You’ve got gray hair, and guess what? It’s fabulous! But maybe you’re in the mood for a little more dimension—something that adds depth without hiding your silvery locks.
Enter lowlights, the ultimate secret for blending grays while keeping things subtle and natural.
Think of them as the yin to highlights’ yang, bringing depth to your hair by weaving in slightly darker tones that make those grays pop in all the right ways.
And here’s the real beauty: lowlights grow out like a dream, so there’s no more staring down harsh regrowth lines!
Ready to add some dimension and get the lowdown on lowlights? Let’s jump into everything you need to know—complete with expert tips and a few cheeky tricks to help you nail the look.
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Why Lowlights for Gray Hair Are a Total Game-Changer
Gray hair can sometimes lack a bit of… pizzazz. It has a way of coming in all cool and ashy, leaving you craving that bit of warmth and texture.
Strategically placed lowlights save the day by adding subtle darker shades to your gray strands, making your hair look fuller, shinier, and—dare I say it—luxe.
Whether you’ve got a full head of grays or just a sprinkle, lowlights work to create a more natural transition, especially if you’re not ready to commit to a full-on color overhaul.
Oh, and did I mention that lowlights are way less maintenance than covering grays completely? We love that for you. Let’s get the lowdown into the how and why of lowlights.
For Natural Blondes or Light Brunettes: Warm Up with Caramel and Honey Tones
Blondes and light brunettes, you’re in luck—your natural hair color loves a soft, warm lowlight.
Caramel and honey tones blend seamlessly with lighter hair and gray, adding just enough warmth to give your hair that sunkissed, youthful vibe without looking brassy or overdone.
Expert Insights
“For my blonde clients with grays, I always suggest subtle caramel lowlights,” says Rita Hazan, celebrity colorist and queen of blonde transformations. “These tones work beautifully to warm up your look without clashing with the cooler shades of gray.”
Top Tip: Want to amp up the natural look? Add in some babylights to complement your lowlights. These ultra-fine highlights will keep things soft and luminous, making the transition from gray to color nearly invisible.
For Dark Brunettes or Black Hair: Add Depth with Chocolate or Espresso Tones
If you’re a brunette with darker hair, lowlights are your ticket to chic, sophisticated dimension.
Chocolate, mocha, and espresso tones break up the grays and add a richness that’ll have your hair looking full and glossy. These darker lowlights make gray strands less stark without feeling like you’ve abandoned your natural depth.
Expert Insights
“Darker lowlights for brunettes are all about creating subtle contrast,” says Johnny Ramirez, co-owner of the famed Ramirez Tran Salon. “It’s key to choose neutral brown tones that blend seamlessly with the gray, so you get a look that feels natural but still multi-dimensional.”
Top Tip: Opt for a balayage technique for your lowlights. This hand-painted approach ensures the lowlights blend effortlessly into your natural hair, giving you a softer, more lived-in look that grows out beautifully.
For Redheads: Copper and Auburn Tones for Vibrant Dimension
If you’re a redhead seeing those first streaks of gray, copper or auburn lowlights are your new best friends.
These shades warm up the cooler grays while keeping the vibrant fire of your red hair alive. Plus, copper lowlights look stunning with silver peeking through—it’s like your hair is telling a story.
Expert Insights
“Redheads transitioning to gray can keep that fiery look alive with auburn lowlights,” says Jack Howard, a color expert from Paul Edmonds London. “You want to avoid too much contrast, so stick with warm, soft tones that don’t clash with the gray.”
Top Tip: Ask your stylist for root shadowing in addition to lowlights. This technique deepens the color at your roots slightly, making your grays blend effortlessly as they grow out, so you’re not left with any harsh transitions.
For Curly Hair: Keep It Soft with Caramel or Honey-Toned Lowlights
Curly and coily textures need extra care when it comes to color, but that doesn’t mean you have to skip the lowlights!
Caramel or honey-toned lowlights are perfect for adding dimension to curls without making the hair look flat or too harsh. The lighter tones blend in beautifully with your natural curls and grays, giving your hair a soft, bouncy look.
Expert Insights
“Curly hair reflects light differently, so placing lowlights strategically is key,” says Nikki Nelms, textured hair specialist and stylist to stars like Solange. “Caramel tones are perfect because they give the hair dimension while enhancing, not overpowering, the curl pattern.”
Top Tip: Make sure your stylist uses a curl-safe color formula that won’t weigh down or damage your curls. After your lowlights are done, follow up with a moisturizing treatment to keep those curls hydrated and bouncy.
Maintaining Your Lowlights Like a Pro
So, you’ve got your perfect lowlights—now, how do you keep them looking fresh? Good news: they’re low-maintenance by design, but there are still a few key steps to ensuring they look their best for weeks.
- Use Color-Safe Shampoo: Protect your lowlights by sticking to sulfate-free shampoos that won’t strip your color. Try something like Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, which is gentle on color and keeps your hair moisturized.
- Purple Shampoo for Grays: If your grays are prone to yellowing, swap in a purple shampoo once a week. A fan favorite is Fanola No Yellow Shampoo—it keeps those silver strands looking bright and fresh, making your lowlights stand out even more.
- Regular Touch-Ups: Lowlights grow out beautifully, but every 8-12 weeks, you might want to head back to the salon to refresh the color and keep things looking dimensional.
- Deep Condition Weekly: Gray hair tends to be on the drier side, so give your hair some extra love with a weekly deep conditioner, like Olaplex No. 8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask, to keep both your natural grays and lowlights soft, shiny, and healthy.
The Final Word on Lowlights for Gray Hair
Lowlights are your secret weapon for adding depth, texture, and a little something extra to your gray hair.
Whether you’re embracing your silver strands or just easing into the transition, lowlights offer a natural, low-maintenance way to keep your hair looking vibrant and full of life.
Choose the right tones, keep up with a little TLC, and your hair will be turning heads in all the right ways.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to embrace those grays and add a touch of depth that’s anything but basic. Ready to give it a go?
Found your perfect shade? We’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @coloredhaircare or Facebook and share your hair dye success stories. Looking for more hair care tips? Check out How to Look After Colored Hair: 11 Expert Secrets For Long-Lasting Color.
Our Research & Review Process
To ensure our recommendations are as comprehensive and reliable as possible, we’ve undertaken an extensive research effort.
We cite scientific evidence and journals, collect real user reviews and gather impartial perspectives from hair stylists, users, and experts in the field.
Additionally, we conduct hands-on testing by using products and applying hair dyes not only on our own locks but also on real human hair extensions and hair pieces of different hair type, textures and lengths.
This rigorous approach allows us to provide you with insights into which products genuinely live up to their promises.
As always – please consult with a professional hair colorist or stylist for advice on how to color your own hair at home. It’s different for everyone!
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