How To Rock a Salt and Pepper Hair Color

While gray hair used to be something we all wanted to hide, it’s now actually a major hair color trend. You can still pull off this hair color trend even if you’re not going gray just yet. In particular, salt and pepper hair, which is a mix of gray, silver, and black hair, is totally of the moment for 2020-2021—not to mention universally attractive. Keep reading to learn how to get a salt and pepper hair color at home and how to take care of colored hair once you’re finished dyeing yours.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING SALT AND PEPPER HAIR

Like all unnatural hair colors, salt and pepper hair will require quite a bit of work to achieve if you’re aiming for all over color. If you’re starting with a dark base color, you’ll most likely need to bleach your hair so that the gray color will show up on your strands. If that’s the reality you’re looking at, it’s a smart idea to seek out a professional colorist to get the job done. Now, if you have light hair to start out with, it’s a bit easier to get the salt and pepper look at home.

HOW TO DO SALT AND PEPPER HAIR AT HOME

Whichever end of the hair color spectrum you’re on, if you absolutely love DIY, we can assist you with a salt and pepper hair color transformation. First, you’d want to color your hair using the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Soft Black or the L’Oréal Paris Féria in Bright Black if you want a bold, chic take on the trend. After you’ve dyed your hair black, spray sections of your hair using the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Silver. While the silver of your salt and pepper hair color will disappear after just one wash, it gives you the option to switch between two head-turning looks in a jiff. Just spritz the silver color wherever you’d like, then wash out at the end of the day. Of course, you can also head to the salon and have a pro colorist expertly create a custom salt and pepper hair color just for you. It's up to you as to whether you want to try this hair color trend at home or seek out a professional's help.

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF SALT AND PEPPER HAIR

When you color your hair, you may need to switch up your hair-care routine. For starters, look for a system of shampoo and conditioner that is designed for color-treated hair, like the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo and L'Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Conditioner. Swap out the conditioner for a hair mask, like the L'Oréal Paris EverPure Repair Remedy Balm once or twice a week. Wash your hair in lukewarm temps, as super-hot water can strip your strands of essential oils, which can lead to it feeling dry and looking dull.

THE BEST WAY TO STYLE SALT AND PEPPER HAIR

When it comes to styling your salt and pepper hair, look for hairstyles that accentuate your multi-faceted color, the same way you would with a balayage mane or highlighted head of hair. Our favorite hairstyle for this shade-shifting hair color is just about any type of braid. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a stacked multi-braid where you can pair a complex fishtail with a rope braid or traditional three-strand. If you want a more effortless style, try a Dutch or French braid pulled over one shoulder.

If you don’t want to braid your hair at all, rely on amplifying your air-dried hairstyle with the help of a hair mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse. Simply apply a dollop and scrunch for beautifully defined curls.

Next up: If you’re not feeling the salt and pepper look but love the idea of all-over gray, check out our article, How To Get a Fresh Silver Hair Color.