Box Dyes We Actually Trust to Cover Grays

Aging tends to add a few extra steps to your routine—hello, multiple layers of serums, skin-care devices and camouflaging roots. Whether you’re box dye all the way or only use it to extend the time between appointments, it’s a must-have. There are plenty of box dyes on the market, but they don’t all work on grays equally. We’ve rounded up the box dyes we actually trust to cover grays.

The best at-home box dyes to cover grays

1 / 5

L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect by Excellence ($12)

This formula is L’Oreal’s first created for mature hair, specifically women with 70 percent or more grays. The layered-tone technology gives hair natural-looking dimension to ensure it blends seamlessly with the rest of your strands. The Pro-Keratine Complex also delivers volume and shine for healthier, thicker-looking hair.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $12
• BUY ON WALGREENS – $12

2 / 5

Garnier Nutrisse Ultra Crème Nourishing Permanent Hair Color ($8)

Drew Barrymore, who uses shade 70, says she loves this box dye because it’s “super rich and covers my grays.” The formula nourishes as it dyes for richer, more radiant hair, promising eight weeks of long-lasting color and gray coverage.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $8
• BUY ON TARGET – $11

3 / 5

Clairol Nice’n Easy Permanent Hair Dye ($9)

Just as the name suggests, using this box dye is nice and easy. The natural-looking color promises 100 percent gray coverage using three tones and highlights to enhance hair’s natural highs and lows. Since it’s an oil-infused formula, it also helps smooth hair for better color uptake.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $9
• BUY ON TARGET – $11

4 / 5

PHYTO PHYTOCOLOR Permanent Hair Color ($18)

Box dyes sometimes get a bad wrap, so if you’re looking for something a bit more on the natural side, read up on PHYTO. The formula is enriched with botanical pigments and is gentle on the scalp while still promoting 100 percent gray coverage.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $18
• BUY ON NORDSTROM – $18

5 / 5

Wella Color Charm Permanent Liquid Color ($8)

With 68 shades of Wella Color Charm, there’s a shade for everyone. Top-notch gray coverage camouflages even the most stubborn grays. Not only will you notice a luxe shade after using this, but your hair will also feel remarkably conditioned.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $8
• BUY ON SALLY BEAUTY – $10