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Graying hair is inevitable for most of us, and if you’re among those who want to cover it, this guide is for you. We’ll share stylist-approved at-home haircolors that don’t cost a fortune to help you make sound decisions while dyeing your own hair, whether you want a root touch-up between salon visits or don’t want to visit the salon at all.
To cover your roots and hide away grays, we’ve consulted master colorist Madison Garrett from Spoke & Weal to guide us on our journey. Finding the right match can be challenging. "Choose the lighter shade if you’re between two colors because a lighter band is much easier to fix in the hair than a darker one," Madison explains. "Once you choose your color, it’s best to apply the product at the part and hairline because if there’s an inconsistency in the color or hue—better to have it concentrated in a smaller area than all over." When coloring your hair, it’s essential to protect it from brittle split ends and color abuse.
There are many special shampoos and conditioners to care for grays, but Garrett has found a magical solution for overprocessed hair of any color. She suggests using K18, a one-of-a-kind leave-in hair mask that repairs and reverses damage in under four minutes (yes, under four minutes!). It’s scientific sorcery that’ll keep your locks healthy. Whether you’re looking for quick touch-ups between trips to the salon or prefer coloring your hair at home, she has kindly provided product recommendations to give salon-hair-flipping results.
1Best Permanent Hair Color For Gray Hair
L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Triple Protection Haircolor
1Best Permanent Hair Color For Gray Hair
L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Triple Protection Haircolor
Now 14% Off$19 at WalmartCredit: walmart.comPros
- Smells wonderful
Cons
- Begins to fade faster than desired
This color creme is formulated with a Pro-Keratine complex that protects as it colors with a nourishing treatment. And it doesn’t have a robust toxic smell when applied (seriously—always a plus!).
2Best Temporary Hair Color To Cover Grey
Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel
2Best Temporary Hair Color To Cover Grey
Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel
Now 25% Off$26 at Sephora$17 at Dermstore$35 at Saks Fifth AvenueCredit: sephora.comPros
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Temporary
Created to adapt to any hair color, this temporary gel is paraben- and sulfate-free, and will not irritate your scalp.
3Best Professional Hair Color To Cover Gray
John Frieda Permanent Precision Haircolor Foam
3Best Professional Hair Color To Cover Gray
John Frieda Permanent Precision Haircolor Foam
$12 at WalmartCredit: walmart.comPros
- No-drip
Cons
- Can be drying
The foam texture allows the dye to glide effortlessly all over so that it saturates your hair evenly for a no-drip, no-mess application and salon-worthy hair at home.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Best Permanent Root Touch Up For Gray Hair
DpHue Root Touch-Up Kit
4Best Permanent Root Touch Up For Gray Hair
DpHue Root Touch-Up Kit
$34 at dphue.comCredit: dphue.comPros
- dpHue provides a quiz to match your color
Cons
- Limited shade selection
Developed with salon professionals, this at-home root touch-up kit uses permanent haircolor to cover up to one inch of root growth, available in six shades.
5Best Haircolor Without Ammonia
Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color Permanent Haircolor
5Best Haircolor Without Ammonia
Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color Permanent Haircolor
$4 at TargetCredit: target.comPros
- No-mess formula
Cons
- Some found the color resistant to their grays
This product is ammonia-free and provides 100 percent gray coverage with salon-quality color and shine.
6Best Wash-In Hair Color
Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask
6Best Wash-In Hair Color
Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Color Depositing Mask
$30 at Sephora$30 at Nordstrom$30 at Saks Fifth AvenueCredit: sephora.comPros
- Nourishes the hair
Cons
- Temporary color
This color-depositing mask will tone the hair while nourishing it because of its gentle design.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best Low-Maintenance Haircolor
Madison Reed Root Perfection
7Best Low-Maintenance Haircolor
Madison Reed Root Perfection
$4 at madison-reed.comCredit: madison-reed.comPros
- Great for root touch-ups
Cons
- Not a long-term solution
Perfect for root touch-ups and extends time between salon visits by three weeks. Plus, it blends seamlessly with existing permanent color.
8Best Natural Haircolor
Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Haircolor
8Best Natural Haircolor
Clairol Natural Instincts Semi-Permanent Haircolor
$7 at TargetCredit: target.comPros
- No ammonia
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Finally, an all-natural approach to haircoloring at drugstore prices. It should last up to 28 washes, blending away grays.
9Best For Complete Gray Coverage
Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Permanent Haircolor Creme
9Best For Complete Gray Coverage
Garnier Nutrisse Nourishing Permanent Haircolor Creme
$8 at TargetCredit: target.com Pros
- Enriched with oils for nourished hair
Cons
- Thick texture, hard to remove from the tube
Enriched with five fruit oils, this zero-drip haircolor is endorsed by Drew Barrymore, who swears by it to cover grays.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Best Permanent Haircolor
Phyto Color
10Best Permanent Haircolor
Phyto Color
$18 at Nordstrom$15 at Walmart$18 at DermstoreCredit: nordstrom.com Pros
- Gentle on scalp
Cons
- Fades after 2 weeks
This a gentle, permanent haircolor with botanical pigments derived from five plants to keep your hair luminous and soft.