The Best At-Home Hair Dyes for Gray Hair

The look of vibrant, shiny and bouncy strands that have just been dyed is unmatched. Whether it’s salon or DIY color, freshly-colored hair looks amazing — until some time has passed and  your roots or pesky grays have returned and you’re back to square one. For gray hair especially, if you’re not ready to fully transition to gray strands, your best chance at covering them is with permanent hair color. 

Permanent hair dye is the best pick for covering grays, but not all boxed dye is created equal. The right dye will cover grays — even the stubborn ones — and leave you with vibrant color and a shiny mane. Learn all about the best permanent dyes for covering gray hair at home, below.

L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Créme Permanent Triple Protection Hair Color 

This at-home color kit offers 100 percent coverage on even the most stubborn grays. The easy-to-use, non-drip cream formula includes a Pro-Keratine complex to keep your strands protected throughout the entire process. This kit also comes in a variety of blonde, brown, red, and black shades so whether you have super-light blonde hair or dark brunette hair, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. Follow the instructions included in the box for the best application.

L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color

Perfect for covering roots or grays alike, this at-home color kit has more than 50 shades to give you vibrant, fade-free color that lasts up to eight weeks. The dye includes a translucent gel hair dye formula with an exclusive shine serum to keep your strands vibrant, silky and shiny every time you use it. When the time comes to dye your hair, closely follow the instructions included with your dye for the best results. 

L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Rescue 10 Minute Root Hair Coloring Kit 

This root touch-up kit is formulated to give you permanent, gorgeous color in as little as ten minutes with 100 percent gray coverage. The soft brush applicator makes touch-ups fast and easy, plus it comes in a variety of shades to match even professional salon colors. Save this for root regrowth of fewer than three weeks and follow the instructions listed on the packaging for seamless color.

For the days when you don’t have time for a full root touch-up, temporarily conceal grays with the L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up. This easy-to-use, lightweight spray dries quickly without any smudging or sticky residue. It’s available in a variety of blonde, brown, red and black shades, plus, it lasts until your next shampoo. Shake the can well, then spray onto new growth or grays and partly through the length of your hair to blend the color.

If you have greasy roots and visible grays, try a tinted dry shampoo like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Blonde Hair or the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Tinted Dry Shampoo for Brown Hair. This tinted dry shampoo refreshes roots while the tinted powder temporarily camouflages roots and grays.

Once you’re done covering your grays (for now), it’s time to make a few simple changes to your hair care routine to keep your strands looking their best.

1. Switch to Color-Safe Products

Even if you’re just coloring your gray roots, you always want to use shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair. Another thing you want to look for is a sulfate-free formula, as they’re gentler and less drying on color-treated strands. Our favorite color-safe duo is the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Color Care Bond Strengthening Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Strengthening Conditioner. This duo leaves strands soft and smooth while strengthening hair from the inside and out by reinforcing weak hair bonds.

Once or twice a week, switch your conditioner out for a hydrating hair mask like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Signature Masque, Color Care Hair Mask to nourish strands and restore smoothness.

2. Skip the Heat

Your hair can always benefit from less heat so a few times a week, try to opt for heatless styles like overnight beach waves or a sleek low bun. Or try a curl enhancer like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Super Curls Cream Leave-In to bring out your hair’s natural shape and texture.

We know that sometimes using heat is a must so make sure to always reach for a heat protectant like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In to protect your strands.

3. Try a Glossing System

To keep your strands looking shiny, silky and vibrant, reach for a glossing system like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing Shampoo, pH Balanced and the L’Oréal Paris Sulfate-Free Glossing Conditioner, pH Balanced. A couple times a week, try an in-shower glossing treatment like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Glossing In Shower Acidic Glaze. Apply to wet hair after shampooing, leave on for one to three minutes (don’t rinse) and follow up with conditioner.

You can also opt for an at-home glossing treatment that’ll give your strands gorgeous, post-salon shine and vibrancy like the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss. This at-home gloss tones color, boosts shine and deeply condition strands in a single, weekly treatment. This formula won’t lift, cover or lighten grays, but it’s a great way to give your color-treated strands some extra love.

Next: How to Get Gorgeous Highlights at Home

Edited by: Reece Andavolgyi, Photo credit: Chaunte Vaughn