9 Best Hair Mascaras To Cover Grey Hair, According To A Hairdresser – 2024
Easy to use, long-lasting, affordable mascaras to hide your grays anywhere and anytime.
Alexandro Vasquez has been a hairdresser since 1997 and has worked in various countries, including Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Indonesia, Singapore, and UAE. His experience spans salon brands such as Toni&Guy, Aveda, and Leekaja. He specializes in traveling and training hair salon staff around the world.
Read full bio of Alexandro Vasquez
Experience: 2 yearsPooja is a Mass Communications and Psychology graduate from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and has two years of experience as a content writer. Her education has helped her develop the perfect balance between what the reader wants to know and what the reader has to know.
Read full bio of Pooja Karkala
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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Be it when you’re young or as you age, grey hair is a prominent part of your hair. If you are looking to hide those rogue grey strands, then you need the help of the best hair mascara to cover grey hair. Yup, you heard that right. Just like your good old eye mascara, a hair mascara covers your grey strands without having to color your entire mane. Seriously, it’s one of the best hacks and offers efficient coverage to the greys without much effort. Alexandro Vasquez, a hairdresser, says, “These are the type of products that will save you one day when you need to cover the greys for a fast meeting or dinner. If your life is busy and you normally have no time to go to a hair salon, these covers will be your best item for sure.”Check out our list of hair mascaras available online. We have selected these products after reviewing different videos detailing testers’ experiences of using these products. Move down to know more!
| Top Picks | Check Price |
|---|---|
| Best Overall:Giuliano Greyfree Hair Mascara | Price on Amazon Price on Walmart |
| Best Lightweight:Mineral Fusion Gray Root Concealer | Price on Amazon |
| Best For All Hair Textures:BOYD’S Brush It Away Instant Hairline Touch-Up | Price on Amazon |
| Best For Long Hair:Cover Your Gray Brush-In Wand | Price on Amazon Price on Walmart |
| Best For Daily Use:Generation Klean Gray Disappear Hair Mascara | Price on Amazon |
| Best Sumdge-Proof:Kiss Brush-In Color Hair Color Touch-Up | Price on Amazon Price on Walmart |
| Best For Easy Application:Rashell Masc-A-Gray Hair Mascara | Price on Amazon |
| Best For Long-Lasting:Cover Your Gray 2-in-1 Applicator | Price on Amazon Price on Walmart |
| Best Waterproof:GreyFree Gay Root Touch-Up | Price on Amazon Price on Walmart |
In This Article
Top 9 Hair Mascaras To Cover Gray Hair
1.Best Overall: Giuliano Greyfree Hair Mascara
Cover your gray hair with this pigmented hair mascara. This temporary hair color comes in shades ranging from black to blonde. You can even blend different shades to match your natural hair without dye. This product is a popular choice among theater artists. It not only covers grays but also revives dull highlights. The temporary hair dye lasts until you wash it out with shampoo. You can even use it on the eyebrows and eyelashes for quick hack and instant color.
Pros
- A little product goes a long way
- Not messy
- Dries quickly
- Travel-size packaging
Cons
- None
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 1,020 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
2. Best Lightweight:Mineral Fusion Gray Root Concealer
If you want a hair root touch-up product that does not damage your hair, Mineral Fusion Gray Root Concealer is the product for you. It is infused with argan oil that helps in the smooth application of the product. It also contains other nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E, aloe vera juice, rose extracts, and green tea extracts that hydrate from within and offer shiny hair. This lightweight formula blends into your natural hair color effortlessly. It covers grays upon first application and dries within two minutes. Check this video to explore a reviewer’s experience with the product.
Pros
- Free of parabens, gluten, and sulfates
- Cruelty-free and vegan
- Dries quickly
- A little product goes a long way
Cons
- Smears onto other sections of hair
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 268 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
3. Best For All Hair Textures:BOYD’S Brush It Away Instant Hairline Touch-Up
BOYD’S Brush It Away Instant Hairline Touch-Up is available in six pigmented shades that provide complete grey coverage until the next wash. The double-fiber wand applicator is a slim brush that coats greys from the roots to the tips effortlessly. The sleek and easy-to-use formula is convenient to bid goodbye to greys when you need last-minute touch-ups. Moreover, it can also be used on beards and sideburns to hide the small strands of hair and fine pesky greys.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Available in 6 shades
- Long-lasting
- Washes easily
- Clump-free application
Cons
- A bit sticky
| Giuliano Greyfree Hair Mascara | Mineral Fusion Gray Root Concealer | BOYD’S Brush It Away Instant Hairline Touch-Up | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hair Type | Aging | Normal | All |
| Color | MEDIUM BROWN | Dark Brown | Dark Brown |
| Dimensions | 0.75 x 0.75 x 3 inches | 1 x 1.5 x 8.5 inches | 3.5 x 3.5 x 5 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 Ounces | 0.2 Ounces | 0.63 Ounces. |
| Number of Items | - | - | 1 |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,020 | 268 | 172 |
| Price | $9.95 | $12.16 | $13.99 |
4.Best For Long Hair: Cover Your Gray Brush-In Wand
Cover your gray hair instantly with Cover Your Gray Brush-In Wand which helps you target specific areas of your hair. It is the perfect cover-up for sideburns and scattered grey hair. This product is available in eight shades that are compatible with all hair colors. It lasts all day and washes out with shampoo. It has a perfect consistency and does not clump. This super-pigmented hair mascara is excellent for long hair.
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Does not stain
- Spreads evenly
- Can be used on dry and wet hair
Cons
- A bit sticky
"This product has made covering up grays easy for me. It blends so perfectly that once I apply it to my hair, no one can tell the difference. It holds the color till I wash it out, however, it is not sweat-resistant. It is perfect for last-minute saves."
Pro Tip5.Best For Daily Use: Generation Klean Gray Disappear Hair Mascara
This salon-quality hair mascara covers gray strands in an instant! It is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, panthenol, and natural waxes. This gray hair touch-up formula is available in six natural-looking shades. It is great for covering up gray hair in between expensive salon visits. It promises to give you full coverage until the next time you wash your hair. It also blends seamlessly to match your hair color. The product is free of animal testing. Watch this video to check out a tester’s experience of using this mascara for temporary highlights.
Pros
- Free of parabens, sulfates, and glycols
- Easy-to-use brush
- Professional-grade
- Does not clump
- Each bottle lasts up to 3 to 4 months
Cons
- A bit sticky
- Messy
"I was looking for an easy solution for covering up gray hair and this is the one I found. I have been using it for months, and I like it. The tint matches my hair color and covers it up with a natural look."
6. Best Sumdge-Proof:Kiss Brush-In Color Hair Color Touch-Up
Kiss Brush-In Color Hair Color Touch-Up is perfect for covering roots and scattered gray strands temporarily. Its mascara wand allows you to coat each strand to achieve a natural look. This super-pigmented hair mascara refreshes any spots where your color has faded. It contains jojoba oil that nourishes and strengthens your hair. Check out the video to explore a reviewer’s experience with this product.
Pros
- Does not clump up hair
- Washes out easily
- Looks natural
- Affordable
Cons
- Not very effective at covering up grays
"I am very satisfied with this product. This root touchup helps with quick cover-ups, even along the hairline. It looks so natural that it's impossible to tell. It is not a permanent fix, but it does its job of saving the day!"
7. Best For Easy Application:Rashell Masc-A-Gray Hair Mascara
Rashell Masc-A-Gray Hair Mascara is perfect for covering up discolored roots and scattered gray strands. This hair mascara comes in shades like black, golden blonde, copper, chestnut, and auburn. It is super easy and dries quickly. The color offers complete coverage and remains intact until shampooed out.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Mess-free
- Shades can be mixed to match your hair color
- Does not make your hair sticky
Cons
- Availability issues
"I was looking for a quick solution for covering my gray hair, and I finally found this. I like the brush as it allows easy application. It is easy to cover patches of gray near my temples. It works better when applied to damp hair. It is perfect for last-minute saves when you don’t have time to dye your hair."
8.Best For Long-Lasting: Cover Your Gray 2-in-1 Applicator
This 2-in-1 mascara wand and sponge does double the work in covering your gray strands. This two-sided wand is perfect for hair mascara application on the scattered gray, roots, and sideburns. It especially helps in covering your roots with precision. Available in six natural-looking shades, this dual-tip formula is ideal for those who are always on the go. It does not clump your hair and lasts all day without smudging.
Pros
- Suitable for thick hair
- Blends easily
- Natural-looking results
- Perfect for last-minute touch-up
- Does not drip
Cons
- Thick consistency
"I love how simple and easy it is to use it. A simple swipe of it covers my gray hair and it blends so perfectly that the finish looks natural. I would recommend it to everyone who wants a quick and easy solution to cover grey hairs."
9. Best Waterproof:GreyFree Gay Root Touch-Up
GreyFree Gray Root Touch-Up covers and conceals greys instantly. It works for hairlines, blending wigs, mustaches, beard hair, and eyebrows. The salon-approved formula provides 100% coverage that looks natural on drying without leaving behind any residue. The mess-free application makes it convenient to use anywhere at any time. It is a water-resistant mascara and is available in a wide range of 12 shades. The product is not tested on animals, making it an ethical choice for those who pursue a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Pros
- Mess-free application
- Suitable for all hair types
- Quick and easy to use
- Available in 12 shades
- Ammonia-free
- PPD-free
Cons
- Unpleasant scent
- Not waterproof
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 1,020 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
As hair mascaras are the best way to cover the gray strands in your hair, it is important to choose effective and premium-quality hair mascaras that are suitable for your needs. Here is the buying guide with important points that should be kept in mind while choosing the same.
Things To Consider While Selecting The Best Hair Mascaras
- Ingredients
Hair mascaras must include lightweight and natural ingredients. You should always avoid using hair mascaras that contain harmful ingredients such as parabens, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances. These ingredients can damage your hair and result in hair fall and excessive dryness.
- Shades
The type of color a buyer chooses is the most important element when purchasing a hair mascara. You can choose mascaras that are similar to your natural hair color, whether it is a blonde hair mascara or brown hair mascara. You can also choose out-of-the-box colors to appear chic and funky. It is up to the customer to pick a color that complements their look and conceals their gray hair.
- Drying Time
Drying time is one of the most important factors when choosing hair mascaras. The mascara must dry quickly so that you do not have to wait for hours until it completely dries out. This is especially helpful for people working in offices who cannot be late! Sometimes, you may even have to apply the mascara instantly for any occasion and the quick-drying ones make it easier for you to dress up and style your tresses on time.
- Pigmentation
You must check the pigmentation level of your hair mascara color. High-pigmentation mascaras with nourishing ingredients offer you the best coverage for gray hair. However, choose a mascara accordingly if you require medium or light coverage.
- Smudge-Proof
One of the most common concerns with mascaras that everyone wants to avoid is smearing. Before purchasing a hair mascara, you must pay attention to whether the product smudges or stains your clothes when applied. You can check for customer reviews on e-commerce sites to understand whether the product is messy when applied or stays in place without smearing at all. These minor factors enable the customer to get the ideal hair mascara for properly concealing gray hair.
- Stickiness
When considering purchasing such mascara, the last thing a customer should consider is if it will stay sticky after use. It commonly occurs that the hair mascara sticks to your tresses and looks improper. A good hair mascara should have the ability to define each strand, keep each hair strand apart, and prevent sticky hair.
Now that you know about the best hair mascaras, let’s talk about how to use this product the right way.
How To Apply Hair Mascara
Step 1:
Brush your hair thoroughly to remove all knots and tangles.
Step 2: Divide your hair into sections and start applying the mascara from the roots, working your way towards the ends. You can repeat this step to darken the color.
Step 3: If you want to add highlights, pick the sections of hair that would naturally be hit by light, and apply the mascara to them uniformly.
Step 4: Dry your hair with a blow dryer.
Infographic: How To Use A Hair Mascara The Right Way
Whether you are looking for a natural look or trying something new and funky, a hair mascara provides the ultimate quick and easy solution. You can achieve the perfect dark hair of your dreams by applying it correctly. Check out the infographic below to learn the step-by-step process of using it the right way.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Gray hair is quite common when you are nearing age. Unfortunately, after certain washes, your colored hair fades out at certain points and starts showing the true gray color of your hair. So, you need a quick touch-up to hide the visible gray color. This is where a hair mascara would be of great help. This mascara colors certain areas of your hair without the necessity of coloring your entire mane. The Giuliano Greyfree Hair Mascara is the perfect chemical-free mascara for reviving dull highlights, while the Cover Your Gray Brush-In Wand offers a clump-free finish without leaving stains. But If you are looking for something that blends into your hair seamlessly and instantly, try the Generation Klean Gray Disappear Hair Mascara.
Unlike regular dyes, these mascaras offer mess-free applications and can also revive the highlights. However, stay away from the mascaras with thick consistency as they can make the hair strands appear clumsy.
Alexandro Vasquez, a hairdresser, says, “Those are the type of products that will save you one day when you need to cover the greys for a fast meeting or dinner etc. If your life is busy and you normally have no time to go to a hair salon, these covers will be your best item for sure.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hair mascara the same as eye mascara?
No. Hair mascara is specially designed for your hair. They hide the gray strands but do not change the hair color permanently. On the other hand, eye mascaras lift and elongate your lashes and make them appear voluminous.
How long does it take for hair mascara to dry?
Hair mascara usually takes between two to five minutes to dry.
How do you get mascara out of your hair?
Apply coconut oil to your hair and rinse it later with a shampoo to get the hair mascara out.
Can I use hair mascara to color my hair?
Yes. You may use hair mascara to color your hair temporarily.
Can I use eye mascara to cover grey hair?
Yes. You can use eye mascaras to cover your gray hair. But, a drying formula may make your gray hair stiff when you wear it.
Does hair mascara damage hair?
No. Hair mascaras free from harsh chemicals do not strip away the natural oil and retain your hair health. But keeping the mascara on for a long time in your hair is damaging as it can dry out the strands. So, wash the mascara with shampoo after using it for a day.
How long does hair mascara last?
Hair mascaras last for three to six months.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
New to many, hair mascaras are a fad in recent times. Pooja Karkala, the author of this post, is a skin and hair care connoisseur. She thrives on bringing evidence-based and trustworthy product reviews and recommendations to her readers. This article enlists the best hair mascaras available online to cover grey hair. She has prioritized the available shades, ingredients, and mode of application before shortlisting these products.
Read full bio of Alexandro Vasquez
Read full bio of Pooja Karkala
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
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