How to Maintain Rich and Youthful Color

Coloring your hair a different color can be exciting but seeing it turn a different color naturally can be a little… Well, overwhelming. Especially when you see your hair turning gray or not your usual hair color. 

There’s nothing wrong with aging, really, but we understand why some people would prefer to hide this telltale sign of mellowing. Most people do it purely for the aesthetics, others need to do it for work and other lifestyle-related reasons. Brunettes and other dark-haired people especially need to pay attention to this issue as the contrast between light and dark can make those silver strands stand out more. 

Whether you’re doing it purely for looks or you’re doing it out of necessity, covering up gray hair as a brunette can be challenging sometimes so let’s talk about how to cover it up and maintain a more youthful look!

What Causes Gray Hair?

First, let’s talk about what causes gray hair. As we all know, hair gets its color from melanin. As we age, our bodies produce less melanin, leading to a shift from our natural hair color to gray or white. Genetics play a major role in when this happens, but stress and certain medical conditions can also contribute.

Brunette Camouflage: 5 Tips to Embrace Your Brown

For brunettes with a sprinkle of gray, here are some styling pro tips to keep those silvers at bay:

1. Strategic Styling:  A simple change in your part can make a big difference. Try a deep side part to hide grays near your hairline. Braids and updos can also effectively camouflage grays by strategically placing hair to cover them.

2. Hair Accessories:  Headbands and scarves are a stylish way to hide grays along the hairline. Choose a fun pattern or bold color to add personality to your look and to take attention away from those silver strands!

3. Root Touch-Up Sprays:  These temporary sprays come in various shades for brunettes and offer a quick fix for grays at the roots. They typically wash out with shampoo, so they're perfect for in-between salon visits.

4. Embrace Highlights:  Highlights can be your brunette best friend! A skilled stylist can add subtle highlights that blend with your natural color, effectively disguising grays while adding dimension to your hair.

5. Demi-Gloss Treatments:  If you're not ready for full-on color, consider a demi-gloss treatment. This adds a sheer layer of color and incredible shine, which can help to camouflage grays and make your hair look overall healthier.

Brunette Dye Do's and Don'ts:

If you're ready to commit to hair color, here are some suggestions for brunettes looking to cover grays:

• Go Warmer: Avoid colors too dark, as they can be aging.  Sticking to warmer browns that are close to your natural color will provide better coverage and a more youthful look.

• Highlights and Lowlights:  Don't be afraid to add dimension! Ask your stylist for a combination of highlights and lowlights that will blend seamlessly with your natural hair color and effectively camouflage grays.

• Gloss It Up:  After coloring, consider a glossing treatment. This adds shine and helps to lock in the color, making your hair look vibrant and healthy.

Remember, consulting with a professional hairstylist is key!  They can evaluate your hair, recommend the best approach to cover your grays, and achieve the perfect brunette shade for you.