There’s something magical about beautiful silver hair, and it lends an air of sophistication to anyone who wears it with pride.
But as stunning as silver locks may be on women of all ages, they also come with their own set of styling challenges – particularly when it comes to choosing the perfect color! Some people choose to embrace the silver look and go all the way. Others prefer to disguise the silver strands for as long as possible.
If you’re wondering what hue will make your silver tresses look their absolute best, keep reading for some expert tips.
Choosing a color for silver hair is more than just picking out any old shade from the box. You want something that complements your skin tone, enhances the natural texture of your hair, and adds depth and dimension without overwhelming your features.
This article will guide you through everything you need to know about finding the best color for silver hair.
Factors to Consider With Silver Hair
When choosing the best color for silver hair, there are several factors you need to consider. These factors include your skin tone and natural hair color.
Skin Tone
Different tones play a significant role in determining the best types of color for your hair. If you have a warm skin tone you should consider silver hair with warm undertones such as golden or honey shades. For those with cool skin tones and pale skin, cool-toned silver hair such as platinum or ashy shades will look best.
If you’re lucky enough to have a neutral skin tone, you can dabble with just about any color from the range of silver shades.
If you’re not sure whether your skin is cool-toned or warm-toned, try the jewelry test. If gold jewelry suits your skin better then you are more likely to be warm toned. Silver jewelry looks better next to cool toned skin.
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Natural Hair Color
Your natural hair color can also influence which color you choose for your silver hair. If you have dark hair, you may need to bleach your hair if you’re looking to achieve an all-over silver color. On the other hand, maybe you just want to cover up dark roots or go a darker color.
Either way, a good colorist will take your own natural hair color into consideration when helping you choose.
Maintaining Silver Hair Color
Maintaining your silver hair color can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right maintenance routine, you can keep your locks looking vibrant and shiny. Here are some tips to help you maintain your silver hair color:
Silver hair requires specific maintenance to keep it looking its best. You should avoid using hot tools on your hair, as heat can cause your color to fade. Also, be sure to avoid chlorine and saltwater, as they can increase yellow tones in the hair or even green.
Using the right products is essential for maintaining your silver hair color. Look for the best shampoos and conditioners that are specifically designed for silver shades. One example is Oribe Silverati Shampoo which is specially formulated for gray shades and white hair, however, there are plenty of others on the market to choose from.
These products contain purple pigments that help to counteract any yellow or brassy tones in your hair. Purple and blue shampoo can do wonders to brighten silver hair.
Hair masks are a great way to keep your silver hair looking healthy and vibrant. Look for masks that contain ingredients like argan oil and keratin, which help to nourish and strengthen your hair.
Dry shampoo is a lifesaver when it comes to maintaining your silver hair color. It helps to absorb excess oil and sweat, which can cause your color to fade. Look for dry shampoos that are specifically designed for silver hair, as they contain purple pigments that help to maintain your color.
Best Colors For Silver Hair
If you’re looking to style your silver hair, there are a few options to choose from. Whether you want to add some dimension to your hair or simply embrace your silver locks, here are some styling ideas to consider:
Blonde Highlights
Blonde highlights are a great option for gray hair simply because the difference between blonde and silver is so subtle. Gray roots won’t be as visible, even if it’s 6-8 weeks since your last visit to the salon. Highlights also soften the root area making the contrast between new hair growth and dyed hair look less obvious.
Adding some blonde highlights can create a beautiful, sun-kissed effect that will add some warmth to your hair. Trusting a professional colorist means they’ll know how to highlight certain areas like around your face or in specific layers to create movement and texture without overdoing it.
Darker Lowlights
For darker hair, if you’re not looking for a color change and don’t want to lighten your hair, lowlights can help to disguise gray hair color that is just starting to show through.
A colorist can do this by picking out the gray strands and painting them with a darker color than your normal shade, giving your hair more depth and volume.
Brown Hair
If you’re a natural brunette, grey hairs tend to be very obvious against the natural dark color and are more visible than they would be on blonde hair. That doesn’t mean you should just go blonde though. There are plenty of options for maintaining your brunette hair.
Colors such as chocolate brown or golden brown are great options to enhance the hair. Depending on the percentage of your hair that is grey your colorist will use different types of dye and techniques to ensure the best coverage. Hairs that have lost their pigment tend to be drier and more wiry, requiring more hydration and treatment for a sleek, glossy look.
Silver Hair
If you want to fully embrace your silver hair and your roots have predominantly silver tones it’s possible to dye your hair completely silver. This can be a bold and striking look that will make a statement and is very on-trend at the moment. However, it’s important to note that silver hair requires a lot of maintenance to keep it looking its best.
You’ll need to use products specifically designed for silver hair to keep it looking shiny and healthy.
Blonde Hair
If you have blonde hair and you’re starting to go gray, there are a few options you can consider to address the issue. Adding highlights or lowlights to your hair can help blend the gray strands with your existing blonde color.
his technique creates dimension and a more natural look. If your gray hair is becoming more prominent and you prefer a more uniform look, you can opt for an all-over hair color. Choose a shade that complements your skin tone and matches or enhances your existing blonde color.
Some haircare brands offer specialized products designed to blend gray hair with your existing blonde color. These products typically come in the form of shampoos, conditioners, or color-depositing treatments. They can help reduce the appearance of gray while maintaining your blonde base.
Another option for blondes is to embrace your naturally gray hair and transition to an overall gray or silver look. This can be a stunning and trendy choice, and many people choose to go gray intentionally.
If this appeals to you, consult with a professional hairstylist who specializes in gray hair to guide you through the process and provide recommendations on achieving the best shade.
Red Hair
While most people’s hair goes light grey and even white over time, redheads don’t actually go grey. However, that doesn’t mean their hair is immune to the effects of aging. Instead of going grey, the color fades and gets lighter over time, going blonde and maybe even white eventually.
If you’re a natural redhead and your pigment is fading, with a little help from your colorist you can restore your hair’s natural bright colors with an all-over mahogany or copper shade.
No matter which styling option you choose, it’s important to take care of your silver hair. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that’s designed for color-treated hair. You can also use a hair mask once a week to keep your hair looking healthy and shiny.
With the right care and styling, your silver hair can look beautiful and stylish.
Seek Professional Advice For The Best Results
When it comes to silver hair, choosing the best hair color can be a daunting task. While there are plenty of at-home options for gray coverage and platinum silver hair color, seeking professional advice is always recommended for the best results.
Box dyes just won’t produce the same results that you’ll get with salon silver hair dyes from a professional colorist. Box dyes often struggle to provide satisfactory results for grey hair due to a few reasons.
Mainly though, grey hair tends to be more resistant to color absorption, making it challenging for the pigment in box dyes to effectively penetrate the hair shaft. This can result in patchy or uneven color distribution, making them a poor option if you’re looking for a new color.
Salon hair color offers more precise application and customized formulas that cater to specific maintenance needs. Professionals also have access to the best gray hair dyes on the market, ensuring long-lasting and vibrant results.
Color theory also plays a significant role in achieving the perfect shade of silver. A skilled colorist will take into consideration your skin tone, natural hair color, and desired outcome when recommending a hue.
A professional will also be able to give you their top tips on the best ways to look after gray color at home and combat yellowing.
Silver Hair Isn’t Just for Grandmas Anymore
Whether you’re looking for a bold statement or a subtle change, there’s a shade of silver out there for everyone. Remember, silver hair requires proper maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Be sure to use hair care products formulated for color-treated hair and consider using purple or blue shampoo or conditioner to counteract brassiness.
When choosing a silver hair dye, consider your skin tone and natural hair color to find the best shade to enhance your natural grays. While you can use a DIY box dye at home, our best advice is to go with a professional salon dye, particularly if it’s your first time dying natural gray hair.
If you still have blonde hair, black hair, or brown hair showing through but just want to dye the gray roots and silver strands, a professional colorist will be able to recommend the best silver colors to give you a uniform shade that best suits you.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shades and techniques, such as ombre or balayage, to take your hair to the next level and create a unique look that’s all your own. And most importantly, have fun with your new shade!
Whether you’ve opted for a darker shade, a gray color, or a cool blonde, a new modern look will give you confidence and pride.
If you’re thinking about going silver the natural way, check out Katie Goes Platinum, a blog just for women who are embracing their natural color.
