Colouring Grey Hair: Your Options Explained

Grey hair behaves differently when coloured, which is why professional application and product choice matter. Without the right approach, grey hair can resist colour, look flat, or grow out harshly.

At Fiolet Hair in Lathlain, Perth, we work with grey hair every day and tailor colour techniques to suit your hair, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences. Whether you want full coverage or something softer and more flexible, there are several effective options.

Options for colouring grey hair

Permanent colour for full coverage of grey hair

Permanent colour is ideal for those who prefer not to see any grey at all. This option:

• Provides complete grey coverage

• Requires 4–6 weekly touch-ups

• Involves higher ongoing maintenance

• Is best suited to those who enjoy being a frequent flyer at the salon

This creates a consistent, polished result with visible regrowth between appointments.

Demi-permanent colour for softer blending of grey hair

Demi-permanent colour is a popular option for early to moderate greys. This option:

• Softly blends grey rather than fully covering it

• Creates softer regrowth

• Requires 6–10 weekly maintenance

• Offers flexibility if you’re not ready for full commitment

It’s a great middle ground between coverage and ease.

Semi-permanent colour for grey hair for flexibility and fun

Semi-permanent colours gradually wash out and don’t permanently alter the hair.

This option:

• Offers maximum flexibility

• Fades gradually over time

• Can include softer or more creative tones such as lilacs, pinks, or pastels

• Is ideal for those who enjoy experimenting without long-term commitment

Highlights, foils and lowlights for blending grey hair

Highlights and foils can be used on their own or alongside a base colour to disguise grey hair. This option:

• Softens and blends grey naturally

• Can include lowlights (darker foils) to add depth and texture

• Reduces visible regrowth

• Is lower maintenance, typically 6–12 weekly

This approach works well for clients wanting dimension and a more natural grow-out.

Glossing on grey hair

Glossing contains no colour pigment and acts more like a treatment than a colour service. This option:

• Improves texture, shine, and manageability

• Helps grey hair feel softer and healthier

• Requires no ongoing maintenance

• Can be done as often or as little as you like

Glossing is ideal for enhancing natural grey or supporting coloured grey hair.

At-home sprays or powders for grey hair

Temporary cover-up products can be useful between salon visits. This option:

• Blends regrowth instantly

• Lasts until your next wash

• Works best on medium to darker hair

• Is ideal for touch-ups rather than long-term solutions

Grey hair colouring services at Fiolet Hair

At Fiolet Hair in Lathlain, Perth, we offer a range of grey hair services to suit every stage:

• Complete Grey Coverage - full coverage colour

• Soft Grey Blending - natural, blended coverage

• Grey Grow Out Plan / Modern Grey Transition - a guided transformation package

• Grey Blending Highlights - foils designed to soften and disguise greys

A grey hair consultation ensures the right product and technique is chosen for your hair and long-term goals.

What maintenance does coloured grey hair need? 

Maintenance matters. Once grey hair is coloured, ongoing care is essential to maintain tone, texture, and shine. To learn how to care for coloured grey hair properly, read: “Everything You Need to Know About Maintaining Coloured Grey Hair”

With the right approach, colouring grey hair can feel intentional, manageable, and beautifully tailored to you.

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