Embracing grey hair isn’t a new notion. However, it’s only in the last 18 months – since the first lockdown began and salons temporarily closed – that the silver hair celebration has exploded. We’ve helped more more clients transition to grey than ever, offered tips on enhancing their natural locks, and glossed their strays in-salon to keep those silvery hues looking fresh year-round.
But, to each of them, we’ve said the same thing: ‘you need a good shampoo for grey hair in your at-home kit’. Here’s why the right care is crucial, and how you can glow up your own greys…
Why Does grey hair need extra care?
Even the most glittering natural greys may be prone to brassiness and yellow tones. There are all manner of culprits that can cause shade fade, from pollution to chlorine to, quite simply, genetics. When dullness strikes, only the very best care can help those silver strands sparkle once again, which is why pigment-depositing products are key for renewing the tone without changing the color.
Grey hair can often appear dry and wiry, too. Just as each strand loses pigment over time, the sebum glands on your scalp can start to slow down, which means they gradually produce less of the essential oils your hair craves. As a result, not only does grey hair need a little tone top-up from time to time, but it also requires plenty of moisture to look its glossy, frizz-free best.
What does purple shampoo do for grey hair?
You know that purple shampoo is perfect for reversing brassy tones in blonde hair– but what about grey? Turns out, violet pigments can dial down overly warm hues in silver locks, too. It all comes down to color theory. Shades that sit opposite one another on the color wheel have the ability to cancel each other out, in effect neutralizing unwanted tones. And, because purple sits opposite yellow, it can rid you of that yellowy cast. Try it with the INVIGO Cool Blonde Color Refreshing Shampoo.
Used once per week (or whenever yellow tones start to appear), this purple lather reduces brassiness in a single wash. Simply wet hair, lather up, leave it on for up to five minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Grey hair will be looking fresh and bright once more.
Let’s talk in-salon options
While using a shampoo for grey hair will take care of brassiness and dull tones, Wella’s new Silver Glow by True Grey service can be used to add depth and dimension or refresh silver hues. With less commitment than a toner or gloss, the service offers a hint of a tint that’s as gentle as water, making it a damage-free option for those who want to celebrate their greys. Just check out the before and after above.
Opt for the light tones (like Pearl Mist Light or Graphite Shimmer Light) to give natural hues a glow-up. Or, why not turn to the medium and dark tones (like Steel Glow Medium or Graphite Shimmer Dark) to create volume-boosting shadow? The toners only take up to 30 minutes to develop – 15 minutes for a subtler sheen – so the service is as quick as it is flattering. Perfect for a lunch break pick-me-up.