When the greys start showing, there are two ways to go: cover them completely, or blend them so they become part of your colour. Both look beautiful done well. The right one depends on how much grey you have, your natural colour and how often you want to be in the salon. Here's how our colourists in Oxenford and Upper Coomera explain the difference.
What is grey coverage?
Grey coverage uses permanent colour to hide every grey, from root to tip if needed. The result is solid, even colour with no grey showing at all. Because grey grows back at the root, you'll see a regrowth line after a few weeks, so coverage needs regular regrowth appointments.
What is grey blending?
Grey blending works with your grey instead of against it. Your colourist uses fine highlights, lowlights and soft lightening to bring your natural colour and your grey closer together. Grey reads as brightness rather than regrowth, so the line as it grows out is much softer. Our Grey Blending & Silver Fox Transition takes this further for anyone who wants to grow out to their natural silver over time.
Side by side
| Grey coverage | Grey blending | |
|---|---|---|
| The look | Solid, even colour. No grey visible | Soft, multi-tonal. Grey looks like brightness |
| Regrowth line | Clear, especially on dark hair | Soft and gradual |
| Typical visits | Every 4 to 6 weeks | Every 8 to 12 weeks |
| Price per visit | Regrowth colour from $116 | Quoted at your consultation |
| Best for | Anyone who wants every grey gone | Anyone who's tired of chasing regrowth, or wants to go silver |
Which one suits you?
- A little grey, mostly at the temples or part. Coverage keeps things simple, and regrowth appointments are quick.
- A lot of grey, or grey that's spreading fast. Blending usually works out easier to maintain, because each visit lasts longer.
- Dark or brunette hair. Grey shows most against dark hair, so coverage regrowth appears sooner. Blending softens that contrast, and we can keep your depth through the lengths.
- Fair or blonde hair. Grey often blends almost on its own with a few fine highlights.
- You want to stop colouring altogether. Choose blending now, with the Silver Fox Transition as the plan for growing out.
Can highlights or balayage cover grey?
Not completely. Highlights and balayage blend grey rather than hide it, which is why they're the basis of grey blending. If you want zero grey at the roots, you'll need a root colour as well.
Switching from coverage to blending
If you've been covering your grey for years, we won't strip it all out in one go. Your colourist will gradually lift and break up the solid colour with highlights and lowlights over a few appointments, so the change looks intentional at every stage. It all starts with a consultation on your grey pattern and colour history.
Look after your colour at home
- Covered grey: Kérastase Chroma Absolu protects shine and slows fading between appointments.
- Blended or silver hair: a purple shampoo such as Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet once a week keeps grey bright and stops it looking yellow.
All Kérastase is 25% off in our online store, with free pickup from either salon.
Book a grey colour consultation
Open Tuesday to Saturday, with late nights until 9pm on Thursdays. See all our grey hair colour options and prices.
- Oxenford: 5/1 Cottonwood Place. (07) 5519 4799. Book online in Oxenford
- Upper Coomera: Days Road and Old Coach Road. (07) 5573 7744. Book online in Upper Coomera
FAQs
How often should you colour grey hair?
Every four to six weeks for full coverage. Blended grey can usually go eight to twelve weeks.
Is grey blending cheaper than grey coverage?
Each blending appointment usually costs more than a regrowth colour, but you come in far less often, so the yearly cost is often similar or lower. Your colourist will compare both for you at your consultation.
Does grey blending work on dark hair?
Yes. It's often the best option for dark hair, because it softens the contrast that makes grey regrowth so obvious.
