Gray hair can be a challenge for even the most experienced salon professionals, but the good news is that with the right approach, covering your client's stubborn grays can be seamless and stress-free. Whether it's ensuring proper color saturation or adjusting your formula for extra resistance, these expert-backed tips will help you achieve that flawless finish every time.
1. Start with a Permanent Color: To give your clients the best gray coverage, opt for permanent hair color, which provides deeper penetration into gray strands than semi-permanent or demi-permanent options. This ensures that the grays stay covered until the next touch-up. For example, using a quality professional hair color can help provide long-lasting results.
2. Mix in Neutral Shades: For stubborn grays that don't want to cooperate, try adding more neutral shades to your formula. Neutral colors help balance out the base and cover those extra-resistant hairs. This technique, recommended by colorists, is especially useful for hair that's more than 50% gray. Don't forget to brush through the product for even distribution.
3. Pre-Soften the Gray: If your client has particularly resistant gray hair, you may want to pre-soften the strands. This involves applying a low-volume developer directly to the gray areas for about 10 minutes before applying the color. This helps open the cuticle and allows better absorption of the color. For the best tools, check out our selection of shears and applicators.
4. Use Plenty of Product: It may sound simple, but one of the most common reasons gray coverage fails is insufficient product. Ensure you're using enough hair color to fully saturate the gray hairs, especially in those tricky areas like the temples and crown. Cross-check for coverage by using a brush in both directions.
5. Extend Processing Time: Grays are notoriously resistant, which means they need more time to absorb the color fully. Extend the processing time by 5-10 minutes beyond the recommended time to ensure that the color sets. Make sure your clients' hair is comfortable by keeping the process relaxed with our range of salon and barber apparel.
6. Double Up on Application Methods: For the most effective gray coverage, start by applying the color with an applicator bottle and then follow up by brushing the formula through the hair. This double application ensures that even the most stubborn grays get the full saturation needed for complete coverage.
7. Go a Shade Lighter: When blending gray with natural hair color, try going a shade lighter on the gray areas. This helps create a more natural, blended look and avoids the appearance of harsh regrowth lines. For best results, pair this technique with top-quality hair salon supplies.
8. Cover Grays First: Grays are resistant because they tend to be coarser. Begin the application process by covering the gray sections first to give them maximum processing time. Whether it's the temples, roots, or stubborn patches, tackling these areas upfront ensures consistent results.
9. Try a Double-Neutral Formula: For especially resistant grays, consider using a double-neutral formula. This technique helps to balance out the underlying tones in gray hair and provides even coverage. Our hair color collection has a variety of double-neutral options for every client.
10. Finish with a Gloss: After coloring, finish with a gloss treatment to seal in the color and enhance shine. This will help the color last longer and give the hair a healthy, youthful appearance. Our professional gloss treatments are perfect for that final touch.