Formerly associated with mature hair (and often banned), gray coloring is now the preserve of stylish women. With more than two million shares, the hashtag #silverhair is a hit on Instagram. A color that seduces in the street as on the red carpet: Louane or Cara Delevingne have not hesitated to switch to gray. Silver reflections that provide a rock style, a romantic touch. Want to give in to the trend? All our advice.
After the platinum blonde boom, popular with the long hair of Nordic influencers, gray is now emerging as the new hair hit. From catwalks to the streets, this coloring is part of a movement that promotes more inclusive and freer beauty. Far from stereotypes, the gray colo, natural or artificial, fully embraces itself. No wonder then that the "silver" tone has been named the "color of the year 2019" by L’Oréal. Whatever the haircut, the gray dye awakens the hair and breaks the codes. Its nonconformist aura boosts wise figures and instantly harmonizes with more daring quickdraws.
Gray coloring: instructions for use
Before embarking on a gray coloring, you must take into account several factors such as the quality of the hair or its natural color. Christophe-Nicolas Biot, hairdresser ambassador of Wella, helps us to see more clearly. Decryption.
- If I have naturally gray hair:
The expert hairdresser recommends cutting the lengths to highlight the first white hair or gray roots. "If you have hair that ends at the beginning of the shoulders, you have to agree to cut to avoid the two-tone effect for too long. In addition, the gray coloring calls for a change of style and adopt a shorter cut. A lot of times, we see that a gray undertone on long hair doesn't work because it hardens the features."
- If I want to embrace the new gray permanent hair color trend:
Fading is the essential step in adopting the color gray. "Gray coloring, yes, but as long as you already have a light base, which can range from dark blonde to light blonde. To switch to anthracite, metallic or silver gray, you must bleach the natural hair or strip the pigmented hair. A process that requires working on healthy hair. Too damaged hair is spongy, it will be all the more weakened by discoloration. Fortunately, laboratories now offer bleaching products that have care complexes that repair the hair while bleaching it. " details Christophe-Nicolas Biot.
The best gray color ideas spotted on Pinterest:
© Pinterest: @Flora Metromode
Gray coloring: a meticulous bleaching technique
Bleaching is a long and painstaking process. This is why it is strongly recommended that you make an appointment at a hair salon to bleach your hair. "Discoloration is a process that already takes time to apply, since the product must be applied meticulously in order to achieve a uniform effect. Then, the exposure time is also long, it varies from 45 minutes to 2 hours. So it's an operation that lasts between two and four hours in total " recalls Ambassador Wella.
What gray color for my hair?
Pearl gray, silver gray, anthracite gray, silver hair, grombre hair, the choice among the different shades of gray will depend on several factors that the hairdresser will determine in the salon, as Christophe-Nicolas Biot explains to us:
- "Eye color "
- "Skin color"
- "The make-up style: a color will have a totally different effect depending on whether the woman is wearing makeup or not"
- "The look: you can't afford the same style on a woman who has a sober look as on a woman who dares more fantasy"
Charcoal gray is the most popular shade in the living room. "It is a true gray, deep, quite clear, women particularly appreciate it because it is bright"notes the expert hairdresser.
How to maintain a gray color?
The gray coloring has good staying power when it is well maintained. Christophe-Nicolas Biot recalls certain contraindications: "Silicone products should be banned from the skincare routine because they cause the pigments to slip off. Likewise, the chlorine in the swimming pool is harmful for the gray coloring, the gray pigment is particularly sensitive.". In addition, pigmenting treatments are particularly recommended."For example, the Color Fresh Mask from Wella helps maintain the gray color while taking care of the hair"advises the hairdresser. Finally, specific hair care for gray coloring will enhance the color and keep it bright, several weeks after going to the salon.
Discover our selection of the best products to maintain a gray color:
Eugene Perma Collections Nature's Iris Silver Shampoo. A boost of shine in the hair with this gentle shampoo that drives out yellow highlights leaving only natural light. Price: € 14.14 – 300 ml. Eshop
Coslys organic anti-yellowing shampoo. The beauty secret of harmonious coloring. Its formula with organic Centaurea and Baobab extracts helps neutralize unsightly yellow and silver reflections. A generous size at a low price for a bright gray or white color that lasts. Price: € 11.80 -500 ml. Eshop
Wella Pearl Blonde Color Fresh coloring mask. A treatment mask that allows you to space out salon visits. Its pigments revive the color without damaging the hair. An essential to reconnect with a luminous and intense pearl gray in 10 minutes flat. Price: € 18.50. Available at Bleu Libellule and in approved Wella salons
The Matrix So Silver tinted mask. This treatment enhances silvery tones. Natural gray hair regains beautiful highlights and harmonious shine. Price: 31 €. Available on Amazon and Matrix Authorized Lounges
Schwarzopf GOT2B BOMB'ART Silver temporary hair color. This color pigment the hair with a luminous silver tone. For 5 weeks, the hair displays a pretty trendy shade, without damaging the fiber. Price: € 7.50. Available in approved salons or on amazon.fr