Revealed: The Best Way to Cover Gray on Dark Hair

The Best Color to Cover Gray Roots on Dark Hair

The color you choose to cover gray hair depends on how much gray there is, and what type of result your client wants. For those who have a lower volume of grays or are looking for a more low maintenance result, consider using a demi-permanent color, like Color Touch. This will allow you to achieve 50-70% gray coverage, and it will ‘stain’ salt ’n’ pepper roots before gradually fading, without leaving a demarcation line.

Illumina Color is also a go-to for its light-reflective finish, as it lends hair a multi-dimensional effect that looks entirely natural. However, for a high percentage of gray and when full coverage is desired, a permanent color is best, as it offers long-lasting, pure pigment. That’s why we often turn to Koleston Perfect to swipe away silver regrowth, which gives your clients up to 100% gray coverage in a spectrum of glossy shades. Looking for ideas on which hues to choose? Discover our guide to the best colors to cover gray hair, featuring warm browns and subtle lowlights.

How to Cover Gray Roots on Dark or Brunette Hair

1. Mix the Perfect Formula

It goes without saying that every good color creation starts with the perfect formula. How you mix it will all come down to the level of gray you’re working with…

For up to 30% gray: Find a shade that matches your client’s mid-lengths or the darkest part of their regrowth, and add Welloxon Perfect 6%. This should be enough to disguise wispy grays through the temples and roots.

For 30-50% gray: You’ll still want to add Welloxon Perfect 6% to your client’s desired Koleston Perfect hue. Try mixing in 1/3 Pure Naturals (the /0 shades) too, which will increase gray coverage.

For more than 50% gray: This is where your client might want to achieve the highest coverage. Add the Welloxon Perfect 6%, but go for 1/2 Pure Naturals whipped up with your client’s shade. For dark hair with a red tinge – think mahogany or burgundy – add 1/2 Rich Naturals (the /00 shades) instead, which will help to maintain the depth and richness of a red.

2. Saturate the Roots

‘Easy does it’ isn’t your mantra here. Don’t be afraid to saturate the roots with color, using a large tint brush to reach every layer and really cover those grays. For clients who are ultra-conscious of silver strands, you can even go back in halfway through developing, adding a little more formula to any particularly stubborn roots.

3. Check Developing Color

While it might sound obvious, keeping an eye on developing color is a must. The last thing you want to do is rinse out a tint before it’s had the chance to work its magic. Typically, color needs 15-25 minutes with heat and 40 minutes without, but you can extend the development if the hair is resistant, keeping in mind that the maximum development time is 40 minutes. To check how it’s going, use the end of a tail comb to gently slide color off a section of the roots, then look for any lightness peeking through. If you spot it, the color still needs more time.

4. Get a Little Gloss

This doesn’t technically cover the roots, but hair that’s going gray tends to be a little drier, which can result in a dull, lackluster finish from root to tip. If your client wants to go for a glow, suggest following up root cover-up with a glossing service, which will subtly enhance their color and give their locks a high-shine boost.

To see these tips in action, watch the below video, featuring Wella Professionals Color Expert, Meiju Thornley. She takes you through advice on mixing your formula and ensuring color develops flawlessly.

Image Credit: @solaciesalon | @sydniiee

How to Touch Up Gray Roots on Dark Hair at Home

Hair makeup is having a moment right now. Designed to bridge the gap between salon appointments, a temporary touch-up powder can be swept on and washed out whenever DIY gray coverage is desired. We love Insta Recharge Root Concealer, which comes in a purse-friendly compact, complete with a powder pigment and handy brush to target regrowth instantly. Stock up on the WellaStore and recommend to clients who ask for an in-between solution. It comes in five adaptable shades, including Light Brown, Medium Brown and Black.