Silver Smoke

Silver Smoke is the cool, icy smokey — shimmering silver-grey for a futuristic, party-ready eye. Striking and glamorous.

As with any colour, the result lives and dies by maintenance, so this guide covers both the application and how to keep it vivid between salon visits.

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How to get the look

1. 1

   Do a strand test and prep your hairline with barrier cream.

2. 2

   Mix dye with the right developer and apply with a tint brush, root to tip.

3. 3

   Process for the recommended time, then rinse until the water runs clear.

4. 4

   Tone if needed and finish with a color-safe mask.

What you'll need

Hand-picked products — tap to shop on Amazon or Google Shopping.

• Hair dyeLOreal Excellence Silver Smoke hair dye
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• Developer 20 volLOreal Oreor 20 volume developer
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• Tint brush & bowlFramar tint brush and bowl set
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• Glovesnitrile hair dye gloves
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• Sectioning clipsDiane sectioning hair clips
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• Barrier creamFramar pink barrier cream
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• Purple shampooFanola No Yellow purple shampoo
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Your step-by-step product routine

Use them in this order for the best, longest-lasting result.

1. 1

   Test first. 48 hours before, do a strand test and a skin patch test — non-negotiable, especially over previous colour.

2. 2

   Protect. Apply a barrier cream (Framar) around the hairline and ears, and always wear gloves.

3. 3

   Mix. Mix the dye (L'Oréal Excellence) with the correct developer (20 vol) to the ratio on the box.

4. 4

   Apply. Section with clips and paint with the tint brush, root to tip, fully saturating each piece.

5. 5

   Process. Time it exactly — over-processing damages hair and skews tone. Then rinse until the water runs completely clear.

6. 6

   Tone & seal. Tone or use a purple shampoo (Fanola No Yellow) if needed, then lock in shine with a colour-safe mask.

Pro tips

• A weekly bonding mask fights brassiness and breakage.
• Sulfate-free shampoo keeps fresh tone vivid for longer.
• Go lighter gradually — your hair's health is worth the extra appointment.
• A gloss every 6–8 weeks revives shine far cheaper than a re-colour.

How to make it last

Treat freshly-coloured hair gently for the first 72 hours and build a colour-safe routine.

• Sulfate-free shampoo keeps tone vivid 2× longer
• Cool rinses — hot water bleeds colour out
• UV spray or a hat on bright days
• Weekly bonding or colour mask

Common mistakes to avoid

• Going several shades lighter in one sitting.
• Using a clarifying shampoo that strips fresh tone.
• Washing brand-new colour the same day with hot water.

FAQ