Everything You Need To Know About Gray Hair Coverage

Whether you're looking to conceal a few pesky grays or need full gray coverage, we've got you covered (literally!). However, it’s important to understand exactly what type of gray hair coverage products are best for banishing hard-to-dye grays, ensuring long-lasting color, and keeping your locks in tip-top condition.
Close-up photo of a woman showing her scalp with gray hairs

What Causes Gray Hair?

In addition to age, there are certain factors that could influence the onset of early graying.

  • Runs in the family – It has been suggested that graying could have a genetic component and is not just caused by aging.
  • Stress – It is thought that the fight-or-flight response triggered by stress can deplete the pigment-producing cells in your hair causing it to turn gray.
  • Diet – A diet that does not contain enough B vitamins (folic acid, biotin and B12), vitamin D, iron and selenium has been associated with gray hair.
  • Conditions – Certain pigment-related conditions may also cause premature graying.

Tips For Covering Gray Hair at Home

Color your grays like a salon pro with our expert advice.

  • Because grays are harder to dye, it’s important to choose a product that has been specifically formulated for gray hair coverage, like Nutrisse Ultra Coverage with CoverPlusTM technology.
  • Always do a skin allergy test 48 hours before you start.
  • Keep dye where it belongs by applying a barrier cream (e.g. petroleum jelly) to your hairline and ears.
  • Start with dry hair. Apply the color to your roots first then divide your hair into sections to ensure that you don’t miss any areas.
  • Make sure you leave the dye for the recommended amount of time as rinsing too soon could leave you with patchy results.


Top tip: Don't use your best towels!

Female with long brown hair applying hair color product to her roots
Woman using a comb to brush her hair

How To Care For Dyed Gray Hair

Learn how to keep your dyed gray locks looking their best.

Because gray hair tends to be drier and more brittle, it needs a little extra love and attention. Opt for gentle shampoos infused with nourishing oils to keep your salt-and-pepper locks sleek and shiny. Applying a weekly hair mask can also help lock in color and moisture.

Use heated styling tools sparingly and always apply a heat protection product to your hair before you reach for your straighteners!

If you spend a lot of time in the sun, make sure you cover your hair with a hat or scarf during the hottest part of the day. And if you swim in a chlorinated pool or the ocean, rinse you hair thoroughly with fresh water before and after your dip.

Shop Garnier Brands For Gray Hair Coverage

Nutrisse Ultra Coverage

Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Coverage hair color collection

Powered by CoverPlus™ Technology to cover even persistent grays.

SHOP NOW

Nutrisse Ultra Crème

Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Crème hair color collection

Get radiant, long-lasting color and 100% gray coverage.

SHOP NOW

Olia

Garnier Olia hair color collection

Enjoy brilliant hair color with multi-dimensional pigments.

SHOP NOW

Color Retouch

Garnier Color Retouch hair color collection

Touch up roots in just 10 minutes and get lasting 100% gray coverage.

SHOP NOW

IMPORTANT: Like how this shade looks on you? Make sure it works with your hair. Take our 1-minute haircolor quiz to be certain.

Discover Other Hair Color Tips

Root Touch-Up

Female with long brown hair applying hair color product to her roots

Learn to touch up temporary and permanent hair color.

LEARN MORE

Hair Coloring Techniques

Female asian model with blonde hair wearing gloves

Step up your hair color skills with pro tips for every coloring method.

LEARN MORE
Shade Selector Quiz

Shade Selector Quiz

Take our quiz to discover the perfect Garnier hair shades for you!

FIND MY SHADE
Frequently Asked Questions
  • It’s all about the texture. In most cases, gray hair tends to be coarser and more brittle than younger hair due to reduced levels of natural oils in the hair shafts. This lack of oil makes it harder for the hair to grab and absorb the color, especially around the roots. But don't despair, just make sure you choose an at-home color kit that has been specifically formulated to guarantee 100% gray coverage and keep newly colored locks sleek and shiny for longer.
  • Because gray hair needs a little extra TLC, it is important to only use gentle gray hair coverage products that nourish and protect your locks, as well as delivering vibrant, lasting color. Look out for ammonia-free home gray coverage kits or ones that have been infused with natural oils, like shea, olive, argan, coconut or avocado. For more advice on keeping your locks in top condition, watch How Mandita Uses Oils To Nourish Gray Hairs.
  • While there are no hard and fast rules, it is a good idea to choose a gray coverage hair dye in a shade that’s not too different from your natural hair and skin color – you don’t want to look washed out or opt for something that’s too harsh. Plus when your roots grow out they will be less visible! Whether you have a shade in mind or want to experiment with a brand new look, why not test out Garnier's Hair Color Virtual Try-On tool before you take the plunge?
  • If you’re more than 50% gray, you may need to touch up your roots every three to six weeks. However, if you only have a few grays or have opted for a shade that is closer to your natural non-gray hair color, you may be able to go much longer before your next coloring session. Limiting how often you wash your hair and applying a weekly hair mask can help lock in color and keep it vibrant for longer.

Garnier Commits to Greener Beauty

LEARN MORE