Pastel With a Twist

Lavender Gray Is Spring's Coolest Hair-Color Trend

Check out all the ways to wear this sophisticated twist on pastel hair.

April 11, 2019

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If you think the names of hair color trends have jumped the shark, you wouldn't be wrong. These days, you're more likely to come across a color on Instagram or Pinterest that sounds like something more off a drink menu than what you'd ask for at the salon (mulled wine hair, anyone?). It's a recipe we've seen time and time again. Name a hair color after a dessert or cocktail, and suddenly bronde balayage becomes the much more appealing "blond roast hair."

Luckily, the newest hair color trend is a little more straightforward. Lavender-gray hair is exactly what it sounds like: a smoky-gray base with a lavender tint. The amount of purple can vary from a light tinge or ombré situation into full-on lavender, but either way, it's a more refined twist on the unicorn colors from seasons past.

While you can always dye your hair silver, there's something particularly exciting about this trend in the fact that it's perfect if you're already going gray. As more women in their twenties and thirties (and beyond) are embracing their natural gray hair, it's nice to see new color trends are catering to that. In fact, searches for lilac hair are up 1,077 percent on Pinterest this year.

Similar to powdery pastel (another big color trend for spring), the shade is great for anyone with pale highlights or platinum-white hair, says Stephanie Brown, master colorist at IGK Salon Soho in New York City. "Make sure there are no yellow tones in your hair; otherwise you’ll lose the look of these pastel colors." She recommends seeing a stylist who is well-versed in gray or platinum hair, and using an at-home color shampoo (she likes Bleach London and Overtone) to extend the life of the shade.

Still not convinced? Scroll through for some inspiration that'll make you want to call the salon (we don't recommend trying this one at home).