How to get rid of grey hair

Grey hairs, we all get them eventually. While some may choose to rock thegrey locks, others will most likely be frantically typing ‘how to get rid of grey hairs’ on Google.

Everyone deals with their greys differently and it’s down to personal preference, whether you want to slow down the process, cover it up or embrace it.

Our pick of the best products to cover grey hairs

• Best permanent colour - Garnier Olia Permanent Hair Dye

• Best for protecting your hair - Schwarzkopf Color Expert Permanent Hair Dye

• Best grey coverage for blondes -L'Oreal Excellence Age Perfect Hair Dye

• Best for on-the-go coverage -Sevich Hair Line Powder

• Best for blending - Josh Wood Colour Darker Brown Blending Brush

• Best temporary spray - L'Oréal Magic Retouch Instant Root Concealer Spray

• Best temporary spray for blondes - Oribe Blonde Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray

What causes grey hair?

Our hair has a natural cycle of growth and colour which is continually regenerated, as your hair follicles age, they produce less colour.

Genetics

For the most part, greying comes down to your family genetics and natural ageing. Look to your family to see when greying occurs for them because it's most likely within your family genes.

Stress

Stress can have an effect on the age that you start getting greys. A 2013 study found that the depletion of stem cells in hair follicles and stress are connected, so if you’ve noticed some white hairs, your busy or stressful lifestyle could be the culprit.

Vitamin deficiency

Vitamins play a vital role in our hair health and growth. A deficiency in vital vitamins like vitamin B and A can weaken your hair cells and stunt natural colour production.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes has a large link with premature greys, smoking constricts blood vessels and can then reduce blood flow to your hair. This damages your hair follicles and can even cause some hair loss.

While some people may celebrate their greys, others may feel they are not suited to the colour or just generally prefer themselves with darker hair tones. So, whether you want to try slowing down the process or want to touch up your greys with some great coverage we’ve got plenty of options for you to try out, starting with some lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes

While there is no way to completely stop your hair from greying, there are some natural lifestyle changes you can make, to help keep your original hair colour for longer.

Cosmetic hair damage

Certain hair maintenance and care can be damaging your hair follicles causing them to lose colour quicker, this includes:

• Bleaching

• Applying heat without a protectant or over-heating your hair, with straighteners or hairdryers – this is the same for prolonged sun exposure, so cover up with a hat or scarf

• Washing your hair too frequently

• Using shampoos/conditioners with harsh ingredients

Smoking

Smoking plays a huge role in greying - it has been found that smoking has a significant relationship in developing grey hair, therefore making it one of the most crucial lifestyle changes.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in our hair health and growth. Vitamins that support healthy hair are:

• Vitamin A

• B-Vitamins – one of the best known is Biotin

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin E

Understanding grey hair is vital, it's also important to know it's natural and different for everyone. If you want to get rid of grey hair, coverage and dyes are the best options, they are a quick change and make the biggest impact. From powder sprays to box dyes, we go through our top picks for getting rid of grey hairs.

The best permanent coverage for grey hair

Just so you know, while we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections. Find out more.

Pros:

• Up to 100 per cent grey coverage

• No ammonia for a pleasant scent

• Large shade/colour range

• Adds up to three times more shine to your hair and visibly improves hair quality

Cons:

• We couldn’t find any!

Pros:

• Combines hyaluronic acid with Omegaplex anti-breakage technology to protect and prevent damage

• Rich and long-lasting colour

• The 3-Step system strengthens the outer and inner hair structure for a revolutionary result

• Smooths the outer hair surface for up to 90 per cent less hair breakage

Cons:

• The lighter shades of brown and blonde only provide between 50 and 30 per cent grey coverage

Pros:

• Enriched with pro-collagen and pro-ceramide

• Flattering luminous colour

• 100 per cent grey coverage

• Replenished hair

• Hair feels revitalised and smooth, full of body and shine

Cons:

• Not suited to very light blondes unless you are after a toned caramel blonde

The best temporary coverage for grey hair

Pros:

• Easy to carry (portable with mirror and powder puff) and quick colour in one minute

• Easy to use

• Sweat proof and easy to clean

• Paraben, sulphate and peroxide free

Cons:

• Some reviewers said they found the texture chalky

Pros:

• Instant coverage

• Easy to apply

• Can use on dry or damp hair

• Can last up to three washes

Cons:

• Some reviews said they found it took a few coats to cover their greys

Pros:

• Super easy to spray and apply

• Up to 25 applications in a bottle

• Natural looking coverage on roots

• Colour stays in place through brushing and combing

Cons:

• Only available in nine shades, so you may not find the perfect colour match

Pros:

• Covers grey hairs even on the lightest blondes

• Quick-drying formula

• Offers UV protection

• Vegan formula

• Suitable for all hair types

Cons:

• The priciest option in our round-up

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