I fully admit to being clueless about today’s reader question. So I called on the most down-to-earth shear genius I know. Jason Backe is the color director for Clairol, and the co-owner and master colorist of Ted Gibson Salon where he works his magic on Anne Hathaway and Renée Zellweger. He once highlighted my hair in a hotel room using boxed color and strips of plastic bag. It was hot.

Q: What is the best way to cover my hair if it’s dark and I am only about 20 percent gray? I want it to look natural, not like black shoe polish or leopard stripes! –Shannon

A: If you color at home, you can get decent coverage with a demi permanent like Clairol Natural Instincts. You won’t get 100 percent gray coverage but you will get beautiful gray blending. If 100 percent coverage is what you are looking for, use a permanent color like Preference from L’Oreal. If you get your hair professionally colored, ask your colorist what will work better for you, your lifestyle, and your expectations. But if you don’t want to see a line of demarcation as the color grows out, and you don’t need 100 percent gray coverage, a demi-permanent color is amazing! Love it!

This weekly column features beauty advice with help from some of the brightest experts in the business. Whether you’re searching for the best bronzer or contemplating Botox, send questions to elizabeth@beautybets.com

Filed Under: clairol natural instincts, gray hair, hair color, Jason backe, preference from loreal, ted gibson