12 best colors for gray hair

*Overview of the best according to the editors of Healthy Food Near Me. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Gray hair is not a cause for concern. Their appearance is not always associated with age, but may be caused by other reasons (lack of vitamins, diseases of the endocrine system, genetic predisposition, etc.). In any case, this problem can be solved quickly and easily by simply dyeing your hair. How to choose the right paint for gray hair, and what products are the best in their segment – our leading experts tell.

How to choose?

To get a beautiful, uniform and lasting color, you need to choose the right paint for gray hair. It is important to take into account the amount of gray hair, the condition and structure of your hair, the natural color and the desired shade.

We recommend considering the following recommendations when choosing:

1. Volume of gray hair. If more than 50-60% is gray hair, then choose paints with 6-9% oxide. Unlike more delicate formulations, they stain from the first application.

2. Ammonia / without ammonia. Too hard gray hair cannot be dyed with an ammonia-free composition. However, in this case, choose paints with a reduced ammonia content.

3. Composition. Give preference to compositions with natural oils, plant extracts, lipids and other components that strengthen hair.

4. Hair condition. If the strands are damaged and weakened, then choose dyes with a healing effect.

5. Ease of use. When choosing a product, pay attention to the consistency (thick / liquid), texture (cream / gel) and smell.

6. Filling. You can save money if the dye comes with oxide, developing milk, conditioner and gloves.

To make your choice easier, our experts have prepared for you the TOP 12 best colors for gray hair, taking into account customer reviews and opinions of stylists. Take a look and choose which one is right for you!

Rating of the best colors for gray hair

The best professional paints for gray hair

Wella Professional Color Touch

Rating: 4.9

This paint provides a complete, but gentle painting of gray hair. It does not contain ammonia, so it does not destroy the hair structure. It covers gray hair from the first application, does not spoil the strands. The line is represented by natural shades that completely match the palette.

Thanks to the formula with liquid keratin and natural wax, the curls look healthy and well-groomed after use. The paint is hypoallergenic, so it will not cause irritation even if you have sensitive scalp. Quickly stains (about 20 minutes), evenly washed off.

Has a light creamy texture. The reviews say that the paint is quickly and easily applied. Keep in mind that it can only be mixed with 1,9% or 4% oxide in a 1:2 ratio. Among the advantages, they also note the absence of a sharp ammonia odor and an excellent staining result with a cumulative effect.

MATRIX SoColor

Rating: 4.8

The main advantage of this paint is rich and deep color. It qualitatively stains gray strands without worsening their structure. This is due to the reduced ammonia content. The paint does not cause allergic reactions or irritation of the scalp.

You can use this product provided that there is at least 50% gray hair. The palette is represented by a wide selection of shades. They do not fade, keep more than 3-4 weeks. The paint does not burn or dry the scalp. The exposure time is from 30 to 45 minutes.

The reviews write that all the shades are very deep and saturated. After use, the curls are soft and well-groomed. Smells good, easy to use. It has a creamy texture, so it is easily distributed even on long curls. Shades can be mixed to get the right color.

ESTEL De Luxe

Rating: 4.7

We added this paint to the rating, because it not only covers gray hair 100%, but acts as carefully as possible. After use, the curls acquire a “live” shine, since the product contains avocado and macadamia oils.

It has a soft texture, so it spreads easily. Doesn’t flow. Does not cause irritation or other unpleasant reactions. The volume is 60 ml, so the composition is enough for a medium-length hairstyle. The composition includes ammonia, but in a small amount.

Many note that after applying this paint, the curls are very soft and smooth to the touch. They write that she perfectly paints over gray hair, does not stain clothes and skin. Does not dry out, rinses off evenly without leaving streaks. Before use, it must be mixed with oxygen (1:1) or activator (1:2).

L’oreal Professional Majirel

Rating: 4.7

If you are looking for a long-lasting gray hair color, then this is the best option. It contains lipid components that protect the color from fading or washing off. It has a high degree of stability, but does not contain ammonia.

It is convenient that it is sold together with an oxidizing agent (6%, 9%), so it does not need to be purchased separately. The exposure time of the composition is 35 minutes. The manufacturer indicates that a professional shampoo should be used for washing. The composition includes a caring complex that strengthens the structure of the strands.

The reviews write that this dye allows you to get salon coloring at home. All shades match exactly as advertised. Paint over gray hair and regrown roots. The product does not dry or stain the towel.

The best gray hair dyes for home use

L’Oreal Casting Creme Gloss

Rating: 4.6

This paint allows you to quickly paint over gray hair at home. It does not contain ammonia, so it does not damage the structure of the strands. Evenly paints over the entire length. Curls after staining look shiny and well-groomed.

The dye is sold together with developing milk, balm and gloves. The bottle of the product is equipped with a convenient applicator that allows you to paint over even long and thick strands on your own. Shades of paint are fully consistent with the declared palette.

Customers write that it gives a rich color, very resistant and odorless. The balm is reusable, keeps the shine of the curls. Due to the creamy texture, the composition is easy to apply and does not spread. After use, the curls remain healthy, gray hair is stained from the first application.

Wella Professionals Koleston Perfect

Rating: 4.5

We added this paint to the rating because it allows you to get a clean and balanced shade. It completely covers the gray hair and is resistant to washing out. Even with daily shampooing, the pigment will remain in the strands for up to 4-6 weeks. The palette is represented by 96 shades.

The composition of the product includes moisturizing ingredients and lipids. They gently affect the structure of the hair, providing gentle coloring. Before use, it must be mixed with an oxidizer in a ratio of 1:1. The exposure time is from 30 to 40 minutes. No strong ammonia odor.

Many write that this paint evenly stains the roots and tips. All shades look natural, after staining there is a healthy shine. However, keep in mind that the oxidizer and gloves must be purchased separately. May leave marks on the skin, but they are easily washed off.

Schwarzkopf Color Expert

Rating: 4.6

The main advantage of this paint is its extra-resistant color. It covers 100% gray hair, while strengthening the hair structure. The tool is made using OmegaPlex technology, which protects curls during staining.

One package contains a 60 ml coloring cream, an anti-breakage serum and two repair conditioners. One of them should be used 3 weeks after staining to fix the pigment.

The reviews write that this dye prevents the fragility of the strands. Their quality has improved markedly. They are easy to comb and style. Due to a special balm, the shade is preserved for a long time. Does not wash out and does not fade even with prolonged exposure to sunlight.

SYOSS Professional Performance

Rating: 4.5

Cream paint contains components that penetrate up to 10 layers of hair. This provides a deep and rich shade after dyeing with protection against washing out. It perfectly covers gray hair, does not dry curls, contains vitamins and natural extracts.

The package includes a coloring cream (50 ml), a developing milk and a conditioner. The pigment remains saturated up to 8 weeks after staining. All colors match the declared palette, so the choice will not be difficult.

Users note that staining with this tool takes little time. It is easily washed off the skin. Doesn’t sting or irritate. There is no strong ammonia smell. After washing, the strands look well-groomed and very soft to the touch.

The best ammonia-free dyes for gray hair

KIS KeraDirect Clear

Rating: 4.9

The main feature of this paint is instant coloring. Does not require the addition of an oxide. It is presented in a wide palette, while different tones can be combined with each other. All shades are bright and saturated.

The dye does not contain ammonia, so it is safe. Often used to create original colors. Available in a large volume (200 ml), so it will last for several uses. Non-comedogenic, dermatologist tested.

The exposure time is from 15 to 30 minutes. The reviews write that it is easy to apply due to the creamy consistency. Despite the absence of ammonia, use this product only with gloves. To maintain color, you can use tinting balms from this brand.

Redken Chromatics

Rating: 4.8

She is included in the rating because she paints over 100% gray hair in just 35 minutes! Does not contain ammonia, so you can not worry about the condition of the hair. A wide palette of colors allows you to choose the one that perfectly covers gray hair and overgrown roots.

No harsh odor. Contains a double pigment, so it stains from the first application. The color washes out evenly. Longevity is about 3-4 weeks with daily shampooing. You can use the dye only with the developer. The manufacturer recommends using Chromatics Cream Oil.

Hair after use is soft and not dry. Many note that they look more voluminous. The composition is easy to apply, allows you to get a bright vibrant color. The volume of the tube is 60 ml, so you need to take two at once for long and thick curls.

L’Oreal Professional Inoa ODS2

Rating: 4.7

This dye is made using Oil Delivery System (ODS) technology. This means that the delivery of the coloring pigment to the hair structure occurs due to the oil. It provides a bright and saturated shade from the very first staining.

The composition does not include ammonia, so the product does not damage the hair. It does not dry the scalp, does not cause itching, irritation or other reactions. Before use, the dye must be mixed with an oxidizing agent, and only then applied to the strands.

Among the advantages in the reviews note a neutral smell and safety for curls. It completely covers gray hair. After washing, the strands acquire a beautiful shine that lasts up to 6-8 weeks. The pigment lays down evenly, does not fade. Volume – 60 ml.

CHI IONIC

Rating: 4.6

Soft dye, does not contain ammonia. Qualitatively paints over gray hair, while the exposure time is 40 minutes. Can be used during pregnancy. Does not have a strong odor. Suitable for damaged hair, as it restores curls at the same time as coloring.

The composition of the product includes 44 inorganic compounds. They contribute to the penetration of the pigment into the structure of the hairs without opening the cuticle. This provides elasticity, density and protection of the strands at the same time obtaining a lasting and rich color.

Judging by the reviews, this dye is most often chosen by blondes. It gives a beautiful and deep color without yellowness. Persistence reaches 4-6 weeks. The consistency is creamy, it is easily distributed along the entire length. Oxide is not included, so you need to buy it separately.

Attention! This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.