First, consider the hair’s natural starting point. This is the foundation of your blonde creation, and it has a big impact on the formulas you use when you lighten and tone. Start with a consultation, where you can ask your client about their hair history. Here, you’ll want to cover four key questions that give you a clear idea of the hair you’re working with: Those who want every last grey hair gone should turn to a permanent formula, as it offers complete coverage that doesn’t fade away. Suggest it to clients who hope to make silver strays vanish – it covers even the stubborn strands! – and mix 1:1 with our hair developer Welloxon Perfect to increase the intensity. 3. Lightener In a bid to blend away silvery regrowth, Wella Passionista Kai Sohn swept highlights through the hair using Blondorplex + 1.9%. Lowlights came courtesy of Koleston Perfect 8/96 + 6/1 + 6%, while mid-lengths and ends were toned with 10/96 + 8/1 + 1.9%.

What type of coverage do they want? Find out if they’re hoping for a soft blend or more opaque coverage. This is key before mixing up a formula, as it’s essential you choose the right colour product.Did you know? The number one reason gen X clients go to the salon is to cover grey hair, hoping to achieve subtle, natural, flawless coverage. It’s an individual choice and there’s no right or wrong – in fact, more and more clients are embracing their greys – but for those who do want to blend them away, there are plenty of options to try.

For up to 70% gray coverage: Opt for demi-permanent Color Touch or Color Touch Plus. These dreamy demis create a glossy color result in an array of blonde hues, and last for up to 24 washes. While a demi-permanent or semi-permanent hair color can be applied to any level of grey, it’s often used to camouflage early greys, giving 30-70% coverage. The benefits of going semi- or demi-permanent are threefold: it provides a rich, true-to-tone finish, it fades beautifully, and it doesn’t leave a harsh demarcation line when roots grow out. 2. Permanent Colour With a low percentage of grays to cover and brassiness through the mid-lengths and ends, Elina set about creating blonde gray hair with an icy-cool finish. First, Blondor + 1.9% was used to brighten up the regrowth area, before Illumina Color 7 / + 7/81 + 1.9% and 10/69 + 10/1 + 8/96 + 1.9% was applied over the top.As well as choosing a hair lightener, finding the perfect product to cover regrowth is key. This is determined by the percentage of gray and your client’s desired look. Try: Your favorite Blondor product for highlights, Blondor Freelights for balayage or Color Touch to create lowlights. It’s important to note that not all grey hair takes on a coarse, dry texture. In fact, often, those silver strands can be very fine and a little wispy. However – coarse or not – hair tends to produce less oil over time (just as pigment decreases), which is why you might see a wiry finish. It just means the strands are parched. For lift and color in one: For super-blonde color that lifts and tones, use Koleston Perfect Special Blondes; a range of high lift hues that should be mixed 1:2 with Welloxon Perfect. Use 9% developer for three levels of lift, and 12% for three to five levels of lift. 4. Start Where Gray is Most Prominent UK mainland only. Surcharges apply to the following locations The Channel Islands & Isles of Scilly

But, how do you know what shade of blonde toner to use? Start by looking at the underlying pigment the lightener has exposed. If the hair hasn’t yet been lightened, preempt the tone that might appear as a result of lifting. Perfect results every time. Upgrade to the Wahl 5 Star Gold Cordless Detailer Li, now with 20% OFF! You should always apply color to the most stubborn grey hairs first. As they’re more resistant to color, they’ll benefit from the extra development time. A nourishing collection of 12 ammonia-free toners. Formulated with Argan Oil and Vitamin E to care as they colour the hair. When applying blonde color to regrowth, you should always start where the gray is most prominent. Targeting the dense patches first means stubborn silver strays are exposed to the color or lightener for longer. 5. Use Heat to Speed Up the ProcessAs well as deciding on a colour product for your client’s grey coverage, consider the Wella Professionals services and techniques available. Here are our go-tos for camouflaging salt ‘n’ pepper strands... 1. Root Touch-Up