Grey hair is a natural part of the aging process, and many people start to see their hair turn grey in their 30s and 40s. As grey hairs become more prominent, many look for ways to blend the grey or cover it up. Using hair dyes and colorants is a common approach, but some prefer to enhance their natural grey hair in subtle ways. This raises the question – does lavender look good on grey hair?
Lavender is a light purple or lilac shade that can provide a soft, elegant look on grey hair. When applied correctly, lavender can neutralize brassy yellow tones while adding subtle color and dimension. The effect is often quite flattering and can make grey hair appear brighter and more lively. Lavender works best on lighter shades of grey and may not show up as well on darker greys.
The effect of lavender on different grey hair shades
Not all shades of grey hair are the same, so lavender can have slightly different effects depending on the specific tone and level of grey:
| Grey hair shade | Effect of lavender |
|---|---|
| Light silver grey | Lavender adds a subtle brightening effect and neutralizes yellow tones. |
| Medium ash grey | Lavender tones down brassiness and warms up the grey. |
| Dark steel grey | Lavender may not show up much on darker greys. |
| Salt and pepper grey | Lavender helps blend the different shades for a more uniform look. |
As you can see, lavender works best on light to medium grey shades. The lighter the base, the more the soft purple pigment shows through.
Choosing the right lavender tone
There are many different lavender shades ranging from a subtle dusty lavender to richer, more vibrant lavender tones. When applying lavender to grey hair, it’s generally best to stick to softer tones like:
- Dusty/ashy lavender – very subtle and mimics ash tones in grey hair.
- Pale lavender – slightly warms up the hair without being too bold.
- Silver lavender – cooler, brightening tone good for light greys.
- Rose lavender – has a subtle pinkish tint that flatters skin tones.
Vibrant eggplant or purple-toned lavenders are better reserved for fashion looks with darker grey bases. The more muted tones above help enhance and flatter rather than overwhelm grey hair.
Application techniques for lavender grey hair
There are a few techniques for applying lavender hues to grey hair:
- Full hair color – Using a semi-permanent or demi-permanent lavender dye to completely cover the hair. This allows the most control over the final shade but requires more maintenance.
- Highlighting – Lightly hand-painting or foiling subtle lavender highlights throughout the hair. This offers a very natural looking enhancement.
- Toning – Applying a lavender toner just to the most brassy areas as needed to neutralize yellowing.
- Gloss – Using a semi-permanent clear gloss with a small amount of lavender dye blended in to subtly tone and enhance shine.
The best method depends on your hair and the desired intensity of color. Highlighting and toning offer the most natural looks for grey hair while full color provides more complete coverage.
Maintenance considerations
While lavender and other fantasy tones are trendy for grey hair, they do come with some maintenance considerations:
- Frequent toning is needed to keep the color fresh, about every 2-4 weeks.
- The tones wash out gradually and can fade unevenly on grey hair.
- Roots will grow in grey so will need touched up to avoid a visible line of demarcation.
- Heat styling can cause faster fading, as can sun exposure and pool/ocean water.
- Periodic trims are recommended to remove uneven fading on ends.
Using color-protecting hair products can help extend the vibrancy between toning sessions. But in general, lavender grey hair needs more regular upkeep than natural grey hair.
Who is best suited for lavender grey hair?
While lavender can be flattering on many different people with grey hair, some good candidates include:
- Those with lighter natural grey shades like silver white.
- Cooler skin tones – lavender brings out pink and blue undertones.
- People wanting a subtle color boost without a dramatic change.
- Those with longer hair – requires less upkeep than short styles.
- People ready to commit to regular toning and color upkeep.
- Those wanting to enhance natural grey rather than hide it.
The best way to find out if lavender is suited for your grey is to have a professional colorist do a test strand before applying it all over. This helps assess the color result and maintenance needs.
Expert tips for maintaining lavender grey hair
Once you’ve taken the plunge into lavender grey hair, follow these pro tips to keep the color looking its best:
- Wash hair in cool water and use sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner.
- Apply a weekly conditioning mask to boost shine and moisture.
- Use an athome toner or purple shampoo between salon visits to freshen the color.
- Limit heat styling tools to reduce fading from heat damage.
- Always protect hair from sun exposure with a hat or protective products.
- Get a gloss or toning service done every 4-6 weeks to maintain vibrancy.
- Use Olaplex or similar bonding treatments to strengthen hair.
- Get regular trims to minimize uneven fading on ends.
Pros and cons of lavender grey hair
Here is a quick rundown of the key pros and cons to consider before using lavender on grey hair:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Subtly enhances natural gray | Requires more frequent maintenance |
| Neutralizes yellow/brassy undertones | Can fade unevenly as grey hair grows in |
| Adds brightness and dimension | Roots need touched up regularly |
| Fun, trendy fashionable color | Heat and sun can cause faster fading |
| Flatters lighter skin tones | May not show up as well on dark greys |
Overall, lavender can be a beautiful enhancement for grey hair when done correctly, but does require a commitment to ongoing maintenance to keep the color looking its best.
Conclusion
Lavender is emerging as a popular way to gently enhance natural grey hair for many women. When applied by a color professional using the proper toner or dye, it can nicely neutralize brassiness, add brightness, and provide a pretty pop of color. The effect is flattering but understated. Lavender works best on light to medium greys and with cooler skin tones. While beautiful, maintaining the color does require diligent toning and gloss treatments every few weeks. Lavender grey hair offers a fun and stylish option for those looking to embrace their grey in a new way.
