So many moons ago (2013) I published a blog about grey hair, PRE, the grey appreciation movement. I always loved it, so am here to smugly confirm- I was right, but let’s revisit why..
The landscape of my industry has changed immeasurably in recent years. I feel like anything is possible. We can cut, colour, lengthen, smooth, curl, volumise, soften, strengthen, optimise, accentuate- yadda yadda you get the message. If your budget matches, goals await.
But if perfection is tangible, achievable, why would we welcome grey?
Now IMO, grey hair is cool. Its sexy. Because confidence is sexy. Like the French & Italians, I wholeheartedly want to embrace my ‘je m’en fiche’ and ‘fanculo’ side.
I have encountered these pests in my work context for decades. Frankly I’ve made a good living out of them, but now they’re invading my barnet at a rate of knots and fairplay, it takes adjustment. I don’t hate the colour, I mean who hasn’t fantasised about being platinum (silver’s nextdoor neighbour)? But the texture. Nothing prepared me for the frizz fest, these sprouts deliver. So here’s the lowdown:
Unpopular opinion-You don’t need permanent colour.
Yup, you THINK your 10 glittering pals warrant full coverage, but you’re wrong!!
I made this mistake for years. Unless you have 30% grey + a semi-permanent is your best bet.
Downsides to permanent colour:
Unwanted lift in the Sun (eek, with a tan on location somehow anything goes, back in my chair, in dull British light we see the harsh reality). You may have flown on Easyjet, but nobody wants to blend with their branding.
Less hydrating. Less shiny. Permanent colour opens the cuticle as opposed to a true semi-permanent, that only deposits, leaving no demarcation line (or worse banding).
So if you want to jump on my bandwagon what’s the best approach?
Every individual is unique, so a complimentary consultation would be beneficial. I like to feel and see my Clients’ hair, before making recommendations.
As a rule, a scattering of Baby lights (toned to Silver) with a semi-permanent root application will beautifully transition you from colour, (over time), to a ‘no colour’ potential. We call it ‘grey blending’.
Thankfully professional haircare available today, means we can add shine where grey lacks lustre. We can feed the cuticle with moisture and control its shape as it dries. We can accentuate or multiply grey, creating a focal point (like an edgy Malin streak), or we can softly blend it away without a demarcation line, not negating grow out and leaving options open for the future.
Products can really help you embrace your grey. My Holy Grail as a Colourist is Epres. A bond multiplying treatment solution, I add to all lightening processes. I recommend using a silver/blonde pigment shampoo alongside a really hydrating mask. Olaplex 4P is powerful, whereas Milkshake offer a ‘light’ alternative. Silvershine is a divine shampoo, rich and bursting with real blueberry aroma. For textured hair you’ll need an amazing smoothing product-Redken’s Frizz Dismiss ‘Heavy cream’, beats my unruly kinks into submission, leaving a coconut scent. KerastaseCamelia oil is a beautiful serum for hydrating mid lengths and ends on thick/curly/long hair daily. For finer texture, an uplifting spritz of Shimmer me Blonde by Kevin Murphy- Is perfect to top up shine/tone daily
I don’t dictate. Everyone’s comfort zone is their prerogative. But I hope to objectively illustrate possible processes and inspire you to view yourself differently.
Evolving your style should be gentle and beautiful, like the gradual transition of the seasons.
For a complimentary consultation, or to find out your unique Colour Season, please get it touch.
Ella x
