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 to achieve a more vibrant look. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to give your hair a more youthful appearance.
As women age, their hair changes in color, texture and density, says celebrity colorist and Redken Artistic Ambassador Bradley Leake, so choosing the right hair color can help promote a younger appearance. “The key to a youthful look is dimension and working with what you have,” says Leake. “For example, if you are noticing gray around your hairline, doing a highlight to brighten and blend might be a good option for you! If you have dark hair and are noticing the dreaded grays but aren't sure what the best move is, I'd recommend starting with a demi-permanent color to camouflage and blend the gray for a more youthful appearance.”
One of the best techniques to shave some years off is highlighting. With expert placement and the right technique, you can instantly transform your hair for 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 some chic hair color inspiration to refresh your style. Like the best eye creams and serums, they’ll turn back the clock and give you a more radiant appearance.
Featured Experts
- Bradley Leake is a celebrity colorist and Redken Artistic Ambassador
- Jess Gonzalez is a celebrity colorist with PRAVANA
- 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
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Sun-kissed color
“When a client is looking to feel more youthful, I always start by asking what their hair looked like when they were younger, or before they began coloring it,” says celebrity colorist Jess Gonzalez. “More often than not, there’s a natural, sun-kissed quality that feels effortless and fresh. Recreating that softness is incredibly flattering.”
Gonzalez explains that “As we age, hair can lose a bit of its natural brightness, so I love incorporating subtle golden undertones to bring back warmth and shine. It mimics the tones we naturally had earlier in life and adds a healthy, luminous finish that never feels overdone.”
The key to maintaining shine and protecting color is a quality at-home routine. Gonzalez recommends using color-protecting shampoo and conditioner along with the PRAVANA Intense Therapy Leave-In Treatment ($22). “To keep grays from peeking through between color appointments, try AGEbeautiful Root Touch-Up Spray ($14),” she adds.
Courtesy of Jess Gonzalez
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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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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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Gray coverage
It’s no surprise that seamless gray coverage can help make you look a few years younger. In the salon, Leake loves using the new Redken Shades ALK Liquid-Cream Alkaline Demi “for up to 75 percent grey coverage without the high maintenance upkeep of a permanent color.” He notes that the formula also leaves hair smoother and shinier, promoting a more youthful appearance. “The best part is that if you are a low-maintenance girl, even adding this to your routine twice a year will make a world of difference.”
Courtesy of Bradley Leake
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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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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.
