Grey Blending | Corrective Color Transformation

Embracing the Grey | Grey blending processes | Hair color transitions to natural grey

Is Grey Blending a Color Correction service?

Yes, yes it is, but really it’s a transformational service.

For someone who has been highlighting their hair, the transformation is typically easier since the contrast between roots and highlights is more subtle. That’s not a universal truth though; it can depend on what the natural base color is and how much grey there is in between. A mid-blonde to blonde natural base can mask the grey as a highlight so the grow out is less noticeable and the transition is less corrective, but still corrective non-the-less because there’ll be residual permanent color to deal with.

A dark natural base is trickier because you have high contrast when the grey comes in. And if you’re someone who has been coloring their grey for years, the transition can be dramatic and maybe even a little traumatic. That’s why you should work with a grey specialist to come up with a goal and the plan to achieve it. Removing dark brown/black color can expose a color/undertone that can’t be fully corrected in one go but at least it can be camouflaged as a dimensional mid-tone until the next appointment.

Now as with most transfomational color services, there’ll be a time commitment aspect that can’t be rushed. With shorter hair you can expect at least 4-5 hours for the first appointment but you could get very close to your ideal result. Longer hair though can take between 6-8 hours to produce a good preliminary result.

We know making the choice to transition to your natural grey isn’t one you make lightly. So our stylists take it very seriously and do their best to explain the process clearly and to manage your expectations during the consultation. The plan will be tailored to your goal while taking your lifestyle into consideration to give you the best options.

Are you finally ready to live in your natural grey?

Going from years of coloring your roots routinely to finally relieving yourself of that commitment can be a scary prospect. You can’t really know what you’ll look like no matter how many versions AI might give you. It probably feels like a pick-your-own adventure where you are the main character. The process to transition to your natural grey will be an adventure and a journey. The journey though is going to be different for every client, you included. Certain factors have to be considered when evaluating how the process will start; these are just a few:

  • How long is the new growth of grey?

  • How much previous color still remains?

  • What’s the integrity of the hair?

It won’t be one quick salon session but as long as you understand what to expect and can manage the timeline, your stylist can provide a game plan and ease your transition so you can still feel good about how your hair looks at every stage.

So, where to begin?

The first step would be an in-salon consultation with one of our experts specializing in grey blending. Once you’ve had a thorough consultation, you’ll prepare a plan with your stylist to get you well on your way to achieving the final look you desire.


The BEFORE of client’s uneven outgrow and fading of previous permanent color allowing the grey pattern to emerge.

The BEFORE of client’s uneven outgrow and fading of previous permanent color allowing the grey pattern to emerge.

Gillian Hanson is helping this client on her grey hair journey. These are the beautiful results after the first session. See more of the process on Instagram.

The AFTER of client’s new blended semi-permanent color transition to help camouflage new outgrowth with subtle highlighting to give a softer and more natural look.

The AFTER of client’s new blended semi-permanent color transition to help camouflage new outgrowth with subtle highlighting to give a softer and more natural look.


The BEFORE of client’s uneven outgrow and fading of previous permanent color allowing the grey pattern to emerge.

The BEFORE of client’s uneven outgrow and fading of previous permanent color allowing the grey pattern to emerge.

James Strife and his client have decided on a different approach. After a great result for her first appointment, James will be able to achieve what she’s been hoping for. See more of the process on Instagram.

The AFTER of client’s softer, dimensional all over semi-permanent color. The gradual color fade will make new outgrowth look more subtle.

The AFTER of client’s softer, dimensional all over semi-permanent color. The gradual color fade will make new outgrowth look more subtle.