The Pro’s Guide To Going Grey
How to take your dark strands to a gorgeous silver-grey shimmer.
Is grey the new black? When it comes to colouring your hair, it just might be. Silvery-grey hair, if you hadn’t already noticed, has been having a moment for, well, quite some time. And judging from the endless parade of famous faces going grey, it seems like the smoke show won’t be slowing down anytime soon.
Nowhere has the #silverhair trend been more enthusiastically embraced than on social media platforms, where thousands of under-30s have been posting silver selfies. Indeed, Instagram has spoken—and with well over one million posts for #silverhair, there’s ample amount of “grey-spiration.”
But while it remains one of the coolest colours to take over the ’gram, attaining a pitch-perfect shade of pearly grey that’s neither ashy nor honeyed isn’t easy. It can be an equal parts taxing and tedious undertaking and demands a lot of upkeep to keep it lustrous and healthy looking. And just because someone has already started going grey naturally doesn’t make it any easier.
Nowhere has the #silverhair trend been more enthusiastically embraced than on social media platforms, where thousands of under-30s have been posting silver selfies. Indeed, Instagram has spoken—and with well over one million posts for #silverhair, there’s ample amount of “grey-spiration.”
But while it remains one of the coolest colours to take over the ’gram, attaining a pitch-perfect shade of pearly grey that’s neither ashy nor honeyed isn’t easy. It can be an equal parts taxing and tedious undertaking and demands a lot of upkeep to keep it lustrous and healthy looking. And just because someone has already started going grey naturally doesn’t make it any easier.
What should you know before going grey?
“It’s just not as simple as dousing your hair with grey dye,” says Montreal-based hair pro Christine Geiger. “It’s totally doable to dye your hair grey at home, but you have to think about your natural hair colour and texture, have realistic expectations and be willing to be patient with the process.”
Here’s the first thing you need to know about going grey: bleach. “In order to achieve a true silver tone, your hair needs to be stripped of its colour and be as close to white as it can reach,” explains Geiger. “If you try colouring your hair before you get the perfect base, the yellow will start to come through and you won’t achieve that true silver-grey tone.”
A lightener like L’Oréal Paris Féria Extra Bleach Blonde will take you from black to platinum blonde while still maintaining the integrity of your hair. But if your hair is naturally pretty dark or prone to breakage, you might have to bleach multiple times in separate sittings to achieve that total transformation. Once you have attained a white-blond base, here’s how to do a silver mane makeover every step of the way.
Here’s the first thing you need to know about going grey: bleach. “In order to achieve a true silver tone, your hair needs to be stripped of its colour and be as close to white as it can reach,” explains Geiger. “If you try colouring your hair before you get the perfect base, the yellow will start to come through and you won’t achieve that true silver-grey tone.”
A lightener like L’Oréal Paris Féria Extra Bleach Blonde will take you from black to platinum blonde while still maintaining the integrity of your hair. But if your hair is naturally pretty dark or prone to breakage, you might have to bleach multiple times in separate sittings to achieve that total transformation. Once you have attained a white-blond base, here’s how to do a silver mane makeover every step of the way.
STEP 1: Prep your hair and mix your colour
Part your hair into small, even sections and then mix L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Colour in Silver Gray in a small bowl until the colour is totally blended.
STEP 2: Apply the dye evenly
Apply the dye from roots to tips to each section of your hair until your strands are fully saturated. Geiger notes that you don’t necessarily have to start right at the scalp: "You can choose to leave your dark roots peeking through at the top for a chic, effortless effect. Just be sure to work the colour with your fingertips so that the line between where your grown-out roots end and the grey colour starts isn’t so stark."
Following the instructions on the pack, let the colour develop for 35 minutes, making sure not to leave it on for longer than recommended.
Following the instructions on the pack, let the colour develop for 35 minutes, making sure not to leave it on for longer than recommended.
STEP 3: Rinse and condition
When the time is up, wash out the dye and apply a nourishing conditioner to give your hair an extra hit of hydration and shine.
Blow-dry and style to your preference. Geiger created some waves on the model’s blunt lob for a beachy take on bright silver, smoothing any flyaways.
Blow-dry and style to your preference. Geiger created some waves on the model’s blunt lob for a beachy take on bright silver, smoothing any flyaways.
How do you maintain silver-grey hair?
Once you’ve got your gorgeous grey locks, here’s how to care for it. Geiger recommends using a sulphate-free purple shampoo like L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde, to reduce brassiness and help keep the silver tones in your hair as long as possible. L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Conditioner will deposit the tone, condition your hair and add moisture.
You also want to make sure you’re using a purple-tinted mask several times a month to refresh and keep your colour strong, adds Geiger. L’Oréal Paris Color Radiance Deep Purple Mask nourishes hair & neutralises brassy tones, getting rid of any unwanted yellow tones that can pop up.
A gorgeous grey colour can be a lot of work, but for the hair of your dreams? Worth it.
You also want to make sure you’re using a purple-tinted mask several times a month to refresh and keep your colour strong, adds Geiger. L’Oréal Paris Color Radiance Deep Purple Mask nourishes hair & neutralises brassy tones, getting rid of any unwanted yellow tones that can pop up.
A gorgeous grey colour can be a lot of work, but for the hair of your dreams? Worth it.
Final Thoughts: How to obtain grey hair
A gorgeous grey colour can be a lot of work, but for the hair of your dreams, it may be worth it. If you’re considering going silver-grey at home, the biggest things to keep in mind are patience, proper lightening, and consistent colour maintenance.
FAQ
Can you dye dark hair silver-grey at home?
Yes. It is possible to dye your hair gray at home, but the result depends on your natural hair color, your hair texture, and your patience during the process.
Do you need to bleach your hair before using silver-grey hair dye?
Yes. To achieve a true silver-gray shade, you must first lighten your hair to a very pale base to prevent yellow or dark tones from appearing.
Why is it difficult to achieve silver-gray hair?
Using purple hair care products is one of the best ways to help counteract unwanted yellow tones. Christine Geiger recommends L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde shampoo and conditioner to help preserve silver tones.
How long should you leave gray hair dye on?
According to the instructions, the dye should process for about 35 minutes. It’s important not to exceed the recommended time.
How do you maintain silver-gray hair?
To maintain silver-gray hair, it is recommended to use a sulfate-free purple shampoo, a moisturizing conditioner, and a purple hair mask several times a month to revive the color.
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