SILVER HAIR 101: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
This cool, metallic hue is majorly on-trend due to the chic, modern look it imparts. But this trendy color isn’t for everyone. So before you decide to get in on this trend, here’s what you need to know about how to get silver hair.
Silver Hair Takes Time
To get silver hair, you have to bleach your hair until your strands are almost white. The darker your natural color is, the more bleach sessions you’ll have to go through to lighten your hair enough to achieve that ethereal silver hue.
The bleaching process can be very damaging to your delicate mane. To do it safely, you’ll have to let your locks rest and recover after each bleach treatment, so it could be some time before you’re ready to go silver. Be prepared to rock varying shades of bleach blonde on the road to silver fox.
Shop Violet Crush Shampoo
Choose Your Hue Wisely
Before you commit to going gray, take a good look at your natural complexion. Silver hair is a cool hair color—both in tone and in fashion. Cool tones look best on those with cool undertones in their complexion. Don’t know whether you have cool or warm undertones? Flip your wrists over and examine your veins. Do they appear more blue or green? If they’re blueish, you’re probably cool-toned.
Another great way to determine whether silver hair is going to complement your complexion is to try on some silver jewelry. Does a silver necklace or sparkly earrings make your features pop? If so, this look may be for you. But if you favor gold jewelry or feel silver washes you out, you’ll likely be disappointed with your new silver do.
Consider the Upkeep of Silver Hair
Silver hair is definitely in, but most will agree it’s a pretty high-maintenance color trend. Deeper charcoal tones may last longer, but most of those sought-after shimmery silver hues fade quite quickly. Keep that gorgeous gray fresh and shiny by learning how to tone your hair as well as getting regular root touch-ups and color rinses that are specially formulated for lightened hair.
Shampoo regularly with a color correcting shampoo to help keep your silver mane looking fresh and vibrant. In addition to shampoo, using an anti brass conditioner can help transform dull, color-treated hair into a more illuminated look.
How to Protect Your Silver Mane
As far as hair colors go, silver hair is one of the most delicate. Your silvery mane will need a little extra TLC to keep it looking chic and healthy.
Ward off fading by shampooing only every couple of days. The more you shampoo, the faster your silver hair is going to fade. On days between washes, usedry shampooto refresh your hair and give you a boost of volume. When you do shampoo, make sure you use a color-safe formula.
Because the road to silver involves a lot of bleach, your hair will most likely be brittle, dry, and prone to breakage. Use a damage repairing hair mask at least once per week, and prevent further damage to the cuticle by minimizing blow-drying and heat styling. Embrace natural, heat-free styles as often as possible (think braids, buns, and natural waves), and if you must use a heat tool, keep your silvery tresses sleek and shiny with a flat iron spray.
Loving that cool metallic hue? Check out more John Frieda hair tips here.
