Gray Coverage Hair Color

Explore the ins and outs of coloring gray hair at home.

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WE'VE GOT YOUR GRAY HAIR COVERED

Learn how to effectively cover grays and the easy application process to achieve the best color result possible.

TIPS FOR COVERING GRAY HAIR AT HOME

New to covering gray hair at home? We're here to help. Here are some gray coverage tips to keep your strands healthy and happy as you choose and apply your color and care for your hair.

Tips for Choosing a Formula & Shade

Start right by using a hair color that offers 100% gray hair coverage plus nourishing oils, like Garnier Nutrisse, Olia, and Color Sensation.
If you're performing a root touch-up application, use the exact shade you last applied for a seamless, natural look.

Tips for Applying your Color

Before you start coloring, read the instructions in the hair color kit and determine the type of application you'll perform. The processes are easy but require careful attention, especially to the clock.
Perform a full-head application if you have never colored your hair, want to change your current shade to something darker, or have not colored in 3 months or longer.
Perform a root touch-up application if you are coloring your new growth at the roots with the same or a very similar shade as last time you colored.

If you're performing a full head application, buy two boxes of color for adequate coverage on course and/or long hair.
Use a rat tail comb - one with a point on its end - and clips or hair ties to easily and neatly divide your hair into sections before applying color.
Prevent stained skin by applying after color conditioner along your hairline and ears.
Start applying at the areas that have the most gray, that way color has longer to penetrate those strands.
If your gray hair has been resistant to color in the past, extend the color's processing time for 5 extra minutes.
If possible, avoid washing and styling hair for at least 24 hours after coloring.

HOW HAIR TEXTURE AFFECTS GRAY COVERAGE

What to Know for Covering Fine Gray Hairs

Covering grays on fine hair tends to be easier than other textures because hair isn't as "thirsty". Since strands are thinner and less dense, the color can penetrate easier. Remember that fine hair can be straight, wavy or curly - it's the hair texture not its temperament that matters.

What to Know for Covering Coarse Gray Hairs

It can be notoriously hard to cover grays on thick, coarse hair because strands are larger and tend to be dry, creating a rougher surface that rejects color. This type of hair will need to be saturated completely and may require extended processing time after color is applied (usually 5-10 extra minutes).

CARING FOR DYED GRAY HAIR

Keep your color vibrant and shiny with Nutrisse Color Reviver color-depositing mask. Apply for just 5 minutes every 2 weeks to maintain your shade's vibrancy and nourish your strands. Available in 6 shades.
Use a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color treated hair. We love our Fructis Color Shield and Whole Blends Cranberry Blend to pamper colored hair.
Gray hair tends to be dry and coarse, so proper hydration is key. Try a weekly hair mask like Fructis Color Vibrancy 1 Minute Hair Mask with Goji Extract to maintain soft, supple strands.
Gray hairs are more susceptible to external damage, so cover up if you are in the sun and avoid salt water, swimming pools and heat styling as much as possible.

Garnier's Permanent Solutions

Permanent hair color is the best way to cover gray hair for all-over, long-lasting effects. Whether you want translucent or ultra-coverage, Garnier lets you cover gray hair at home with gorgeous results. Choose the formula to fit your needs, from oil-powered and ammonia free Olia to nourishing Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme to Nutrisse Ultra Coverage and Color Sensation, with shades formulated for 100% gray coverage.

Nutrisse Nourishing Color Creme

The #1 Nourishing Color Creme*, Nutrisse is formulated with avocado, olive and shea oils that go deep to nourish and condition your hair so it takes color better and holds it longer. You’ll get 100% gray coverage that is still translucent enough for your natural hair’s highs and lows to shine through. Available in a wide range of over 40 radiant shades.

*Nutrisse is #1 based on Nielsen sales data, units sold, full year 2020

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Nutrisse Ultra Coverage

Nutrisse Ultra Coverage is designed with CoverPlus^TM Technology to target and erase your most stubborn grays, plus fruit oil concentrates to leave hair soft and healthy. Choose from 10 rich shades for maximum gray coverage and nourished strands.

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Olia

Olia is an ammonia free hair color powered by a 60% oil blend with natural flower oils to deliver brilliant color and shiny, hydrated hair. The drip-free formula is available in over 30 shades that provide 100% gray coverage and visibly healthy results.

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