For full grey coverage, use a permanent colour with 20 vol (6%) developer, include a natural base shade when covering a high percentage of white, and process for the full time. Permanent ranges such as Majirel, Koleston Perfect and Igora Royal give up to 100% white coverage when formulated correctly.
Why grey hair is harder to cover
Grey and white hair has little or no natural pigment, and it is often coarser and more resistant, with a tightly packed cuticle. That means colour needs enough developer strength to open the cuticle, plus enough underlying warmth (from a natural base) to look natural rather than flat or translucent.
The best developer for grey coverage: 20 vol (6%)
20 vol (6%) is the go-to strength for grey coverage. It opens the cuticle and gives 1–2 levels of lift while depositing enough pigment for opaque, lasting coverage. Higher volumes lift more but deposit less, which can leave resistant grey looking lighter and less covered. For the full breakdown of strengths, see developer volumes explained.
Using a natural base for resistant white
The more white hair, the more natural (N) base you should add to your target fashion shade to rebuild the missing pigment. A common approach:
| White hair | Suggested formula |
|---|---|
| 0–30% | Target shade + 20 vol |
| 30–50% | Target shade + a little natural base + 20 vol |
| 50–100% | Equal parts target shade + natural base + 20 vol |
For cool targets, lean on a neutral or ash natural base; for warm targets, a golden natural base keeps the result looking natural over white.
Best colours for grey coverage
- L'Oreal Majirel — rich, creamy permanent colour with up to 100% white coverage.
- Wella Koleston Perfect ME+ — pure, reliable coverage with up to 100% grey.
- Schwarzkopf Igora Royal — high-definition colour known for dependable white coverage.
- L'Oreal INOA — an ammonia-free permanent option for sensitive clients.
Pair any of these with 20 vol — for example Welloxon Perfect with Koleston, Creme Oxydant with Majirel, or Igora Royal Oil Developer 6% with Igora. For exact ratios see how to mix hair colour.
Pre-softening very resistant grey
For stubborn, glassy white hair, pre-softening (lightly pre-treating the resistant area to open the cuticle before applying the colour formula) can improve uptake. Always follow your chosen brand's pre-softening method.
Frequently asked questions
Can demi-permanent colour cover grey?
Demi-permanents blend and soften grey rather than giving full opaque coverage. For 100% coverage choose a permanent colour. See toner vs demi vs permanent vs high-lift.
Can high-lift colour cover grey?
No — high-lift shades are designed to lighten natural hair, not to cover white. Use a permanent colour for grey.
What developer volume is best for grey?
20 vol (6%) for most services. Going higher tends to reduce coverage on resistant white.
Formulas are a general guide; always follow the manufacturer's instructions for each shade. For professional use.
