Highlighting on gray hair – why is this the best option for masking the problem?

Although gray hair is a normal aspect of aging, many people find it to be a significant change. Some people choose to embrace their silver strands, while others try to blend or cover them up. Highlighting is one of the most widely used methods since it allows for the concealment of gray without totally hiding it.

Highlights, as opposed to full-color treatments, blend gray with other shades to produce a more natural-looking effect. By using this technique, the grays become less noticeable as they blend in with your natural hair color.

Highlights are popular because they give hair more body and brightness, making it seem younger and more natural. It’s an easy way to hide gray hair without sacrificing the color and vibrancy of your hair.

The best way to hide gray hair is to highlight it because it creates a soft, multi-dimensional look by blending lighter strands with natural tones. This method makes the regrowth less obvious and easier to maintain by providing a more natural transition and reducing the sharp contrast of solid colors. It’s a subdued method of updating your appearance without totally hiding your gray hair.

Features of highlighting on gray hair

Regardless of age, every woman has the right to exquisitely subtle highlighting or intricate coloring. However, it appears that white wires in the hair are a sign that you should stop coloring it just one color. Oh no, it will all work itself out! It’s important to first comprehend the characteristics of gray hair. Because they don’t have any pigment at all, unlike colored strands, they turn white. Because such hair is typically stiffer and more difficult for a regular coloring composition to penetrate its structure, unique coloring techniques and compositions are chosen.

In this case, highlighting is the most useful method. First of all, it can handle partially gray hair, allowing you to color specific strands rather than the full length. Second, because of the blending of multiple colors, it does not highlight recently sprouting gray hair (this is how blondes and stylish gray shades work). Remember, though, that highlighting is merely a portion of hair coloring. If gray hairs are no more than 30% for brunettes and 40% for fair-haired women, then highlighting them is advised. A skilled colorist, however, can handle any level of difficulty.

Advantages and disadvantages of the service

  • masks gray hair, without affecting curls with natural pigment;
  • large selection of techniques and coloring styles;
  • has a minimum negative impact on the hair structure, unlike full coloring;
  • does not require frequent repetition of the procedure;
  • suitable for hair of any length.

The only drawback to highlighting is that if the process is carried out at home using the wrong products, the outcome might not be what is intended. Furthermore, certain coloring composition components have limitations and should not be used.

Types of highlighting hair with gray hair: not only classics

These days, there are so many different kinds and methods for highlighting gray hair that it’s easy to find the one that works for you. Do you like sophisticated extravagance or a natural effect? SalonSecret can inspire you!

"Salt and pepper"

The technique’s name explains it all: coloring is the presence of two contrasting colors with a smooth, imperceptible transition between them.

This technique works well for people who have a lot of gray hair. The challenge of selecting the appropriate shades is the drawback, though. Finding the ideal colors to produce a seamless transition is a skill only possessed by a skilled colorist.

Classic

This method aids in the concealment of slight gray hair. While working with the entire length of the hair is essential to classic highlighting, the width of the dyed strands can vary based on the desired outcome.

Stylists advise selecting the thinnest strands to achieve a natural effect, meaning that the difference between naturally occurring curls and dyed ones won’t be noticeable.

With edging

There are bob and cap hairstyles that fully showcase the potential of edging.

When gray hair is sporadic and concentrated in one area, this technique is employed. An area 1-2 cm wide along the hairline is highlighted with a tone of any shade; the remaining curls are dyed using the traditional technique.

Coloring

Ideal for covering gray hair in women and girls of all hair colors.

This method blends a number of complementary hues; selecting the appropriate color scheme is crucial and should be handled by a professional. We’ve already written about coloring dark hair, by the way.

Shatush

The most effective method for creating the appearance of sunburned hair. Better suited for brunettes and women with brown hair, as the outcome won’t be as obvious on lighter hair.

Under gray hair

Ideal for blondes who have a significant amount of gray hair. Ash shades are typically used in this situation, and there is bound to be one that is ideal for you.

How to choose a shade for highlighting?

Selecting highlighting shades should be done with your own preferences and emotions in mind. It would be more accurate to assess the current condition of your curls and the base color of your hair rather than depending solely on fashion.

For dark or black hair

In the wrong shade, highlight looks very specific on black hair. It is best to consult a professional colorist, who will probably suggest warm caramel shades for brown-haired women and cold, cognac, coffee shades for brunettes.

For light hair

Nearly any shade will seem well-balanced; however, avoid selecting extremely dark tones; it’s sufficient to go up or down two or three shades from your natural hair color.

It is suggested that owners of naturally light-blond curls highlight their hair with wheat and platinum shades. Women with dark blonde hair look good with copper and golden tones painted over gray hair.

For redheads

Girls with red hair find it most difficult to select the appropriate shade. Copper tones work well for rich dark red curls and caramel and peach shades for light red hair.

Review of long-lasting and ammonia-free hair dyes

Make sure to consider the paint’s percentage of gray hair coloring compatibility when making your selection. Manufacturers will occasionally state right on the label, "coloring 50% gray hair." This indicates that the paint will only slightly alter the hair’s color and cannot deeply penetrate a hard curl.

L’Oréal Professionnel Majirel

This is one of the best French paints with the strongest penetration, say experts at SalonSecret. The color scheme includes cool and warm tones with nourishing ingredients to help hydrate coarse gray hair. Majirel Glow is another option for maximum shine without sacrificing an exquisite natural look.

Matrix SoColor Beauty

Our experts suggest using Matrix SoColor Beauty, a collection of long-lasting shades, to cover up gray hair. Ceramides R and vegetable oils are used by the manufacturer as effective care components; ammonia is not added to the composition.

Redken Chromatics

An additional ammonia-free hair color that is suggested to counteract gray hair. comprises acai berry extract, proteins, and vitamin tocopherol. Because of the qualities of oils, a unique technology enables the pigment to subtly permeate deep into the structure of the hair.

How to do highlights on gray hair: technique

One peculiarity of highlighting gray strands is that, occasionally, bleaching is also necessary for hair without color pigments. The base is leveled in this manner in order to apply the dye. They can be omitted, though, if it is evident that a particular strand has already been significantly bleached by gray hair. A surprising bonus of gray hair, you say?

The length and quality of gray hair should be taken into consideration when selecting a coloring method. The most popular and simple method of highlighting is with foil.

  1. The hair prepared for dyeing must be divided into four zones and fixed with clamps.
  2. Using a comb with a thin tip, the strand is divided into curls 1-2 cm, under which a piece of foil is placed.
  3. The coloring composition is applied to the hair.
  4. Strands hide, turning foil in half. Further, the colorist one gains the following strands one at a time and repeats the coloring on them.
  5. The paint is withstanding the required time (usually it is indicated on the package of the product), and then washed off.
  6. When all zones are worked out, there is a tinting stage to harmonize color.

Counseling! Use 6% of anoxidant when bleaching; this is the best percentage for gray hair. As a result, curls will undoubtedly acquire the desired background and won’t deteriorate due to the mixture’s ingredients.

Reason Description
Blends gray naturally Highlights mix with natural hair color, making gray less noticeable without harsh contrast.
Low maintenance Regrowth blends better with highlighted strands, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups.
Adds dimension Highlights create a multi-tonal look, giving hair depth and vibrancy.
Softens overall look Lightening certain areas softens the appearance, giving a more youthful glow.

A quick and easy way to blend those silver strands without using full coverage dye on gray hair is to highlight it. It gives the appearance of being younger by lessening the contrast between gray and natural color.

A hair regimen with less upkeep is also possible with this technique. Regrowth becomes less obvious as the highlights fade, requiring less frequent trips to the salon and general upkeep.

Highlighting is a subtly effective way to cover up gray hair while maintaining the health and vibrancy of your hair if you’re searching for a natural and flexible solution.

Video on the topic

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Ekaterina Zhukova

Professional stylist and makeup artist, I have extensive experience in the fashion industry. Specialization - wedding and evening hairstyles that emphasize natural beauty and elegance. In my work I adhere to the principle - attention to every detail creates the perfect look.

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