Gray hair tends to go yellow by the end of summer, and a few level ten foils toned silver or pearl at the bowl are usually what bring it back. Highlights for gray hair sit best through the top and crown, where the light hits, with the natural gray left underneath so regrowth still reads soft at twelve weeks.
1. Silver Highlights on a Chin Bob
Silver highlights are a level ten foil toned with a blue violet, and they brighten the top without touching the rest. I cut the perimeter at the chin on dry hair with no layers, then foil fine highlights through the top and tone silver at the bowl. It suits fine to medium density and cool skin tones. Blow-dry flat with a paddle brush and use a violet shampoo weekly. Refresh every twelve weeks.
2. Champagne Babylights on Long Layers
Champagne is the beige gold reflect I use for highlights for gray hair that is going warm. I cut the perimeter past the shoulder on dry hair with long layers, then foil level nine babylights through the whole head and tone champagne so the gray reads as part of the blonde. It suits fine to medium density and neutral skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush. Refresh every fourteen weeks and gloss every eight.
3. Icy Highlights on a Pixie
Icy highlights on a gray pixie take the yellow out and lift the crown. I cut the nape short with graduation on dry hair, point cut the top to three inches, then foil level ten highlights through the top and tone the whole head with a blue violet toner. It suits fine to medium density and cool skin tones. Rough-dry with a texture spray and use a violet shampoo twice a week. Retouch every six weeks.
4. Pearl Highlights on a Lob
Pearl highlights add a pink violet reflect that reads soft on gray. I cut the perimeter at the collarbone on dry hair with long layers, then foil level ten highlights through the top and tone with a pearl toner, leaving the natural gray underneath. It suits fine to medium density and cool skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush and use a violet shampoo weekly. Refresh every ten weeks and gloss every six.
5. Gray Hair Highlights With a Money Piece
A money piece is the gray hair highlights that go at the front only. I cut the perimeter at the collarbone on dry hair with long layers, then lighten the two front sections from root to end to a level ten and tone silver so the face frame reads brighter than the rest. It suits medium density and most face shapes. Blow-dry the front out with a round brush. Refresh every ten weeks.
6. Ash Blonde Foils Over Salt and Pepper
Ash blonde foils on salt and pepper hair blend the two tones into one. I cut the perimeter at the shoulder on dry hair with long layers, then foil level nine ash highlights through the top and tone with a green violet toner. It suits medium density and cool skin tones. Blow-dry with a paddle brush and use a violet shampoo weekly. Refresh every twelve weeks and gloss every eight.
7. Stacked Bob With Crown Highlights
Crown highlights on a stacked bob put the brightness where the graduation lifts. I cut the nape short with graduation on dry hair, stack the layers to the crown, leave the front at the chin, then foil level ten highlights through the crown and tone silver. It suits fine to medium density and round or square faces. Blow-dry the back with a round brush rolling under. Refresh every twelve weeks.
8. Beige Highlights on Half Gray Hair
Beige is the softest highlight for hair that is half gray and half brown. I cut the perimeter at the collarbone on dry hair with long layers, then foil level nine beige highlights through the top and weave level seven lowlights so the gray reads as placed. It suits fine to medium density and most skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush. Refresh every twelve weeks and gloss every eight.
9. Platinum Highlights on a White Crop
Platinum highlights on white hair brighten what is already there. I cut the sides with scissor over comb on dry hair, point cut the top to two and a half inches, then foil level ten highlights through the top and tone cool at the bowl. It suits fine to medium density and cool skin tones. Rough-dry with a texture spray and use a violet shampoo twice a week. Retouch every six weeks.
10. Shag With Painted Silver Pieces
Painted silver pieces on a shag catch the light on every choppy end. I cut the perimeter at the jaw on dry hair, point cut short crown layers, razor the sides, then hand paint level ten pieces through the crown and tone silver. It suits fine to medium density and oval or round faces. Rough-dry with a texture spray and push the crown up. Refresh every twelve weeks.
11. Smoky Highlights on Dark Gray
Smoky highlights are a level eight with a violet base that reads soft on dark gray. I cut the perimeter at the chin on dry hair with two layers, then foil level eight highlights through the top and tone smoky beige so they sit two levels above the base. It suits fine to medium density and cool or neutral skin tones. Blow-dry with a paddle brush. Refresh every twelve weeks and gloss every eight.
12. Honey Highlights on Warm Gray
Honey highlights warm up gray that has gone flat. I cut the perimeter past the shoulder on dry hair with long layers, then hand paint level eight honey through the ends and face frame, leaving the gray roots natural. It suits medium density and warm skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush and finish with serum. Refresh the balayage every sixteen weeks and gloss every eight.
13. French Bob With Face Framing Lights
A French bob takes its highlights at the face and leaves the back gray. I cut the perimeter at the chin on dry hair with no layers, cut the fringe at the brow, then foil level ten highlights through the front pieces and fringe and tone silver. It suits fine to medium density and oval or heart faces. Air-dry with a light cream and tuck one side. Refresh every ten weeks.
14. Gray Hair Highlights for Fine Hair
Fine hair takes gray hair highlights at the crown only, so the ends keep weight. I cut the perimeter at the collarbone on dry hair with no layers and point cut the last half inch, then foil level ten highlights through the crown and tone silver. It suits fine density and oval or long faces. Blow-dry with a round brush and a root lifting mousse. Refresh every twelve weeks and trim every eight.
15. Pewter Highlights on a Pixie Bob
Pewter highlights are a level eight gray that sits between silver and charcoal. I cut the nape with graduation on dry hair, let the front fall to the cheekbone, point cut the top, then foil level eight highlights through the top and tone pewter. It suits fine to medium density and oval or round faces. Blow-dry with a flat brush pushing the front forward. Refresh every twelve weeks.
16. Vanilla Highlights on a Blunt Bob
Vanilla highlights are a level ten with a soft beige reflect that sits closest to white. I cut the perimeter at the chin on dry hair with no layers, then foil level ten highlights through the top and tone vanilla at the bowl, leaving the gray underneath. It suits fine to medium density and cool or neutral skin tones. Blow-dry flat with a paddle brush and use a violet shampoo weekly. Refresh every twelve weeks.
17. Curly Gray With Painted Highlights
Curly gray takes highlights painted on the outer curls, not foiled. I cut the perimeter at the collarbone on dry curls, point cut the crown curls short, then paint level ten highlights on the outer curls and tone silver. It suits medium density and type 3A to 3B curls. Apply a curl cream to wet hair, scrunch, and diffuse on low. Refresh every fourteen weeks.
18. Highlights for Gray Hair Growing Out Color
Highlights for gray hair growing out old color are placed through the colored lengths to erase the band. I cut the perimeter at the chin on dry hair with soft layers, then foil level nine ash highlights through the old color and gloss the gray root with a clear violet. It suits fine to medium density and most skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush and use a violet shampoo weekly. Refresh every ten weeks.
19. Undercut Pixie With Silver Top
An undercut pixie takes the highlights on top and keeps the clippered gray natural. I clipper the nape and sides on dry hair, point cut the top to three inches, then foil level ten highlights through the top and tone silver. It suits fine to medium density and oval or square faces. Rub a light paste between your palms and push the top back. Retouch every five weeks.
20. Rose Gold Highlights on Light Gray
Rose gold highlights are a sheer pink gold demi over level ten foils. I cut the perimeter at the collarbone on dry hair with long layers, foil level ten highlights through the top, then apply the rose gold demi at the bowl for ten minutes. It suits fine to medium density and cool or neutral skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush. Refresh the rose gold every four weeks because it fades fast.
21. Toffee Highlights on Blonde Gray
Toffee highlights add warmth to gray that is already blonde. I cut the perimeter at the shoulder on dry hair with long layers, then foil level seven toffee highlights through the interior and gloss the whole head a level nine beige. It suits fine to medium density and warm skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush and finish with serum. Refresh every twelve weeks and gloss every eight.
22. Feathered Pixie With Blown Back Lights
Feathered layers show highlights best when they are blown back. I cut the sides with scissor over comb on dry hair, point cut the top to three and a half inches, feather the front back, then foil level ten highlights through the top and tone silver. It suits fine to medium density and most face shapes. Blow-dry the top back with a round brush and set with hairspray. Refresh every twelve weeks.
23. Gray Hair Highlights With Glasses
Gray hair highlights with glasses go above the frames so the brightness sits at the crown. I cut the perimeter at the chin on dry hair with soft layers, keep the sides clear of the frames, then foil level ten highlights through the crown and tone silver. It suits fine to medium density and most face shapes. Blow-dry upside down with a root lifting mousse. Refresh every twelve weeks.
24. Two Tone Highlights on a Gray Lob
Two tones of highlight keep gray from reading as one block. I cut the perimeter at the collarbone on dry hair with long layers, then foil level ten silver and level eight pewter highlights in alternating slices through the top. It suits medium to thick density and cool skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush and use a violet shampoo weekly. Refresh every twelve weeks and gloss every six.
25. Asymmetrical Bob With Lit Long Side
An asymmetrical bob takes the highlights on the long side only. I cut the short side at the jaw and the long side at the chin on dry hair with point cut ends, then foil level ten highlights through the long side and tone silver. It suits medium density and round or square faces. Blow-dry smooth with a flat brush and tuck the short side. Refresh every twelve weeks.
26. Strawberry Highlights on Warm Gray
Strawberry highlights put copper gold back into skin that has lost its pink. I cut the perimeter at the collarbone on dry hair with long layers, then foil level eight strawberry highlights through the top and tone copper gold, leaving the gray as the lighter piece. It suits fine to medium density and warm skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush. Refresh the tone every five weeks because copper fades first.
27. Textured Crop With Fine Babylights
Babylights on a textured crop are so fine the grow-out never shows. I cut the sides with scissor over comb on dry hair, point cut the top to two and a half inches, then foil level ten babylights through the top over the natural gray. It suits fine to medium density and most skin tones. Rough-dry with a texture spray and piece the top with your fingers. Refresh every twelve weeks.
28. Highlights for Gray Hair on a Shoulder Cut
Highlights for gray hair on a shoulder cut go through the top and the face frame. I cut the perimeter at the shoulder on dry hair with long layers, then foil level ten highlights through the top and front pieces and tone silver at the bowl. It suits medium density and most skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush and finish with serum. Refresh every twelve weeks and gloss every eight.
29. Lavender Highlights on Silver
Lavender highlights are a sheer violet demi over level ten foils that read silver indoors. I cut the perimeter at the jaw on dry hair with soft layers, foil level ten highlights through the top, then apply the lavender demi for fifteen minutes. It suits fine to medium density and cool skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush and use a violet shampoo weekly. Refresh the lavender every five weeks.
30. Mushroom Highlights on Cool Gray
Mushroom highlights are a cool level eight that sits closest to gray. I cut the perimeter at the chin on dry hair with two layers, then foil level eight highlights through the top and tone with a beige violet mix. It suits fine to medium density and cool or neutral skin tones. Blow-dry with a paddle brush and use a blue shampoo weekly. Refresh every ten weeks and gloss every eight.
31. Blunt Fringe With Silver Lights
Silver highlights through a blunt fringe draw the eye to the brow line. I cut the perimeter at the chin on dry hair with no layers, cut the fringe at the brow with a straight line, then foil level ten highlights through the fringe and front and tone silver. It suits medium to thick density and oval or long faces. Blow-dry flat with a paddle brush. Trim the fringe every four weeks and refresh every twelve.
32. Golden Highlights on a Gray Pixie
Golden highlights warm a gray pixie for skin that has gone sallow. I cut the sides with scissor over comb on dry hair, point cut the top to three inches, then foil level nine highlights through the top and tone gold at the bowl. It suits fine to medium density and warm skin tones. Rough-dry with a texture spray. Refresh every ten weeks and gloss every eight.
33. Flipped Lob With Highlighted Ends
Flipped ends show highlights in one turn of the brush. I cut the perimeter at the collarbone on dry hair with long layers, bevel the ends, then foil level ten highlights through the top and ends and tone silver. It suits fine to medium density and oval or long faces. Blow-dry the ends out with a round brush rolling away from the face. Refresh every twelve weeks.
34. Bronde Highlights Over Gray
Bronde highlights sit between blonde and brunette so the gray never shows a line. I cut the perimeter at the shoulder on dry hair with long layers, then foil level seven caramel blonde highlights through the lengths over the natural gray. It suits medium density and neutral skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush and finish with serum. Refresh every twelve weeks and gloss every eight.
35. Half Up Twist Showing Crown Lights
A half up twist shows the crown highlights and the gray in the length. I cut the perimeter past the shoulder on dry hair with long layers, then foil level ten highlights through the crown and tone silver. It suits medium density and most face shapes. Blow-dry with a round brush, twist the two front sections back, and pin at the crown. Refresh every twelve weeks.
36. Chunky Silver Highlights on Dark Gray
Chunky silver highlights are a quarter inch wide and read as streaks on dark gray. I cut the perimeter at the chin on dry hair with two layers, then foil level ten slices through the top and tone silver. It suits medium to thick density and cool skin tones. Blow-dry with a paddle brush and finish with serum. Refresh every twelve weeks and gloss every six.
37. Gray Hair Highlights on a Low Bun
Gray hair highlights on a low bun show in the twist. I cut the perimeter past the shoulder on dry hair with long layers, foil level ten highlights through the top, tone silver, then twist the length into a low bun at the nape and pin. It suits medium density and most face shapes. Set with hairspray and use a violet shampoo weekly. Refresh every twelve weeks.
38. Walnut Highlights on Light Gray
Walnut highlights are a level six brown that gives light gray a darker piece to sit against. I cut the perimeter at the collarbone on dry hair with long layers, then foil level six walnut pieces through the interior and gloss the gray with a clear beige demi. It suits medium density and neutral skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush and finish with serum. Refresh every twelve weeks.
39. Bixie With Blended Silver
A bixie blends silver highlights through choppy layers. I cut the nape short with graduation on dry hair, let the front fall to the cheekbone, point cut choppy layers through the top, then foil level ten highlights through the top and tone silver. It suits fine to medium density and oval or round faces. Blow-dry with a flat brush. Refresh every twelve weeks.
40. Highlights for Gray Hair Over 70
Highlights for gray hair over 70 stay within one level of the natural white so the regrowth reads soft. I cut the perimeter at the chin on dry hair with no layers, then foil level ten highlights through the top and tone pearl at the bowl. It suits fine to medium density and most face shapes. Blow-dry with a round brush rolling back and use a violet shampoo weekly. Refresh every twelve weeks.
41. Chestnut Highlights on Gray
Chestnut highlights add a soft red reflect to gray that reads warm. I cut the perimeter at the shoulder on dry hair with long layers, then foil level six chestnut pieces through the interior and gloss the gray with a clear beige demi. It suits medium density and warm skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush and finish with serum. Refresh every ten weeks and gloss every eight to hold the red.
42. Root Shadow With Silver Lengths
A root shadow keeps the gray at the root and brightens the lengths. I cut the perimeter at the collarbone on dry hair with long layers, then foil level ten highlights from an inch off the scalp and tone silver so the root stays natural. It suits medium density and most skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush. Refresh every fourteen weeks and gloss every eight.
43. Clear Gloss Over Natural Highlights
A clear gloss is for the client whose gray already has its own natural highlights. I cut the perimeter at the shoulder on dry hair with long layers, then apply a clear demi at the bowl for fifteen minutes to close the cuticle and brighten the white pieces. It suits every density and every skin tone. Blow-dry with a round brush. Gloss every six weeks and trim every ten.
44. Low Maintenance Silver Highlights
The low maintenance version starts the foils half an inch off the scalp so it stretches to four months. I cut the perimeter at the collarbone on dry hair with long layers, then foil level ten highlights through the top and tone silver. It suits fine to medium density and cool skin tones. Blow-dry with a round brush and use a violet shampoo weekly. Refresh every sixteen weeks.
Gray hair tends to go yellow by the end of summer, and a few level ten foils toned silver or pearl at the bowl are usually what brings it back from dingy to bright. For gray hair highlights I keep the foils sparse at the crown so the natural silver still leads. A violet toner at home is what holds the shine between salon visits. oval face haircuts stay the shape I reach for most, and the same length rules apply whether the hair is gray, blonde, short, or long.
