At the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards, stars like Kathy Bates and Meryl Streep graced the red carpet with stunning gray hair, inspiring many to consider embracing their natural silver strands. Transitioning to gray hair is not always an easy process, as it involves an awkward phase where the hair may not look uniform or perfect right away. However, with the right blending techniques, such as lowlights, you can achieve a seamless gray hair transition that looks natural and beautiful.
Experts like Christopher Naselli, a celebrity hairstylist and owner of Naselli & Co. salon, and Guy Tang, a celebrity hairstylist and founder of #Mydentity, recommend lowlights as a great way to ease into the process of going fully gray. Lowlights are a coloring technique that involves darkening strands of hair using a color that is usually the same level as your natural color or darker. This creates dimension and blends gray hair without fully masking it, allowing for a more gradual transition.
When it comes to choosing the right lowlight shade, Naselli advises matching your natural level to the lowlight color. Avoid choosing a tone that is much darker than your natural base color, as this can create too much contrast. The goal is to create a soft, natural blend that complements your skin tone. Lowlights are particularly effective for blonde to medium brown shades, as very dark hair may require a different approach depending on the amount of gray present.
Guy Tang describes lowlights as darker strands of hair strategically placed throughout the head to break up grays and highlights. The key is subtlety, so it’s important not to go too dark. Using a demi-permanent or semi-permanent formula can help achieve a natural look that blends seamlessly with your existing hair color.
Lowlights can be a great option for those who are not ready to fully embrace their gray hair but want to start the transition process. They provide a lower maintenance alternative to highlights and can be DIY-friendly for those comfortable with coloring their own hair. Lowlights also help to correct any brassiness that may occur as gray hair grows out, maintaining a more polished look in between salon visits.
To maintain your lowlights at home, it’s essential to use products specifically designed for color-treated hair. Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners can help keep your hair hydrated and prevent breakage, while purple shampoos can combat any unwanted yellowing or brassiness. Regular use of these products can help preserve the vibrancy of your lowlights and keep your hair looking fresh and healthy.
In addition to lowlights, another option for transitioning to gray hair is to simply let it grow out naturally. This approach involves allowing your natural gray hair to blend with your existing color, creating a more gradual change. Consulting with a stylist can help determine the best approach for your hair type and desired outcome, whether it’s through lowlights, highlights, or a full gray coverage treatment.
Overall, transitioning to gray hair is a personal journey that requires patience and careful consideration. By incorporating lowlights into your hair color routine, you can achieve a seamless and beautiful gray hair transition that enhances your natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to blend grays, add dimension to your hair, or simply experiment with a new look, lowlights offer a versatile and low-maintenance solution for achieving the perfect shade of gray.
