Metallic manes are going strong for summer. It all started with rose gold hair, which has been serving up pink-hued, high-gloss hairspiration for months now. Now, silver hair color is rising to the fore as a cool-toned take on the trend, and it’s set to rival the popularity of even this year’s big Insta-favorite, ice blonde hair.
It’s easy to see why, too. Silver hair is a) statement-making, b) ultra-shiny and c) the coolest way to embrace grey roots - if they’re starting to come through, that is. Gone are the days when “silver fox” was only used to describe salt ‘n’ pepper-haired men. Now, the likes of Kim Kardashian and Dascha Polanco are showing us why it’s good to go silver-grey.
Of course, a certain amount of lightening is required to achieve a true silver. For the clearest result on your clients, use Blondor Extra Cool Blonde Powder to pre-lighten hair to a pale yellow, then follow with two toning services: one to neutralize the yellow, and the other to add a dose of silver. We recommend Color Touch 7/89 for a darker, almost-gunmetal hue, or 0/89 for a striking silver tone that veers platinum. This two-toner process helps to create a longer-lasting finish and ensures the color gradually fades to a cool-toned blonde. No brassy tones here.
SILVER HAIR COLOR IDEAS
SOFTLY, SOFTLY
Image Credit: @shaunaformanhair
This silver shade is so pale and pure, it looks like silk. Up the softness further by recommending INVIGO Cool Blonde Color Refreshing Conditioner as a once-a-week treat. The pigment-depositing treatment will keep the color clear and bright, while a blend of hard-working hydrators ensures the hair remains in tip-top condition.
PLATINUM PLAIT
Image Credit: @tpla_hairart
Light, multi-tonal locks are the ideal canvas for all manner of twists and braids. Just look at this half-up, half-down ‘do for solid silver proof. Create the plait on straight hair that’s been spritzed with EIMI Dry Me for grip, then add a little EIMI Glam Mist to gloss up the final look.
VIOLET VOLUME BOOST
Image Credit: @emilyyourhairstylist
Using Color Fresh CREATE in Pure Violet, add bands of ultra violet through silver strands. This will give the look extra dimension and make the hair appear thicker. A deeper shade of metallic grey is a must to make the blend between purple hues seamless, so tone hair with Color Touch 7/89 before adding the CFC shade.
SHINE ON
Image Credit: @jonkershner
For a silver that’s as shiny as can be, style hair super-straight and sleek. You can create the look by misting mid-lengths with EIMI Shimmer Delight, then gliding Wella Style Hair Iron Straighteners from root to tip. Easy.
SILVER BALAYAGE
Image Credit: @mitch_zidu
Team the dark roots trend with a silver balayage to achieve this gradient effect. We spy some subtle hints of lilac through the tips, which can be added using a matte gloss, such as Instamatic by Color Touch in the shade Muted Mauve.
SILVER HAIR COLOR FORMULAS
FORMULAS
Pearlescent silver
By Leena Rämö
Color Formulas:
Koleston Perfect, Blondor Multi-Blonde-Powder, Welloxon Perfect
Babylight: 30g Blondor + 45g 6%
Tone: 10/8 + 9/1 + 8/97 + 33/66 + 1.9%
GLOSSY SILVER
By Natalie Peacoc
Color Formulas:
Illumina Color, Blondor Freelights, Welloxon Perfect
Balayage: 30g Blondor + 45g 9%
Gloss: 8/ + 7/81 + 8/69 + 1.9% 6vol
SILKY SILVER
By Lucian Busuioc
ICY SILVER
By Shannen D
Color Formulas:
Koleston Perfect, Blondor Multi-Blonde-Powder, Welloxon Perfect
Prelighten: 30g Blondor + 45g 6%
Toner: 10/0 + 9/81 + 10/86 + 1.9%
METALLIC SILVER
By Shannen D
Color Formulas:
Illumina Color, Blondor Multi-Blonde-Powder, Welloxon Perfect
Prelighten: 30g Blondor + 45g 6%
Roots: 20g 5/81 + 20g 6/16 + 80g 1.9%
Ends: 40g 8/69 + 20g 9/60 + 3g 5/81 + 126g 1.9%
Find more hair color inspiration in our Wella Hair Lookbook and follow @WellaHair on Instagram for the hottest looks. Make sure to tag us in your photos with #WellaHair to show off your latest styles and be featured on our social channels.