Every so often, we get the itch to cut and colour our hair to change up our locks, and with silver hair dye coming in as a trend thick and fast, we can't help but want to mix up our hair look too. We're all about the best hair dyes - specifically, that of the silver variety. Yes, the silver fox look is in.
Rest assured, we have done extensive research on the best at-home hair dyes, including dyes that are free from ammonia, whether to go with semi-permanent dye or not and which are the best value for the money. We're not going to lie, we've been banging on about the silver fox look ever since.
In a hurry? Here's our best silver hair dye at a glance
This article isn't going to bombard you with clichés about reinventing yourself after a bad breakup with some purple hair dye or a completely new trim. This is about doing you, whether you're single or not. Either way, it doesn't mean you can't be a little playful with your look. Now is the time to shine and go for that silver hair dye.
Even our fave celebs love to rock a bit of silver, from the likes of Kim Kardashian to our pop queen Rihanna, oh and of course, we can't forget about our man Zayn Malik, who is a big fan of the silver mop. Clearly, their hairdressers know which of the best hair toners and hair dyes to use.
SHOP: The best silver hair dye 2024 UK
Remember: Always do a patch test before using a hair dye.
Editor's Choice
amazonShake it up with a new 'do. Whether you're already blonde or used bleach or the best blonde hair dye to lighten your locks, this Garnier Olia 9.11 Silver Smoke Permanent Hair Dye from Garnier will improve hair quality at the same time as colouring it. Free from ammonia and oil potent, your hair will feel smoother and look better than ever before. If you're a fan of subtle lavender hair dyes as well, this will be your ideal mixture of the two. With plenty of happy reviewers, it's clear this dye seems to be super gentle but customers are pleased with the results.
Pros
- Different silver tones layer together to create a dynamic look
- When the colour fades after around three washes, it leaves a silver-ashy tone and then a platinum-white icy tone after more washes
Cons
- This has a slight lavender hue to it at the start
Best silver hair dye for long-lasting coverage
SuperdrugFor a high-intensity shimmer, look no further than the L'Oreal Colorista Silver Grey Permanent Hair Dye Gel. Apply the hair mask provided in. the kit once a week for up to six weeks to keep your hair silky and smooth. Reviews rave about how, if your hair is pre-lightened, your post-dyed hair will be the exact shade of that on the box, which can be hard to achieve normally. We love to see it.
Pros
- Eight weeks of full coverage and up to three times more shine
- 100 per cent grey hair coverage
Cons
- The formula can be drippy, so make sure to dye your hair in a cleanable place
Best silver hair dye for beginners
Bootswww.boots.com
For those looking to go full silver fox, this Schwarzkopf Live Ultra Bright or Pastel dye in Silver Steel will be perfect for you. Don't worry, it doesn't last forever and should be visible for up to 15 washes. Your hair must start light, with minimal orange or yellow tones for the best pick-up. Reviewers agree that the pay off is true to the colour described and many are pleased with their at-home colour.
Pros
- Comes with three boxes, so you will have plenty to cover your hair with
- Leaves hair super glossy
Cons
- You may need to try it on dry hair if it does not take to your wet hair
Best silver hair dye for shade customisation
shrinewww.weareshrine.com
Looking for a semi-permanent alternative that is affordable and customisable? SHRINE have released their heavenly SHRINE Drop It Hair Colourant in Silver that is not only easy to apply but allows you to tone, maintain and colour your hair in record time.
Pros
- Customise exactly the amount of drops and, therefore, the exact hue of silver you want
- Add the drops to your own conditioner, so this is ideal for already fragile/bleached hair
Cons
- Make sure the conditioner you add the drops to has no oils or silicones
Best silver hair dye with natural ingredients
Amazon
Suitable for blonde hair and all types of grey, Naturtint's silver dye neutralises and removes yellow tones leaving a silver looking shine. Formulated without ammonia, the dye is enriched with natural organic ingredients and oils to restore hair health as you colour.
Pros
- Suitable for blondes and greys
- Enriched with natural ingredients
- Free from ammonia
Cons
- Some reviewers didn't see much difference
Best silver hair dye for enhancing naturally grey hair
amazonEmbrace the beauty of ageing with this grey-enhancing L'Oreal Age Perfect Colour Care in Silver. Specifically developed for people with natural grey hair, this perfecter will leave a radiant glow and shine to your hair, locking in that beautiful icy tone.
Pros
- No blocky colours or root lines
- Eliminates any brassy, yellow tones from your natural grey hairs
Cons
- Only lasts for around three washes
Best silver hair toner
cult beautywww.cultbeauty.co.uk
This BLEACH London Fade To Grey Kit semi-permanent formula adds charcoal grey tones to pre-lightened hair - perfect if you're looking to switch up your blonde-bleached hair. Blondes don't always have fun you know - silver has taken over. Not only that, but this toner kit is super nourishing, coming with a deep-conditioning treatment mask. What's more - BLEACH London is completely cruelty-free and vegan.
Pros
- Ideal for those with pre-lightened hair who want to switch up without damaging their strands further
- Rids of brassy yellow tones in bleached blonde hair
Cons
- Due to it being a toner and not a dye, this product will wash out after a week or so
Now that you've decided which dye you're going to try out, it's time we answered some questions about how to use these hair products.
Silver hair dye FAQs
Will it work on dark hair?
It's unlikely for this type of lighter dye to show up on dark strands. If you have black or brown locks, you'll need to bleach your hair blonde and tone your hair beforehand. If you are certain that a silver colouring would not work on your hair, why not opt for embracing your darker side and look for the best black hair dyes instead?
Is silver hair dye permanent?
This depends on the type of dye you use and the colour of your hair. Most aren't permanent, but if you bleach your hair before using the dye, then this will last a lot longer. Shampoo for bleached hair can be used to restore the health of your hair in between bleaching.
How long it will last will also vary on the type of dye you use and how much maintenance you put into your hair. Once a week, make sure you use a hair toner or a purple shampoo to keep the colour in for longer.
Why is silver hair dye blue?
This type of dye is commonly blue because it helps to neutralise brassy colours in blonde. If you leave this on for too long or use a purple shampoo when washing, you may find that your hair has tinges of blue or purple in it, so be sure to wash it off in the recommended time.
New to colour and hair dye? Here's what you should look out for at home dying kits:
Dying your own hair at home can be daunting, therefore, finding the right box dye that guarantees great results is a must. Here's what you should look for in a box dye:
• Easy-to-use applicator bottles.
• High-quality gloves are a must – box dye gloves can be thin and prone to breaking, so make sure you have some spare disposable gloves at hand.
• An after-care treatment/conditioner – after-care is crucial to maintain soft, silky and healthy hair.
• Easy to follow instructions - this is pretty self-explanatory, but every brand's dyes are slightly different, so following clear instructions is crucial.
Main image credit: @kimkardashian / Instagram
Caitlin Casey was a Senior Beauty & Fashion Products Writer for heat, Closer, and Grazia. She covered shopping, women's lifestyle, popular culture as well as all things trending.