Silver hair is a cool, metallic gray. As a dyed color, it's made by lightening the hair to the palest blonde and then toning it silver. Here's what sets it apart, who it suits, what to ask your colorist for and how to keep it looking fresh.
Silver hair at a glance
- Type: Gray
- Tone: Cool
- Lightening needed: Yes, to the lightest level, unless your hair is naturally gray or white.
- Maintenance: Very high
- Touch-ups: 4 to 6 weeks
What makes it different
It's one of the hardest colors to achieve and keep, because any yellow left in the hair turns the silver muddy.
Who it suits
Cool and neutral undertones. If you're naturally gray, a silver toner and purple shampoo are often all you need.
Not sure whether you're warm or cool? See how to find your undertone and the best hair color for your skin tone, or get your full palette with the free color analysis.
What to ask your colorist
- Ask whether your hair can lift light enough without damage.
- Say silver, gray or white.
- Ask how often the toner needs redoing.
- Bring photos taken in daylight, and say what you don't want as well as what you do.
How to maintain it
Use purple shampoo weekly, a bond-repair treatment and plenty of conditioning. Toner fades in a few weeks.
Shades and variations
- White hair: the palest, with almost no gray.
- Gray hair: a deeper, steelier shade.
- Silver balayage: silver pieces on a dark or gray base.
- Natural silver: enhancing gray you already have.
Try it before you dye
Color is hard to undo. Upload a selfie to the AI hair color changer and see silver hair on your own hair before you book.
Related hair colors
- Platinum blonde hair
- Gray blending
- Salt and pepper hair
- Ash blonde hair
- Hair gloss
- All hair color ideas
FAQ
What is silver hair?
Silver hair is a cool, metallic gray.
Who suits silver hair?
Cool and neutral undertones. If you're naturally gray, a silver toner and purple shampoo are often all you need.
Do you need bleach for silver hair?
Yes, to the lightest level, unless your hair is naturally gray or white.
How often does it need touching up?
About every 4 to 6 weeks.
