Ah, the age-old question every woman asks her stylist at some point: should you go darker or lighter with hair color as you age? Well, grab your foils and color bowls, because we're about to dive into the world of aging gracefully—while still rocking fabulous hair. Whether you're a salon owner or a stylist, you probably hear this question more often than you'd like. So, what's the expert consensus?
Stylists across the board agree: there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on skin tone, hair texture, and, let's be honest, personal preference. But don't worry, we've broken it down to help you guide your clients toward their best look as they mature.
Lighter Hair: A Softer Approach
One of the most common recommendations for clients as they age is to go lighter. Why? Lighter shades can soften features, blend in those pesky grays, and add a youthful glow to the complexion. Think of it as nature's Instagram filter for your client's face! This is especially true for women with fair to medium skin tones who may find darker shades too harsh. For your salon, stock up on hair color products to offer that perfect lighter shade.
But What About Going Darker?
Going darker isn't out of the question for aging clients, especially those with deeper skin tones or those who love a dramatic look. Darker hair can provide a striking contrast to the skin, enhancing natural beauty and making bold features pop. However, darker shades do have a tendency to highlight lines and wrinkles. If your client insists on darker hues, consider adding dimension with highlights or lowlights. Check out our hair tools and appliances to perfect those multi-dimensional looks.
Blending in the Grays
For many women, aging means graying—and the real question is how to blend those grays gracefully. A great middle ground is to embrace the gray while enhancing it with complementary colors. Lighter, cool-toned hues or even silver highlights can blend beautifully with natural grays, creating a stunning, effortless look. Make sure you have all the right hair color supplies for those blending sessions!
Skin Tone: The Game Changer
One of the most important factors when considering whether to go darker or lighter is skin tone. As we age, our skin tone can change, becoming more pale or taking on different undertones. Lighter colors often brighten up the face and can make your client look more refreshed. Meanwhile, darker shades can bring out a warm, rich complexion. Be sure to have a variety of brushes and tools on hand to execute these color changes flawlessly.
Adding Dimension: Balayage and Highlights
If your client is feeling stuck between going darker or lighter, suggest a dimensional look with balayage or highlights. These techniques add depth and movement to the hair, making it look more voluminous and youthful. Plus, they work wonders for blending grays. Balayage is especially popular because it offers a softer grow-out period, which means fewer touch-ups—something your clients will love! Equip your salon with the latest hair brushes and combs to master this look.
Maintaining Healthy Hair as You Age
As we all know, aging isn't just about what color you should choose, but how to maintain the health of your hair. Hair often becomes more brittle and dry with age, which means you need to recommend products that nourish and protect it. Offer your clients treatments and products designed for mature hair, such as moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and heat protectants. Check out our collection of premium hair care products to keep your clients' hair healthy and radiant.
The Verdict: There's No Wrong Answer
So, should you go darker or lighter as you age? The answer is simple: whatever makes you feel fabulous! The key is to work with your client's natural beauty, enhancing their best features with the right color and cut. And remember, whether it's a soft, light hue or a rich, dark shade, the most important thing is that your client leaves your chair feeling confident and gorgeous.
Ready to stock your salon with the best in hair color and styling products? Browse our wide selection of salon supplies and keep your clients looking their best as they age gracefully!