Should I color or highlight my gray hair?
James Olson
Updated on May 27, 2026
"Gray or white hair tends to look best with pink, olive, and dark complexions," says Lisa Chiccine, a stylist and owner of the Lisa Chiccine Salon in New York City. "If you're sallow or very pale, you'll probably look washed-out and should consider highlights or lowlights," she says.
What happens if you highlight gray hair?
Can Gray Hair Be Highlighted? Yes, gray hair can be highlighted. Just keep in mind that, when you're highlighting gray locks, the goal is to blend silver strays and create an ultra-natural finish.Do highlights look good on grey hair?
Can Grey Hair Be Highlighted? Yes, grey hair can be highlighted. Just keep in mind that, when you're highlighting grey locks, the goal is to blend silver strays and create an ultra-natural finish.What is the best Colour highlights for grey hair?
If you're mostly gray, consider blonde highlights like Blythe Danner's. They're easier to maintain and will blend with your gray to give you a pretty white-blond color.Are lowlights or highlights better for grey hair?
It's a truth universally acknowledged that gray hair can be chic, glamorous, and oh-so-flattering. And when it comes to adding depth and playfulness to gray hair, there's no better technique than lowlights (a good shampoo helps too).Blending Gray Hair with Highlights and Lowlights | My Partial Foiling Technique (Super easy!)
How do you make gray hair not look old?
To keep your gray hair healthy, try to avoid over-using heat tools and styling products, as these can lead to unwanted yellow tones in your gray hair. If you do use heat tools, put them on the lowest setting and use a good thermal protectant. If your gray hair yellows, you can try purple shampoo or a purple mask.What is color blending for gray hair?
So, what is gray blending? Basically, it's like gray camouflage. It's a low maintenance color technique that hides the gray by adding in other colors that are similar to your hair's natural shade. This way it appears less gray, silver or white and creates a smoother transition to these lighter shades.Is Balayage or highlights better for grey hair?
When it comes to gray coverage, balayage and foilyage have several benefits over traditional highlights. Favoring a balayage technique for gray blending services allows you to cover a larger surface area and avoid leaving out as much hair. Doing so leaves the client with a natural and youthful look.What happens if you put blonde dye on grey hair?
It depends on the shade of grey. With a white-ish grey you might get away with putting blonde on it; if you're a steely grey it won't cover it. Highlights might be better; you could blend the grey in for a silver-blonde look.How can I make my grey hair look better?
"Gray or white hair tends to look best with pink, olive, and dark complexions," says Lisa Chiccine, a stylist and owner of the Lisa Chiccine Salon in New York City. "If you're sallow or very pale, you'll probably look washed-out and should consider highlights or lowlights," she says.Is it better to go lighter or darker to cover gray hair?
For grey hair coverage, we generally recommend that you aim to color slightly lighter than the natural hair color level of your client. In this case we would suggest you go for a color starting in level 6 (Dark Blonde) or 7 (Blonde).How do you manage gray hair with highlights?
If you, too, have developed some grays and are looking to camouflage them, here's our best advice:
- Spot treat with dye.
- Strategically add lighter highlights.
- Ask for babylights.
- Try a glaze or gloss to soften strands.
- Just don't pluck.
How can I enhance my gray hair naturally?
If you are a natural brunette, you'll want to blend your greys with darker lowlights. For natural blondes, you should add highlights and lowlights ranging from pearl to medium blonde. And if you are a natural redhead, a range of brown and blonde highlights and lowlights will enhance your grey locks best.Is Balayage good for gray hair?
Balayage is a smart solution for gray hair because it allows the colorist to specifically target gray strands without touching the scalp. And, because you don't need to do a single process to cancel out a few grays, it's easier on your hair overall. 4. You should cut, then color.What is the best colour to hide grey hair?
Colors like butterscotch, light auburn and golden brown, or ash brown for those with a cool skin tone, are all versatile brunette shades that aren't too dark and are some of the best hair colors to hide gray.Why does hair turn white instead of gray?
This is when you notice hair appearing to turn grey, when there is a mix of dark colored and grey or white hair. As the person grows older and the body's ability to produce melanin begins to slow down, all the hair in the body turns grey or white and this when you begin to see all white hair.Does ash blonde cover GREY hair?
Ash colors generally do not cover gray hair on their own. Darker colors (brunette shades) will have more pigment in them and will provide better coverage than lighter colors (blond shades). However, if you choose a color that is too dark, the color difference will be more dramatic when your hair grows out.How can I go from gray to blonde?
The Basics of Going from Gray Hair to Blonde
- Assess the Percentage and Distribution of Gray. First, take a good look at your client's hair. ...
- Choose a Lightener to Add Highlights and Lift Locks. ...
- Pick the Best Blonde Hair Color to Cover Gray. ...
- Start Where Gray is Most Prominent. ...
- Use Heat to Speed Up the Process.
