The prospect of grey hair is no longer something we fear, instead, many are embracing their varying tones of silver, white and grey locks.
While some are choosing to match their grey strands by dyeing the rest of their mane to match, going fully grey or white is a big, bold step.
For those that aren’t ready for such a big change, grey blending may just be the thing for you.
Vogue defines grey blending as a process which is different from the usual concealing or covering of grey hair as it works with the natural grey process to create a multi-tonal effect.
The technique blends the grey strands with your natural hair tone, and coverage varies, depending on the effect you are going for.
It enhances your natural hair colour while subtly blending the greys in, instead of hiding them completely.
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A transitional approach
More salons are offering a wide range of grey blending options, tailored to suit each customer.
“It is an approach that blends the grey with colours similar to your natural hair tone. It’s an option that allows you to embrace and enhance your greying hair, rather than hiding it,” says Lee.
In his words, one’s natural hair colour serves as the guide or inspiration for the final result.
The trend is so popular that even people whose hair hasn’t sprouted any grey strands are experimenting with white, silver and grey hues.
“It’s currently quite trendy hence not only those who are naturally greying – not necessarily older people – have it done,” he says.
“Many young people have taken to these shades and quite frankly, I do this sort of ‘balayage’ or highlights for clients who are in their 20s all the way up those in their 50s, 60s and older.”
To Portfolio Hair Studio artistic technical director Teng Wong, grey blending is a lower maintenance approach to dyeing one’s hair, and a way to embrace the beauty of ageing.
“Grey blending offers a transitional approach,” says Wong. “While it may not suit everyone, its compatibility depends on factors such as skin tone rather than age alone.”
“It helps soften the contrast between the two, resulting in a more natural appearance,” she adds.
Deanna Ibrahim (on the cover), a model and mother of two, decided to try grey blending after her sister began experimenting with the style.
“I hadn’t had any colouring done on my hair in years and was growing my grey hairs out,” says Deanna. “I got bored of waiting for my full head of grey hair so I decided to try grey blending out.”
“It feels great to highlight my grey hair and I feel like my hair looks so much more vibrant now and I love the colours. It’s also less maintenance for me.”
According to Wong, the technique is super versatile as it can be adapted for people of different ages and lifestyles, taking into consideration factors like skin tone, personal style, and the amount of grey present.
A multi-dimensional and natural look
Grey blending involves the strategic use of highlights, lowlights, or balayage to complement or accentuate natural grey strands.
Balayage (a highlighting technique which creates a graduated, natural-looking effect) gives the hair dimension with sweeping highlights, providing a multi-dimensional and natural appearance.
“Face-framing strands are brightened, and the ends are left natural for a seamless effect,” says Wong.
Lee explains that the process of grey blending involves giving colour to hair that is unpigmented, as well as leaving some of the natural hair as it is.
“There are still chemicals involved as not everyone’s hair will be 100% white, there will still be 20 to 40 percent of pigmented hair, therefore bleaching will still be required,” he says.
“A ‘toner’ will be used to even out any brassy tones,” he adds, explaining that a toner is a gel-like, demi-permanent hair colouring product that temporarily deposits colour onto hair to enhance or soften hues.
“Since the dye in toners is demi-permanent, it loses vibrancy each time hair is washed, but will typically last about four to six weeks. Concealing or covering grey hair with colour pigments exposes hair to chemicals in the process of adding colour pigments to the hair follicles,” he says.
He adds that once hair is coloured black or very dark shades of brown, it is almost impossible to lighten. Should the client wish to have a lighter tone, without causing extreme damage to the hair, grey blending is the alternative technique.
Less is more
For those who prefer a lower-maintenance hair colour, grey blending highlights are a great option.
“Since the focus is on blending rather than covering all the grey, regrowth is less noticeable, reducing the frequency of salon visits,” says Wong.
Maintenance includes touch-ups around every three months, and Wong recommends going to the salon for toning services in between.
“Home maintenance with silver or ‘no yellow’ shampoo left on for at least five minutes is suggested, and try to avoid applying it on the scalp as much as possible,” says Lee.
“Alternate this with specific shampoo for colour-treated hair, with a moisturising and repair hair mask left on for 20 minutes on a regular basis,” he says.
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Lee notes that touch-ups can be stretch to up to four months at a time, provided one is consistent with at-home care and reduces exposure to sea water and the pool.
“It really depends on the individual. For younger people who are not naturally greying, the re-growth would be quite obvious, hence the touch-up would be required fairly often (once a month),” he adds.
In terms of cost, Lee shares that while it works out to about the same as the conventional option of dyeing with dark colours, the plus point is that grey blending (which can cost roughly RM800 depending on length and coverage) offers the option of growing out your naturally greying hair without the obvious contrast, while giving your style an “edge”.
“Regular root touch-ups with darker coverage on a monthly basis are estimated to cost between RM150 to RM200 in general,” according to Lee, who recommends grey blending colouring be done once in six months as there is bleaching involved.
To Wong, grey blending, a style suitable for those with busy schedules, is a technique that allows for a customised approach which enhances one’s natural hair colour.
“Grey blending highlights aim to enhance the natural beauty of the individual, embracing the unique qualities of their hair while providing a refreshed and polished appearance,” she says.
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