Hairstylist Julian Farel has outlined three low-maintenance alternatives to full hair dyeing for people looking to conceal grey hair, speaking in an interview with the American morning television show Good Morning America. Farel explained that constant root touch-ups are not the only way to manage emerging silver strands.
Many women who discover their first grey hairs face a dilemma over whether to visit a salon for full coloring or rely on home remedies. Farel advised clients to determine whether they want complete coverage or a softer approach that makes grey hair less noticeable.
Full coverage applies sufficient pigment to make white and silver hair merge entirely with natural shades. By contrast, softer masking techniques add tone and body around silver strands, creating an appearance similar to natural highlights.
For individuals with newly emerging grey hair, Farel recommended beginning with gentle blending rather than permanent coverage.
Salon visits and root maintenance
The choice between full coverage and blending significantly affects how often a person must visit the hair salon. Traditional root touch-ups require attention roughly every four weeks as new hair grows in at the scalp.
Masking techniques allow clients to extend the time between salon visits to eight to 12 weeks. Farel noted that clients can easily move from blending to full coverage later, whereas undoing full coverage to return to a lighter look is a long and expensive process.
For those who are not ready for permanent dye, semi-permanent toning or hair glazing offers a straightforward solution. Glazing coats the hair shaft with sheer pigment without drastically changing the natural hair color, adding shine while camouflaging grey strands.
Semi-permanent formulations gradually wash out over four to six weeks without leaving a harsh line of demarcation where roots grow out. Farel advised asking a stylist for a semi-permanent toner close to the natural shade that is specifically formulated for grey blending.
Using darker strands for volume
Positioning darker strands around key areas of the head provides another option for managing grey hair. While highlights are a popular choice for hiding silver hairs, Farel suggested placing darker tones around the crown, parting, and hairline.
Adding darker tones breaks up blocks of silver hair and creates visual depth. Farel explained that this technique tricks the eye into perceiving overall hair volume rather than focusing on grey strands.
Julian Farel operates the Julian Farel Restore Salon and Spa in New York City and is widely known for hair care innovations and styling techniques. Good Morning America is a nationally broadcast morning news and lifestyle program on the ABC television network.
