Gone are the days that we fear getting gray hair. Now, we’re all about embracing it. And one buzzy coloring technique in particular helps you deal with this transition in the most natural way possible: gray blending.
A new-ish hair coloring trend that allows for smooth transition to silver hair, gray blending helps you incorporate gray hair with some tactful highlighting. Gray hair doesn’t appear out of the blue—and is nothing to be ashamed of. Over the years, the production of melanin (the natural pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and body) is eroded and gives manes a more transparent, grayish tint. It’s a visual marker of the passing of time and when styled, it looks effortlessly chic. So if you’ve been looking for ways to work gray into your overall hair look, you’ve come to the right place. Below, the experts break down everything you need to know about gray blending, along with some hair inspo. Read on to learn more.
What is gray blending?
According to celebrity colorist and co-owner of Crane hair salon Cass Keading, whose clientele includes Kourtney Kardashian and Miley Cyrus, gray blending is a coloring technique that seamlessly blends your gray strands with your natural hair tone. Made by using a combination of highlights and lowlights, Keading says you get a softer line of demarcation when your roots grow out and it gives you a subtle dimension throughout.
“What makes this process unique is that instead of the usual practice of concealing or covering gray hair, it works with the natural gray process to create a multi-tonal effect,” she says. “This technique mixes the gray strands with your natural hair tone, resulting in a subtle, blended look.”
The difference between gray blending and other coloring techniques is all in the amount of coverage you get. Natalie Rotger, a colorist at Jenna Perry Hair Studio, says that this process just enhances your natural color while still keeping some of that gray in rather than just hiding them completely. “Most people immediately think of a permanent single process when gray hair starts to come through, which isn’t the answer for everyone,” Rotger says.
Because there are a couple of ways to go about gray blending (more on that later) and depending on how much gray you want to blend, prices may vary. She says that a gloss can be around $150 while doing mini highlights can cost about $200. Check your salon for its pricing before booking that appointment.
The benefits of gray blending
Keading says that the two biggest benefits to gray blending are its natural-looking coverage and how low maintenance upkeep can be. “Since the technique works with your natural color and grays, it requires fewer touch-ups compared to other coloring methods,” she says. “[This reduces] the maintenance frequency.” (Which in turn also saves you money in the long run).
