How to Get Metallic Hair at Home

From icy silver to cosmic teal, metallic hair catches the light and gives you head-turning radiance — and it's easier to achieve at home than you might think. got2b® Metallics™ was built to make that possible without a salon appointment.

This guide walks you through every step, from prepping your base to locking in that multi-dimensional metallic look.

What You'll Need Before You Start

Getting metallic hair at home is a process. Here's what to have on hand:

How to Get Metallic Hair at Home: Step by Step

Step 1: Choose Your Metallic Shade

got2b® Metallics™ comes in a range of head-turning shades — from cool silvers to bold purples and greens. We’ll break them all down later, but whatever vibe you're going for, there's a metallic shade for it, and the best metallic shade for you is whichever one makes you feel most like yourself.

got2b® Metallics™ has shades for almost every starting color — including deeper shades like Midnight Black and Dark Ruby that work on dark brown or medium brown hair without pre-lightening. That said, if you're going for a lighter metallic shade like Metallic Silver or Dusty Silver, the lighter your hair color, the bolder the result will be. Check the back of the pack for guidance on which shades work best for your starting color. If you need help, we’ve got plenty of tips for how to lighten your hair at home.

Step 2: Pre-Lighten Your Hair (If Needed)

Pre-lightening is recommended for lighter metallic shades like Metallic Silver, where a pale, platinum-blonde base helps the color show up at its most vibrant. For guidance on whether your chosen shade requires pre-lightening and which starting colors it works best on, check the back of the pack before you begin.

got2b® has two bleaching options depending on your starting color:

  • got2b® Bleach It Permanent Ultra Platinum Hair Bleach is recommended if your hair is light blonde to medium brown. It lightens hair up to 8 levels using a gel formula for easy, even application, and includes the Kick Brass Purple Mask to give you a cool, striking platinum result.
  • got2b® Bleach It Hi-Lift Permanent Hair Bleach is our favorite option for darker hair shades. It provides up to 9 levels of lift, works on all hair textures — including curly, kinky, and coily — and features an oil-enriched formula. The included moisturizing purple conditioner helps neutralize unwanted yellow tones and protect and support hair's strength against combing breakage on damaged hair vs. untreated.
     

Both products follow the same application steps:

  1. Start with dry, unwashed hair and put on protective clothing and gloves.
  2. Mix the contents of the Blonde-Booster Sachet and the Lightening Cream tube into the applicator bottle. Roll horizontally, then shake vigorously until you have a smooth, even cream.
  3. Apply evenly from roots to ends and massage in with your fingertips. After 25 minutes, wipe a single strand to check the level. Leave on for up to 45 minutes maximum.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water until the water runs clear, then apply the included conditioner treatment and leave for up to 3 minutes before rinsing.

Once your hair is lightened to a pale blonde, you're ready for the metallic color.

Step 3: Apply Your got2b® Metallics™ Color

Now for the fun part. got2b® Metallics™ permanent hair color uses a simple two-step mixing process and is designed to be easy to do at home. Here's how it works:

  1. Preparation: Cover your clothing with an old towel or cape and put on the gloves provided. Make sure your hair is dry and unwashed and keep a watch or timer nearby to track the developing time.
  2. Mixing: Unscrew the application tip of the Developer Lotion. Pierce the Color Cream tube with the reverse side of the cap and squeeze the entire contents into the Developer Lotion bottle. Replace the tip and shake vigorously until everything is mixed into a smooth, creamy consistency. Break off the tip of the bottle and start applying immediately.
  3. Application: Apply the mixture evenly from your roots to the ends of your hair. Massage in with your fingertips to make sure all hair is covered. Leave to develop for 30 minutes.
  4. Rinsing: At the end of the developing time, apply warm water and work into a lather, massaging around the hairline to remove any staining. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
  5. Conditioning: Apply the included Color After Treatment to towel-dried hair and leave for 2 minutes. Rinse out and style as usual.

Pro tip: If your hair is longer than shoulder length, use two boxes of got2b® Metallics™ to make sure you have enough product for full, even coverage.

Explore the got2b® Metallics™ Range and Find Your Color

Whether you’re wondering how to get metallic silver hair or are looking for something that stops traffic, there's a shade for you. Here's a quick breakdown:

Cool and silver tones

Blues, greens and teals

Purples

Reds, pinks and warm tones

Darks

Ready to go metallic? Explore the full got2b® Metallics™ range and find your shade. 

How To Maintain Your Metallic Color

Coloring your hair — especially if you've pre-lightened first — is a process that your hair will thank you for taking seriously afterwards. Here are some simple ways to keep it looking and feeling great:

  • Be gentle with your wash routine: A sulfate-free or color-safe shampoo and conditioner can be a good choice for color-treated hair. Hot water can also be harsh on treated hair, so consider rinsing with cool or lukewarm water instead.
  • Give your hair a break from heat: If you can, let your hair air dry after washing. When you do reach for the blow dryer or straightener, apply a heat protectant first to help protect your strands.
  • Keep moisture levels up: Pre-lightened hair can be more prone to dryness, so a regular deep conditioning treatment or hair mask can be a great addition to your routine. Well-moisturized hair also tends to look shinier, which is exactly what you want with a metallic shade.
  • Tone as needed: If you're rocking a silver or platinum metallic shade, a purple shampoo is a popular choice for keeping cool tones looking fresh between color appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Metallic Hair

How long does metallic hair color last?

It depends, but got2b® Metallics™ is a permanent hair color with an anti-fading effect for long-lasting color. Note that the porosity of the hair may affect long-lasting results.

Is metallic hair color suitable for all hair textures?

got2b® Metallics™ is formulated for all hair textures. If you need to pre-lighten first, got2b® Bleach It Hi-Lift is also specifically designed to work on all hair textures while helping to maintain the feeling of your natural texture.

What's the difference between metallic silver and regular silver hair dye?

got2b® Metallics™ Metallic Silver is formulated for a multi-dimensional metallic look, with the Metallic-Shine Booster that boosts your hair color with unique metallic radiance for a head-turning finish.

Can I use got2b® Metallics™ on previously colored hair?

got2b® Metallics™ has shades designed for a range of starting colors — including deeper shades that work on previously colored dark hair. For lighter metallic shades, a lighter starting point will give you a bolder result. Check the back of the pack for shade-specific guidance before you begin.

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