Grey roots showing? Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic’s hairstylist shares 4 low-maintenance ways to cover silver strands

Grey hair can arrive quietly, with a few silver strands appearing around the temples, hairline or part before you even realise how noticeable they have become. For some, embracing the change feels liberating; for others, the thought of frequent salon visits and constant root maintenance can be exhausting. But covering grey hair does not always have to mean committing to permanent hair colour. There are several low-maintenance hair colouring and grey-blending options that can help camouflage silver strands while keeping your natural-looking hair intact. A celebrity hairstylist has now shared why choosing the right technique can make all the difference.

Julien Farel, who has worked with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, noted that people should first understand whether they want complete grey coverage or simply a softer blend. While full grey coverage involves adding enough colour to make silver or white strands blend into one consistent shade, grey blending works more subtly by introducing tone and dimension so the lighter strands appear more like highlights.

For people who are only beginning to notice grey hair, Farel recommends trying blending first. While traditional grey coverage requires root touch-ups every 4 weeks, blending can extend the gap between appointments to 8 to 12 weeks.

Try a gloss for softer colour

A demi-permanent gloss or glaze can be another option for those who are not ready for permanent hair dye. Instead of dramatically changing the base colour, it deposits subtle pigment over the hair, helping soften the appearance of grey while adding shine. According to Farel, a gloss can gradually fade over around 4 to 6 weeks, meaning there is less of a stark regrowth line. He suggests asking a stylist for a demi-permanent gloss close to your natural shade and specifically formulated for grey blending.

Add dimension with lowlights

Lowlights can also help make emerging grey strands less noticeable. Rather than covering every silver hair, a stylist can strategically add darker pieces around areas such as the crown, hairline and part. The result is a more dimensional appearance, allowing the eye to notice variations in colour instead of focusing solely on grey strands.

Camouflage roots between washes

For a quick temporary solution, root sprays, powders, sticks and wands can help disguise visible grey between washes. Sprays work well for larger areas such as a broad part or hairline, while powders can offer greater precision around the temples. Sticks and wands are useful when only a few individual strands need attention.

Consider semi-permanent colour

At-home glosses and colour-depositing conditioners can sit between temporary camouflage and salon colouring. They can refresh the overall tone, minimise brassiness and make the transition between natural hair and silver strands appear more seamless—without necessarily hiding every grey completely.