Gray hair is a natural part of the aging process, but many people prefer to cover up their grays with haircolor. Biolage is a popular salon-quality haircolor brand that offers permanent, demi-permanent, and semi-permanent haircolor options. But does Biolage effectively cover gray hair?
What is Biolage Haircolor?
Biolage is a professional haircare and haircolor brand owned by L’Oreal. Biolage offers three main types of haircolor:
- Permanent haircolor – Contains ammonia and peroxide to fully penetrate the hair shaft and permanently alter the hair’s underlying pigment. Provides 100% gray coverage when used correctly.
- Demi-permanent haircolor – Contains lower levels of peroxide and deposits color that washes out over time. Provides sheer to medium gray coverage.
- Semi-permanent haircolor – Deposits temporary color that coats the outside of the hair shaft. Provides sheer gray coverage that washes out quickly.
In addition to these main color categories, Biolage offers root touch-up colors, highlifting colors, toners, and glazes under the Colorlast and Fiberstrong lines.
Does Biolage Permanently Cover Grays?
Yes, Biolage permanent haircolors provide 100% gray coverage when used properly. The key active ingredients in Biolage permanent colors are:
- Ammonia – Swells the hair cuticles so color can deeply penetrate the shaft.
- Peroxide – Opens the hair’s underlying pigment so color can deposit inside the strand.
- Oil couplers – Help drive the color pigments into the hair.
This combination allows the permanent haircolor to permanently alter the hair’s melanin pigment and override gray hair. The results last until the colored hair grows out or fades.
Biolage Permanent Haircolor Lines
Biolage offers two permanent haircolor lines:
- Colorlast – Biolage’s iconic permanent haircolor line that provides 100% gray coverage and rich, long-lasting color.
- Fiberstrong – A permanent haircolor line created for fragile hair. Also provides complete gray coverage.
Both permanent lines contain similar gray coverage abilities. The choice comes down to your hair’s condition and desired color results.
How Well Does Biolage Cover Stubborn Grays?
While Biolage permanent color provides complete gray coverage, some stubborn grays may still peek through. Gray hair is often coarser and more resistant to haircolor than pigmented hair. However, there are ways to get better gray coverage with Biolage permanent color:
- Use a color 1-2 shades lighter than your natural level. Lighter shades deposit more onto resistant grays.
- Apply a gloss or toner immediately after coloring. This helps seal grays and enhances shine.
- Use Biolage Colorlast Addition Concentrate booster. Added to permanent color, it clings to grays for fuller coverage.
- Increase processing time by 5-10 minutes. The longer the color processes, the more it penetrates grays.
It also helps to regularly maintain your Biolage permanent color to keep grays covered. Touch up roots every 4-6 weeks and avoid long wash intervals which can cause fading.
Does Biolage Demi-Permanent Haircolor Cover Grays?
Biolage demi-permanent haircolors contain lower levels of peroxide so they only partially penetrate the hair shaft. They provide more sheer coverage of grays than permanent color.
Biolage offers two demi-permanent color lines:
- Colorlast – Provides sheer to medium gray coverage that lasts up to 24 shampoos.
- Fiberstrong – Designed for fragile hair with a lower volume developer. Sheer to medium gray coverage.
The sheer to medium gray coverage is ideal for blending away grays or transitioning to gray hair. However, demi-permanent Biolage color doesn’t fully cover all grays. It’s better for touching up permanent color rather than a stand-alone gray coverage option.
Improving Biolage Demi-Permanent Gray Coverage
While Biolage demi-permanent color doesn’t completely cover grays, you can maximize the results by:
- Choosing darker shades – These create more contrast with gray hair.
- Increasing processing time – Up to the maximum allowed on the packaging.
- Adding Biolage Colorlast Shine Shake – Boosts vibrancy on resistant grays.
- Using a gloss immediately afterwards – Helps seal in color.
However, demi-permanent Biolage color is not formulated to permanently alter grays. For full gray coverage, permanent color is recommended.
Does Biolage Semi-Permanent Haircolor Cover Grays?
Semi-permanent Biolage haircolors contain no peroxide or ammonia. They only deposit temporary color that coats the outer hair shaft. Biolage offers one semi-permanent haircolor line:
- Colorlast Express Semi – Deposits vibrant color for up to 10 shampoos. Provides sheer gray coverage.
As semi-permanent color doesn’t penetrate the cuticle or interact with melanin pigment, it cannot fully cover gray hair. At best, it will tone down and blend in grays for a short period before washing out.
Biolage Express Semi haircolors are best used:
- As a temporary color refresher between permanent applications.
- To add shades like reds, coppers, and pastels.
- To blend away grays rather than fully cover them.
How Long Does Biolage Haircolor Cover Grays?
The longevity of Biolage’s gray coverage depends on the type of haircolor:
| Biolage Haircolor | Lasts on Gray Hair |
|---|---|
| Permanent | Until new hair growth or fading sets in, around 4-6 weeks. |
| Demi-permanent | Up to 24 shampoos or around 6-8 weeks. |
| Semi-permanent | Up to 10 shampoos or 2-3 weeks. |
As you can see, only Biolage permanent haircolor provides long-lasting true gray coverage. Demi-permanent offers sheer coverage for a shorter time, while semi-permanent lightly blends grays for 2-3 weeks max.
What Level Developer Should You Use with Biolage?
Choosing the right developer volume is key for maximizing Biolage’s gray coverage and longevity:
- 10 or 20 Volume – For semi-permanent Biolage colors. Does not lighten.
- 20 or 30 Volume – For demi-permanent Biolage colors. Gentle lightening and gray blending.
- 30 or 40 Volume – For permanent Biolage color. Provides full gray coverage and lightening.
Always consult your colorist on the best developer level to use. Higher volumes can damage hair when used incorrectly. For resistant grays, aim for 30 or 40 volume developers with permanent Biolage color.
Does Biolage Cover Gray Roots?
Biolage permanent and demi-permanent colors can both effectively cover gray roots. However, permanent color provides complete root gray coverage, while demi-permanent blends roots more subtly.
Biolage also offers root touch-up kits and formulas to conveniently cover up gray regrowth between salon visits:
- Colorlast Root Smudger – Permanent precision root applicator.
- Colorlast Express Retouch – Demi-permanent root concealer spray.
- Fiberstrong Precision Root Lift – Gel root touch-up for fragile hair.
Using these root touch-up products between permanent or demi-permanent salon applications helps keep grays covered and hair looking freshly colored.
Tips for Maximizing Biolage’s Gray Coverage
Here are some top professional tips for getting the most complete gray coverage from Biolage haircolor:
- Always fill hair strands with permanent color first before applying on roots. This prevents uneven gray coverage.
- Use Biolage Colorlast developer instead of regular peroxide for stronger, longer-lasting gray coverage.
- Process for the full recommended time – Never cut short the development time.
- Add Biolage Colorlast Concentrate booster to haircolor for extra gray coverage and shine.
- Use semi-permanent Biolage colors in between permanent applications to freshen color and blend grays.
- Maintain permanent color every 4-6 weeks and demi-permanent color every 6-8 weeks for minimal root regrowth.
Is Biolage Haircolor Damaging for Gray Hair?
Haircolor can be drying and damaging, especially for fragile gray hair. However, Biolage takes steps to care for hair during the coloring process:
- Low-Ammonia Formulas – Less irritation to scalp and hair.
- Flora-Shield Complex – A blend of orchid, comfrey, and sambucus extracts helps condition hair.
- Ceramide and Soy Protein – Strengthens and smooths hair cuticles.
- Anti-Fade Complex – Seals in color and moisture after coloring.
Additionally, Biolage offers the Fiberstrong permanent haircolor line designed specifically for fragile, compromised hair. It contains lower levels of ammonia and a patented antioxidant complex.
Conclusion
To summarize, Biolage permanent haircolors provide complete gray coverage when used with the optimal developer volume and application techniques. Biolage demi-permanent colors offer sheer to medium gray coverage better suited for blending and toning. Semi-permanent Biolage colors give a sheer tint to grays and are best for temporary color effects.
While Biolage haircolors are gentler than some salon brands, permanent and demi-permanent formulas still contain chemicals that can damage hair over time. Always consult your colorist to choose the right Biolage formula and shade to maximize gray coverage while keeping hair healthy.
With proper use, Biolage can effectively cover and conceal gray hair. But gray hair should be embraced as part of the natural aging process. Biolage can help enhance and care for beautiful grays as well as cover them.