Men's Hair Color: Grey Coverage, Highlights and Streaks

What are the main hair colour options for men?

Natural colour

A shade close to your own hair. It freshens up the colour without looking dyed, and it is the safest place to start.

Grey coverage

Colour applied to hide grey hair, either completely or in a softer way that leaves a little natural variation. Full coverage looks clean but shows at the roots as hair grows. Softer coverage tends to look more natural and is more forgiving.

Highlights

Fine sections of hair are made lighter than your base colour. Highlights add depth and movement, and they often work well on textured cuts and longer tops.

Streaks

Streaks are bolder and more defined than highlights, and they stand out on purpose. They suit people who want a noticeable style change.

Fashion colour

Silver, ash and other strong shades make a statement. They usually mean lightening the hair first and need more care to keep the colour looking fresh.

How do you choose the right hair colour?

A few simple questions help narrow it down. Do you want people to notice, or just to say you look well? Will you return for touch-ups? Does your workplace have expectations? Do you want to cover grey, or do you not mind some of it showing? Your barber can also judge how a shade will sit with your skin tone and base colour.

What should you do before colouring your hair?

This part matters most. Hair dye can cause allergic reactions, and some of them are serious. The NHS advises testing the dye at least 48 hours before you use it, following the instructions in the pack, and says symptoms can take up to 72 hours to appear. NHS 111 Wales says to patch test before every use of a permanent or semi-permanent dye, even with a brand you have used before.

Before your colour appointment:

• Tell the professional if you have ever reacted to a hair dye, or to a black henna tattoo.
• Mention any scalp irritation, cuts or skin conditions.
• Ask about a patch test in advance, and leave time for it before your appointment.
• Do not use hair dye if you have had a previous reaction. Seek medical advice instead.

If you notice swelling, a rash or burning after colouring, wash the dye off and get medical advice. Treat swelling of the face or any difficulty breathing as an emergency.

What happens during a hair colour session?

At Express Cuts, the hair colour process has five stages: consultation, colour selection, application, treatment and finish. Timing depends on your hair and on the colour you choose, so ask how long to allow when you contact the salon.

How do you look after coloured hair?

• Use a mild shampoo, and apply it to the scalp rather than scrubbing through the length.
• Condition after each wash. Colouring can leave hair feeling drier.
• Protect your hair from strong sun and limit very hot styling tools.
• Plan touch-ups before the regrowth line becomes obvious.

What mistakes should you avoid?

• Skipping the patch test. A previous good experience does not rule out a reaction.
• Going very dark to hide grey. Flat, very dark colour can look unnatural. A softer shade is often kinder.
• Colouring your hair but not your beard. If your beard is grey, ask whether the two should match.
• Using box dye for a major change. Going much lighter is harder to do evenly at home.

How is hair colour priced at Express Cuts?

Hair colour at Express Cuts is currently shown as part of grooming packages rather than as a separate price. The Deluxe, Executive and Platinum combos each include a colour service, along with a haircut, beard trim, head massage and a facial. The offers page shows the latest packages and prices. For anything else, ask the team on the hair colour page.