The Expert Guide to Gray Blending, the Latest Hair Color Technique
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The narrative around "aging gracefully" has become a fervent topic of conversation this year, with Kris Jenner's controversial interview comments and a growing milieu of not-so-secret celebrity facelifts. And while the dialogue around cosmetic treatments rumbles on, our attitudes towards embracing gray hair have, thankfully, evolved a bit further.
Nowadays, you're much more likely to see women eschewing hair dye and letting their grays shine. It's heartening to see a new generation of women embracing their natural hair—and important to remember that the advent of "going gray" isn't reserved only for those of a more mature age.
In practice, however, the transition from colored hair (whether natural or dyed) to gray hair isn't simple and can be a daunting undertaking. That's where gray blending provides the ideal service for women looking to embark on their natural color journey and are unsure where to start.
Edward Berthelot - Getty Images
Sarah Bower is one of the leading specialists in gray blending, offering the bespoke service at Larry King salons across London. "Gray blending is a precision hair coloring technique that seamlessly integrates your grays with your natural hair color," she explains. "It can help soften the appearance of gray, making it look more natural."
Ahead, Bower breaks down gray blending, from upkeep to realistic expectations.
What Happens During a Gray Blending Appointment?
Gray blending is a truly bespoke service, and your colorist will consider a range of factors upon consultation, such as your lifestyle, hair type, and how gray you want to go.
As Bower explains, "The appointment involves blending highlights or lowlights to create a natural, low-maintenance look that minimizes the appearance of grays, allowing you to embrace them and making it look more subtle and dimensional instead of covering them up."
To create the most natural finish, Bower notes that "multiple sessions are often required," depending on your hair's starting point and how much or little coverage you're looking to achieve.
Edward Berthelot - Getty Images
What Is the Upkeep for Gray Blending?
While the initial undertaking of gray blending can require more than one appointment, the upkeep is wonderfully minimal.
"Less is more when it comes to gray blending," says Bower. "Less salon visits and longer time between appointments is often the case as the aim is to create a lower maintenance look."
There are also changes you can make to your haircare routine at home to help increase the longevity of your new shade. "Neutralizing warmth is a big part of the process, so often a gloss or toner is required in between salon visits," she explains, also recommending the introduction of violet toning shampoos into your hair wash days to counteract brassiness.
L'Oreal Paris EverPure Silver Care Shampoo for Gray Hair
Oribe Silverati Shampoo
Maria Nila Transparent Silver Shampoo
Olaplex Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer Purple Toning Shampoo
Who Might Consider Gray Blending?
Whether you're in your thirties or your seventies, this coloring technique offers a unique way to integrate your grays with your natural base color subtly. "If you have a few gray hairs or a full head, we can use different techniques to create a bespoke hair color you're comfortable with," explains Bower.
As this gray blending technique aims to "soften" the contrast between colored hair and grays, it's a good option for those looking to embrace their natural shade. It's important to note that where there's a definitive contrast (like from hair dyed brown or black), the gray blending process may be considerably longer to achieve the desired finish. Either way, your colorist will be able to give you a realistic appraisal in your consultation of what kind of look you can attain with this technique.
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