Award Winning Men’s Hairdresser and Director at TONI&GUY Billericay, Jim Shaw shares his insights with Salon Business.
Grey hair is no longer something men are trying to hide. Instead, more clients are leaning into silver and salt-and-pepper tones as part of a polished, modern look… but achieving that ‘distinguished’ finish takes more than simply letting nature take its course.
As hair loses pigment, it also changes in texture and behaviour. Grey hair is typically drier, coarser and more porous, meaning maintenance routines need to evolve alongside the colour transition.
For Salons and Barbers, this presents an opportunity to educate male clients on the products and treatments that will keep grey hair looking healthy, bright and well-groomed.
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One of the biggest concerns for men embracing grey hair is yellowing or brassiness. Environmental pollutants, UV exposure and lifestyle factors such as smoking can all dull silver tones over time.
Purple shampoo, like the LABEL.M Cool Blonde Toning Shampoo, remains one of the easiest retail recommendations for grey-haired clients, helping to neutralise unwanted yellow tones and enhance cooler silver shades. Used once a week for just a few minutes, it can instantly refresh grey hair and maintain a cleaner, brighter finish.
As pigment production slows, the scalp also tends to produce fewer natural oils, leaving grey hair more prone to dryness and brittleness. Many clients notice their hair becoming wirier or more difficult to style during this stage.
Hydration-focused routines are key. Sulphate-free shampoos, regular conditioning treatments and lightweight leave-in products can help improve manageability while adding softness and shine. Hair oils can also help tame frizz and smooth rough texture without weighing the hair down.
Scalp care is becoming an increasingly important conversation within men’s grooming, particularly for clients transitioning to grey hair. Exfoliating the scalp with a Scalp & Cleansing Brush helps remove dead skin cells, product build-up and excess oil, creating a healthier environment for hair growth and improving product absorption.
A cleaner scalp can also help grey hair appear shinier and healthier from root to tip, while reducing the risk of clogged follicles that may impact hair condition over time.
Over-shampooing is another common issue for men with grey hair. Frequent washing can strip away already-limited natural oils, leaving the hair looking dull, dry or coarse.
Encouraging clients to reduce shampooing to once or twice a week (while using gentler, sulphate-free formulas), can help retain moisture and maintain softness and shine. For salons, this also opens the door to tailored retail recommendations designed specifically for mature or greying hair.
As more male clients embrace grey rather than cover it, salons have an opportunity to reposition silver hair as a premium grooming service. From toning shampoos and hydration treatments to scalp care and styling advice, supporting men through the transition can strengthen client loyalty while increasing retail and treatment opportunities.
Grey hair may be natural, but keeping it looking its best is still very much a professional service. For more on men’s colour trends, read Jim Shaw’s Winter Colour Trends article.
For more product info, head to www.toniandguy.com/salon/billericay.
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