Suzie McGill, Artistic Director at RRI shares her expert advice.
Published:As more clients embrace their natural grey or look for softer, lower-maintenance colour, choosing between grey blending and full grey coverage has become an increasingly common consultation topic.
Here, Rainbow Room International Artistic Director Suzie McGill explains how to help clients decide which approach is right for them.
For clients looking to fully disguise grey or silver hair, permanent grey coverage remains the best option. This creates an even, polished colour result with complete coverage, but it also requires a greater maintenance commitment.
Clients should expect root touch-up appointments every four to six weeks, as regrowth creates a more noticeable line of demarcation.
Suzie recommends working in smaller sections during application to ensure grey hair is fully saturated with colour.
“Grey hair can be particularly resistant, so don’t be afraid to use plenty of pigment. I’d also avoid choosing a shade that’s too dark, as regrowth can appear much harsher.”
To help preserve colour between appointments, Suzie recommends advising clients to use colour-protecting products at home, including Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Color Freeze Shampoo.
For clients wanting a more natural finish with less obvious regrowth, grey blending offers a softer solution.
Using techniques such as balayage, highlights or lowlights, colourists can work with the client’s natural grey rather than against it, creating dimension while reducing the contrast between coloured hair and regrowth. It’s also an ideal option for clients who are gradually transitioning to fully grey hair.
“Grey blending still requires maintenance, but appointments can usually be spaced around every eight to 12 weeks.”
Her preferred technique combines carefully placed highlights and lowlights matched to the client’s natural base shade to camouflage grey while maintaining depth and movement.
“The placement depends entirely on where the grey appears. If it’s evenly distributed throughout the hair, foils work well. But if the grey is concentrated around the hairline or crown, strategically placed babylights can soften the contrast while brightening the face.”
View this post on Instagram
Grey hair naturally becomes drier as pigment levels decrease, making hydration an essential part of any homecare routine.
Suzie recommends encouraging clients to invest in moisturising treatments, masks and leave-in conditioners to maintain softness and shine, highlighting Schwarzkopf Professional Fibre Clinix Moisturising Mask as one of her favourites.
Clients with blended grey may also benefit from using a silver shampoo every couple of weeks to keep highlights bright and neutralise unwanted warmth. Suzie recommends Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Color Freeze Silver Shampoo to maintain tone between salon visits.
For more info, visit RainbowRoom International.
Want to learn more? Read our article: Grey Blending for Hair Extensions.
View this post on Instagram
