Best hair color for gray coverage - Garnier Best hair color for gray coverage - Garnier

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Hair Colors for Complete Gray Coverage

We’ve got some great news for anyone out there chanting “No way I’m going gray!” While losing your natural hair color is a predictable (and exasperating) part of aging, you can’t altogether stop the invasion of wiry white hairs. But you can easily achieve 100% gray coverage at home, even if you’ve never dyed your locks before. And since all dyes and shades are not created equally, we’re here to help you find the best hair color to cover gray hair, which ones flatter your complexion, and pro tips to make the gray coverage process a piece of cake.

Tips for Coloring Gray Hair at Home

Gray hair tends to be coarser and drier, so keep these special considerations in mind to get the best gray coverage results:

The best tips for coloring hair at home - Garnier

  • Always do a strand test and a 48-hour allergy patch test before coloring.
  • For very resistant grays, leave color on up to the maximum time directed (never exceed 45 minutes).
  • Focus color first on areas with the most visible grays (temples, part line) for even, complete coverage.
  • Use permanent color (especially if you have more than 50% gray). See our at-home coloring guide for the best tips.
  • Choose a shade that’s one or two shades lighter than your natural color.
  • Don’t overdo it. Read our recommendations on how often to color your hair.

Blonde Hair Colors for Gray Hair

Blonde hair color for gray coverage is a gentler transition, especially if you are mostly gray. Look for a shade that works with your skin tone.

Nutrisse Ultra Color &ndash; Ultra Light Cool Blonde</a></strong> for an easy fix.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/hair-color/the-perfect-hair-colors-for-gray-coverage/garnier-best-hair-color-for-grey-hair-article-step-1-612x500.jpg?rev=b9d7d465f813477d89e822a6732e8225","defaultimage":false,"product":{"title":"LB1 - Ultra Light Cool Blonde","brand":"NUTRISSE ULTRA COLOR","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-color/2024/lb1---ultra-light-cool-blonde/0603084292622_1-png.png?rev=7c8239b824bf47c9a894a3cf4eb57e84","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-color/ultra-color-lb1-ultra-light-cool-blonde","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"lb1 - ultra light cool blonde","id":"603084292622","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"1","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.9309","dimension48":"603084292622","dimension59":"6773","dimension49":"present","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]}},"event_name":"select_item","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Click","eventLabel":"lb1 - ultra light cool blonde::603084292622","product_info":"lb1 - ultra light cool blonde::603084292622"},"productImpression":{"event":"nievent","ecommerce":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others","impressions":[{"name":"lb1 - ultra light cool blonde","id":"603084292622","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"1","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.9309","dimension48":"603084292622","dimension49":"present","dimension59":"6773","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]},"event_name":"view_item_list","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Impressions","eventLabel":"content page::article"}}},{"title":"Blonde Highlights","number":"02","description":"Blonde highlights are the perfect way to totally cover up and blend in your gray hair. Plus, Olia is ammonia-free and contains nourishing fruit oils.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/hair-color/the-perfect-hair-colors-for-gray-coverage/garnier-best-hair-color-for-grey-hair-article-step-1-612x500.jpg?rev=b9d7d465f813477d89e822a6732e8225","defaultimage":false,"product":{"title":"LB2 - Ultra Light Natural Blonde","brand":"NUTRISSE ULTRA COLOR","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-color/2024/lb2---ultra-light-blonde/0603084292639_1-png.png?rev=51d8248678eb425c855bf535ef7492ea","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-color/ultra-color-lb2-ultra-light-natural-blonde","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"lb2 - ultra light natural blonde","id":"603084292639","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"2","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.9309","dimension48":"603084292639","dimension59":"6773","dimension49":"present","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]}},"event_name":"select_item","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Click","eventLabel":"lb2 - ultra light natural blonde::603084292639","product_info":"lb2 - ultra light natural blonde::603084292639"},"productImpression":{"event":"nievent","ecommerce":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others","impressions":[{"name":"lb2 - ultra light natural blonde","id":"603084292639","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"2","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.9309","dimension48":"603084292639","dimension49":"present","dimension59":"6773","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]},"event_name":"view_item_list","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Impressions","eventLabel":"content page::article"}}},{"title":"Light Blonde","number":"03","description":"All-over light blonde is a great option if your original hair color is on the fair side. <strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-color/ultra-color-lb1-ultra-light-cool-blonde/">Ultra Light Cool Blonde</a></strong> or <strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-color/ultra-color-lb2-ultra-light-natural-blonde/">Ultra Light Natural Blonde</a></strong> will do the trick.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/hair-color/the-perfect-hair-colors-for-gray-coverage/garnier-best-hair-color-for-grey-hair-article-step-2-612x500.jpg?rev=1b593dd5581748329671036644023a3c","defaultimage":false,"product":{"title":"LB1 - Ultra Light Cool Blonde","brand":"NUTRISSE ULTRA COLOR","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-color/2024/lb1---ultra-light-cool-blonde/0603084292622_1-png.png?rev=7c8239b824bf47c9a894a3cf4eb57e84","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-color/ultra-color-lb1-ultra-light-cool-blonde","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"lb1 - ultra light cool blonde","id":"603084292622","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"3","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.9309","dimension48":"603084292622","dimension59":"6773","dimension49":"present","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]}},"event_name":"select_item","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Click","eventLabel":"lb1 - ultra light cool blonde::603084292622","product_info":"lb1 - ultra light cool blonde::603084292622"},"productImpression":{"event":"nievent","ecommerce":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others","impressions":[{"name":"lb1 - ultra light cool blonde","id":"603084292622","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"3","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.9309","dimension48":"603084292622","dimension49":"present","dimension59":"6773","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]},"event_name":"view_item_list","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Impressions","eventLabel":"content page::article"}}},{"title":"Light Blonde","number":"04","description":"Warm things up and get great gray coverage with&nbsp;<strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-color-creme/nourishing-color-creme-80-medium-natural-blonde-butternut/">Ultra Cr&egrave;me Medium Natural Blonde 80</a></strong>. For a slightly darker shade, opt for&nbsp;<strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-color-creme/nourishing-color-creme-70-dark-natural-blonde-almond-creme/">Ultra Cr&egrave;me Dark Natural Blonde 70</a></strong>.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/hair-color/the-perfect-hair-colors-for-gray-coverage/garnier-best-hair-color-for-grey-hair-article-step-2-612x500.jpg?rev=1b593dd5581748329671036644023a3c","defaultimage":false,"product":{"title":"LB2 - Ultra Light Natural Blonde","brand":"NUTRISSE ULTRA COLOR","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-color/2024/lb2---ultra-light-blonde/0603084292639_1-png.png?rev=51d8248678eb425c855bf535ef7492ea","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-color/ultra-color-lb2-ultra-light-natural-blonde","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"lb2 - ultra light natural blonde","id":"603084292639","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"4","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.9309","dimension48":"603084292639","dimension59":"6773","dimension49":"present","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]}},"event_name":"select_item","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Click","eventLabel":"lb2 - ultra light natural blonde::603084292639","product_info":"lb2 - ultra light natural blonde::603084292639"},"productImpression":{"event":"nievent","ecommerce":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others","impressions":[{"name":"lb2 - ultra light natural blonde","id":"603084292639","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"4","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.9309","dimension48":"603084292639","dimension49":"present","dimension59":"6773","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]},"event_name":"view_item_list","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Impressions","eventLabel":"content page::article"}}},{"title":"Ash Blonde","number":"05","description":"Warm things up and get great gray coverage with <strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-color-creme/nourishing-color-creme-80-medium-natural-blonde-butternut/">Ultra Cr&egrave;me Medium Natural Blonde 80</a></strong>, or for a slightly darker shade opt for <strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-color-creme/nourishing-color-creme-70-dark-natural-blonde-almond-creme/">Ultra Cr&egrave;me Dark Natural Blonde 70</a></strong>.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/hair-color/the-perfect-hair-colors-for-gray-coverage/garnier-best-hair-color-for-grey-hair-article-step-3-612x500-v2.jpg?rev=45f5a76b758e4f0f9ca4d1246031cdd1","defaultimage":false,"product":{"title":"80 - Medium Natural Blonde","brand":"NUTRISSE ULTRA CRÈME","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-creme/2025/80---medium-natural-blonde/0603084242573_1-png.png?rev=2fbae9d94d9c494aa3d488cfd94e5b5f","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-color-creme/nourishing-color-creme-80-medium-natural-blonde-butternut","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"80 - medium natural blonde","id":"603084242573","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"5","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.4785","dimension48":"603084242573","dimension59":"3296","dimension49":"present","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]}},"event_name":"select_item","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Click","eventLabel":"80 - medium natural blonde::603084242573","product_info":"80 - medium natural blonde::603084242573"},"productImpression":{"event":"nievent","ecommerce":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others","impressions":[{"name":"80 - medium natural blonde","id":"603084242573","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"5","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.4785","dimension48":"603084242573","dimension49":"present","dimension59":"3296","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]},"event_name":"view_item_list","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Impressions","eventLabel":"content page::article"}}},{"title":"Ash Blonde","number":"06","description":"Dark neutral blonde is a prime choice for gray coverage because it looks natural and works with most skin tones.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/hair-color/the-perfect-hair-colors-for-gray-coverage/garnier-best-hair-color-for-grey-hair-article-step-3-612x500-v2.jpg?rev=45f5a76b758e4f0f9ca4d1246031cdd1","defaultimage":false,"product":{"title":"51 - Medium Ash Brown","brand":"NUTRISSE ULTRA CRÈME","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-creme/2025/51---medium-ash-brown/0603084244577_1-png.png?rev=7a76388eff08429bbe76731d4006cfd2","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-color-creme/nourishing-color-creme-51-medium-ash-brown-cool-tea","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"51 - medium ash brown","id":"603084244577","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"6","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.4785","dimension48":"603084244577","dimension59":"3296","dimension49":"present","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]}},"event_name":"select_item","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Click","eventLabel":"51 - medium ash brown::603084244577","product_info":"51 - medium ash brown::603084244577"},"productImpression":{"event":"nievent","ecommerce":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others","impressions":[{"name":"51 - 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Brown Hair Colors for Gray Hair

If your natural shade is medium blonde to dark brown, all shades of brown hair color for gray hair hit the sweet spot for full coverage. They are also ideal if you’re gray all over.

Nutrisse Ultra Coverage Spiced Hazelnut</a></strong> if your natural color is medium blonde to medium brown.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/hair-color/the-perfect-hair-colors-for-gray-coverage/garnier-best-hair-color-for-grey-hair-article-step-4-612x500.jpg?rev=a31f4e5e0a9a4000a79a7bc393ea575a","defaultimage":false,"product":{"title":"600 - Deep Light Natural Brown","brand":"ULTRA COVERAGE","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-coverage/2025/600---deep-light-natural-brown/0603084497034_1-png.png?rev=61923a1f848e429380b89d0b51b96764","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-coverage/ultra-coverage-600-deep-light-natural-brown-spiced-hazelnut","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"600 - deep light natural brown","id":"603084497034","price":"11.49","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"1","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"4.3866","dimension48":"603084497034","dimension59":"2985","dimension49":"present","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]}},"event_name":"select_item","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Click","eventLabel":"600 - deep light natural brown::603084497034","product_info":"600 - deep light natural brown::603084497034"},"productImpression":{"event":"nievent","ecommerce":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others","impressions":[{"name":"600 - deep light natural brown","id":"603084497034","price":"11.49","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"1","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"4.3866","dimension48":"603084497034","dimension49":"present","dimension59":"2985","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]},"event_name":"view_item_list","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Impressions","eventLabel":"content page::article"}}},{"title":"Walnut Brown Hair Color","number":"02","description":"Rich and versatile <strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-coverage/ultra-coverage-500-deep-medium-natural-brown-glazed-walnut/">Glazed Walnut</a></strong> provides gray coverage for heads that used to be light to dark brown.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/hair-color/the-perfect-hair-colors-for-gray-coverage/garnier-best-hair-color-for-grey-hair-article-step-5-612x500.jpg?rev=f22aac8afe874c818b5cb7e210863dd0","defaultimage":false,"product":{"title":"500 - Deep Medium Natural Brown","brand":"ULTRA COVERAGE","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-coverage/2025/500---deep-medium-natural-brown/0603084497010_1-png.png?rev=99d26a663ed04090857888e57ccf410f","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-coverage/ultra-coverage-500-deep-medium-natural-brown-glazed-walnut","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"500 - deep medium natural brown","id":"603084497010","price":"11.49","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"2","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"4.3866","dimension48":"603084497010","dimension59":"2985","dimension49":"present","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]}},"event_name":"select_item","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Click","eventLabel":"500 - deep medium natural brown::603084497010","product_info":"500 - deep medium natural brown::603084497010"},"productImpression":{"event":"nievent","ecommerce":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others","impressions":[{"name":"500 - deep medium natural brown","id":"603084497010","price":"11.49","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"2","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"4.3866","dimension48":"603084497010","dimension49":"present","dimension59":"2985","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]},"event_name":"view_item_list","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Impressions","eventLabel":"content page::article"}}},{"title":"Chestnut Brown Hair Color","number":"03","description":"Whether you have a full head of grays or your natural color is light brown to dark brown, <strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-coverage/ultra-coverage-500-deep-medium-natural-brown-glazed-walnut/">Ultra Coverage Deep Medium Natural Brown 500</a></strong> is a great choice. For extra warm, golden tones go for <strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-color-creme/nourishing-color-creme-53-medium-golden-brown-chestnut/">Ultra Cr&egrave;me Medium Golden Brown 53</a></strong>.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/hair-color/the-perfect-hair-colors-for-gray-coverage/garnier-best-hair-color-for-grey-hair-article-step-6-612x500.jpg?rev=32f4423b93224526b2b60b69915f1ff0","defaultimage":false,"product":{"title":"53 - Medium Golden Brown","brand":"NUTRISSE ULTRA CRÈME","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-creme/2025/53---medium-golden-brown/0603084242696_1-png.png?rev=94cc4230b93a4d8ebf85f10ca3cee12e","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-color-creme/nourishing-color-creme-53-medium-golden-brown-chestnut","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"53 - 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Dark Brown","brand":"NUTRISSE ULTRA CRÈME","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-creme/2025/40---dark-brown/0603084242726_1-png.png?rev=e9c2dc8cbdbf4d94989a8791d9dfabef","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-color-creme/nourishing-color-creme-40-dark-brown-dark-chocolate","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"40 - dark brown","id":"603084242726","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"4","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.4785","dimension48":"603084242726","dimension59":"3296","dimension49":"present","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]}},"event_name":"select_item","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Click","eventLabel":"40 - dark brown::603084242726","product_info":"40 - dark brown::603084242726"},"productImpression":{"event":"nievent","ecommerce":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others","impressions":[{"name":"40 - dark brown","id":"603084242726","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"4","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.4785","dimension48":"603084242726","dimension49":"present","dimension59":"3296","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]},"event_name":"view_item_list","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Impressions","eventLabel":"content page::article"}}},{"title":"Chestnut Brown Hair Color","number":"05","description":"As warm brunette shades go, this ashy brown is on the cool side and complements fairer skin nicely.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/hair-color/the-perfect-hair-colors-for-gray-coverage/garnier-best-hair-color-for-grey-hair-article-step-7-612x500.jpg?rev=d643b132e55d476987c8e84abaa57d33","defaultimage":false,"product":{"title":"50 - Medium Natural Brown","brand":"NUTRISSE ULTRA CRÈME","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-creme/2025/50---medium-natural-brown/0603084242702_1-png.png?rev=2d6587f67f784dfa9b4d84af64e03878","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-color-creme/nourishing-color-creme-50-medium-natural-brown-truffle","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"50 - medium natural brown","id":"603084242702","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"5","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.4785","dimension48":"603084242702","dimension59":"3296","dimension49":"present","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]}},"event_name":"select_item","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Click","eventLabel":"50 - medium natural brown::603084242702","product_info":"50 - medium natural brown::603084242702"},"productImpression":{"event":"nievent","ecommerce":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others","impressions":[{"name":"50 - medium natural brown","id":"603084242702","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"5","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.4785","dimension48":"603084242702","dimension49":"present","dimension59":"3296","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]},"event_name":"view_item_list","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Impressions","eventLabel":"content page::article"}}}]" title=" " background-color="#F4F4F4" show-more="Show more" show-less="Show less" :navigation-label='{"carouselbuttonnext":"Carousel Button Navigation Next","carouselbuttonprev":"Carousel Button Navigation Prev"}' product-text="Go to product">

Red Hair Colors for Gray Hair

If you’ve always wanted to be a redhead, now’s your chance! While we recommend avoiding the really red shades (they can turn pink on gray hair), a deep red hair color for gray hair can work wonders.

Light Intense Auburn</a></strong> or <strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-color/ultra-color-r2-medium-intense-auburn/">Medium Intense Auburn</a></strong> for radiant color.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/hair-color/the-perfect-hair-colors-for-gray-coverage/garnier-best-hair-color-for-grey-hair-article-step-8-612x500.jpg?rev=9cd536106f8c4884af38b2497ad278b8","defaultimage":false,"product":{"title":"4.60 - Dark Intense Auburn","brand":"OLIA","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/olia/2021/red/olia-4_60/garnier-hair-color-olia-dark-intense-auburn-460-603084293964-av1-png.png?rev=9d91b60b8e7a4dbaa6475423e08a60c0","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/olia/olia-4-60-dark-intense-auburn","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"4.60 - dark intense auburn","id":"603084293964","price":"11.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"1","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"4.3387","dimension48":"603084293964","dimension59":"10400","dimension49":"present","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]}},"event_name":"select_item","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Click","eventLabel":"4.60 - dark intense auburn::603084293964","product_info":"4.60 - dark intense auburn::603084293964"},"productImpression":{"event":"nievent","ecommerce":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others","impressions":[{"name":"4.60 - dark intense auburn","id":"603084293964","price":"11.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"1","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"4.3387","dimension48":"603084293964","dimension49":"present","dimension59":"10400","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]},"event_name":"view_item_list","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Impressions","eventLabel":"content page::article"}}},{"title":"Auburn Hair Color","number":"02","description":"A cooler shade blending red and brown, auburn is flattering for most skin tones from neutral to cool.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/hair-color/the-perfect-hair-colors-for-gray-coverage/garnier-best-hair-color-for-grey-hair-article-step-8-612x500.jpg?rev=9cd536106f8c4884af38b2497ad278b8","defaultimage":false,"product":{"title":"R3 - Light Intense Auburn Hair Dye","brand":"NUTRISSE ULTRA COLOR","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-color/2024/r3---light-intense-auburn/0603084223572_1-png.png?rev=8845b96774c04762a27ab67a180827a1","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-color/ultra-color-r3-light-intense-auburn","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"r3 - light intense auburn","id":"603084223572","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"2","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.9309","dimension48":"603084223572","dimension59":"6773","dimension49":"not present","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]}},"event_name":"select_item","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Click","eventLabel":"r3 - light intense auburn::603084223572","product_info":"r3 - light intense auburn::603084223572"},"productImpression":{"event":"nievent","ecommerce":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others","impressions":[{"name":"r3 - light intense auburn","id":"603084223572","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"2","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.9309","dimension48":"603084223572","dimension49":"not present","dimension59":"6773","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]},"event_name":"view_item_list","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Impressions","eventLabel":"content page::article"}}},{"title":"Cinnamon Hair Color","number":"03","description":"Always wanted to be a redhead? <strong><a href=https://www.garnierusa.com/"/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-color-creme/nourishing-color-creme-56-rich-auburn-sangria/">Ultra Cr&egrave;me Rich Auburn</a></strong> not only adds flattering reddish tones but nourishes as it dyes, as well as providing 100% gray coverage.","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/articles/hair-color/the-perfect-hair-colors-for-gray-coverage/garnier-best-hair-color-for-grey-hair-article-step-9-612x500.jpg?rev=8f5b5ce915c34777b7dcaaba51ac76db","defaultimage":false,"product":{"title":"56 - Rich Auburn","brand":"NUTRISSE ULTRA CRÈME","image":"/-/media/project/loreal/brand-sites/garnier/usa/us/products/hair-color/nutrisse-ultra-creme/2025/56---rich-auburn/0603084242672_1-png.png?rev=2c87fb20c1ea4eacaa72752ed7b98a29","link":"https://www.garnierusa.com/about-our-brands/hair-color/nutrisse-color-creme/nourishing-color-creme-56-rich-auburn-sangria","productClick":{"event":"productClick","ecommerce":{"click":{"actionField":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others"},"products":[{"name":"56 - rich auburn","id":"603084242672","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"3","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.4785","dimension48":"603084242672","dimension59":"3296","dimension49":"present","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]}},"event_name":"select_item","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Click","eventLabel":"56 - rich auburn::603084242672","product_info":"56 - rich auburn::603084242672"},"productImpression":{"event":"nievent","ecommerce":{"currencyCode":"USD","list":"others","impressions":[{"name":"56 - rich auburn","id":"603084242672","price":"10.99","brand":"GAR","category":"hair-color","position":"3","dimension35":"1 kit","dimension38":"3.4785","dimension48":"603084242672","dimension49":"present","dimension59":"3296","dimension91":"none","dimension176":"hair-color","dimension39":"in stock","variant":"1 kit"}]},"event_name":"view_item_list","eventCategory":"Ecommerce","eventAction":"Product Impressions","eventLabel":"content page::article"}}}]" title=" " background-color="#F4F4F4" show-more="Show more" show-less="Show less" :navigation-label='{"carouselbuttonnext":"Carousel Button Navigation Next","carouselbuttonprev":"Carousel Button Navigation Prev"}' product-text="Go to product">

Garnier Commits to Greener Beauty

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Discover Expert Tips

How to apply Olia

How to Apply Olia | Hair Color 101

See how Olia gives you brilliant color and visibly healthier hair with 60% oils and zero ammonia. Get hydrated, silky, 3x shinier hair.

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The Olia Hair Color Difference: Technology Merges for Visibly Healthier Looking Hair

Discover an oil-based, ammonia-free hair color for healthier-looking hair.

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Shot of diverse group of models with burgundy, copper red, black, and blonde hair.

The Ultimate Guide: How Often Should You Color Your Hair at Home?

Find out how often you should color your hair using permanent color, semi-permanent color, and demi-permanent color.

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Hair Color for Gray Coverage Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you color gray hair?
You should color gray hair every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain full coverage, especially if the shade you choose contrasts a lot from your natural color. This all-over color will keep your chosen shade fresh and vibrant.

How often should I touch up my roots for gray coverage?
You should touch up your roots every 3 to 4 weeks as new growth appears. At-home root touchups are perfect for renewing vibrancy between all-over color treatments, plus they’re quick and easy with targeted products like Color Retouch.

Is it better to go lighter or darker when covering gray hair?
It’s better to go lighter when covering gray hair because these shades more naturally blend with grays and blur the line between dyed hair and regrowth. But if you’re willing to do more frequent touch-ups, darker shades are a nice choice for bolder coverage.

My gray hair is really stubborn and dye-resistant. How can I get better coverage?
If your gray hair is stubbornly dye-resistant, you can get better coverage by leaving the dye in a little longer than the directions say—but never exceed 45 minutes total. This way, it can penetrate thicker gray hairs and reach the inner cortex for lasting color.

How can I make my hair color last longer and prevent grays from showing so fast?
You can make your hair color last longer and prevent grays from showing so fast by always using sulfate-free color-safe shampoo and conditioner like Color Shield to extend vibrancy. You should also avoid hot styling tools, hot water, and hot days in the sun (get out that hat!). Additionally, try a weekly color-depositing mask designed for grays.

I have a sensitive scalp. Are there gentle or natural hair color options that cover grays?
If you have a sensitive scalp, there are definitely gentle and more natural hair color options that cover grays. Look for dye kits made for sensitive skin and ammonia-free formulas like nourishing Olia hair color infused with 60% flower oils. And never skip the patch test!