What developer volume covers grey hair best?

20 volume (6%) developer is the standard for grey coverage with permanent colour. For very resistant grey over 75%, some colourists pre-soften with 20 vol before applying colour. Demi-permanent colour with 10-15 vol gives softer, less committed coverage.

Why add natural shade to grey coverage formulas?

Grey hair lacks natural pigment, so fashion shades alone can appear too bright or transparent. Adding a natural shade (e.g. 6N) provides a pigment base that fills the hair and gives richer, longer-lasting grey coverage. The more grey, the more natural shade needed.

How long should I process grey coverage?

Standard processing is 35 minutes for permanent colour. Resistant or coarse grey hair may need 40-45 minutes. Demi-permanent colours typically process in 25-30 minutes. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and do strand tests.

Can demi-permanent colour cover grey?

Demi-permanent can blend and soften grey up to about 50% grey coverage. Beyond that, permanent colour gives more reliable full coverage. Demi-permanent fades gradually, which some clients prefer for a more natural grow-out.

CutCalcs

Grey Blending Calculator — Developer Volume & Timing for Grey Coverage

Calculate developer volume, natural shade ratios and processing time for grey hair coverage.

Grey Percentage

Estimated percentage of grey hair

Hair Type

Affects processing and coverage

Natural Level

Remaining natural hair colour level

Target Coverage

Soft blend or full coverage?

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines the optimal developer volume, natural-to-fashion shade ratio and processing time for grey hair coverage based on your grey percentage and hair characteristics.

How it works

Grey coverage formulas are adjusted based on the percentage of grey hair. Lower grey percentages need less natural shade filler, while higher percentages require more natural shade and may need pre-softening for resistant hair. Processing times are adjusted for hair type and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always perform a strand test before chemical services.