I changed the navbar background color using the following code
navconFvc.navigationBar.tintColor = [UIColor colorWithHexString:@"faf6f5"];
However, I realise that the gradient of the bar is now gone

How can I retain the gradient of the bar after the custom change of the bar’s background color? I am hoping to be able to see a gradient effect like the original bar (like screenshot below)

Thanks!
The gradient is still there, you just can’t see it because you have a near white tint. Use a darker tint and it’ll be perceptible again. Now, if you want to change to a custom gradient for lighter backgrounds, then that’s a different question