Grey Blending vs Grey Coverage: Which Suits You?
Grey coverage hides your grey with permanent colour, giving one even shade. Grey blending keeps some of your grey and softens it with highlights, lowlights or demi-permanent colour, so regrowth is less obvious. Melissa does both at her Kaukapakapa salon in North Auckland.
Quick answer: Pick coverage if you want your grey gone and don't mind a touch-up every 4 to 6 weeks. Pick blending if you'd like a softer look, less obvious regrowth and a little longer between visits.
By Melissa, owner and stylist at Hair By Melissa, Kaukapakapa · Updated
Grey blending and grey coverage compared
| Compare | Grey coverage | Grey blending |
|---|---|---|
| The look | One even, solid colour | Soft and multi-tonal, with some grey still there |
| How it's done | Permanent colour | Highlights, lowlights or demi-permanent colour |
| Grey covered | Up to 100% | Up to about 70% with demi colour |
| Regrowth | A clearer line | A softer line |
| Usually redone | Every 4 to 6 weeks | Every 6 to 8 weeks |
What is grey coverage?
Grey coverage uses permanent colour to hide your grey completely. It's the right choice if you want one solid colour and don't want to see any grey at all. The trade-off is upkeep. Your regrowth shows as a line, so most people come in every 4 to 6 weeks for a root touch-up, which covers the new 1 to 2 inches.
At Hair By Melissa, a touch-up is $130 and an all-over tint is $140.
What is grey blending?
Grey blending works with your grey rather than hiding it. Fine highlights and lowlights, or a demi-permanent colour, soften the contrast between your grey and the rest of your hair. As it grows out, there's no hard line at the root. That's why many people find it easier to live with.
Foils are one way to do it. Partial foils ($150) work well around your face and hairline, where grey tends to show first. A half head ($200) goes further, and the darker hair underneath helps your regrowth blend.
Which one suits you?
Coverage may suit you if:
- You want no visible grey.
- You like one solid colour.
- Regular touch-ups fit your routine.
Blending may suit you if:
- You're happy to keep some grey.
- You're tired of a regrowth line every few weeks.
- You'd like to ease out of all-over colour.
Sources: L'Oréal Professionnel; Wella Professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our services and booking process.
Does grey blending cover all my grey?
No, and that's the idea. Blending softens your grey so it sits in with the rest of your hair. Wella puts demi-permanent colour at up to 70% coverage, compared with up to 100% for permanent colour.
How often do I need a root touch-up for grey hair?
Most people with permanent colour need a touch-up every 4 to 6 weeks. If you have a lot of grey, it can be sooner.
How often does grey blending need redoing?
L'Oréal Professionnel suggests about every 6 to 8 weeks. That's usually a little longer than full coverage, because the regrowth line is softer.
Can I switch from grey coverage to grey blending?
Often, yes. Melissa will look at your hair and existing colour, then talk you through what's realistic and how to get there.
How much does grey blending cost?
It depends on the service your hair needs. At Hair By Melissa, a permanent tint touch-up is $130, an all-over tint is $140 and foils start at $150. Melissa will tell you which suits before she starts.
Have More Questions?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? I'd be happy to help with any specific questions about your hair care needs.
Not sure which way to go?
Melissa can look at your grey and your current colour, then tell you what she'd do. A free hair health consultation comes with any service.
Book online