Research suggests that the effects of colloidal silver vary depending on the size and shape of the particles of silver, as well as their concentration in a solution ( 8, 9, 10, 11).

The biggest risk associated with chronic exposure to colloidal silver is a condition known as argyria, whose name comes from the Greek word “argyros,” meaning silver.Before you go all the way gray, it might be best to consult with a professional colorist who can guide you through the process and skillfully manage your transition to silver hair. If you plan to DIY the hue, the L’Oréal Paris Hair Color Concierge is available with live experts who can help you color with confidence and ensure your desired result. Trust us when we say that silver hair does not need heat styling to look fire. Your newly silver strands will seriously benefit from less heat so opt for air drying or hairstyles you can achieve sans hot tools, like beach waves or space buns. If you’re naturally a curly beauty, reach for a curl enhancer like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Non-Stop Dreamy Curls Leave-in Conditioner to bring out your hair's natural wave and texture.

If your silver strands are starting to look a little less than sterling, try an at-home glossing treatment to revive your color and refresh your hair in between touch-ups. The L'Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Silver is formulated with a coconut oil-infused deep-conditioning base that works to enhance your hair color and tone, while also moisturizing your strands. Simply add it to your wash day routine by applying to clean hair and letting it sit for five to ten minutes before rinsing. Editor’s tip: If your silver strands look dull, opt for a glossing treatment like the L’Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss One Step In-Shower Toning Gloss in Silver or Silver White (two-tone silver hair can opt for the Clear gloss). This at-home glossing treatment will add vibrance, enhance shine and leave your strands with a luxurious, silky feeling. Get the look : If you have dark hair, start by lightening your strands with the Colorista Bleach or the Féria Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System Bleach in Extra Bleach Blonding. Once your hair is lightened or if you’re starting with lightened hair, part your hair down the middle with a comb, creating two precise and even sections of hair. To create your silver side, use the Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Silver. For the colored side, we recommend the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Smokey Blue, Smokey Pink or Turquoise. Carefully follow the instructions included in the box for a smooth experience and gorgeous, two-tone color. If you use silver frequently on an open wound, you may experience localized argyria due to a buildup of silver in the surrounding tissue — though this condition is rare ( 18). While showering with hot water is nice for relaxation, it can actually strip your hair of essential oils, which can lead to dryness, frizz and faded hair color. Next time you get ready for a shampoo session, turn down the dial and rinse your hair in lukewarm water.

To develop argyria, you likely have to ingest silver compounds over a long period of time. However, the exact amounts and timeframe aren’t known ( 14). url": "https://www.lorealparisusa.com/beauty-magazine/hair-color/hair-color-tutorials/how-to-get-silver-hair" Why we love it: Fun colored highlights are a great way to add some depth and dimension to your silver strands. Golden highlights are popular for blonde hair because the tones complement each other, so why not amp up your silver hair with complementary lavender highlights? Since silver and lavender are similar hues, you can also use your purple shampoo to preserve both colors. Since then, the FDA has not approved any new colloidal silver drugs on the market. However, this product is still commonly sold as a dietary supplement ( 1, 2).

Why we love it : Shimmery silver strands are next level when paired with a pastel hue. The results create a vivid two-tone ‘do that is bold and exclusively yours. Finally, silver is found in other commercial products, such as cleaning agents, agricultural treatments, and personal hygiene products like shower gels and deodorants ( 7). Summary Get the look: If you’re not starting with light hair then you’ll need to use bleach like the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Bleach to create a baby blonde base color for your streak. Once you have lightened hair, reach for a silver dye like the L’Oréal Paris Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Silver to create your streak. Follow the directions inside the at-home color kit for a seamless application. Get the look : Those with dark hair can lighten their base to a platinum shade with the Colorista Bleach or the L’Oréal Paris Féria Hyper Platinum Advanced Lightening System Bleach in Extra Bleach Blonding. If you’re already starting off with lightened hair, get a silver hue with the Féria Multi-Faceted Shimmering Permanent Hair Color in Silver. Follow the directions in the box for seamless color. If your hair doesn’t need toning, you can opt for a hydrating hair mask like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Signature Masque, Color Care Hair Mask. This mask works to restore smoothness, enhance shine and deeply hydrate dry, color-treated strands.Any company that produces silver products that are labeled or promoted to prevent or cure disease must undergo FDA approval prior to marketing. Otherwise, the product is considered misbranded and is subject to regulatory action ( 3). Before committing to bleach and all over silver hair dye, try the L’Oréal Paris Colorista Hair Makeup Temporary 1-Day Hair Color Spray in Silver. This temporary spray offers silver hair color that lasts until your next shampoo.

Numerous case studies have found that silver intake from colloidal silver dietary supplements may lead to argyria ( 15, 16, 17). This allows silver ions to pass into bacterial cells, where they interfere with metabolic processes and damage DNA, leading to the cell’s death ( 8, 9, 10).

A major issue is the misinterpretation of the results from test-tube and rodent studies. Although a study may suggest that colloidal silver kills certain strains of bacteria in a lab setting, this finding can’t be applied to humans ( 8). While argyria isn’t inherently harmful, it’s irreversible and likely permanent. That said, since little research is available on the side effects of colloidal silver, there may be other unknown side effects.