Does Demi-Permanent Color Cover Grey Hair?
There are so many benefits of using a demi-permanent hair color. Low to no damage? Tick. High-shine results? Tick. True-to-tone fading? Tick, tick, tick. But when it comes to covering grey hair, how does a demi shade perform? We've got the answers you're looking for, plus two salon colors that meet all your grey blending needs...
So, Can You Cover Greys with Demi-Permanent Hair Color?
If you have grey hair, a demi-permanent color will blend rather than cover up silver strands, so you get a touch of seamless, natural-looking camouflage. It's a great option if you want to simply make greys less noticeable, rather than blocking them out completely. And, with Wella Professionals, your colorist can personalize your level of blending to suit your goals. Different products give you different results, so before you head to the salon, get familiar with these two demi-permanent hair color options:
For Up to 70% Grey Coverage: Color Touch
Our iconic demi-permanent Color Touch is known for its richness and vibrancy, and with 80+ intermixable shades, you can blend away greys in every color imaginable. Blondes, reds, brunettes and bolds – any shade is possible, whether you want a root shadow, an all-over boost of color, or the perfect toner for highlights and balayage. What’s more, it gives you up to 70% grey coverage (with Color Touch Plus), so stray silver and white strands are gently swept away in favour of a lustrous wash of color.
For (Very) Subtle Grey Blending: SHINEFINITY
To go softer and subtler, a SHINEFINITY Color Glaze will lightly tint grey hairs with a veil of translucent color and the most irresistible shine you can feel. This ammonia-free hair color gives you a zero damage, zero lift glaze for the glossiest mane, so it’s good for an ultra-gentle take on grey blending that appears completely natural. You'll still be able to see grey hairs, but they'll be softer and less noticeable, intertwining with your base color and appearing truly radiant.
To start your grey blending journey with Color Touch or SHINEFINITY, use our Salon Finder to find your nearest Wella Professionals salon. Soon, you'll be enjoying the benefits of these dreamy formulas at your next color appointment.
Who Should Use a Demi-Permanent Hair Color?
Natural-looking grey blending is just one of the reasons to use a demi-permanent hair color. Here are some of the extra benefits you'll enjoy with a demi shade:
No to Low Damage Hair Coloring
Demi-permanent colors tint your hair by very gently lifting the outer cuticle, so that color molecules can rush in and deposit your dream shade. But, because they don't go very deep, they have little impact on the condition of your hair. In fact, SHINEFINITY gives you zero damage, glossy color with its ultra-gentle formula.
Rich, Brilliant Color
Color Touch is your 'no compromise' color. With stunning intensity on par with permanent formulas, it adorns hair in rich vibrancy, no matter your shade. So, along with grey blending, you get bold color for every hair type and texture. This is your demi formula for nailing 2025's most show-stopping hair color trends.
Mirror-Like Shine
Because who doesn't want shiny hair? Both Color Touch and SHINEFINITY leave strands glossy and radiant, with a SHINEFINITY Color Glaze serving up the highest level of luminosity. So, if healthy-looking hair is on the agenda, this demi color coating will transform a dull mane, giving even dehydrated strands a more lustrous look.
Softer Regrowth
If harsh regrowth is a no-go for you, demi-permanent colors deliver on that seamless finish. Color Touch, for example, lasts for up to 28-ish washes, so by the time your roots grow through, the intensity of your color will have softened. This also makes demi-permanent shades one of the best types of hair color for a low-commitment look, so if you like to switch your shade regularly, Color Touch and SHINEFINITY are for you.
True-to-Tone Color Fading
As your demi-permanent hair color fades, the tone remains intact. Ash tones stay ashy, chocolate browns stay chocolatey, and copper reds stay coppery as they gradually soften. Over time, your shade – and your grey coverage – will wash away, ready for a fresh coating of color roughly every 6-7 weeks.
Want 100% Grey Coverage?
When it's full grey coverage you want, ask for a permanent hair color. Because these formulas penetrate the hair cuticle deeper, they give a more intense result (even on those really stubborn strands). Your colorist will be able to advise which formula is right for you based on your goals, but if you want to do some research of your own, these are the permanent colors to know:
Koleston Perfect
Silver strands don't stand a chance against this permanent formula, with its stunning intensity, beautiful shine and full grey coverage. There's a reason one tube of Koleston Perfect is sold every second* across the world; when it comes to rich, healthy-looking color that lasts, it's your perfect color product.
Illumina Color
For 100% natural-looking color, the full coverage of Illumina Color has got you. Multi-dimensional and luminous, it harnesses microtones that mimic the highs and lows of virgin hair. So, if you want to keep your colored hair a secret– and keep silver strays under wraps – this is your ideal grey coverage option.
Can You Combine Demi-Permanent and Permanent Hair Color?
Yes! With Koleston Perfect and Color Touch, you can combine the benefits of permanent and demi-permanent shades. They both have similar vibrancy, so your colorist could team them up like this:
On the Roots: Koleston Perfect
If you have grey regrowth you want to disappear, ask for Koleston Perfect and a classic root coverage. Your colorist can paint it over silver hair strands to give you that full coverage, 'not a grey in sight' finish.
On Lengths and Ends: Color Touch
Alongside your full coverage root shadow, you can enjoy the low-damage benefits of Color Touch through your lengths and ends. Whether it's used to enhance your natural color or transform your shade, it blends flawlessly with Koleston Perfect on the roots.
Can You Use Demi-Permanent Color to Transition to Grey?
Ready to wholeheartedly embrace your greys? If you want to go full-on silver, Color Touch can help, with a range of cool blonde and charcoal hues that mimic natural greys. Talk to your colorist about transitioning to grey, and they will often recommend a full head of highlights, followed by a toning session, and maybe a few Color Touch lowlights for salt 'n' pepper strands. A demi-permanent color will minimise the impact on your hair's condition as you go through this process. It may take a few sessions if you have dark hair, but by the end, a striking silver mane will be yours.
Looking for more ways to disguise or embrace grey hair? Discover our Grey Coverage Guides, with ideas for every hair type, color and style.