What is the best professional silver hair color?

Silver hair foxes, it’s time to shine. It’s one of the hottest colour trends this year. But which is the best silver hair dye you need to get the shimmering grey look at home?

The best hair dye is the one that works with your natural colour and skin tones. It also needs to be gentle on your skin and not dry out or irritate it (or turn it green!)

In Silver hair | How to get the gorgeous grey look at home, we told you everything you need to know about whether this shade is for you.

Now we’re here to give you the low down and high lights of the best silver box dyes you need in your life right now.

Contents

  • 1 What is silver hair?
  • 2 Can I dye my hair silver at home?
  • 3 What is the best silver hair dye?
  • 4 Best silver hair dye at a glance.
  • 5 TOP PICK!
  • 6 Schwarzkopf Live Ultra Bright Silver Steel
  • 7 #1 Garnier Olia Silver Hair Dye Permanent
  • 8 #2 Schwarzkopf LIVE Intense Colour Urban Metallics, Dusty Silver
  • 9 #3 L’Oreal Colorista Silver Grey Permanent Gel 
  • 10 #4 Schwarzkopf Ultra Bright, Silver Steel.
  • 11 #5 Garnier Colour Sensation Vivids Blonde Hair Dye, Silver Diamond
  • 12 We say:
  • 13 #6 Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Metallic Glory Silver Grey Permanent Hair Colour
  • 14 TOP PICK!
  • 15 Schwarzkopf Live Ultra Bright Silver Steel.
  • 16 Silver hair dye FAQS
  • 17 Do I need to bleach my hair to dye it silver?
  • 18 What level does hair need to be to dye it silver?
  • 19 Can I dye my gray hair silver?
  • 20 What happens if you put silver dye on brown hair?
  • 21 What is the longest lasting silver hair dye?
  • 22 Parting words.

What is silver hair?

Silver is part of the awe-inspiring metallic hair colour trend that’s taking us all by storm. Smokey, Dusty, Graphite, Slate, Platinum, Steel….the spectrum of silver and grey shades, tones and colouring products are endless.

It’s versatile too. It’s great for ombre, it’s fab for balayage and we love it as a base mixed with pastel colours like dusty pinks and purples.

Grey hair dye is a more muted, less vibrant colour with dusty grey tones. You can keep your colour bright with purple shampoo. This will eliminate any yellowness as it gradually fades.

Check out the latest looks for ideas and inspiration.

What is the best professional silver hair color?

Can I dye my hair silver at home?

We’ll be honest. Getting the glossy look is a labour of love. Being able to get this colour at home all depends on the colour your hair is now.

If your hair is brunette to black – you’ll need to pre-lighten your hair with bleach first to get the right base.

Your hair colour will need to be almost platinum blonde. So it’s likely that you’ll need to bleach your hair more than once to get the perfect light hair base.

It’s best to ask your hairdresser if it is the right colour for you based on your hair condition as this process will be super hard on your hair.

Check out our guide, How to bleach your hair at home, DIY style.

If your hair colour is darker than light blonde, you’ll need to pre-lighten your hair with bleach too. Your hair will need to be super super blonde, almost white to get the true silver hue.

Dark hair will need to go through several processes to get the right base. Make sure your hair is in good enough condition to be up for it.

If your hair is light blonde and lighter – you’re good to go! Just select one of the top hair dyes below!

What is the best professional silver hair color?

If you’re all set to go, here are some of the winning off the shelf silver box dyes that money can buy to turn you into a gorgeous silver fox!

And don’t forget to do a strand test beforehand to check the colour is right for you!

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Best silver hair dye at a glance.

Hair dyeLooks likeBest forBuy now
Garnier Olia Silver Hair Dye Permanent Rich dark silver with purple hues

Check it out on Amazon >>

Schwarzkopf LIVE Intense Colour Urban Metallics, Dusty Silver Dusty grey tones

Check it out on Amazon >>

L’Oreal Colorista Silver Grey Permanent Hair Dye Gel A great base for adding colours

Check it out now on Amazon >>

Schwarzkopf Ultra Bright Silver Steel. A subtle silver sheen

Check it out on Amazon >>

Garnier Colour Sensation Vivids Blonde Hair Dye, Silver Diamond Bright white, platinum blondes.

Check it out on Amazon >>

Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Metallic Glory Silver Grey Permanent Hair Colour Cooler colour

Check it out on Amazon >>


TOP PICK!

Schwarzkopf Live Ultra Bright Silver Steel

Best for: a subtle silver sheen.

We tried this on platinum blonde hair and it created a gorgeously subtle, shimmering hue.

The colour is a little bit paler than the shade on the box – think platinum blonde with a silver tone – and it’s a much brighter colour than others on the list. This is the best one for us.


#1 Garnier Olia Silver Hair Dye Permanent

They say:

  • Hair colour powered by oil
  • Maximum colour performance
  • Visibly improves the quality of hair
  • Pleasant and easy application with optimal scalp comfort.

What is the best professional silver hair color?

Reviewers say:

“I got my hairdresser to strip my hair with bleach so I could use this hair dye. It was easy to use and smelt okay. It turned dark when i applied it which worried me but when it washed out it left my hair a lovely ashy silver!”

“I’ve had so many compliments about my hair since I’ve used this colour! It also covered my left over blue hair that I couldn’t get out! Super impressed with it!”

“I used the Metallic Silver without bleaching my hair first just to see what it would do. I was amazed that it came out a lovely silver grey. It’s darker than on the box, but I expect it will lighten a bit with washing.”

We say:

This is a rich colour with soft purpley undertones that came out darker on our pre-lightened hair.

Thanks to the oil-powered hair dye that conditions your hair while you colour it, we found this hair dye left our hair feeling silky smooth and touchably soft.

It’s a lush colour and if you want a result that has depth rather than a pale silver, this is the hair dye for you.

The purple tones give it another dimension that we adore and it’ll last longer because it’s a darker colour. Win win.

Best for: Rich dark silver with purple hues.

#2 Schwarzkopf LIVE Intense Colour Urban Metallics, Dusty Silver

They say:

  1. Metallic tones with striking colour intensity
  2. Maximum colour depth
  3. Anti-fade effects
  4. A built-in metallic shine booster
  5. Contains coconut oil for nourishing
  6. Creates healthier looking, soft hair.

What is the best professional silver hair color?

Reviewers say:

“I have been trying to go silver for ages and nothing has worked, not even spending a fortune in the salon.

I found this one and decided to give it a go and it worked amazingly! It was a little bit darker than i was expecting so next time I won’t leave it on as long.”

“Even if you want a lightish grey colour I’d still recommend this over the other grey shades because at first it’ll be a slightly dark blueish grey but after a few washes be a nice greyish silver.”

“Just used this Dusty Silver and I’ve got to say I absolutely love it! I’ve been trying for this colour for a while, shine is amazing!!”

We say:

This is one of two Schwartzkopf silvers on our list. They really have metallic hair colours nailed.

This one we tried on light blonde hair and the results were a real dusty grey.

It’s not as bright as some and it has undertones of blue which you’ll have to keep in check with a Silver hair shampoo.

If you’re looking for a cool, dusty grey colour, then this is the best hair dye for you.

Best for: Dusty grey tones.

#3 L’Oreal Colorista Silver Grey Permanent Gel 

They say:

  • Long-lasting and bold colour for all hair types. 
  • It comes with a post-dye conditioning kit with up to 6 applications. 
  • Intense, shimmering colour.
  • The perfect long-lasting formula to create your own unique look.

What is the best professional silver hair color?

Reviewers say:

“Loved the colour result, but definitely recommend bleaching first to achieve this colour – I’m quite ‘salt and pepper’’.”

“I was surprised by this colour. It’s very nice and shiny looking, even after washing my hair every day, it did stay on my hair for a long time. Will recommend to my friends who like the colour, thank you L’Oréal.”

“Absolutely love L’Oréal’s dyes the smell is gorgeous it left my hair feeling sleek and so shiny and the colour lasted really well.”

We say:

We love L’Oreal’s Colorista range for it’s bright, bold, stand-out colours.

We tried this on pre-lightened blonde hair and it came out a lovely grey but quite a flat colour. It’s not as shiny as on the box.

It did leave our hair feeling really soft and in great condition after the process. Something our very dry, pre-lightened locks were very grateful for!

They say this would make a great base for some pastel colour washing. We agree!

Best for: A great base for adding colours.

#4 Schwarzkopf Ultra Bright, Silver Steel.

They say:

  • A cool metallic effect.
  • Maximum radiance and colour depth.
  • Contains a built-in metallic shine booster.
  • Added coconut oil leaves hair gorgeously glossy.

What is the best professional silver hair color?

Reviewers say:

“I’ve tried several different hair dyes but this is far the best. It goes on great and I just love the colour result.”

“This colour is fantastic. It never really washes out, it fades and gets paler. I’m a hairdresser and recommend this hair dye to all of my clients.”

“My hair is blonde/brown ombre. I was so happy after using this as my hair is now a lovely even grey/silver colour.”

We say:

We tried this on platinum blonde hair and it created a gorgeously subtle, shimmering hue.

It’s a little paler than the box – think platinum blonde with a silver tone – and much brighter than others on this list.

It’s softer and less grey than some of the others but because of that, it’ll wear well. For thick or long hair, you’ll need two or more packs for a nice, even coverage.

Best for: A subtle sheen.

#5 Garnier Colour Sensation Vivids Blonde Hair Dye, Silver Diamond

They say:

  • Provides intense, long-lasting colour.
  • The unique formula delivers up to 8 weeks of colour. 
  • The after-care conditioner will leave your hair feeling soft with a smooth surface to reflect light.
  • Simple, indulgent home hair colour application. 

What is the best professional silver hair color?

Reviewers say:

“Colour stays vibrant for about two weeks and then it starts getting a little dull. But it is with most products the same.”

“I am very happy with the shade of this. Best of all, my hair is in a really great condition after using this, not dry or frizzy at all.”

“I had bleached blonde hair so thought this would add a silver tint to it but it came out darker than on the box. It’s still a great, pale colour and it was easy to apply.”

We say:

This hair dye is also a hair lightener so we tried it out on dark blonde hair to see if it would lift it a level or two.

Well, the result wasn’t anywhere near as light as the box, but it has added an all-over shine to our hair which we love.

It’s more grey than silver colour but that’s because of the warmth that was already in our hair.

Make sure your hair is platinum blonde or bleached to almost white and you’ll get the silver-blonde colour on the box for sure.

Best for: Bright white, platinum blondes.

#6 Knight & Wilson Colour Freedom Metallic Glory Silver Grey Permanent Hair Colour

They say:

  • Trend setting and unique permanent metallic Silver Grey colour.
  • Achieve a True Metallic Silver Grey.
  •  Infused with Argan Oil and Shea Butter.
What is the best professional silver hair color?

Reviewers say:

“I bleached my hair before trying this out and toned it twice with Jerome Russell’s silver toner which made my hair almost white. The end result was even and lovely colour, I’m so happy.”

“ I’ve always wanted to be a granny grey but only ever managed to go ash blonde. With this hair dye, my hair is now all over grey! I love this colour!”

“I wanted to go this colour for a long time and finally plucked up the courage. 3 weeks ago, I lightened my hair and it had some brassy orange in it but with this it gave an amazing colour!”

We say:

This is a true silver-grey colour that has an almost gun metal grey shine to it. We tried this on pre-lightened hair with some yellow tones in it. This colour worked a treat.

It has slightly blue undertones which cancelled out our yellow and gave a fantastic cool hue to our hair.

It’s definitely worth checking out the other silver and grey shades in Colour Freedom’s Metallic Glory range – graphite grey, silver steel, silver blonde and stone grey.

Best for: Cooler colour.


TOP PICK!

Schwarzkopf Live Ultra Bright Silver Steel.

Best for: A subtle silver sheen.

We tried this on platinum blonde hair and it created a gorgeously subtle, shimmering hue.

The result is a little bit paler than the box – think platinum blonde with a silver tone – and much brighter than others on the list. This is the best one for us.

Silver hair dye FAQS

Do I need to bleach my hair to dye it silver?

The short answer is yes, you will need to bleach your hair to dye it silver.

Bleaching your hair before dyeing it will give you the most vibrant and long-lasting color.

If you’re looking for a more low-maintenance option, consider using a silver toner instead of dye.

Silver toners are less harsh on your hair and can be applied directly to unbleached hair.

However, they will only give you a temporary color change. So if you’re looking for a more permanent silver hue, bleaching your hair first is the way to go.

What level does hair need to be to dye it silver?

Ideally, your hair should be lightened to a level 8 or 9 before attempting to go silver.

This will ensure that the color takes evenly and that you don’t end up with any unwanted orange or yellow tones in your hair.

If your hair is darker than a level 8, you may need to pre-lighten it before coloring it silver.

Once you’ve lightened your hair to the desired level, you’re ready to start the coloring process.

Can I dye my gray hair silver?

Going gray is a normal part of aging, and many people embrace it as a sign of wisdom and experience. However, some people prefer to keep their hair color more youthful-looking.

If you’re in the latter camp, you might be wondering if you can dye your gray hair silver.

The good news is that yes, you can!

There are lots of ways to embrace your gray hair and even make it look fabulous.

Silver highlights are a great way of transitioning from gray to silver, and they can give you a whole new look.

Plus, they’ll help to disguise any grays that you might have.

Just keep in mind that your hair will need lots of toning, so be prepared to spend some extra time in the salon. But it’ll be worth it when you see how great you look!

What happens if you put silver dye on brown hair?

Unfortunately, the answer is not very exciting!

The silver dye will simply darken the brown hair, rather than giving it a true silver color.

To get the latter, you would need to lighten your hair first.

So, if you’re looking to go silver, be prepared for some bleaching – it’s the only way to achieve that perfect hue.

What is the longest lasting silver hair dye?

There’s nothing like a fresh dye job to give you that extra boost of confidence.

But if you’re looking for a color that will last longer than a couple of weeks, you’ll want to choose a silver hair dye that is high quality and long lasting.

Schwartzkopf’s Ultra Bright Silver Steel is one option that is sure to give you beautiful, silver locks that will last. This ammonia-free formula is gentle on your hair, and it won’t cause the unwanted yellowing that can sometimes happen with other silver dyes.

Plus, it comes with a conditioner to help keep your hair healthy and shiny.

If you’re looking for a silver hair dye that will give you gorgeous, long-lasting color, Schwartzkopf’s ultra bright silver steel is the perfect choice.

Parting words.

So there you have it, the best silver hair dyes on the market!

Whether you’re looking for a long-lasting color or a more natural option, there’s definitely a box dye out there for you.

And who knows, maybe you’ll even find your new favorite color.

So go ahead and give it a try – after all, life is too short to not experiment with your hair!

How do professionals get silver hair?

To get silver hair, you have to bleach your hair until your strands are almost white. The darker your natural color is, the more bleach sessions you'll have to go through to lighten your hair enough to achieve that ethereal silver hue. The bleaching process can be very damaging to your delicate mane.

What is the difference between silver and platinum hair color?

Silver-blonde hair is just a very pale blonde that reflects a silvery/ashy tone. It differs from platinum in that platinum keeps to a pure white tone, while silver-blonde will have a cool tone to it, appearing slightly darker, Tressa Yunchuk at Kharma Salons tells us.

What is the difference between grey hair and silver?

Differences Between Gray, White, and Silver Hair Colors Hair never turns the color gray; however, a person whose natural hair color is a light drab brown can appear to have drab grayish hair. Hair appears to be the various shade of silver when natural cool colored dark hair becomes predominately white.