Over time, our body undergoes changes. One of these is the graying of hair due to a decrease in melanin production by melanocytes. This is sometimes quite difficult for people who feel that gray hair ages them. Fortunately, there are several tricks to help conceal them.
White Hair: Tips for Concealing It.
Summary
Published on June 1, 2023, updated on May 28, 2024, by Pauline, Chemical Engineer — 4 min of reading
Themes:
Tip No. 1: Apply a color treatment.
The most traditional technique for concealing gray hair is oxidation coloring. This involves the successive application of hair pigments and a developer (hydrogen peroxide). The latter penetrates the hair cuticle and reacts with the natural hair pigments.
This chemical reaction causes a discoloration of natural pigments and an opening of the cuticle, allowing the previously deposited artificial pigments to penetrate and bind to the fiber. However, it should be noted that oxidation colorings are quite harsh on the hair and should be accompanied by the weekly application of restorative treatments.
It is also possible to resort to a natural dye, which is less abrasive for the hair. The main difference lies in the ingredients used, which in this case are of natural origin (plants, essential oils...). However, natural dyes are less durable over time and have a lower coverage.
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Tip #2: Choose the strands.
If you have only a few white hairs and are looking for a lighter solution, we recommend opting for highlights. Indeed, they add luminous reflections to the hair, which can visually soften the appearance of white hairs. By creating contrasts between the highlights and the white hairs, one can achieve a harmonious hairstyle.
Just as with hair coloring, it is recommended tovisit a professional for highlights to achieve a natural result. The choice of shades will depend on the natural tone of the hair and the desired outcome. A hairstylist can advise you on the tones that will best suit your complexion.
The concealment of white hair on a brunette head of hair.
White hairs stand out prominently against a brunette hair. To soften this stark contrast, it is recommended to opt for a golden or coppery color sweep, as these shades stand out well against brunette hair.
The camouflage of white hair on blonde or light brown hair.
The advantage of having blonde or light brown hair is that white hairs are not as noticeable as they are on brunette hair. To camouflage them, one simply needs to opt for highlights in cool or natural colors. Ash blonde is recommended in order to create an effect of natural highlights.
The camouflage of white hair on a redhead's mane.
Just as with blonde hair, it's important to play with color nuances to give hair a shiny or ombre effect. A light red color will bring brightness, while a honey-red color will provide a reflective effect. In all cases, this will help to conceal white hair.
Tip #3: Engage in hair makeup.
If you have very few white hairs or if you only wish to conceal them for a day or an evening, hair makeup is your ally. There are several types of treatments like mascara, spray, or powder specifically designed for white hair.
The first is applied like a mascara, strand by strand, on the area to be concealed. The sprays, on the other hand, are very convenient for touching up roots between two hairdresser appointments. Finally, the powders are applied to the roots or areas with white hair, using a special brush or sponge. They adhere to the hair, thus creating an illusion of density and uniform color.
Tip #4: Create a clever hairstyle.
If you wish to temporarily conceal your gray hair, certain hairstyles can assist you in this regard. The regrowth can be slightly masked by blurring the roots with a zig-zag part. Betting on volume by deliberately bringing some colored strands over the white areas can also help you hide them. Finally, headbands or scarves are another solution to cover your gray hair.
