Over the years, our hair gradually turns grey due to a loss of pigment caused by our genes. The melanin-producing cells eventually stop, and when this happens the next hair to grow out of the follicle is white or grey.
Once a certain follicle produces a white hair, it will never produce a coloured hair again because it no longer has the necessary colour-producing cells. That said, hair is made of keratin, which naturally has a slightly yellow tint to it. Due to oxidization this undertone can become more obvious.
New grey hair often has a coarse, dry texture. This can be due to a reduction in sebum production on the scalp (so fewer natural oils to moisturise the hair shaft), or the result of pulling out grey hairs which then distorts the shape of the follicle (causing wiry new hair to grow).
Some find that their new grey hairs are thinner and more fragile instead, with less natural volume. The scalp can also become visible due to thinning. Fine hair is particularly prone to breakage and split ends. These different textures affect how to choose the right hair care for grey hair.
Why use silver toner on grey hair?
When it comes to growing grey hair, we don't have much choice about the shade that emerges (white, darker grey, silver etc.) but there are steps that can be taken to prevent the unwanted tones and discolouration that can occur such as yellowing or dullness. The answer: a silver toner for hair, either in a shampoo format or as an in-salon service.
But isn’t silver toner hair dye? While silver toner shampoo contains colour pigments, it does not permanently dye the hair. Silver hair toner is a popular option when it comes to showcasing your grey. Instead, a blue pigment is used to neutralise yellow undertones. Gradually, your hair stylist can reduce the colour pigment at each application, smoothly easing you into an all-grey look thanks to a silver toner for hair.
How does a silver hair toner shampoo work?
Aptly named the Silver Shampoo from the Série Expert Silver collection, this gentle but effective formula not only cleanses the hair like any shampoo, but also neutralises any unwanted brassiness or yellowness thanks to its deep purple tones. This shampoo/silver toner for hair is just as effective on grey hair as it is on platinum and other light blond shades which can suffer from the same brassy tones. Use it as you would a normal shampoo: apply, massage (leave on according to instructions) and rinse, then follow with the Neutralising conditioner.
A common concern for those with natural or coloured grey hair is a lack of shine. To turn your colour from drab grey into a silver sensation, the solution could be through using a silver hair toner shampoo.
Silver toner for brown hair? Why not. You could use a silver toner on brown hair to remove any yellow tones, or to refresh the cool tones (for example on ash brown or cool cocoa shades). Dark silver hair toner should be used on dark shades, not light blonds.
Silver toner for hair: top tips
How to make grey hair shiny:
Coarse grey hair doesn't reflect the light well, so it can look dull and feel dry, whereas fine grey hair can also appear lackluster due to its reduced surface area. The Nutrifier hair care for grey hair collection offers nourishment and protection for the hair fiber, making it easier to brush through and visibly shinier. The silicone-free night mask is ideal for leaving on overnight over cleansed, towel-dried hair.
How to make your silver haircolor last:
You've found your perfect grey shade, perhaps thanks to a silver hair toner or colour-perfecting shampoo, but how do you ensure that it's long-lasting? L'Oréal Professionnel has the answer, and all it involves is one extra step in your hair color process. Smartbond is a unique in-salon treatment that strengthens the fiber and ensures the color is sealed onto the hair without damage. The result is longer-lasting color and shinier, healthier-looking grey hair.
Love and cherish your silver mane using the best hair care for stunning silver hair!
Image credits: Getty Images - DigitalVision - Andreas Kuehn
