7 Best Hair Colors for Gray Hair at All Levels of Commitment

Long before “recession hair” was a thing, the best hair colors for gray hair had found their way into the home-styling kits of those looking to keep color fresh and grays at bay, without spending endless hours—and countless dollars—at a salon. Jackson Simmonds, a master colorist and stylist in New York City, is the first to recommend at-home solutions that will keep his color clients covered (literally) for a bit longer between their visits to his chair.

“A permanent hair-color kit is truly ideal for that person who has permanent color, lots of gray, and would go to the salon every ten days if they had time or their colorist would allow it!” he says. “With at-home options, they can DIY every other color application so they don't have to see that cringey gray stripe in the mirror [between appointments].” For those looking for shorter-term coverage, the best hair colors for gray hair are also available in temporary, semi-permanent, and demi-permanent formulas that range from creams and gels to glosses and sprays.

Our Top Hair Colors for Gray Hair

• Best Overall: Kristin Ess Hair Signature Hair Gloss, $15
• Best for Roots: L'Oréal Paris Magic Root Rescue 10 Minute Permanent Color Kit, $7
• Best Demi-Permanent: dpHUE Dream Demi-Permanent Color, $32
• Best Permanent: IGK Permanent Color Kit, $31
• Best Temporary: AgeBeautiful Root Touch-Up, $14
• Best for Sensitive Scalps: Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel, $18
• Best for Shine: Wella Color Charm Demi-Permanent Hair Color, $10

So, which is the best hair color to artfully conceal your grays? Ahead, find the at-home color kits pro stylists swear by and find one that speaks to your hair type and color goals. Whichever one you choose, make sure to get your gloves ready!

Best Overall: Kristin Ess Hair Gloss

Why it’s worth it: Looking for a temporary, no-fuss solution to a touch of gray? Enter Kristin Ess Signature Hair Gloss, a shine-boosting solution that comes in eight hues, ranging from Smoky Topaz (a medium, natural bronde) to Ruby (medium red). “This gloss is super easy to use—you can just throw it on during a shower—and it’s great for blending regrowth,” says Jennifer Korab, hairstylist and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa in Hillsborough, New Jersey. Ammonia-free and made with a smoothing antioxidant complex, “The gloss leaves the hair silky and can help with the vibrancy of color and shine,” Korab says. The color lasts for three to four weeks, fading gradually with each shampoo.

Best for Roots: L'Oréal Paris Magic Root Permanent

Why it’s worth it: “[L'Oréal Paris Magic Root Permanent] is one of the most accessible and effective permanent [root] options out there,” says Kristina Maccaro, educator, colorist, and owner of Love Lane Salon in Jersey City, New Jersey. “It fully covers greys in just 10 minutes and is perfect for quick fixes between full-color sessions. I give this option to my busy gray-coverage client so they can easily touch up any gaeys at their part or hairline in between salon visits.” Maccaro adds that the formula is best for “medium-to-high gray coverage,” reiterating that it’s particularly effective on grays as they start to creep into the hairline or part. “It’s great for anyone with fast-growing roots—or anyone who wants the option of a quick touch-up as needed,” she concludes. Not to mention, each box goes for less than $10 a pop.

Best Demi-Permanent: dpHue Color Dream Demi-Permanent

Why it’s worth it: “DpHue’s Dream Demi-Permanent Color is one of my top at-home recommendations for gray hair—especially if you're looking for shine, tone, and softness without committing to harsh, long-term color,” says Vito Esposito, founder and head stylist of Vito Esposito Salon in Beverly Hills. “The Dream Demi is ideal for first-timers or anyone who wants less damage: It’s ammonia-free, super gentle, and blends grays beautifully instead of covering them harshly. You get a soft, natural finish that fades gradually, which is perfect for aging hair or finer textures.”

Also free of parabens, sulfates, and silicones, “This is ideal if you want to look polished without sacrificing hair health,” Esposito says. ​Maccaro seconds his enthusiasm, adding that this is also one of his go-to recommendations. “It’s perfect to refresh or tone your color without creating a line of demarcation,” she explains. “It won't lighten your natural color or fully cover your greys, but it will add a tone of shine and grey-blend in 20 minutes.” The color lasts for about 16 washes, which is quite impressive.

Best Permanent: IGK Permanent Hair Color Kit

Why it’s worth it: “IGK’s Permanent Hair Color Kit is a favorite of mine for clients looking for quick results with serious shine and dimension—all in a 20-minute session, or up to 45 minutes if your gray is particularly resistant,” says Maccaro. “I also love the range of shades and the price point.” Pro hack: This won't lighten previously colored hair; it will only match or darken your current shade, Maccaro says. “If you're lightning virgin hair, pick a shade one level lighter than your natural hair color.”

Best Temporary: AgeBeautiful Root Touch-Up

Why it’s worth it: Kelly Novobielsky, a celebrity hairstylist based in New York City, names AgeBeautiful Root Touch-Up as one of his go-to picks for temporary gray coverage. The spray-and-go color “offers gray coverage with zero commitment—and it’s great for any hair type,” he attests. The water and sweat-resistant spray comes in 11 shades and lasts until your next shampoo. It offers styling benefits, as well, since the dry powder in the spray helps sop up oil from and add volume to the roots.

Best for Sensitive Scalps: Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel

Why it’s worth it: “Herbatint Permanent Hair Color Gel is a fantastic choice for those with sensitive skin or anyone looking to minimize chemical exposure,” Esposito says. “It's ammonia-free, odorless, and enriched with eight organic herbal extracts.” Infused with meadowfoam, white birch, aloe vera, echinacea, and other plant-based ingredients that soothe and nourish the scalp, “This dye provides effective gray coverage without causing scalp irritation,” Esposito says. “Its gentle formula ensures hair remains soft and shiny.” ​What’s more: The gel comes in 28 shades ranging from Light Blonde to Dark Chestnut.

Best for Shine: Wella Professionals Colorcharm Permanent Hair Color

Why it’s worth it: Wella Color Charm Demi-Permanent Hair Color has a stamp of approval from Jamee Mahmood, hairstylist and owner of Square Roots Salon in Bellevue, Washington. “This ammonia-free, vegan, gluten and paraffin-free color is gentle and great for all hair types, and there are 21 shades available.” She adds that the demi-permanent cream, which acts as a gloss, will blend grays for up to 24 washes—and ply the hair with other benefits. “The results are high shine and healthier hair,” she notes. One word of advice? “You will need to purchase the ColorCharm 10 Volume Cream Developer,” which mixes with the color for optimal gray blending.

Frequently Asked Questions

“Gray hair tends to be more coarse and porous, so look for formulas labeled as ‘gray coverage’ or ‘rich coverage,’” says Esposito. “Demi-permanent dyes are great for first-timers or those who want less commitment, while permanent formulas are ideal for high-percentage gray.”​ In terms of color, Maccaro suggests looking for hues described as “neutral,” “natural,” or “natural gold.” These colors, she says, have flattering results on most skin tones and “help counteract the starkness of the gray.”

“It depends on skin tone, but in general, going a bit lighter or warmer can soften features and create a more natural blend with grays as they grow in,” Esposito says. “Super dark shades may draw attention to regrowth. A soft medium brown, warm blonde, or even golden caramel tone often blends grays more seamlessly and ages more gracefully.”

Maccaro adds a tip for home-color rookies. “If you’re new to color, choose a shade that’s one level lighter than your natural color or your desired tone,” she instructs. “This gives you more wiggle room to adjust and avoids the ‘box dye went too dark’ look.”

• Vito Esposito, founder and head stylist of Vito Esposito in Beverly Hills, California
• Jennifer Korab, a New Jersey-based hairstylist and founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa in Hillsborough, New Jersey
• Kristina Maccaro, educator, colorist, and owner of Love Lane Salon in Jersey City, New Jersey
• Jamee Mahmood, a hairstylist and owner of Square Roots Salon in Bellevue, Washington
• Kelly Novobielsky, a hairstylist at Manespace in New York City
• Jackson Simmonds, a master colorist and stylist in New York City

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that's only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that's never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of the best hair color for gray hair, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, colorists, and hairstylists. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

Don't stop there. Check out more hair color tips directly from the Allure team:

• I Swear by These Purple Shampoos for Maintaining My Icy-Cool Blonde
• 13 Best Root Touch-Ups to Cover Unwanted Color
• The 10 Best Hair Lighteners for a Sun-Kissed Look Year-Round
• 11 Best Blue Shampoos to Brighten and Balance Brown Hair

Done reading? Take a look at Gracie Abrams' 10-minute routine for glowy, dewy skin:

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