Over time, our body undergoes changes. One of these is the whitening of hair due to a decrease in melanin production by melanocytes. This is sometimes quite poorly received by individuals who feel that white hair ages them. Fortunately, there are several tricks to help conceal it.
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White hair: tips for concealing it.
Summary
- Tip No. 1: Apply a colour treatment
- Tip No. 2: Selecting the strands
- Tip No. 3: Engage in hair makeup
- Tip No. 4: Create a clever hairstyle
Published June 1, 2023,
updated on May 28, 2024,
by
Pauline, Chemical Engineer
—
4 min read
Tip No. 1: Apply a colour treatment.
The most traditional technique for concealing grey hair is oxidation dyeing. This involves the sequential 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 decolouration of the natural pigments and an opening of the cuticle, allowing the previously deposited artificial pigments to penetrate and bind to the fibre. However, it should be noted that oxidation colourings 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.
Tip No. 2: Selecting 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 head of hair.
Just as with hair colouring, it is recommended tovisit a professional to have highlights done in order to achieve a natural result. The choice of shades will depend on the natural tone of the hair and the desired outcome. A hairdresser can advise you on the tones that will best suit your complexion.
The concealment of white hairs in a brunette hair.
White hairs stand out prominently against a brunette head of hair. To soften this stark contrast, it is recommended to opt for a golden or coppery colour sweep, as these shades stand out well against brunette hair.
The concealment of white hairs in 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 colours. Ash blonde is recommended in order to create an effect of natural highlights.
The concealment of white hairs within a redhead's hair.
Just as with blonde hair, it's important to play with colour nuances to give the hair a shiny or ombre effect. A light auburn colour will bring light, while a honey auburn colour will provide a reflective effect. In all cases, this will help to conceal any white hairs.
Tip No. 3: Engage in hair makeup.
If you have very few white hairs or only wish to conceal them for a day or an evening, hair makeup is your ally. There are several types of treatments such as 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 colour.
Tip No. 4: Create a clever hairstyle.
If you wish to temporarily conceal your grey hair, certain hairstyles can assist you in this regard. The regrowth can be slightly masked by blurring the roots with a zig-zag parting. Betting on volume by deliberately bringing some coloured strands over the white areas can also help you to hide them. Finally, headbands or scarves are another solution to cover your grey hair.
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