Many people start going gray early in life, sometimes as early as their 20s. While some embrace their grays, others prefer to cover them up through dyeing or other color application methods. oVertone is a relatively new hair care product that claims to temporarily cover grays and enhance hair color through a conditioning treatment. But can it really provide gray coverage and for how long? Let’s take a closer look.
What is oVertone?
oVertone is a hair care and styling brand that offers colored deep conditioning treatments. Their products are free of ammonia, peroxide, and other harsh chemicals found in traditional hair dye.
Instead, oVertone uses a blend of natural pigments and oils to safely deposit color onto the hair strands without damaging the hair. The main active ingredients are vegetable-based dyes along with nourishing oils like argan, jojoba, and grapeseed.
The brand offers a range of mixable shades from vibrant rainbow colors to more natural brown and black tones. Their products come in two formats:
- Colored Conditioner – For conditioning and refreshing existing hair color
- Extreme Conditioner – For maximum color deposit to dramatically enhance or change hair color
oVertone states that their products can cover up to 50% gray hair. For more stubborn grays, they recommend using their Extreme formulas.
How does oVertone work on grays?
oVertone uses direct dye molecules that can temporarily coat the outside of the hair strands. These dye molecules are small enough to penetrate into the porous hair shaft.
When applied to gray hair, the pigments in oVertone can add a layer of color that masks and blends in with the natural gray tones. The result is hair that appears fuller, richer, and devoid of grays for a short period of time.
However, since the oVertone color is not permanent, it will gradually fade and wash out over several washes. The gray hair will eventually return as the color fades. Frequent reapplication is needed to maintain the coverage.
What results can you expect?
The level of gray coverage you get from oVertone depends on several factors:
- Amount/Percentage of Grays – The more grays you have, the more challenging it will be for oVertone to fully cover them.
- Hair Color and Texture – Coarse or porous hair will absorb more color than fine or dense hair.
- Shade Used – Darker shades will conceal grays better than lighter tones.
- Product Used – The Extreme formulas will provide better coverage than the regular Conditioners.
- Processing Time – Leaving the product on hair longer will allow deeper color penetration.
Here are some examples of the gray coverage you can expect:
| Amount of Grays | Product Used | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 20% grays | Colored Conditioner | Good coverage, grays blend into natural hair color |
| Approximately 50% grays | Extreme Conditioner | Moderate coverage, some grays still visible |
| More than 50% grays | Extreme Conditioner | Partial coverage, significant grays still visible |
As you can see, oVertone works best on hair with minimal gray coverage. For more difficult cases of stubborn grays, it can help reduce the appearance but not completely cover them.
How long does it last?
oVertone claims their color can last 4-8 shampoos, gradually fading over time. However, actual longevity depends on your individual hair characteristics and maintenance routine.
Here are some factors that influence how long oVertone will cover grays:
- Shampooing Frequency – Frequent shampooing (daily or every other day) will cause the color to fade faster. Washing hair less often helps the color deposit last longer.
- Shampoo Type – Sulfate-free shampoos help maintain color better than harsh formulas with sulfates.
- Water Temperature – Washing with hot water opens the cuticles and accelerates color fading. Use lukewarm or cool water instead.
- Hair Texture – More porous and damaged hair will hold onto color longer than smooth, undamaged hair.
- Reapplication – Reapplying oVertone as soon as you notice fading will refresh the coverage.
Under ideal conditions, you can expect the color to last for 5-6 shampoos. But enduring gray coverage will require reusing oVertone every 1-2 weeks.
Is oVertone permanent hair dye?
No, oVertone does NOT provide permanent gray coverage or hair color change. The product simply coats the outside of hair strands with temporary dye molecules.
It does not use oxidation like permanent hair dyes. Therefore, the color will completely wash out over time, exposing your natural gray hair again.
Can you mix oVertone colors?
Yes, one of the advantages of oVertone is that the colors are fully mixable. You can blend different shades to create custom tones for your hair goals.
Some ways you can mix oVertone include:
- Boost vivid colors by mixing in an Extreme Black formula
- Create new shades like mixing Blue + Purple or Silver + Lavender
- Adjust the depth and tone by adding brown or black
- Dilute brighter colors by blending with Clear or Pastel formulas
- Gradually transition color by slowly mixing in darker shades
Be creative and make some test samples to find your perfect custom color blend. Just remember to write down the proportions so you can recreate it next time.
Does oVertone damage hair?
One of the benefits of oVertone is that it conditions hair while coloring it. The products are free of bleaches, peroxides, ammonia and other damaging chemicals associated with permanent dye.
The vegetable-based pigments and nourishing botanical oils can actually improve hair health, sealing the cuticle and reducing frizz. oVertone is generally gentle enough to use on all hair types and colors.
Of course, overuse of any hair product can lead to buildup and dryness over time. Be sure to do conditioning treatments in between uses. But when used correctly, oVertone will not damage hair like traditional permanent color.
Can you use oVertone on gray beard hair?
Yes, the conditioning and coloring effects of oVertone can also work nicely on facial hair. The product spreads readily and absorbs well into beard hair.
It’s best to opt for a darker shade like Black or Brown to concealsalt and pepper stubble. Apply it just as you would on your head – shampoo beard, towel dry, apply oVertone, wait 10-15 minutes, rinse and style as usual.
The color payoff and longevity may not be as dramatic or long-lasting as it is on head hair. But oVertone can temporarily refresh and enrich beard’s color and condition the coarse hair.
Conclusion
oVertone offers a fun way to temporarily cover grays and enhance your natural hair color with conditioning color deposits. While not permanent, it can mask grays well for 1-2 weeks before fading. oVertone works best if you have minimal grays and use darker shades. Reapplication is needed to maintain the results. When used properly, it will not damage hair like permanent dye.
The Pros
- Non-damaging, conditions while coloring
- Ammonia and peroxide-free
- User-friendly, easy to apply at home
- Great for short-term gray coverage
- Colors mix well for customization
The Cons
- Not permanent, fades out over time
- May not fully cover more than 50% gray hair
- Requires frequent reapplication to maintain results
- Can cause buildup if overused
- More expensive than traditional hair dye
Overall, oVertone provides a novel approach to temporarily disguising grays without permanent hair color commitment. While it may not fully conceal extreme graying, it offers an ideal temporary solution for blending and toning down new grays as they grow in.