EXPERT TIPS
There’s no doubt about it; grey hair is beautiful. Many people are now choosing to embrace their salt and pepper strands rather than cover them up. However, if you’re currently rocking the grey but are ready for a change, maybe it’s time to switch up your silvery shade for something new?
Covering grey hair might feel daunting, but there are plenty of colour options to choose from. Whether you’re leaning towards a bold, full-coverage look or a soft, blended refresh, we’ve pulled together our top tips to help you choose the perfect hair colour for your grey hair.
Hair begins to turn grey when your body starts producing less melanin, the natural pigment that gives your hair its colour. When melanin levels drop, strands lose their colour, appearing white or grey. The culprit? Although most commonly the natural aging process, genetics, stress or even your diet can also influence how soon greys decide to make an appearance.
Did you know that grey strands can have a different texture? As well as producing less melanin, grey hair also produces less sebum, the natural oil which moisturises, nourishes and protects hair. Don’t be surprised if your grey hairs feel coarser, dryer and harder to manage than their more pigmented equivalents!
Before you colour grey hair, it’s important to note that this change in texture can affect how your hair responds to dye. Since grey strands have lost their pigment and tend to be coarser, it can be harder for dye to be deposited and absorbed as evenly or easily.
Create a healthy canvas for your colour by using products with nourishing ingredients, such as hydrating hair masks or deep conditioning treatments. Keeping grey hair moisturised and soft will help colour absorb more evenly, leaving you with richer, longer-lasting results.
From soft, light shades to deep, bold hues, starting off with a grey base is the perfect canvas for endless colour possibilities.
Craving a dramatic, full-coverage transformation? Consider rich chocolate browns or bright platinum blondes. Or, if bright, eye-catching colours are more your thing, try a warm auburn or fiery red to really turn heads! For stronger colour shifts, opt for a permanent hair dye. This will provide full coverage and the longest-lasting results, as permanent dyes are able to penetrate more deeply into each individual hair.
If you prefer to keep things more low-key, opt for a subtle refresh with a cool blonde or warm brunette. If you’re sticking closely to your natural shade and looking to blend greys rather than cover them completely, a semi-permanent dye is perfect. The colour will gently fade as you wash your hair, making it simpler to switch your shade if you fancy a change.
Still not sure where to start when choosing your new colour? Try our Find Your Colour tool to experiment with a range of different shades from the comfort of home!
Now you’re rocking a new hue, you’ll want to make sure your colour is long-lasting. When dying grey hair be prepared for the occasional top-up to keep things looking flawless!
How often you’ll need to refresh your hair colour depends on the percentage of grey hair you started with. Permanent hair colour tends to last around 6-12 weeks before needing a redo. However, if you have a high percentage of greys your roots may come through faster and need a touch-up between your scheduled dye sessions.
Semi-permanent colour fades faster and longevity depends on the product used, but generally you can expect around 28 washes.
To maintain vibrancy and keep colour looking salon-fresh, swap your regular shampoo and conditioner for ones designed specifically for coloured hair. They contain special ingredient blends to protect colour, so you can step out of the shower knowing your colour is locked in with fading kept firmly at bay!
Grey hair can unlock a world of opportunity for creative colour possibilities, from embracing subtle shifts to experimenting with striking shades.
With the right haircare routine, some inspiration and a little help from our Find Your Colour tool, switching up your shade can be both simple and exciting. The silver lining? You might just discover your best look yet!