best to keep your gray hair healthy, soft, and manageable. Getting a modern cut and using the right products makes it easier to go gray gracefully. 

To keep gray hair healthy, use a shampoo and conditioner designed to moisturize dry hair. Eliminate all sulfate-containing shampoos as they can lead to dryness.

How to Soften Coarse Gray Hair

Softening Shampoos

A quality softening shampoo with moisturizing ingredients can be the answer to concerns about the dryness and roughness of gray hair. Moisturizing and smoothing shampoos help make gray hair smooth, soft, and manageable.

  • Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo is a wonderful softener that restores moisture and leaves your hair feeling smooth and bouncy.
  • Redken Frizz Dismiss Shampoo is a gentle, sulfate & sodium chloride-free formula that moisturizes hair, combats frizziness, and provides smoothness and shine.
beautiful greyhaired woman having video call on the phone

How to Keep Gray Hair Bright

Unpigmented hair is prone to discoloration from the sun, chlorine, or hard water. The easiest way to keep gray hair bright is by using a violet-pigmented shampoo and conditioner. Purple toning products are designed to take the yellow (brassiness) out of gray, as well as blonde and white hair.

Assian business woman with gray hair

Silver/Purple Shampoos

Purple toning shampoos deposit violet pigments onto the hair shaft to neutralize the unwanted brassiness that gray hair can develop. These purple pigments give gray hair a cooler look and add extra shine. You can start using a purple shampoo during the salt and pepper stage of your hair.

For best results, use a purple shampoo once or twice a week in place of your regular, sulfate-free shampoo. Always follow with a regular conditioner to keep your hair moisturized. Apply a deep conditioning treatment once a week to restore smoothness and shine.

Related article

woman with short gray hair walking in the sun

Styling Gray Hair

To maintain the integrity of your strands, avoid excessive heat styling and any harsh chemical treatments such as perming and straightening.

Be careful using heavy styling products such as waxes, pomades, and oily serums as they can build up on your hair and make it look dull.

Gray hair tends to look dry and lifeless. To add shine and smoothness to your gray locks, apply a clear hair gloss or glaze occasionally.

To prevent damage and the appearance of brassiness, stay out of direct sunlight, and use hair sunscreen when you are going out in the sun.

Styling gels for gray hair help prevent white strands from developing a yellowish tinge and give your locks extra body and manageability.

  • RUSK Deepshine PlatinumX Gel is formulated to provide hold and control to people with platinum, silver, gray or blonde hair. It contains violet pigments that help neutralize unwanted yellow and brassy tones while boosting brightness and shine.

Carefully selected styling mousse can provide softness and manageability and add volume to your gray locks.

Leave-in sprays for gray hair are formulated to add moisture, smoothness, and shine to blonde, silver, and gray hair.

  • Pure Blonde Violet Leave-In Toning Spray by Surface Hair nourishes the strands, enhances brightness, and adds shine to blonde and gray hair.

Ask your stylist to help you find a stylish haircut that flatters your face shape.

How to Transition to Gray Hair?

If you have been dying your hair, there will be a transitional period until your color grows out. During the first few weeks, covering your roots with a root touch-up spray or powder can fix the problem.

Let your colorist help you during the grow-out phase. The transition will be smooth if you’re a natural blonde. For darker shades, a colorist may suggest going lighter, as a first step in the transitional process to make the demarcation line between regrowth and dyed hair less noticeable.

A gray-haired woman working in the garden

6 Easy Ways to Hide Your Gray Roots

From Gray to Yay

Hair grows approximately 1.27 cm a month, causing the appearance of a visible line between the new growth and the rest of your colored hair. Your grown roots start to show 1-3 weeks after a coloring service, depending on how fast your hair grows.

If you’ve opted for coloring your gray hair, root touch-ups are needed anywhere between 3-5 weeks. Touch-up appointments can be costly and time-consuming. You also don’t want to damage your hair by dying it too often.

Touch-Up to Lighten Up: Hair color touch-up kits are easy to use at home and keep your hair looking its best in-between color treatments. Because you only apply the product to the roots, it takes a fraction of the time you need to dye your entire head of hair. However, these products also contain the same harsh chemicals that can be found in a full head color.

woman's head with parted gray hair

Ways to temporarily cover grays: Fortunately, there are some fast and commitment-free ways to cover unwanted regrowth without using ammonia and peroxide. Temporary root concealers provide a safe and effortless way to hide your regrowth. You can use them to cover your roots for a special occasion or to buy you a few extra weeks between touch-up appointments.

There are several types of temporary root touch-up products. Each product comes in an array of shades to blend with your current color. These products come ready to use, which is a nice convenience. Root concealers are particularly helpful for covering gray roots.

Are you ready to move from gray to yay and let your hair take center stage?

the effect of using a gray roots concealer

Undercover Haircare: Best Root Concealers for Gray Hair

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1. Power Powders: Root Touch-up Powders

Hair color powder touch-ups deliver temporary coverage and keep the unwanted gray at bay between hair appointments. The pigments in the powder adhere to your hair and stay there until shampooed out. You need to apply the powder to dry hair by pressing a small brush into the roots. They work perfectly for covering up bigger patches of gray hair. Hair color powders are also suitable for masking areas with thinning hair. Are you ready to go undercover?

Brand Blitz:

WOW NOW: COLOR WOW Root Cover-Up: This product uses mineral powder to provide very good coverage for gray roots between touch-ups. It allows for precise application and doesn’t leave a stiff or waxy feeling like when using mascaras and crayons. The formula is waterproof, so you can swim with the product in your hair. Calling all mermaids and merman! It can also be used over the areas where your scalp is showing to create the illusion of denser hair.

Dream with Premium: Premium Root Touch Up by PROTÉGÉ comes with a two-sided brush that allows for precise application. Your hair should be clean and dry before the application. The product blends well and lasts until you shampoo it out. This mineral-based powder doesn’t make hair sticky and gives a natural shine to your roots. The color is waterproof, so it won’t run off when you sweat. Zumba, anyone?

2. Spray Away Gray: Root Touch-up Sprays

Root concealer sprays are probably the quickest way to camouflage gray roots and delay your next salon visit. Root touch-up sprays provide better coverage than other types of root concealers. They’re easy to apply and will cover a larger area at a time. You just need to spray the color over the gray areas you’re trying to hide. The spray dries in seconds and the color lasts until you wash your hair. They can also be used to hide thinning areas to visually increase the density of your hair. Let’s pray away that gray!

The downside is that some of these products can rub off on your fingertips if you touch your hair, but any residue will likely come off with soap and water.

Brand Bonanzas:

Rita Hazan Root Concealer Touch Up Spray

This transfer-proof touch-up spray is formulated to cover grays until shampooed out. It is scent-free and doesn’t run when you are exercising. The nozzle applicator enables precise application onto the gray areas, providing full coverage exactly where it’s needed. It may leave a sticky feeling in the hair but at the same time, it creates the illusion of having more hair.

Root Touch-Up Spray by STYLE EDIT

This touch-up spray comes in 5 shades: black, dark brown, medium brown, light brown, and auburn/red. The spray is easy to apply right at your roots. The liquid pigments dry quickly and don’t spread once it is dry on your hair. The product is sweat-proof and rain-proof but washes out easily with one shampoo.

3. Fairy Godmother: Hair Color Touch-up Wands

Feel like you’ve inherited a real fairy godmother with these touch-up wands! This is another home option for covering grays between color treatments. A touch-up hair color wand comes in a tube with a mascara-like wand. It works best if you need instant temporary coverage for small areas of gray hair. The wand helps to precisely apply a tinted semi-liquid content to areas with gray hair. You can either use the hair dryer or allow the color to dry naturally. The color washes out with the next shampooing, so you should reapply it after each wash.

The color in the tube can be enriched with argan oil or other hair straightening agents to nourish your hair while coloring it. Be fairytale fabulous!

Brand Fans: Gray Root Concealer by Mineral Fusion and Hair Color Wand by Grey-free.

4. Get Zen from the Pens: Root Touch-up Pens

Root touch-up color pens deliver a liquid hair dye in a tube, with a sponge or brush applicator tip. The product should be applied to dry hair. A color pen targets scattered grays, covering them until the next shampoo and enabling you to prolong the time between color touch-ups. This type of root concealer is suitable for smaller areas of gray hair. A gray coverage pen can also be used to create highlights. Grab some Zen with these touch-up pens!

Brands: Magic Root Precision Pen by L’Oréal has recently entered the market. It comes in three shades: medium brown, dark brown, and black.

5. Conceal and Heal: Root Concealer Touch-up Sticks

A root touch-up stick is like a thick crayon or lipstick and usually comes in a plastic tube. To get better results, certain brands need to be moistened before sweeping across gray hairs. Using a touch-up stick makes it easy to cover gray hairs along your hairline. The stick glides over hair smoothly and covers grays until the next shampoo. Conceal those grays and heal your self-esteem today!

Brand Bingo: Root Cover-Up Stick by STYLE EDIT is formulated without harsh ingredients and comes in convenient packaging that fits easily in your make-up case. It will not leave a sticky feeling or rub on your pillowcase.

6. Mark and Park Grays: Touch-Up Hair Color Markers

You have so many choices to mark and park your grays away. This portable and easy-to-apply root touch-up product dispenses temporary color that bonds to the hair and covers gray roots until shampooed out. The application is mess-free. Once you push down the applicator, color flows evenly and bonds to the strands, providing precise coverage. You can brush your hair after application, and you can also apply styling products over it. Hair color markers efficiently cover individual grays.

Brand: TouchBack Instant Root Touch Up (available at Walmart). This marker color applicator comes in eight different colors.

a woman's hair after hiding gray roots

Six Purple Toning Shampoos for Gray Hair

Why Does Hair Turn Gray?

The main reason behind hair graying is a lack of melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for hair color. It is produced in melanocytes – special cells found in the hair follicle. Melanocytes decline in numbers with aging. Consequently, the amount of melanin produced in hair follicles gradually decreases, causing hair to lose its original color.

Graying hair is a blend of normally pigmented strands and hair strands without pigment. White hair has no natural pigment at all.

The age at which graying begins is determined mainly by genetic factors. Some people spot the first white hairs on their heads at age 20 (premature graying), while others retain their natural hair color until old age. Hair graying is progressive and permanent, and there’s not much you can do to slow down the process.

attractive woman with graying hair

How to Stop Gray Hair from Turning Yellow

When you’re looking for a shampoo for gray hair, pick up a product that is specifically formulated for gray or white hair.

To counteract the brassy or yellow tones that gray hair can develop, stylists recommend using silver or purple shampoos. This type of hair shampoo contains blue/violet pigments that adhere to the hair shaft and neutralize the yellowish tinge in gray hair. A good toning shampoo for gray hair is supposed to gently clean the hair, leaving it brighter, more manageable, and softer.

Best Violet Shampoos for Gray Hair

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1. Framesi Color Lover Dynamic Blonde Violet Shampoo

This is an intensely pigmented purple shampoo formulated to eliminate yellow and brassy tones from blonde, gray, or white hair in just one wash. The formula is free of sulfates and sodium chloride which is a plus for fragile, colored hair.

Should you use it?  If your gray hair easily gets brassy from hard water or sun exposure, this shampoo is a good choice to get rid of unwanted tones. It works exceptionally well for blonde shades but it is also a great choice for anyone who has platinum or silver hair.

Benefits:

  • Removes yellow tones from gray hair
  • Keeps blonde color fresh and vibrant
  • Maintains cool highlights

Suggested use: Massage the shampoo evenly through wet hair and leave it to sit for 2-3 minutes before rinsing. Make sure to control your hair to get the results you want. It can turn light-colored hair purple if left for too long. It can be hard to create rich leather. Add a bit of your favorite shampoo to help with foaming.

Make sure to use a conditioner. Use this violet shampoo weekly and alternate it with your regular shampoo.

2. Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo

This purple shampoo is formulated with blue Malva, to add moisture and brighten gray strands. The formula includes echinacea or coneflower, which increases blood circulation in the scalp area to strengthen the hair follicles and prevent premature hair loss.  

This shampoo gently cleanses hair and scalp and eliminates yellowish and brassy tones. It adds a beautiful silvery hue to gray hair. Blue Malva keeps your gray hair in good condition, leaving it soft, shiny, and easy to style. This product won’t dry out your hair like some other purple shampoos. Despite being purple/blue, it creates white foam and does not stain your skin.

This shampoo also works great for preventing the discoloration of blonde hair caused by hard water. It prevents blonde-dyed or highlighted hair from turning yellow or dull.

3. PRAVANA THE PERFECT BLONDE Purple Toning Sulfate-Free Shampoo

If you are looking for a sulfate-free shampoo and at the same time want a shampoo that tones down brassiness, The Perfect Blonde Purple Toning Shampoo by Pravana is the right choice.

This shampoo with accompanying conditioner is the first step of the recently launched THE PERFECT BLONDE Purple Toning regimen, which also includes Toning Masque and Seal & Protect Leave-In Mist.

THE PERFECT BLONDE Purple Toning Sulfate-Free Shampoo uses special pigments to enhance radiance and neutralize unwanted yellow and brassy tones in blonde, gray, or highlighted hair. This shampoo refreshes the look of your hair when the color starts to fade. It can also be of great help to anyone who is attempting to embrace natural grays.

The color of the Pravana shampoo is a deep dark purple. Unlike some other chemical-smelling violet shampoos, it has a light and pleasant grape scent. It cleans hair gently and effectively. Purple stains can be easily washed away from the skin with water and soap.

Apply a quarter-sized amount and massage to wet your hair. Suds up and allow it to sit for a few minutes. The process can be repeated if additional toning is desired. It can leave a purplish hue if left in the hair for a longer time.

4. Schwarzkopf BC Color Freeze pH 4.5 Silver Shampoo

This silver shampoo helps to enhance bright and silver tones in the hair. It is enriched with violet color pigments that neutralize yellow tones in gray and white hair.

Schwarzkopf BC Color Freeze pH 4.5 Silver Shampoo helps restore hair’s elasticity and strength while keeping your color on the icy side.

To remove yellow tones, massage the shampoo into your wet hair and rinse thoroughly after 1-3 minutes. The violet/purple pigments are strong, but they wash out easily. You can also mix it with your regular shampoo and use it for each wash.

5. ORIBE Silverati Shampoo

This silver shampoo is developed to combat dullness and yellow tones in gray and white hair. Blue and silver pigments help to eliminate yellow tones relieving brightness and restoring the shine of dull lifeless hair. Mild cleansing agents derived from coconut and corn gently cleanse the hair without stripping natural oils.

This shampoo boosts hair strength and elasticity and improves the manageability of grey strands. It also protects vulnerable gray hair from sun damage and other environmental aggressors. This beautifully scented shampoo leaves hair feeling soft and silky.

6. Jhirmack Silver Plus Ageless Shampoo

This inexpensive alternative to salon-grade purple shampoos works well for canceling out and preventing yellowing in gray, blonde, bleached, or highlighted hair. It neutralizes brassiness without leaving any residue while improving hair’s strength and elasticity. It also softens coarse gray hair and keeps it silky and shiny.

Green tea extract and folic acid help healthy hair growth and promote a glossy shine. Co-enzyme Q10 helps protect color from fading and prevents damage from styling tools. Macadamia nut oil prevents dryness, tames frizz, and increases shine.

What Causes the Yellow Tinge in Gray Hair?

The porosity and lack of pigment make your hair vulnerable to sun damage and more susceptible to absorbing traces of pigment from the environment. Gray hair is prone to turn yellow mostly due to product residue, heat styling, and environmental pollutants.  Other common factors that can cause yellow tones in the hair are hard water, chlorine, excess sunlight, and smoking.

If you decide to let your hair go gray, you will need to add a new product to your hair care regimen. To keep your hair looking shiny and healthy, you need a shampoo that is designed to enhance brightness and give a healthy shine to gray hair.

A gray-haired woman in the garden

Caring for Gray Hair

Gray hair differs in texture from pigmented hair. Gray strands are often more prone to frizz and harder to manage than pigmented hair. Gray hair can’t reflect light and as a result, it loses its natural luster.

Gray hair requires tender care to retain softness and manageability. Fortunately, with the right care and modern cut, graying and white hair can look beautiful and elegant.

Wash your graying hair with a shampoo designed for dry hair and follow with a good hydrating conditioner to prevent your gray hair from looking dull and frizzy.

To keep your gray locks healthy, apply a deep conditioning treatment once a week, and also do hot-oil treatments occasionally. Use a leave-in conditioning spray to help smooth unruly strands.

Set your styling tools to low or cool settings to minimize heat damage.

Your gray hair should be trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks, as it can look unruly if it’s not trimmed regularly.

Before entering a swimming pool, soak your hair with a conditioner. This will minimize the absorption of pool chemicals that can damage and discolor gray hair.

If discoloration happens, don’t worry. Just make sure you have a purple shampoo in your bathroom cabinet and let the magic happen.

Thoughtful gray-haired woman holding eyeglasses