The 13 Best Hair Dye for Gray Hair That Look Totally Natural

Gray hairs have a way of showing up exactly when you least expect them—whether it’s a single rogue strand that catches the light just right or a full-on takeover at your temples. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with embracing the silver (because, honestly, it can look incredible), sometimes you just want to hit refresh on your color.

The trick? Finding a hair dye that delivers rich, natural-looking coverage without leaving your strands dry, damaged, or one-dimensional. With so many formulas on the market—permanent, demi-permanent, ammonia-free, plant-based—it can feel like you need a chemistry degree just to make the right choice.

That’s where we come in. We’ve done the research (and plenty of real-world testing) to round up the best hair dye for gray hair, whether you’re looking for long-lasting results, a low-commitment option, or a salon-worthy finish from the comfort of your own bathroom. Keep reading for expert-backed picks that’ll help you reclaim your color—on your terms.

The best hair dye for gray hair, at a glance

• Best overall: L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Triple Care Hair Color, $12
• Best new launch: AGEbeautiful Permanent Anti-Aging Liqui-Crème Hair Color, $12
• Best moisturizing: Garnier Hair Color Nutrisse Ultra Creme, $9
• Best ammonia-free: Naturtint Permanent Hair Color, $18
• Best high-end: Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit, $34
• Best root concealer spray: L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up Gray Concealer Spray, $11
• Best root touch-up stick: KISS Root Touch Up 2-in-1 Cover & Conceal Kit, $5
• Best permanent root touch-up: Clairol Root Touch-Up Permanent Hair Dye (2-Pack), $15
• Best natural: Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel, $17
• Best for shine: Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color, $9
• Best for relaxed or permed hair: Softsheen Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color, $5
• Best for brittle or thinning hair: Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color Cream, $11
• Best for easy application: Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color (3-Pack), $15

Best overall: L'Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Permanent Triple Care Hair Color — $12.00

Specifically formulated to cover stubborn gray hair, L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme permanent hair color tops our list. Perfect for all hair types, this creme color formula offers 100 percent gray coverage and nourishing ingredients that will make your hair look shiny and healthy. 

The three-step routine includes your hair color and developer, an after-color shampoo, and a deep conditioner made with nourishing ingredients like keratin, ceramides and glycerin that will protect brittle gray hair from damage and seal the hair follicle for a healthier look.

Not to mention, this product is ranked #1 in hair color on Amazon with over 56,000 reviews. One reviewer raves, “I am 61 years old with a LOT of gray hair. I am using it at home every 3 weeks, and love it! This is my [holy grail],” while another one calls it an “affordable way to stay young.”

Pros

• 100 percent gray coverage
• Easy to apply
• Fortified with protective ingredients for gray hair
• Comes with shampoo and conditioner

Cons

• Contains ammonia
  Color may fade earlier than others
  Smell may be strong for some people

Best new launch: AGEbeautiful Permanent Anti-Aging Liqui-Crème Hair Color — $12

“I gave my mom a box of this at-home hair color once, and she hasn't stopped raving about it since,” says beauty editor Aimee Simeon. “She says it covers her grays without making her hair feel stringy or wirey.” Luckily for Simeon’s mom (and other at-home hair coloring aficionados), the brand is expanding the collection with eight new shades in the neutral red violet and neutral warm beige color series. Each new hue is also formulated with biotin to help keep your hair in tip-top shape even during the coloring process.

Pros:

• Infused with biotin, keratin, and silk proteins to strengthen aging hair
• Full gray coverage
• Smooth and easy application

Cons:

• Some users find the formula slightly runnier than traditional cream dyes
• Color may develop darker than expected
• Has a noticeable scent during application

Best moisturizing: Garnier Hair Color Nutrisse Ultra Creme — $9.00

The Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Creme hair color for gray hair comes backed by experts and reviewers alike. This formula promises to cover up your silver strands for a natural, sleek and shiny look thanks to the moisturizing oils it’s infused with.

“My favorite at-home hair color is the Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Creme,” says Nikki Lee, Celebrity Hair Colorist and spokesperson for Garnier USA. “What I love about this box hair dye is that it offers 100 percent gray coverage for all hair types, and they have options for just about every hair color.”

The system comes with your hair color and developer and a fruit oil ampoule that is poured directly in the mix. You’ll also get an after-color conditioner enriched with avocado, shea, olive, argan, and coconut oil that’ll leave your hair feeling soft and silky.

One reviewer praises this color’s ability to cover up silver strands, writing, “The color is great for your roots and seems to last longer on grays than others.” Another loves the coverage and feeling after the treatment, saying it offers ”true 100 percent gray coverage and leaves my hair strong and silky.”

We also love that this hair color is vegan-friendly and Leaping Bunny Certified, so it’s guaranteed cruelty-free.

Pros: 

• Available in a variety of shades
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan formula

Cons: 

• May require longer sit time for gray hair

Best ammonia-free: Naturtint Permanent Hair Color — $18.00

Naturatint Permanent Hair Color is one of the most highly-rated among paraben- and ammonia-free gray hair colors, and it may be ideal for those with allergies to certain ingredients.

Made with natural ingredients like oleic acid from olives, meadow foam seed oil, and shea butter it’ll cover up all your grays without harsh chemicals or fragrances. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.

There are 28 shade options to choose from, and users rave about the excellent gray coverage and salon quality. One says, “So far, I am very impressed. I purchased the blue black. I have hair dye allergies so I was really apprehensive to try this, but I was pleasantly surprised. There is no odor at all so no burning eyes. I did not have any skin sensitivity this far — no itching or burning like I usually experience. The color is amazing.” Another writes, “Covers the gray and does not stink! Softens my hair and lasts longer than other natural products!”

Pros: 

• Paraben- and ammonia-free
• Made with natural ingredients
• 28 shades
• No harsh smell
• Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons: 

• May not last as long as other box dyes

Best high-end: Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit — $34.00

When it comes to at-home hair color that feels salon-worthy, Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit is one of the best we’ve tried. This ammonia-free formula favors nourishing ingredients like keratin, argan oil, and ginseng root extract—so not only does it cover grays, but it also leaves hair looking shiny and healthy. 

In our testing, we found the cream-based formula easy to apply (no drippy mess here), and the color payoff was impressively rich. The formula saturates well, and the results are even and long-lasting—even with the most stubborn silver strands. And because the brand offers a ton of shades (plus a handy quiz to help you pick the right one), it’s easy to find a color that works for you—no guesswork required. It also comes with a barrier cream and cleansing wipe, which are small but mighty details that make the process feel way more luxe.

Pros:

• Ammonia-free formula with nourishing ingredients
• Full, even coverage for stubborn grays
• Thoughtful extras like barrier cream and cleansing wipe
• Wide shade range with an online quiz for personalized matching

Cons:

• Slightly pricier than drugstore box dyes
• Some users report that certain shades run a little warmer than expected
• Processing time is a bit longer than some traditional at-home dyes

Best root concealer spray: L'Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up Gray Concealer Spray — $11.00

Getting ready for a night out, only to find some gray roots peeking through? Cover them quickly with the L’Oréal Paris Magic Root Cover Up Gray Concealer Spray. This temporary fix sprays directly onto your gray strands for coverage that’ll last all day.

Voted number 1 on Amazon in hair mascaras and root touch-ups and garnering over 60,000 reviews, this product is loved by those who use it. One reviewer raves, “I love this product. It effectively covers gray hairs that threaten to make you older than you are. It’s easy to use, goes on quickly, and the coverage looks natural.”

This spray-on hair color is ammonia- and peroxide-free, and it washes out easily with shampoo. Just spray and go!

Pros: 

• Quick, temporary coverage
  Easy to use
  Looks natural
  Washes out easily

Cons: 

• Only lasts between shampoos (not permanent)
  Spray comes out fast and strong, so you’ll need to protect or cover skin around the face when applying

Best root touch-up stick: KISS Root Touch Up 2-in-1 Cover & Conceal Kit — $5.00 (originally $10)

When you’re in need of a quick fix, reach for the KISS Root Touch Up 2-in-1 Cover & Conceal Kit, equipped with both a touch-up wand and stick for fast application that gets you out the door looking fabulous.

The two included applicators make getting the perfect coverage easy: For touching up areas around the face, you’ll want to use the mascara wand, which makes it less likely that you’ll end up smearing the color on your skin. For larger areas, use the touch-up stick for complete root coverage.

“My favorite product for grays right now is the KISS Root Touch Up Stick & Wand. It’s the quickest, easiest and healthiest cover up especially for those who shampoo daily,” Smith says. “What I like most is the color tones. Some of the other color touch-ups may have too many red hues or green hues. KISS is always on target for the color you choose: If it says Dark Brown, it won’t have green in it.”

This temporary hair color is water-resistant, smudge proof, and easily washes out with shampoo. It’s guaranteed to look natural and last all day without flaking, and the formula is infused with jojoba oil for a shiny end result.

Pros: 

• Good for use between salon visits
  Two options for easy application (mascara stick and wand)
  Looks natural
  Washes out easily

Cons: 

• Coverage is temporary
  May take long to dry
  May stain your clothing or sheets if it’s not washed out

Best permanent root touch-up: Clairol Root Touch-Up Permanent Hair Dye — $15.00

Why waste a whole box of hair dye when you’ve just got some grays to cover? If you’re between salon visits and just need to touch up your roots at home, add Clairol Root Touch-Up Permanent Hair Dye to your cart.

Voted number two in root touch-up products on Amazon, this permanent solution is just what you need to get you through until your next hair appointment. The best part is, even though this is a permanent hair dye, it only takes 10 minutes to process and will totally cover your grays.

The process is simple: All you have to do is apply the color with the included brush to your silver roots, wait ten minutes and rinse.

With over 20,000 reviews on Amazon, this product is a fan favorite among people looking for gray hair coverage. One reviewer writes, “This is the first at-home hair coloring product that has worked for me. I have tried one or two other products before that didn’t cover my grays. This coverage is excellent!”

Another raves, “This is a great product for those times when you don’t want to go get your roots done. It blends seamlessly, and it doesn’t burn your skin or scalp. I’m not ready to go gray, so until that day, I will be using root touchup between salon visits.”

Pros: 

• Quick, simple process (just apply, wait and rinse)
  Comes with easy-application bottle, brush, and gloves
  22 color options
  Doesn’t have a strong scent

Cons: 

• Only comes with enough product to cover roots

Best natural: Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel — $17.00 (originally $25)

If you’re looking for a gray hair dye without harsh chemicals that can harm your strands, reach for Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel. With 41 color options to choose from and a gentle, ammonia-free formulation, this box hair dye is everything you need to keep your hair looking naturally beautiful.

Herbatint hair dye is made with organic herbal extracts (including aloe vera, meadowfoam, white birch, echinacea and rhubarb) designed to protect and nourish your hair and scalp through the coloring process. These extracts also enhance the vibrance of the color, preserve color intensity and help provide long-lasting coverage for gray hair.

Not to mention, it’s a great at-home hair dye to choose if you have sensitive skin: The Herbatint formula has been clinically and dermatologically tested, and it doesn’t contain the harsh chemicals or fragrances found in other box dyes.

We also love the brand’s dedication to eco-consciousness. Herbatint Gel Color is not tested on animals and is suitable for vegans, and even the packaging is made of totally recyclable uncoated paper. In order to reduce plastic waste, the box doesn’t include disposable cups, brushes, or capes.

Reviewers swear by the Herbatint Permanent Haircolor Gel, saying, “I’m so glad I tried Herbatint, I used 6C dark ash blonde on my black roots, it gives a natural dark brown color and covers gray[s] 100 percent. It is gentle on [my] scalp and the smell is mild. I love it and will continue purchasing.” Another writes, “I have used this product for over 15 years, only doing the roots to cover gray/silver that comes with being past 40. My results have been very good.”

Pros: 

• Ammonia- and paraben-free
• Gentle on hair and scalp
  Cruelty-free, vegan formula
  You can mix colors to create your own shade

Cons: 

• Doesn’t come with cup, brush or cape 
  All color options may not cover grays — read the box to ensure you choose the right shade 

Best for shine: Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color — $9

When it comes to at-home hair color, Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color is one of those rare finds that actually makes the process feel less like a chore. Unlike traditional box dyes that rely on harsh ammonia, Olia swaps it out for a 60% oil blend. In our testing, we found that the formula glides on smoothly, doesn’t drip, and, best of all, leaves hair feeling softer and shinier post-rinse.

But let’s talk about its gray coverage, because that’s what really matters, right? Olia delivers a rich color that fully saturates even the most stubborn silver strands. And unlike some at-home dyes that can leave grays looking flat or slightly translucent, this one blends seamlessly for a natural, salon-worthy finish. Plus, it doesn’t have that telltale boxed-dye scent, so you can color your hair without your bathroom turning into a chemical war zone.

Pros:

• Ammonia-free formula
• 60% oil blend
• Rich, full coverage for even the most stubborn grays

Cons:

• May not last as long as ammonia-based dyes
• Some users report that darker shades can develop slightly warmer than expected
• Requires thorough rinsing to remove all excess product

Best for relaxed or permed hair: Softsheen Dark and Lovely Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color — $5.00 (Originally $9)

If you get your hair relaxed or permed, it’s important to choose a hair color that won’t damage your strands or ruin your look. Dark and Lovely’s Fade Resist Rich Conditioning Hair Color is designed to help protect your hair through the coloring process. 

With nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and argan oil, this moisturizing, ammonia-free hair color makes treated and natural hair looking shiny, healthy, and beautiful. The ammonia-free hair color formula helps protect your hair from damage while the included conditioner, made with shea, avocado and olive nourishes your strands from root to tip.

With over 14,000 reviews on Amazon, this product is a favorite among those who use it for covering and blending gray hair. One reviewer raves, “I’ve used Dark and Lovely before but haven’t tried it in a while. This covered my gray hair, especially on the edges, completely! Some other dyes that I’ve used just darkened the gray a little. But this dye covered it perfectly.”

Another writes, “Use to cover gray roots and this is the only I use that takes well in my hair.”

Pros: 

• Ideal for relaxed or permed hair
  Ammonia-free
• Easy to apply

Cons: 

• May not last as long as other dyes

Best for brittle or thinning hair: Schwarzkopf Keratin Color Permanent Hair Color Cream — $11.00

This gray hair color from Schwarzkopf was specifically formulated for covering up those silver strands for the long haul. The super-conditioning formula comes with a pre-color serum that protects brittle or thinning hair from damage and helps you achieve even coloring. The color itself and conditioning formula is also infused with Schwarzkopf’s K-Bond Plex, a keratin formula that helps seal the hair shaft for hair that looks glossy, shiny, and healthy.

Reviewers say Schwarzkopf Keratin Color has stood the test of time. One writes, “I’ve been coloring my hair black for 20 years and this is my most favorite hair color I’ve ever found . . . Doesn’t damage my hair.” Another raves, “I have used Schwarzkopf hair color for many years now. Always good results- rich color, conditioned and soft hair. Color has never faded. Will continue to use!”

Pros: 

• Long-lasting, 100% gray coverage
  Pre-color serum helps protect hair from damage
  Keratin-infused conditioner seals hair shaft for shiny, healthy-looking hair
  Doesn’t smell as strong as other box dyes

Cons: 

• Slightly pricier than other box dyes
  Color may come out darker than expected — use the formulation key on the box to ensure you are choosing the right color.

Best for easy application: Revlon Colorsilk Beautiful Color (3-Pack) — $15.00

If you’re looking for a permanent at-home hair color to cover your grays that doesn’t require a ton of effort but yields salon-quality results, you’ll love the easy application of Revlon’s Colorsilk Beautiful Color. 

With this color, you won’t need a brush and bowl or any special skills to get the look you want. The process is fairly simple: Just pour the color and developer into the bottle and shake well. Part your hair into four sections and apply the mixture to each section from root to tip. Leave it on for 25 to 30 minutes, then rinse and condition.

There are 41 color options to choose from, and the ammonia-free hair color formula is infused with keratin and silk amino acid to leave your hair looking stronger and healthier. It also comes with an ultra-hydrating conditioner for after coloring that will leave your hair soft and shiny. 

Rated number 7 in hair color on Amazon with over 9,000 reviews, this product has garnered attention for its power against grays. Whether you have roots to cover up or a full head of silver strands, this at-home hair dye is just what the doctor ordered. 

Reviewers say it works just as well as a salon treatment. One writes, “I’m 62 and have a head full of grays. This covers my grays, especially around the temples. I’ve used expensive hair color but this product works beautifully.” Another raves, “This is the best hair dye I have found to cover hard to get rid of gray hairs.”

Pros:

• Ammonia-free
  Keratin-infused formula
  100 percent gray coverage

Cons: 

• May not last as long as other box dyes

What to consider when buying hair dye for gray hair

Ingredients

Hair dye has come a long way from the harsh, ammonia-heavy formulas of the past—but not all are created equal. If your strands are on the drier or more delicate side (which, let’s be honest, grays tend to be), you’ll want to be careful about the ingredients in your color. “Always check if peroxide is used in your gray hair color,” says Janel Sealy Smith, licensed cosmetologist, resident hair expert for KISS Colors & Care and owner of Cocoa Mane Salon in New York. “Peroxide may cause added unnecessary damage.” For a nourishing bonus, you can also look for options with conditioning agents like keratin, argan oil, or aloe. (And you might want to consider using these gray hair treatment tricks.)

Maintenance

Gray hair has a sneaky way of growing back way faster than you expect—and your touch-up schedule will depend on the type of hair dye you use. Permanent dyes last the longest (usually four to six weeks), and are typically the best for covering silver hair. Semi- or demi-permanent hair dyes, on the other hand, often don’t provide full coverage and will tend to fade much faster. Some may not even cover your grays at all. 

Shade Selection

Because gray hair has a different texture and absorbs color differently, you might need to adjust your go-to shade. “It’s important to remember that the darker the color, the more distinct the line of demarcation will be as [grays] grow out,” says Wendy Gutkin, lead stylist for Schwarzkopf Color. “Stick to neutral or ash tones to keep it looking natural. When you get more into warmer tones it will start to look more like colored hair.”

Application Method

Some hair dyes make the at-home process as easy as shampooing, while others require precision, patience, and a degree in bathroom cleanup. If you’re a first-timer or just want something low-effort, look for foam or gel formulas that apply mess-free. More experienced? Traditional cream dyes give you the most control but require a bit more skill. Either way, make sure to have gloves, sectioning clips, and a good barrier cream (hi, petroleum jelly) on hand—because no one wants stained skin along with their fresh color.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is gray hair so hard to cover?

There are a few reasons gray hair is tougher to color, says Gutkin. “Gray hair has absolutely no color in it to act as a foundation for hair color to stick to. It also tends to be coarse with a closed cuticle, so it’s harder to penetrate the color molecules. A great tip is to apply color around the hairline first, so it sits longest on the hair to process.”

Is it better to highlight or cover gray hair?

Gutkin says it’s important to ask yourself this question: What’s your end goal? “When you use a lightener or highlighter on the hair, it softens the hair and opens the cuticle up. This is good when you are looking to do more gray blending,” she says. “By using a color that has excellent gray coverage in a light shade, you can achieve a look that brings tone back into the hair thanks to the heavier color concentration.”

How often should you color gray hair?

When and how often you color gray hair will depend on your individual rate of hair growth. “Everyone has hair that grows at different speeds and has different amounts of gray,” says Gutkin. “But 4 to 6 weeks is the average time suggested between colors.” Pro tip: If you’re worried about damaging your hair with coloring too often, or just between salon visits, root concealer sprays and powders are total game-changers for buying extra time.