“White hair can dull and harden the face,” explains Stéphanie Bonin, colorist at the Rossano Ferretti salon. Unless it's 100% white with a structured cut and a striking look like Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada, coloring is the best option to avoid premature aging. Coloring restores shine and contrast through its pigments. It's technical on white hair, so entrust it to a professional colorist. On a budget? Hairdressing schools often seek models.
Opt for anti-aging formulas designed for high gray percentages, like Kératine Color by Schwarzkopf (€9.90) or Excellence Age Perfect by L'Oréal Paris (€12.10), or shimmer-free options (packaged with numbers ending in 00). Why? Over 20% white hair makes highlights too prominent against the base. For subtle reflections, select an ashy shade (most natural) for lengths and a no-shimmer formula for roots—requiring two packs. Apply no-shimmer formula to roots for 20 minutes first. Then extend to lengths or apply the reflective formula to lengths for another 10 minutes.
Protect white hair daily from UV rays, to which it's especially sensitive—but only when damp, as dry conditions like skiing pose less risk. At the beach, use an anti-UV spray.
For minimal white hair you're keeping natural, counter oxidation-induced yellowing with repigmenting shampoos or treatments. Blue or purple formulas deposit temporary pigments to neutralize yellow tones, such as De-Yellowing Cleansing Cream from Intermède (€14.20) or Okara Doux Argent Shampoo from René Furterer (€10).
* 4, rue Cambon, Paris 2nd (2nd floor)
