How to cover greys at the hairline and parting

Short answer: Greys at the parting and hairline are quick to notice. Brush a temporary root powder in a close shade along the part and front, then blend with the applicator. It takes about a minute and washes out with your next shampoo. Fine greys may soften; dense grey needs a full colour approach.

Why greys show up at the front first

Most of us notice greys at the parting and around the temples before anywhere else. Part of that is where the hair is finest, and part of it is simply where everyone looks: the parting is on show in every mirror and every photo, and the hairline frames your face.

A few silver strands there can look like a lot more than they are. The good news is that this is also the easiest area to cover with a quick fix.

What actually works for a few greys

Temporary powder. A pressed powder tapped on the grey strands at the root. It coats the hair on the surface, adds colour where the hair has none, and comes out in the wash. For a handful of greys or a fine silver line along the part, this is often all you need.

Root marker. Handy for a single stray silver hair or a short section. Precise, but slow if there are many.

Spray. Covers more ground, but it tends to be less precise at the hairline and can leave a slightly stiff feel. See the full comparison.

Permanent colour (salon or box). Changes the colour of the hair properly and lasts for weeks. It is the better option once grey is spread through your hair rather than sitting at the front. A box colour comes with a patch test, which you should do every time, even if you have used the brand before.

Honest limits: what powder won't do

Because we would rather you were pleased than surprised:

• Wiry, coarse greys can take more than one pass. Build it up in thin layers instead of one heavy coat.
• Dense grey across the whole head is beyond a root powder. It is a touch-up, not a full colour.
• Lighter shades than your natural colour will look flat. Powders add colour; they do not lighten.
• Very white hair can look slightly softer in tone than the hair around it, because it is picking up a shade rather than being dyed through. Pat on gently and stop before it looks chalky.

How to cover the parting properly

1. Start with dry, brushed hair. Powder grips best on hair that is dry and free of product.
2. Make the parting where you actually wear it. Cover the part you will be seen with, not the one you started with.
3. Pick up a little powder with the applicator. Tap off the excess. Too much is the usual cause of a flat, painted look.
4. Press along the root, then blend outwards. Work from the part sideways and slightly forward, so the colour fades into the hair around it.
5. Do the hairline in short, light strokes. Around the temples, go lighter. Stop at the edge of the skin.
6. Comb through and check in daylight. Artificial light is kind to everything. Daylight tells the truth.

For a fuller walk-through, see how to apply root cover powder.

Choosing a shade for greys

Match the powder to your natural colour, not to the colour of your lengths if you dye. If you have a mix of dark and grey, go for the shade that matches the dark hair, because that is the colour the grey needs to blend into. If you are caught between two, take the deeper one. A guide to choosing by daylight is here: how to match your shade.

Keeping it looking natural

• Less is more. Aim to blur the grey, not paint over the scalp.
• Cover the part, then soften the edges. A hard line of colour is what gives it away.
• Avoid the skin. Powder on the forehead is easy to wipe off with a damp cotton bud, but best avoided.
• Plan for weather. Heavy sweat or rain can lift it, so keep the compact in your bag for a top-up. We cover this in how long it lasts.

Where BUNEE fits

BUNEE is a pressed root-cover powder in a compact with a mirror and an applicator. It comes in 12 shades, is not a dye and does not contain PPD or peroxide, and washes out with one shampoo. That makes it a low-commitment way to deal with greys at the front while you decide whether to colour at all, or to stretch the gap between salon visits.

FAQ

Will root powder cover all my grey hair?

It covers fine greys at the root well. If most of your hair is grey, it will only help around the parting and hairline, and a full colour will serve you better.

Does it look natural on grey?

It can, when applied in light layers and blended outwards. Heavy application is what gives it away. Check the result in daylight.

What about sensitive skin?

BUNEE is not a dye and has no PPD or peroxide, but everyone's skin is different. If you have a sensitive scalp or known allergies, read the ingredient list on the pack and try a small spot first.

Will it rub off on my hands or pillow?

A little can transfer, particularly if the hair is touched a lot or you sleep on it. Brush off the excess after applying and give it a minute to settle.

How often can I use it?

As often as you like, since it washes out. Most people use it every few days through the week before they colour or book an appointment.