Dying your hair silver/blue- what to know
He changes his hair more times than we change our bedding, so it's no surprise that Zayn Malik has stepped out with another new 'do- and this time it's that silvery-blue shade that's proved so popular since it first came around all those Christmases ago. We're not surprised Zayn's gone for this particular shade; when it's done right, the colour has the most appealing mermaid-like sheen. If you're tempted to join Zayn soon and go silver, here's everything you need to know:
Choosing your shade of silver
Yes, there are hundreds of shades of silver to choose from. The shade of gray you choose should depend on your skin tone, complexion and the depth of your eye colour. Go for the colour that will be the most complimentary, making you look the opposite of washed-out. If you're unsure what would suit your own skin tone, your hairdresser will be able to help you.
The dye process
If you're attempting a non-natural colour (such as silver), you really shouldn't opt for a packet hair dye. Without the right prep, it can turn hair the ugliest shade of dull blue/green. If you do choose to use a packet dye and your hair is dark blonde to brown, you'll need a good application of bleach put on first so the colour shows up properly. And we've all heard the bleach disaster stories, if you haven't experienced it yourself. Trust us when we say it's just best you go to the hairdresser's for this one. Not only will they make sure to do a good job on your colour, but it'll last far longer than a packet dye will.
Looking after the colour
Once you're resembling the silver mermaid of your dreams, it's important to look after your locks so you get the most out of your new colour for the longest time period. Silver is actually a bit more difficult to maintain than blonde, because any hint of brassiness will ruin the silver look. To keep this from happening, look for shampoos and conditioners that are made specifically for silver hair. There are plenty of products around these days. If you use your silver products at least once a week, the colour should stay consistent for longer. Be careful about using purple shampoo- silver is light enough to pick up other colours from products, and the last thing you want is for your hair to turn a pale lavender.
When to return to your hairdresser's
All hair grows at different rates, but after a couple of months, take a mirror to the back of your head and inspect your parting. If you've got an unflattering circle of different-coloured new hair growing, it's time to book in for a quick toning session at your hairdresser's. The colour will have likely faded after a couple of months too, as silver is one of the most difficult colours to maintain in the long run. Hey, we never said it was easy going grey.