How can I turn my grey hair into grey platinum highlights?

Hi,

I have about 25% grey in my hair, around my face frame and upper half of my head. I have dyed my hair darkest brown prior to cover the grey, but now I want to keep the grey tones and turn them into grey platinum highlights so I do not have to dye my hair so frequently.

How can I take the brown colour out of certain prior grey areas and turn them into grey platinum highlights?

Lisa, California

This is a question that many people have asked me and I will give you as much information as I can. It is a very bespoke type of colour process and I suggest that you don't attempt to do it at home but visit a confident colourist who likes a challenge.

In your situation I think what you need to do is firstly grow your hair out as much as you can so your hairdresser can see as much of the regrowth as possible. This then will make it easier for them to pick out the grey hairs that are coloured with the dark brown and they can then lift them as light as possible. Unfortunately your hair has been coloured with one of the darkest colours you can get and therefore it is tricky to lift to a very pale yellow colour. This may need to be done a couple of times to achieve the correct lightness.

Once the highlights are pale enough they need to be toned to a silver white or grey colour (depending on your choice). This will then let you achieve that fantastic Anne Bancroft type silver fox tone.

Once you have achieved the colour upkeep will be necessary to maintain the colour. Violet shampoo designed for grey or white hair is essential for keeping the tones cool and shiny. Also if the hair starts to look a little brassy from the initial visit then you should consider going back for toners to keep the silvery hue.

I hope this helps and you enjoy incorporating your grey lights into your colour.

John Clark at Brooks+Brooks, London