If you’re searching for the best hair color for blending gray hair, you’re not alone. Gray blending has become one of the most in-demand services in salons and choosing the right product can make or break your client’s results.
In this blog, I compare two of the most trusted demi-permanent lines in the industry: Redken Shades EQ and Schwarzkopf IGORA Vibrance. Both are staples in salons worldwide, but how do they actually perform on 50%, 75%, and even 100% gray hair?
Let’s break it all down.
What Is Gray Blending?
Gray blending is a hair coloring technique designed to soften and diffuse the appearance of natural gray hair rather than covering it completely. Unlike full gray coverage—which uses permanent hair color to mask every gray strand—gray blending creates a more natural, low-maintenance look by weaving in tones that complement the client’s existing grays.
It’s perfect for:
- Clients who are starting to go gray and want a subtle transition
- Those who want to avoid the harsh regrowth line of full coverage
- Clients looking for low-commitment color with a softer grow-out
By using demi permanent hair color, stylists can add dimension, tone, and depth to gray hair while maintaining its natural beauty. This approach enhances the hair rather than masking it, making gray blending a go-to service for modern, lived-in hair color results.
What Is Demi Permanent Hair Color & Why It’s Ideal for Gray Blending
Demi permanent hair color is a low-commitment, no-lift color solution that’s ideal for:
Blending gray hair without full coverage
Enhancing natural tones
Toning highlights
Refreshing faded color
What makes demi permanent color different is its ammonia-free formulas, making it much gentler than permanent color. This is especially important when working with gray hair, which can be coarse, dry, or resistant.
Check out this article about blending gray hair with highlights.
The Gray Blending Experiment: Acidic vs. Alkaline
In a recent YouTube video (watch it here), I compared Redken Shades EQ (acidic) to Schwarzkopf IGORA Vibrance (alkaline) on gray hair swatches of:
- 50% gray
- 75% gray
Each swatch was colored using the manufacturer’s recommended formulas:
- Shades EQ: mixed with Processing Solution
- IGORA Vibrance: mixed with 6 Volume Developer (You also have the option of using 13 volume for stubborn gray hair)
Side-by-Side Results: Which Demi Permanent Hair Color Blends Gray Better?
Redken Shades EQ Results
- Best shine and tone for 50% gray
- Slight fading after 15 washes
- Very gentle and high shine
- Great for super low commitment gray blending
Schwarzkopf IGORA Vibrance Results
- Stronger pigment and deposit on 75–100% gray
- Richer color payoff with better longevity after 15 washes
- Slightly more deposit due to alkaline base
- Ideal for clients who want longer lasting results without full permanent coverage
Longevity Test: 15 Washes Later…
After 15 washes (using a Redken shampoo for EQ swatches and Schwarzkopf shampoo for Vibrance swatches), here’s what stood out:
- Vibrance maintained more vibrancy and depth, especially on high-percentage gray swatches.
- Shades EQ faded faster but left the hair feeling soft and glossy.
This test proves that alkaline demi permanent hair color like IGORA Vibrance may have the edge in longevity, while acidic formulas like Shades EQ offer shine and subtlety.
Common Concerns with Demi Permanent on Gray Hair
Many stylists hesitate to use demi permanent color on 100% gray hair—especially alkaline formulas—for fear of lifting or poor coverage.
Here’s what I found:
- IGORA Vibrance did not lift the base when used with 6 vol developer.
- Redken Shades EQ blended well on lower gray percentages, but struggled with full coverage on 100% gray.
So… Which Demi Permanent Hair Color Should You Use for Gray Hair?
The answer depends on your client’s needs. Here’s a quick guide:
Both are amazing tools for stylists. What matters is when and why you use them.
Watch the Full Comparison
Check out the full tutorial + swatch results on my YouTube channel:
👉 Best Hair Color for Blending Gray Hair – Redken vs Schwarzkopf
Final Thoughts: Mastering Gray Blending with Demi Permanent Color
When it comes to choosing the best demi permanent hair color for blending gray hair, it’s not about finding one “perfect” product—it’s about understanding how they work.
Whether you’re looking for long-lasting gray coverage or soft, shiny toning, both Shades EQ and IGORA Vibrance deliver amazing results when used with the right technique.
If you’re a hairstylist ready to elevate your gray blending services, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more tutorials, tips, and product breakdowns.
Want to Master Gray Blending Techniques as a hairstylist? Join Hair B&B University!
If you’re a hairstylist or cosmetology student looking to refine your highlight techniques, Hair B&B University is your ultimate education platform. Inside HBBU, you’ll get:
- Step-by-step tutorials on foil placement that impact how highlights blend.
- In-depth breakdowns of each highlighting technique.
- Insider tips on achieving perfect blends, seamless transitions, and high-impact color.
- Business & pricing strategies to boost your success behind the chair.
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