How to Cover Gray Hair Quickly at Home

Are gray roots popping up right before a big event, night out, or busy weekend? You don’t need to spend hours coloring your hair to cover them. Between mixing formulas, plastic bowls and brushes, and trying not to drip developer across the bathroom counter, traditional at-home hair coloring can feel like a hassle.

Motions Xpress makes refreshing gray coverage at home quick and simple, with color that processes in as little as 5 to 10 minutes. Choose from four shades ranging from Natural Black to Dark Blonde to complement your current color and desired result.

Why Choose Motions Xpress for Gray Coverage?

When you want to cover gray hair without turning hair color into a whole project, Motions Xpress keeps the process straightforward. It’s designed to cut down on the tools, time, and steps typically involved in coloring your hair at home.

No mixing bowls or brushes: Squeeze the formula directly onto gloved hands and apply. There are no extra tools or tedious cleanup required.
Fast processing: Motions Xpress processes in as little as 5 to 10 minutes when used according to the product directions.
Made with aloe vera: The formula is infused with aloe vera and is paraben-free and ammonia-free.
Easy at-home application: The familiar shampoo-style application makes covering grays simple, without the need for a salon appointment.

Find Your Motions Xpress Shade

Your gray coverage starts with choosing the shade that works for you. Motions Xpress comes in four shades, so you can cover gray hair while refreshing your overall color.

1.0 Natural Black: Deep, high-gloss black with bold, rich intensity.
3.0 Dark Brown: Warm espresso tones with natural depth.
5.0 Light Brown: Soft chestnut warmth with subtle brightness.
6.0 Dark Blonde: Golden dimension with a radiant, warm finish.

Not sure which shade to choose? Consider your current hair color and the result you want, then use the shade descriptions above to help narrow down your options.

Covering Gray Roots vs. Refreshing Overall Color

Where your grays are showing can help guide your application. If you’re mainly dealing with new growth, take note of where the gray hair is most noticeable before you start, whether that’s along your roots, hairline, or temples. That way, you can make sure those areas get the attention they need.

If you’re noticing faded color and grays throughout your hair, focus on working the formula evenly through your hair rather than concentrating on a few areas. A quick check in the mirror before you start can also help you spot any patches of gray you might otherwise miss.

How to Cover Gray Hair Quickly at Home With Motions Xpress

Before coloring, read and follow all package instructions and safety warnings, including any required allergy alert test. Always follow the timing and application directions provided with your Motions Xpress shade.

1. Prep

Put on the included gloves. No bowl or brush needed.

2. Mix

Mix the color and developer directly in the palms of your gloved hands.

3. Apply

The shampoo-style formula makes application simple. Work the color through your hair from roots to tips, paying extra attention to areas where grays are most visible.

4. Process

Let the color process for 5 to 10 minutes, following the timing instructions provided with the product.

5. Rinse

Rinse your hair thoroughly until the water runs clear, and then follow up with conditioner. There’s no need to shampoo again.

With Motions Xpress, covering gray hair at home can fit into your routine without taking up your whole day.

Signs It May Be Time for a Touch-Up

You don’t necessarily have to wait for a set date on the calendar to refresh your gray coverage. Motions Xpress recommends refreshing every 4 to 6 weeks or when you start to notice regrowth or fading. A few signs to look for include:

Root regrowth: New gray growth at your roots or along your part can be a sign that you’re ready for a touch-up.
Grays around the temples: Silver strands around the temples and hairline can become more noticeable as your hair grows, especially when you wear your hair pulled back.
Color fading: If your previously colored hair is starting to lose some of its color, it may be time for an overall refresh.

Gray Coverage Without Rearranging Your Day

Gray coverage doesn’t have to mean blocking off an afternoon or dealing with a complicated coloring setup. Whether you’re touching up noticeable roots before a busy weekend or refreshing faded color throughout your hair, Motions Xpress gives you a faster way to get it done at home.

With four shades to choose from, a simple shampoo-style application, and processing in as little as 5 to 10 minutes, you can fit your color refresh into the time you already have. Just choose the shade that complements your hair, follow the package directions carefully, and pay extra attention to the areas where your grays tend to show first.

Ready for a refresh? Explore the Motions Xpress collection to find your shade and make your next gray touch-up a little easier.

FAQs

How long does Motions Xpress take to cover my gray hair?

Motions Xpress has a processing time of 5 to 10 minutes to cover your grays.

Do I need to shampoo my hair after using Motions Xpress?

No. Simply rinse, condition, and style. The formula cleanses as it colors.

Can I use Motions Xpress if my hair is chemically relaxed?

Yes. Motions Xpress can be used on relaxed or chemically straightened hair. Wait 7 to 10 days after a chemical treatment before coloring, and always follow the product's safety instructions.

Can I use Motions Xpress on previously colored hair?

Yes. Motions Xpress can be used on color-treated hair. Always follow the package instructions and safety directions when applying your color.

How long does Motions Xpress color last?

Motions Xpress says color results can last 6 to 12 weeks depending on your hair texture, wash frequency, and care routine. How soon you notice new gray growth can also affect when you decide to refresh your coverage.

How to Choose the Right Brown Hair Color at Home

Choosing a brown hair color might seem simple, but there’s a pretty big difference between dark brown and a much lighter shade. Once you’re actually looking at your options, it’s easy to second-guess which one will give you the look you have in mind. Your current hair color is a good place to start. From there, think about whether you want a subtle change or something people are more likely to notice. We’ll take a closer look at the brown shades from Motions Xpress, how they compare, and what to know before coloring your hair at home. What to Consider Before Choosing a Brown Hair Color Before you settle on a shade, take a look at the color you have now and think about what you actually want to change. That can help you rule out a few options right away. Your starting hair color: A shade can look different depending on the color underneath it. Going from very dark hair to a lighter brown, for example, isn’t the same as taking medium brown hair to a darker shade. If you already have color on your hair, be sure to check the directions before trying to make a big change. How much of a change you want: You don’t have to go dramatically lighter or darker every time you color your hair. You may just want to freshen up a brown that has faded or stay pretty close to what you already have. If you do want a bigger change, take a little more time to consider how different the shade you want is from the color you have now. Your gray coverage goals: Take a look at how much gray you’re working with and where it tends to show up. You might only be trying to cover a few grays around your temples, or gray coverage could be the main reason you’re coloring your hair. Keep this in mind when you get to the processing time, since stubborn grays may need a little longer. Compare Motions Xpress Brown Hair Color Shades Once you have a better idea of how light or dark you want to go, it’s time to look at the shade options. Motions Xpress has two brown options, plus a Dark Blonde shade that’s worth comparing if you’re leaning toward something lighter. 3.0 Dark Brown 3.0 Dark Brown is the deeper of the two brown options. It has a rich espresso brown color with natural warmth, making it a good place to start if you have a deeper brown in mind. 5.0 Light Brown Want something a little lighter? 5.0 Light Brown has a soft chestnut color with subtle brightness. It gives you another option when Dark Brown feels deeper than the look you’re going for, but you still want to stay within the brown shades. 6.0 Dark Blonde Dark Blonde may not be the first shade you think of when you’re looking for a brown hair color, but it can still be helpful to compare. 6.0 Dark Blonde has warm, golden blonde tones, so take a look at it alongside Light Brown if you’re deciding whether to stick with brown or go a little bit lighter. Dark Brown vs. Light Brown: Which One Is Right for You? If you keep going back and forth between 3.0 Dark Brown and 5.0 Light Brown, think about which one looks closer to the change you actually want to make. Go with 3.0 Dark Brown if: You have a deeper brown in mind and like the richer espresso look. If Light Brown seems a little too light for what you’re going for, Dark Brown may be the better fit. Try 5.0 Light Brown if: You like a softer chestnut brown and don’t want to go quite as dark. It’s a good one to compare if you want to keep your color on the lighter side of brown. How Your Starting Hair Color Can Affect the Final Result The color you have now matters just as much as the shade you pick. Two people can use the same brown hair color and end up with slightly different results because the color that’s already there affects how the new color turns out. One way to think about it is to look at how different your current color is from the one you want. If your hair is already brown, are you trying to make it a little deeper or lighten it up? If the shade you want is much lighter or darker than where you’re starting, there’s more to consider than the color name on the package. It’s also worth thinking about anything else you have recently done to your hair. Motions Xpress can be used on relaxed or chemically straightened hair, but wait at least seven to ten days after a chemical treatment before coloring. If you have permanent color on your hair and want to go lighter, keep in mind that permanent hair color won’t lift artificial color that’s already there. Simply choosing a lighter shade may not give you the change you’re expecting. If you’re trying to make a bigger jump from previously colored dark hair to a much lighter shade, it may be worth talking with a professional about what it will take to get there. How to Use Motions Xpress Brown Hair Color at Home Once you’ve decided on a shade, you’re ready to color. Before you get started, take a little time to set everything up. 1. Read the Directions It can be tempting to skim the directions and figure things out as you go, especially if you’ve colored your hair before. But it’s worth reading them all the way through before you start. You don’t want to be trying to figure out the next step when you already have color on your hair. Keep the directions close by while you’re coloring, too. If you forget the processing time or aren’t sure what comes next, you can check instead of guessing. 2. Complete the Recommended Tests Don’t skip any testing that needs to be done before you color your hair. Even if you’ve used hair dye plenty of times before, the FDA recommends doing a skin test before every use. This is also a good time to do a strand test. Testing a small section first can give you a preview of how the color may turn out before you apply it all over. Check the directions that come with your Motions Xpress color for when and how to do each test. 3. Prep and Section Your Hair Hair color can get messy, so wear something you won’t be upset about staining and cover the area where you’ll be working. It also helps to have everything you need nearby before you open the color. From there, split your hair into a few sections. They don’t have to be perfectly even. Just make sure they’re small enough that you can work through your hair without losing track of where you’ve already applied the color. 4. Mix and Apply With Gloved Hands One thing that makes Motions Xpress a little different from some at-home hair colors is that you don’t need a mixing bowl or brush. Put on the gloves that come with your color, then follow the directions for mixing it in your hands. Then, apply the color to your hair the way you would a shampoo, working it through with your gloved hands. Go section by section so the color reaches all of the areas you want to cover. 5. Follow the Recommended Processing Time Motions Xpress works pretty quickly, so you won’t have to sit around with color on your hair for long. How much time it needs depends on the shade you’re using and what you’re trying to cover. Darker shades can process in as little as five minutes, while lighter shades or stubborn grays may need up to 10 minutes. Stick with the recommended processing time rather than leaving the color on longer than directed. 6. Rinse and Condition Once the processing time is up, rinse your hair thoroughly. You don’t need to shampoo again after using Motions Xpress. From there, condition your hair and style it however you normally would. Once you’ve found the brown shade you want, Motions Xpress Permanent Hair Color keeps the at-home coloring process pretty simple with a no-bowl, no-brush application and a short processing time. FAQs Should I choose dark brown or light brown hair color? Think about your current hair color and how much of a change you want to make. Dark brown may be a better fit if you want a deeper, richer color. Light brown makes sense if you want to stay on the lighter side. Your starting hair color matters too, so keep that in mind when comparing shades. Can brown hair color cover gray hair? Yes. Motions Xpress Permanent Hair Color is designed to cover gray hair. How long you leave the color on can depend on the shade and the gray you’re trying to cover, so check the directions before you start. Stubborn grays may need up to 10 minutes to process. How do I know what brown hair color will look like on my hair? Your starting hair color can give you an idea of what to expect, but results can vary from person to person. A strand test is one way to get a better idea of how a shade will look on your hair before you color your whole head. How long does Motions Xpress Permanent Hair Color last? Motions Xpress says the color can last anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your hair texture, how often you wash your hair, and your usual hair care routine. You may notice new growth or fading sooner, though, which is why Motions Xpress recommends refreshing your color every 4 to 6 weeks as needed.

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Dark Brown vs Natural Black Hair Color: How to Choose

Your hair color has a big impact on your look. While different shades might seem similar, when it comes to coloring your hair, different shades can drastically change your overall look. This is especially true if you’re choosing between dark brown vs natural black hair color. Deep shades of brown and black are some of the most popular hair color options because they offer a rich, timeless look. While they may seem identical in some lighting, they can make your look very different depending on your skin tone, your natural hair color, your maintenance preferences, and the style you’re going for. Dark brown provides greater depth of color. If you’re covering a lighter shade or another shade of brown, dark brunette requires less maintenance. Natural black hair is striking and bold, and offers a dramatic change even for those going from a dark brown or other shade to natural black. If you’re thinking about refreshing your look, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll help you confidently choose between dark brown and natural black hair. Choosing Between Brown versus Black Hair Color Dark brown and black hair might sit next to each other on the hair color spectrum. But the end result is noticeably different. Choosing between the shades comes down to comparing the main Feature Dark Brown Natural Black Overall look Soft, dimensional Bold, dramatic Contrast Moderate High Maintenance Often lower Depends on natural color Gray root visibility Less noticeable More noticeable Best for Natural enhancement Dramatic change Why Choose Dark Brown Hair Dark brown is a rich brunette shade that offers a dramatic look with more depth than black hair. Depending on the exact shade and formula, a dark brown shade might have warm, cool, or neutral undertones. Dark brown is a great choice for a variety of skin tones. Many women choose dark brown because it adds richness. In the right light, it will give your hair more movement and warmth. If you’re looking for a polished, natural-looking hair color that enhances your features without dramatically changing your appearance, dark brown is it. If you have hair that struggles to hold color, choosing a dark brown shade, especially if you’re covering a shade of brown, can make for more natural-looking coverage. Why Choose Natural Black Hair Natural black is the deepest naturally-inspired hair color. Natural black is generally formulated to look more neutral and naturally occurring than blue-black or jet-black shades, although the finished tone can vary with your starting color and the product formula. This shade creates a sleek, glossy look. It is striking against your face, especially compared to lighter shades. If you love a bold, dramatic hair moment that’s still versatile, this is a great choice. Natural black is also great for creating a rich, uniform look to your hair, and for giving it great shine. Which Hair Color Complements Your Skin Tone? When it comes to choosing between dark brown or natural black hair color, one important thing to consider is what each shade will look like with your skin tone and complexion. Who is Dark Brown Hair Best For? Dark brown can provide noticeable depth without creating as much contrast as black, making it a versatile option across many complexions. Natural black hair creates a lot of contrast against your face. It can make your facial features stand out beautifully–particularly if you have a unique eye color. Warm browns can complement golden, peach, and olive undertones, while cooler espresso browns may suit rosy or blue undertones. Natural black creates stronger contrast, but its effect depends on your features, starting color, and the particular formula, not simply whether your complexion is light or deep. Consider Your Natural Hair Color Before Deciding Wanting to try out a new hair color is one thing. But whether or not that shade will provide good coverage over your existing color is another. Your starting hair color will affect your final results. It’ll also impact how often you need to refresh your color. If you’re making a drastic change, like going from blonde to black, you’re going to need touch-ups far more often. But if your hair is already dark brown, going to black will require fewer. Choosing a shade that’s closer to your natural color not only means less maintenance, but can also produce a better end result. Even when you’re coloring your hair at home, you’ll get a fresh look that is shiny, even, and beautiful. If you’ve previously colored your hair, remember that existing color might influence your final results. Which Shade is Easier to Maintain? While they might be close in tone, maintaining dark brown vs natural black hair is a little different. But the biggest difference will come from your previous hair color. If you already have brown hair, dark brown will be lower maintenance. Because dark brown has more variance in the shade, when your natural color starts growing in, it will blend better with your colored strands. Motion Xpress’ shampoo-like formula makes it easy to go from a medium-shade to dark brown in just five minutes. This isn’t the case with black. Because it's the darkest hair shade, root growth tends to be more noticeable if your previous color isn’t dark. If you have black or very dark brown hair, black can still be low maintenance as well. Tips for Making Your Hair Color Last Whether you choose a dark brown or natural black shade, there are a few things you can do to prolong your coverage and reduce how often you need a touch-up: Use shampoos and conditioners formulated for color-treated hair Wash with lukewarm or cool water instead of hot Limit excessive heat styling Protect your hair from prolonged sun exposure Coloring your hair with dyes can strip moisture from your strands. But Motion Xpress’ hydrating formula is gentler on hair. If you have chemically relaxed or straightened hair, it’s important to make sure that you’re choosing a hair color that’s safe on your strands. Motion Xpress can be applied to chemically treated hair at least 7 to 10 days after your treatment. These steps can help preserve both the richness of your color and the health of your hair. Questions to Ask Before You Decide If you’re still on the fence about choosing between dark brown vs natural black hair color, there are a few questions you can ask yourself. Do I Want a Soft or Bold Look? If you prefer something more subtle and natural-looking, dark brown is the easy choice. But if you’re drawn to a sleek, dramatic look, natural black might be more aligned to your style. How Much Maintenance Do I Want to Do? If you’re someone who wants to color your hair and then not worry about it again for months at a time, natural black probably isn’t for you. This is especially true if you’re making the switch from a lighter shade. Dark brown offers a little more flexibility in how often you’ll need touch-ups. What is My Personal Style? It’s great to match your hair color to your skin tone. But it’s also great to choose a color that you love and that matches your overall style. At the end of the day, hair that you love and that complements your aesthetic is going to help you feel more confident and radiant. Dark brown tones pair well with a classic, casual, or understated style. Natural black is ideal for a sophisticated or bold style. Finding Your Perfect Shade Choosing between dark brown vs natural black hair color can be confusing. But the best option comes down to the look that you want to achieve, your natural color, and how much maintenance you’re comfortable with. Both shades are classic colors and can elevate your overall look. No matter which shade you choose, quality at-home hair color makes it easy to refresh your look with confidence. Motions Xpress makes coloring your hair dark brown, natural black, light brown, or dark blonde fast and easy. It’s safe on chemically treated hair. The moisturizing formula is also ideal for all hair types, including high or low porosity hair. In just five minutes, you’ll get a permanent hair color that’s vibrant and beautiful. Shop our selection of colors today to find your perfect shade. FAQs Is natural black darker than dark brown? Yes, natural black is darker than dark brown. Does natural black look jet black? No. Natural black is a softer, more subtle shade, with notes of brown that often appear in sunlight. Which shade is better for covering gray hair? Dark brown or black is generally better for covering gray hair. That’s because lighter shades like gray blend better into the varied tone compared to natural black. With Motion Xpress, you can get beautiful gray coverage in just five minutes. Can dark brown hair color be applied over black hair? No. Hair color only deposits color and cannot lift the existing color. Because natural black is darker, dark brown is unable to cover it. How long does permanent hair color last? It’s recommended that you color your hair every 4 to 6 weeks. Can I color relaxed hair? Yes, Motion Xpress is safe to use on relaxed or straightened hair. It is recommended that you wait 7 to 10 days to apply Motion Xpress after your chemical treatment.

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How to Color Hair at Home in 5 Minutes

Adding fresh color to your hair to touch up grays can leave you feeling confident and beautiful. But visiting a salon or mixing and applying dyes at home can make the process stressful and expensive. Luckily, there’s an alternative. Motion Xpress is a permanent hair color that’s gentle on your hair, tough on grays, and easy to apply at home in just five minutes–no mixing bowls, long waits, or harsh chemicals required. Instead, you get beautiful coverage and healthy hair in less time than it would take to drive to your local salon. Thinking about giving a 5 minute hair color a try? Keep reading to learn why it's a better alternative to other options, and how to use our products. Why Color Your Hair at Home There are plenty of reasons why you might choose to color your hair at home. Visiting a salon can be expensive, with the average salon color visit running anywhere from $75 to more than $400. Paying for your salon visit is only the beginning; often, getting an appointment is the hardest part. Salons and stylists may have lengthy waiting lists and book appointments weeks or even months out. If you’re eager to try a new hair style or need to cover up grays, you may not be able to wait that long. Another reason to color your hair at home is how long a salon appointment can take. Getting your hair dyed at a salon can take as little as an hour and a half or as long as four to six hours. This can be challenging to fit into your busy schedule. Getting your hair colored at a salon also gives you less control over the products used. Some hair dyes contain harsh chemicals that can damage your strands, especially if you already suffer from thin or damaged locks. The Benefits of 5 Minute Hair Color Choosing to color your hair at home can save you time and money, and allow you to color your hair more quickly before an event or when grays begin to show. But traditional at-home dye kits can be complicated to use and easy to mess up. First-time users may struggle with the difficult instructions, and making a mistake can leave you with the wrong color or even damage your hair. Motions Xpress offers a fast, safe alternative that anyone can do at home in just five minutes. Motions Xpress is a permanent color that’s gentle on your hair while still offering great coverage for grays. In just five minutes, you can get salon-quality results without the need for mixing bowls, harsh chemicals, or a long wait. The process to apply your 5-minute hair color is simple, and the paraben- and ammonia-free formula features Aloe Vera to help soothe your scalp and protect your hair’s natural strength and moisture. Motion Xpress will not only leave your hair looking beautiful, but also feeling healthy, hydrated, and strong. How to Color Hair at Home in 5 Minutes While visiting a salon to get your hair colored can be expensive and time-consuming, there’s an easy alternative: coloring your hair at home. Motions Xpress makes it fast and easy to color your hair at home, no salon visit required. The best part is that it takes just 5 minutes. Whether you’re eager to try a new color or cover up grays or your roots, Motion Xpress offers a fast alternative that you can do before rushing out the door for work or a date night. Wondering how 5-minute hair color works? Let’s take a look at the steps. Step 1: Put on the included gloves Included in the package is a set of gloves. Wear these to protect your hands from temporary staining caused by the product. Step 2: Mix your solution Next, mix the color and the developer included in the package directly in your palm. Mix until the solution is well blended. Step 3: Apply to hair Now it's time to apply the color shampoo to your hair. Apply evenly to all of your hair, from roots to tips, just as you would regular shampoo. Step 4: Wait for the perfect color How long you leave the shampoo on your hair will impact coverage. If you’ve chosen a darker color shade, wait five minutes before rinsing. For lighter shades, or for stubborn gray hair that is more challenging to color, wait 10 minutes before rinsing. Step 5: Rinse and condition Step into the shower and rinse your hair. Follow with conditioner–no need to use shampoo. Dry and style your hair as usual, and you’re ready to go enjoy your new, refreshed color. Tips for Coloring Your Hair at Home While Motion XPress makes it easy to get beautiful color at home, there are a few tips that can help with the process. Healthy Hair is Always Best Even the best at-home hair color treatments can’t help unhealthy hair look radiant. If your hair is dry or damaged, you might not get the color shade or coverage that you’re hoping for. Remember that healthy hair starts from the inside out; a healthy diet and staying hydrated can help your locks grow long and be strong just as much as the right shampoo. Follow With a Color-Safe Shampoo The last thing you want to do after coloring your hair at home is to strip that beautiful new color. Make sure that you’re using color-safe hair products, including shampoo and conditioner, after coloring your hair. This will help keep your new shade radiant for longer, prolonging the time between colorings. Opt for Safer Styling Heat tools like straighteners and curling irons can actually damage your colored hair and cause a shift in tone. For instance, your beautiful blonde hair might go brassy, or your deep brown may wind up looking dull. While you can still use heat styling products occasionally, opt for safer styling options for your day-to-day hair to preserve your color and keep your hair healthier. Choose the Color That’s Right for Your Shade While it is possible to go from blonde to black or vice versa, you’re always going to see better results when coloring your hair at home when you choose a shade that works with your existing color. Making a dramatic change requires more advanced coloring products, and leaves more room for mistakes. Making a more gradual shift will still give you a fresh new look, but will also make for better end results. Try Motion Xpress Today Motion Xpress makes it fast and easy to get beautiful permanent hair color at home. No more waiting for a salon appointment and shelling out hundreds of dollars, or making a mess with at-home dye kits. Try our 5-minute hair color kits today.

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How to Cover Gray Hair Quickly at Home

Why Choose Motions Xpress for Gray Coverage?

Find Your Motions Xpress Shade

Covering Gray Roots vs. Refreshing Overall Color