Lately, the pervading mentality regarding gray hair has shifted. No longer are gray hairs seen as a symptom of neglect or looking unkempt—now, gray hair is often seen as a chic statement of its own. To that end, many people are embracing them and letting their natural grays grow out completely. Just take a look at celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Julia Fox, and Andie MacDowell to see what we mean.
Of course, many of us prefer not to let our gray hairs show. No judgment here—to each their own! Luckily, learning how to cover gray hair has never been easier: there are more options for covering grays without resorting to harsh permanent dyes or time-intensive highlights than ever before.
Read on for a breakdown of how to cover gray hair without causing damage or leaving a harsh line of new growth at the roots—from temporary at-home fixes to longer-lasting ways to blend those white hairs.
Root sprays and root powders
Root sprays and root powders offer a quick and temporary way to cover up gray hairs: simply choose a shade that matches your natural color and apply to the roots. They’re both great options for those moments when new gray growth just barely starts to appear or you need a quick fix between dye jobs. They work much like under-eye concealers—but for your hair, obviously. They are available in a range of shades and formulations.
Because root sprays and root powders are completely temporary, they will usually wash out after just one shampoo. And, though they can sometimes be messy to apply, most formulations are relatively fuss-free. Better yet, many people love them because they have the added benefit of creating fullness at the roots or filling in the look of thinning hair.
Semi-permanent hair color
While permanent dyes penetrate the hair shaft and make it more porous, semi-permanent dyes cover the outer layer of the hair strand without altering natural pigmentation or the use of bleaching agents. They are sort of similar to nail polish: they cover the surface with color, but wear off over time without leaving a trace—and without affecting the quality of the base.
They are also available in a range of options, from conditioner-like glosses that can be used in the shower to kits that are applied to dry hair and left to sit before being rinsed.
