More and more, we have clients coming into our salons ready and excited to embrace their natural beauty as they age, and gray blending services are some of our favorites to do!
We work with each client to come up with a look that is completely customized to both their level of gray and their preference in terms of upkeep and maintenance. For some clients, that means something as dramatic as a full transformation from dark-colored hair to white, or something much more subtle, like easing out of color with well-placed highlights and lowlights that match the amount of existing gray.
There are two main things to consider when going the gray blending route:
Speed!
First, think about how fast you want the transition to take from wherever you’re at to full-on gray. Do you want to go about it slowly and gently, easing out of your permanent color and into a demi-permanent color? This allows you to see where the grays live, and the subtle tint helps you get used to seeing those gray hairs on a regular basis. Another method we love to use is slowly dropping the power of our color so you see more of your natural gray sprinkle through.
If you’re already solidly gray or white, the next step might be easing lighter with a blend of customized highlights and lowlights that match the natural highs and lows of your hair color. This creates a natural pattern that allows the color to grow seamlessly out of the hair without a harsh stripe of demarcation. Your stylist’s main priority through any transition is the integrity of your hair. They will work with you to determine what your hair can handle, so it stays healthy.
Upkeep
With any transition, there is always some maintenance and upkeep involved. This could be as simple as coming in for a toning treatment every five weeks until the highlights have completely grown out of the hair. Toning adds silver or white tones, lots of shine and protein back in the hair while also providing UV protection to prevent the yellowing and discoloration that can naturally occur in gray hair. Another option to consider is adding permanent color to Demi permanent could allow longer time inbetween salon visits. This option gives time for your natural color to show through.
Once we’ve talked about maintenance and speed, from then on the journey is what you want it to be. You have endless options when it comes to either personalizing your preferred type of gray or simply letting your natural hair shine and leaving the coloring world altogether. Ready to start gray blending? Book your appointment today!
Elizabeth S. is a designer at our Eagan Station salon and has been a part of the Cole’s team since January 2012. Alyssa is a designer at our Burnsville salon and has been a member of the Cole’s team since 2016.
