Silver hair color has been a trending hair color for the past few years, and it’s no surprise why. This color is stunning and can be tailored to suit many different styles and skin tones. However, achieving silver is challenging, and it requires a lot of maintenance to keep the color looking its best. To help you navigate the world of silver hair ideas, expert stylist and color director, Lisa Dinh provides advice to inspire you to take the plunge and transform your locks into a gorgeous silver hue. So, buckle up and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful silver hair color ideas out there!
Meet The Expert
Lisa Dinh
Lisa is a stylist and color director with over 14 years of experience.
Lisa is at her hair studio in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Silver hair has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for women considering this striking color, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Lisa says that achieving silver hair is a process that requires time, patience, and maintenance. “From dark virgin hair, we need to strip the hair to a level 10 and then tone silver,” she says. “From natural grey growing out, it’s a Color Correction, and we need to strip out colored ends slowly. We recommend a clarifying shampoo before visiting the salon. If they have existing color on the ends, we also agree on a haircut!”
When it comes to maintaining silver hair, Lisa recommends Fanola Purple Shampoo. “It’s the most pigmented purple shampoo on the market and helps tone the hair in-between hair services,” she says. “Purple shampoo is a must to maintain the color as it will fade and go to blonde. I recommend using it once a week or every 2 weeks.”
For women with silver hair with the opposite hair color, Lisa advises coming in for a hair strand test. “I recommend all women with the opposite hair color that want silver to get a strand test because we can tell from a strand test if the hair will lift and set the expectations based on their hair history,” she says. “This also provides the client with a lot of detail and a game plan for the hairstylist.”
Lisa also cautions against common mistakes women make when getting and maintaining silver hair. “Women usually don’t use the right products or get wrong that this is a ‘permanent’ color,” she says. “Every color fades and requires professional toners in-between and professional products to maintain the hair color and the integrity of the hair as it is a lot of bleaching to get the silver color. Without proper care, the hair will fade.”
Finally, Lisa suggests that before deciding to ask the hair colorist a few important questions. “Is this possible on my hair based on my hair history, hair texture, and the integrity of my hair?” she says. “That is such a big question because it allows the hairstylist to have a thorough consultation based on that client’s hair. Also another important question is how to maintain the color. Having silver hair is almost a lifestyle. It’s a luxury to maintain and to upkeep.”
Get ready to be mesmerized by the silver hair color ideas – you won’t resist checking out every stunning picture!
#1: Long Wavy Silver Hair
Nothing brings out a stunning silver like some long waves. This look would be great if you have been rocking the all-over platinum blonde but want to try something new. A toner is all needed to achieve this look on platinum blonde hair.
#2 Bold Ice Blue Silver
Honey, this ice blue silver hairstyle is a showstopper, perfect for my daring ladies! This shade pairs beautifully with an oval face and will turn heads with its cascade of cool blue waves. Ideal for fine, thick hair, it adds a luxurious depth. Beware though, silver can fade, so upkeep is key. You’ll want to commit to toning treatments and use color-safe products to keep this ice queen look from melting. The blending here, from natural silver to icy blue, is expertly done, showing off a creative edge that’s ahead of the curve.
#3 Stunning Steel Metallic Silver
Capture the allure of silver with this enchanting long wavy style. Dark roots transition into glistening silver, perfect for the young at heart seeking low-maintenance growth. While the style radiates youthful elegance, consider the commitment: it demands diligent care to protect against damage from lightening. Suitable for dense hair, this blend exudes luxury with every wave.
#4 Cool Braided Silver and Purple Hair
Adorn your tresses with this long, intricately braided masterpiece, marrying the elegance of silver with playful hints of purple. This thick, straight hair allows for crisp, clean braids that won’t fray, ensuring a lasting style. Ideal for those desiring a blend of classic and bold without daily fuss. The gradient purple adds depth and can mask regrowth, making it a savvy choice for the style-conscious. However, it requires skill to upkeep the hues. When considering, weigh the commitment to color maintenance against the ease of braided elegance.
#5 Salt and Pepper Balayage Bob
Revel in the timeless grace of this salt and pepper balayage bob, a testament to embracing natural beauty with a modern twist. The savvy melding of silver highlights with natural gray exudes sophistication, making it a fabulous choice for those cherishing their silver linings. Ideal for the mature, style-conscious woman, this look champions low maintenance while boasting high fashion. Keep in mind, the balayage requires less frequent salon visits, but investing in color-preserving products is key to maintaining the chic contrast.
#6 Vivid Silvery Rose Gold
Indulge in the charm of this rose to silver balayage, perfect for those with fine to medium strands looking to add a playful twist to their look. It presents a vibrant transition from blushing pink at the scalp to a cool silver at the tips, complementing oval-shaped faces exquisitely. Be mindful of the upkeep; this color journey requires frequent toning and a delicate touch.
#7 Silverish Periwinkle Hair
This wavy blue ocean-inspired hairstyle offers a fresh take for those looking to dive into color without committing to full silver. Perfect for voluminous, medium-length hair, the blend of deep and light blues creates a vibrant, playful look while keeping maintenance lower than silver. It suits rounded faces beautifully, adding visual interest and movement. However, the hues require periodic toning to maintain vibrancy, and the color transition might need professional upkeep. Ideal for someone wanting to sport a youthful, unconventional style with the versatility of blue tones.
#8 Enchanting Silver Hair Ombre
Dive into a low-maintenance silver ombre, darling. Perfect for youthful, heart-shaped faces, this medium-length, wavy look blends dark roots into shimmering silver, creating depth and ease of growth. Fine yet full, this style offers volume without the commitment to constant touch-ups. Ideal for the busy gal wanting to flirt with silver hues while keeping styling simple. Ready to embrace the ombre without the frequent salon visits? This could be your match!”
#9 Gorgeous Natural Grey
This shoulder-length silver hairstyle is a striking choice for ladies embracing their natural grace. Transitioning from a darker shade, the sleek straight cut embodies modern elegance and makes a bold statement. It’s a manageable length for those not wanting to fuss too much with styling. While the silver hue illuminates with sophistication, it will require maintenance to keep the cool tones vibrant and avoid a brassy look. Ideal for medium-density hair, the straight texture brings a sleekness to the overall aesthetic.
#10 Silver Mauve
Captured here is a layered silver hairstyle with a gentle fade from the roots, enhancing oval-shaped faces and amplifying the fullness of thick waves. Ideal for easing from darker to lighter hair, it ensures a smooth transition with manageable upkeep. Though the pale ends make a statement, they do demand diligent care to avoid yellow tones. Commitment to consistent toning is key to preserving the crisp silver shades.
#11 Long Silver Hair with Short Layers
Chic for the mature lady, this long hair with short layers gives a playful yet manageable style. The natural wave adds softness to the oval face, while the thick density lends itself to the airy layers. Silver hair shows elegance, but remember, it requires dedication to maintain its luster. The darker roots blend seamlessly into the silver, providing a forgiving grow-out period. Suitable for those with strong hair structure, yet consider the bleaching process can be taxing on hair integrity.
#12 Trendsetting Silver Mermaid Hair
Behold this whimsical ‘Silver Mermaid Waves’ style, where luxurious length meets the fantasy of the sea. Ideal for those already flaunting a light base, a silver-tone weaves through to accentuate voluminous, wavy tresses, anchored by an enchanting twist that sets this apart from your standard wave. Best for resilient strands as lightening can be harsh. The length provides styling versatility, yet consider the upkeep; silver fades and demands routine toning. Embrace the magic, if you commit to the maintenance.
#13 Deep Steel Brown Silver Color
Welcome this effortlessly chic metallic luster into your style! The striking blend of fashionable silver kissed with ash brown shades offers a graceful grow-out thanks to the dark roots peeking through. A dream for those with thicker locks, this look delivers a rich, voluminous appearance. Its natural sleekness can be styled into soft waves for an enchanting end flourish, complementing oval face shapes and suiting ladies in their late twenties to early thirties splendidly. Remember, the silver hue demands commitment with top-tier toners and consistent salon appointments to maintain its sparkle.
#14 Beautiful Silver Babylights
This wavy, layered bob is a chic choice for those with an oval face and a penchant for silver tones. The darker roots will afford you some leeway between salon visits, ideal for busy bees! Wavy hair types will rejoice at the texture emphasis, but remember, silver is a commitment—it fades and demands regular toning. Perfect for medium-density locks, this style’s a stunner but be ready for upkeep!
#15 Multi-Dimensional Platinum Silver
Behold this layered cascade of silver and blonde, a dynamic blend that offers both cool and warm reflections, ideal for adding volume and vivacity to thick, wavy locks. The long layers, artfully cut, accentuate an oval face shape, giving a lifting effect that’s flattering for a middle-aged beauty. While the silver tones provide a trendsetting twist, they’ll demand upkeep with toning treatments to maintain the multi-dimensional allure. Notably, the mixed palette suits diverse skin tones, but be prepared for the maintenance that sophistication entails.
#16 Agate Slice Hair
This luxurious long-layered hairstyle showcases a radiant blend of silver and metallic light brown lowlights that give depth and a touch of warmth, perfect for adding dimension to flat colors. The thick, wavy texture exudes a fresh and modern feel while the strategic layering creates voluminous movement. Bear in mind, silver is high-maintenance, needing regular toning to prevent brassiness and color fade, and the added lowlights may require gentle touch-ups. Best for those with a robust haircare routine and a love for the chic, multi-tonal look.
#17 Vivid Silver Red Ombre
This medium-length cascade of waves presents a daring ombre, flowing from a cool silver to a fiery red, creating a vibrant contrast perfect for those looking to turn heads. While the silver reflects a chic, urban elegance, the red tips add a playful, edgy twist. Suitable for finer hair types, as the waves and colors add volume and dimension. Note, red hues can fade quickly, so a color-safe shampoo is vital. Heat styling to achieve these waves will require protection to maintain hair integrity and color vibrancy.
#18 Amazing Dark Silver Hair
Show off your locks with this multi-tonal long silver hairstyle, perfect for those ready to make a bold statement. Ideal for ladies with thicker hair, the subtle layering amplifies natural waves, adding movement and dimension. The nuanced shades of silver catch the light, giving depth that’s especially flattering for oval faces. While absolutely striking, keep in mind, this look requires regular toning to maintain the cool hues and avoid brassiness. Suited for the adventurous at heart, this style balances impact with the grace of natural waves.
#19 Gorgeous Silver Transformation
This natural silver, medium-length hairstyle is layered to perfection, enhancing the volume for thick, curly tresses. Its natural color transition is ideal for mature women embracing their silver without constant salon visits. While it’s a liberating low-maintenance dream, curly silver hair may require specific hydration products to maintain moisture and definition. A diffuser could work wonders here, ensuring your curls stay bouncy and full of life.
#20 Grunge Silver Ombre Hair
This grunge silver ombre hairstyle showcases an artistic blend of smoky gray seamlessly transitioning into the model’s natural brunette base, creating an effortlessly elegant and soft appearance. Perfect for those wishing to make a bold statement without the commitment of a full silver mane, this style offers versatility and a modern edge. Ideal for medium to thick hair types, the ombre technique minimizes frequent root touch-ups, making it a relatively low-maintenance choice. However, achieving the perfect smoky gray requires skill, so professional salon visits are essential. The wavy finish adds texture and dimension, highlighting the color transition beautifully.
#21 Subtle Silver Ash Brown
An ash brown hair color will fade out quickly because the dark brown tone is bleached to a level 9 (that’s almost platinum). It would be best if you bleached it that much to obtain that silver look.
#22 Deep Dark Silver
A dark silver has a deeper feel to it. It looks lovely when you break up your roots with a highlighting technique that will give you a nice grow-out.
#23: Salt and Pepper Balayage
If you want to transition to your natural gray from your current hair color, you can do it with some investment of time. Your colorist should discuss your options, including a process involving color remover, bleach, and toning. You will also need a high-quality take-home product to sustain the color and close the cuticle. Expect to spend around 8 hours or more to achieve these results.
#24 Gorgeous Layered Dark Roots on Silver Hair
A lengthy hair color will look fabulous with a balayage and a choppy V-cut finish. With your dark roots, the tone creates a beautiful ash blonde hint.
#25 All Over Gray-Silver Makeover
Behold the graceful transformation to a silver-toned long bob, highlighting a face with angular features. Ideal for those embracing their years, the layered cut adds bounce, while the cooler silver tones at the tips seamlessly transition from a natural dark base, offering a low-maintenance grow-out. A splendid choice for thick, wavy hair, it presents a full-bodied look. However, bear in mind, achieving this lustrous silver requires lifting the base color and maintaining with toners to keep the shades vibrant.
#26: Chic White Silver Hair
A white color is an awesome option if you have thin hair. The strands add dimension and can make thin hair look voluminous.
#27 Stunning Silver Hair Highlights
Sultry, ashy highlights are pastel and metallic tones that can be quite an undertaking. Pastels and silvers have such little density of pigment, so your hair needs to be very pale blonde (almost pure white) for them to show up unless you have salt and pepper hair already.
#28: Bright Blue Silver Ombre
A bright blue ombre tricks your eyes as your color moves from a warm, rich brown base to a spectacular mix of cool, vibrant colors.
#29: Sleek Shoulder-Length Straight Cut
Go for a trendy look with a sleek shoulder-length straight cut. Your hair needs to be lifted to a pale blonde before you can achieve a silver hue.
#30: Bob Cut with Silver Balayage
If you’re looking to add sophistication and elegance to your short hair, consider a bob cut with silver balayage. The balayage, a trendy hair color, combines shades of silver and gray, creating a modern and chic look.
#31: Silver Balayage Hair Color
This balayage hair color is enchanting, shiny, and bouncy.
#32: Silver Hair with Pastel Streaks
Hair with pastel streaks combines stark blonde tones with strategic placements of pastel colors. Combining silvers and pastels can be difficult, and your hair must be in good condition before attempting this color combination.
#33: Natural Silver White Long Hair
Ask your stylist about a dusting cut. This will help keep the hair ends clean and healthy. White hair can be coarser, so consider using a high-quality conditioning mask weekly at home. When styling your long hair, use a good smoothing cream. It gives better control and adds shine.
#34: Wispy Steel Silver Curls
A wispy curly hairstyle is perfect for women of any age.
#35: Soft Pixie Cut for Silver-Haired Women
Silver-haired women look great with soft pixie cuts. Aging hair does amazing at a short length because the styling efforts do not need to be extravagant.
#36: One-Length Silver Curly Bob
The perfect shape for thick curly hair is a one-length bob. Keeping the style weighted can help hold the shape. All without your curl pattern are springing up too tightly.
#37: Silvery Short Wavy Bob
Silver-toned hair will be shining in every season to come. Don’t be timid about jumping into this color. It will make your style trendy and modern.
#38: Trendy Silver Ash Grey
If you don’t want all of your hair entirely influenced by the silver color popularity, you can always opt for the ever-beautiful balayage color.
#39: Eye-Catching Silver Lilac Hair Color
A lilac hair color mixed with platinum grey on the ends looks spectacular.
#40: Sweet Pastel Silver Pink
Try pastel pink hair color to bring out your inner unicorn vibes! You will need platinum blonde hair to achieve silver and pink pastel tones. The color melted into the hue will leave people dreaming about your tresses.
#41: Edgy Short Silver Pixie Undercut
Short silver hair looks fearless with an undercut and when it’s asymmetrical.
#42: Wonderful Ice Gray Silver
Now, this ultra-cool icy shade is a nice upgrade for women!
#43: Remarkable Unicorn Silver Hair
Consider a steel color with blue highlights. It’s meant to be icy and reflects a more winter glacial look with the deep cool that contrasts the more subtle ends.
#44: Cool-Girl Platinum Hair
Try chic platinum hair, as it shows off a white platinum look without the drama of having to keep up with regrowth every four weeks. It’s a low-maintenance platinum because it’s balayaged (hand-painted) into your natural root color.
#45: Dimensional Silver Bob
Try a dimensional hair color by pairing the silver with a feathered bob. Ask your stylist to add highlights and lowlights for a multi-dimensional effect.
#46: Tousled Medium-Length Silver Hair
A mid-length mane is very trendy and fashion-forward. It’s not something you see every day! It sets you apart from others and shows your style and personality. This white hair is definitely for a trendy woman and into fashion. You’ll need to visit the salon regularly! It’s for the female who already has blonde hair. To get this tone, you have to be very close to a level 10 (white blonde). You’ll only get the vibrancy or target color if your hair is lifted to a level 10.
#47: Rooted Icy Gray and Silver Blend
Try a silver hair trend, which is a rooted icy blonde color. You’ll love the contrast between the darker base and the bright pops of balayaged blonde throughout. So many times icy blondes and grey blondes can seem one-dimensional, but this look has many different cool shades to complement the others.
#48: Bright Icy White Silver
An icy white hair is one of the most requested hair colors right now. However, it isn’t easy to achieve as your hair needs to be initially lifted to a level 10, but ladies love it! This color is not for everyone, and not everyone can achieve it. Some hair will never get this light due to natural underlying pigment or will break off before we can get near it.
#49: Incredible Silver Blonde
A silver blonde hair color is for women who don’t mind visiting their hair salon every 3 to 4 weeks to refresh their color. These highlights are beautiful but require a lot of maintenance!
#50: Chic Silver Lavender
Consider a color that’s silver platinum with lavender undertones. The color fades from a darker grey into platinum, and the melting from the dark to light creates dimension.
#51: Pearly Blonde Hair Toner
Opt for a pearly blonde hue, which shows soft tones and a clean blonde.
#52 Gorgeous Silver Bob
Show off your natural elegance with this refined salt and pepper bob. Suited to complement an oval face shape, it features a graceful transition from natural darker roots to polished silver tips, lending a contemporary edge. Ideal for medium-density strands, remember: upkeep is essential to preserve that silvery sheen. A sophisticated option for those wanting a stylish yet low-maintenance look.
#53: A Flirty Fun Shade of Silver
One thing about a silver hair shade is that it can be very challenging to achieve without compromising your hair too much.
#54: Cute & Sweet Silver Pixie Cut
Try an ultra modern classic pixie cut with a stunning tone to match its edginess. It has lots of current techniques that give it a contemporary edge. Combining the silver tones with the pixie cut is a beautiful and elegant way to make heads turn.
#55: Impressive Blue Silver Hair
A textured short to medium haircut looks incredible when enhanced by a silver-blue shade.
#56: Stunning Silver A-Line Bob
An a-line bob paired with a silver hair color is dimensional. Go for a rooted, cool blonde with pearl and silver grey accents. It will beautifully blend into your roots and how it’s cooled down without looking muddy.
#57: On-Trend Black and Silver Layers
Ask your stylist for silver hair with dark roots styled with layers. A grey shadow root on black hair can also achieve this hair color.
Commonly Asked Questions:
Silver hair and grey hair are essentially the same thing. People tend to use the word "grey" if it's a dark silver. The more of your original natural color mixed in with the silver, the more "grey" it will look.
Natural silver hair is pretty easy to maintain. The only thing to be cautious of is excess heat. Using too much heat on silver hair can cause yellowing.
It's hard to determine if your hair will go silver or white before it actually happens. Hair color is determined by genetics though, so if anyone in your family has true white hair, you may end up with white hair also.
Hair that is naturally silver will not fade. However, hair that has been colored silver will fade quickly.
There are a lot of great ways to go grey without looking old. Mixing in highlights as the grey grows in can create a beautiful, natural-looking color. Using your natural grey as a base for a balayage will help you look youthful while going grey as well.
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