We’re conditioned to feel a certain sense of urgency when we notice the first few grays. At-home hair color commercials dating back decades would have us believe that once a few strands of silver hair pop out, all you have to do is cover, cover, cover. (But never joke about it; old wives’ tales would have you believe that if you pluck out one gray hair, you’ll get more.) The “quiet silver” trend, also known as gray blends, denies the notion that gray must be hidden and allows previously frowned upon grays and color blends to shine.
The concept of gradually entering a gray age is not entirely new. Colorist Farrah Hurdle reports on how coloring is done at her San Diego salon. But like many trends, this time there was a rebrand. This time, Freshais a reservation platform that coined the term “Quiet Silver” during a conversation with glamor. But questions remain. Why is it said again that gray hair is okay?
How to achieve calm silver hair
The process of becoming beautifully gray is a very personal process. After all, everyone arrives at the salon with a different base color, varying degrees of gray, and their own goals. However, it starts with professional consultation.
Hurdle, who calls his quiet approach to silver “gray blending,” previously said: allure It’s all a distraction. “First I’m trying to accentuate areas that have a lot of silver, and then I’m dimming the lights in areas that could be darker,” she said, explaining that she uses toner and demi-permanent color to add dimension around the grays.
L’Oréal Professionnel has launched a hair color application method to achieve this. The technique, called “French blending,” is “designed to accommodate all levels of gray acceptance.” jacob habib khanis a stylist and global creative contributor to the brand. “Using one of three different coloring techniques: First Blend, Retouch Blend, and Total Blend, we will formulate the perfect shade for you by not only covering gray hair, but also blending it in for a more natural look and seamless growth.”
The first blend creates a contrast with the initial gray patch to create a natural camouflage look. This restrained approach ensures softer regrowth between salon appointments. The purpose of retouch blending is to soften the banding, moving away from the “helmet effect” border associated with gray coverage. Total blending fully incorporates the gray for a more visible change.
French blending as a whole is based on a highly individualized strategy. “For some clients, a micro-teasing approach, where you gently backcomb small, thin sections of hair before applying lightener, may be necessary, while others may be candidates for balayage,” says Kahn. “It’s all about mirroring and recreating the gray pattern to give each client the best blend possible.”
If you’re thinking that starting with light hair might be an easy path to quiet silver, you’re not wrong. “I think it’s going to be a little more seamless look for people with lighter natural hair colors,” says colorist Victoria Suarez. Anushka Spa & Salon Located in Palm Beach. “The two colors blend much better because the contrast isn’t as sharp.” But that doesn’t mean it’s out of the question for dark-haired people. Khan says, “No matter what hair color you have, mixing it with gray will make it look gorgeous.”
How to achieve calm silver hair at home
It’s perhaps no surprise that the colorists we spoke to are mostly against trying to achieve quiet silver at home. Not only because it doesn’t get you as a customer, but because it’s actually best left to the professionals. That said, hairstylist and co-owner Chloe Williams HE+ROE STUDIO The Delray Beach, Florida, resident reluctantly shared her recommendations if you’re determined to do it yourself.
Source: Allure – www.allure.com
