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In this article, we will answer the question of what is better: highlighting or coloring gray hair, together with an expert. Trisha Cosgrove, hair colorist There are options The optimal result of dyeing gray hair depends on the desired look and coverage. * Solid coloring This method is suitable if you want to mask every gray hair with a uniform shade, choosing either permanent or semi-permanent dye. * Highlighting strands This option allows for a smooth blend of shades and avoids harsh lines between colors as roots grow out. A stylist will help choose shades and make your gray hair soft and manageable. Important nuance Gray hair is best covered with dyes used by professionals in salons, rather than products from regular stores. How often should you dye your hair to hide gray? Many women cover gray hairs at home using color-depositing shampoos, which is suitable if there are only a few gray hairs. For complete recoloring, it is better to use salon dye and an experienced stylist. If gray hairs are not very noticeable, coloring can be done once every month or two. But if you have dark hair and the growing roots are white, you will need to dye every 10–14 days. How gray hair differs from regular hair Completely gray hair is coarser, as follicles stop producing color and sebum, which makes hair soft. This complicates the penetration of home dye. A professional colorist knows how to choose the right dye by color and quality. A common mistake for women over 40 is choosing a shade that is too dark to cover gray hair. It is important to remember that with the loss of pigment, hair and skin become paler, so it is advisable to choose a softer color. Professional hairdressers understand chemistry, and this is something most people cannot handle themselves, while corrective coloring can be expensive. If you are unsure which coloring method is best for you, here is a brief overview of three popular solutions. Complete gray coverage This requires dye labeled "permanent dye for gray hair," available in salons. These formulas provide 100% gray coverage and lighten by one level. Semi-permanent gray coverage For a long-lasting but not permanent result, you can choose semi-permanent dye. These ammonia-free dyes provide a temporary color change in 20 minutes, with results lasting from 4 to 6 weeks. Temporary coverage If you cannot visit the salon every time gray hair appears, there are temporary solutions such as concealers. They are available in various shades and provide quick and natural coverage that lasts until the next hair wash. The best shades for covering gray hair Experts recommend choosing neutral shades that blend easily with gray hair and are easy to maintain over time. Here are the top successful options: - caramel blonde - white blonde - soft blonde - silver - balayage - lavender gray - dark ash gray - mushroom brown - coffee - chocolate mousse - light copper Be cautious! Bright white blonde blends easily with grown-out gray hair, but achieving this color will require several bleaching sessions with a professional colorist and the use of restorative masks. Dark shades also require maintenance, but not as intensive.
