While it’s true that gray hair has never been chicer, silver strands aren’t for everyone. If you’re not ready to give up your signature hair color, you might want to consider a refresh for a vibrant and lively look. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to give your hair a more youthful appearance. One of the best techniques tot shave some years off is highlighting. With expert placement and the right technique, you can instantly transform your hair, giving it a fresh new look. Beyond the transformative appeal, highlights are also low-maintenance and less damaging. Additionally, when opting for a hair color to help you look more youthful, it’s always best to stick to natural shades. Platinum blondes and cherry reds are nice but require much more upkeep. Ahead, see five chic hair colors perfect for refreshing your style. Like the best eye creams and serums, they’ll turn back the clock and give you a more radiant appearance.
Featured experts
- Ryan Dickie is a colorist at IGK Salon Miami
- Glen "Coco" Oropeza is a celebrity stylist
- Tia Lambourn is a colorist and hair educator
Hair colors that can help you look younger
These 5 Hair Colors Instantly Make You Look Younger, According to Stylists
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Blonde microlights
Highlights are an easy way to brighten your hair and your appearance. There are a few popular techniques to try, but colorist Ryan Dickie says that microlights are the best for natural and aging blondes. He explains that the process recreates a true child-like highlight when placed atop the head, creating an illuminating look.
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Face-framing balayage
Balayage is another highlighting technique ideal for refreshing your look, especially when placed around the face. This style draws the eye in and subtly focuses on your best facial features, such as your eyes, cheekbones and jawline.
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Warm brunette
Warm brunettes will always be timeless. But for a youthful update, Celebrity hairstylist Glen "Coco" Oropeza says that it’s best not to stray too far from your natural color. Instead of completely overhauling your current brown hue, he recommends lifting it two to three shades to bring out its warm undertones.
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Toffee bronde
"Toffee bronde is the perfect in-between shade for brunettes or blondes looking for a slight hue change," says colorist Tia Lambourn. She explains that the warm tones of the color are also versatile and good for breathing fresh life into natural curls.
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Cinnamon bronde
Bronde shades offer the best of both worlds because they lighten while keeping your hair looking natural. The traditional color never disappoints, but a cinnamon version will give you a fresher look. It reflects light like a dream, thanks to soft golden tones and hints of straw colors, and is much more wearable than a bold red.
