"Enhancing the Vibrancy and Intentionality of Gray Hair"

More and more people are leaning into gray hair, letting their silver strands shine. For those who are down to go gray but still want their hair to look vibrant, chic and somewhat intentional, there are a few tricks experts recommend. Overall, “The key to vibrant gray hair is blending and enhancing the existing tones while maintaining a polished, effortless result,” says celebrity colorist Jack Martin. Ahead, experts share the best ways to enhance your naturally gray hair, from highlight color options to alternate techniques.

“Highlights are meant to remove pigment from hair, and since gray hair doesn’t have much pigment to lift, they are most impactful on a salt-and-pepper base to create lighter dimension,” explains director of education at Madison Reed Shvonne Perkins. “Lowlights, on the other hand, weave in bits of deeper color, making them more effective for those transitioning to gray slowly and moving from all-over permanent color to a more blended, dimensional application.” Martin agrees that “Introducing slightly darker tones like smoky gray or charcoal adds contrast and richness, making gray tones pop.”

Martin says babylights are also a good option as the delicate, finely woven highlights mimic natural sunlight and can add a softness. Additionally, face-framing highlights can help brighten the strands around the face and “draw attention to key features and create a youthful glow.”

Another technique worth trying is silverlights. “Instead of covering gray hair, this approach integrates it into highlights, allowing silvery pieces to add complexity and dimension,” explains Perkins. Balayage is another option. This hand-painted technique allows “for a gradual blend, creating depth and movement while preserving a natural experience,” says Martin.

For a quick fix, Perkins recommends Madison Reed ColorWonder Demi-Permanent Hair Color in Silver and Bold ($34), “especially formulated to give gray hair a cool pewter finish, enhancing silver strands while keeping yellow tones away.” The shade gradually washes out over about 25 shampoos, “leaving no root lines and ensuring a seamless, polished look.”

According to Martin, you can opt for either cool or warm highlights depending on the look you’re trying to achieve. “Cool-toned highlights, such as silver, platinum, or ash blonde, can blend seamlessly with gray hair and enhance its natural tone,” he says. “For added warmth, soft beige or champagne tones can provide dimension while maintaining a sophisticated look.”

“It’s important to note that it is possible to over-tone gray hair,” notes Perkins. “Avoid leaving pigmented shampoo on longer than recommended. Typically, I advise clients with gray hair to alternate every other shampoo with a pigmented wash and a moisture-based line.” If you need to, “you can always increase the use of a purple shampoo until the desired tone is achieved.”

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